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A2 noun #2,500 الأكثر شيوعاً 12 دقيقة للقراءة

직장인

jikjang-in
When you start learning Korean, one of the first things you learn is how to introduce yourself. You learn to say your name, your nationality, and your job. The word 직장인 is the most common word for 'office worker'. If you work in a company, you are a 직장인. It is a very simple and useful word. You can use it with the verb 이다 (to be). For example, '저는 직장인입니다' means 'I am an office worker'. This is polite and clear. You will hear this word a lot when you meet new people. It is easier to say than the specific name of your job. For example, instead of saying 'I am a marketing manager at a tech company', a beginner can just say 'I am a 직장인'. This helps you make simple sentences. You also learn words related to it, like 회사 (company) and 일하다 (to work). A 직장인 goes to the 회사 to 일하다. It is a noun. You do not conjugate it. You just add particles like 은/는 or 이/가. For example, '직장인은 바쁩니다' (Office workers are busy). Learning this word helps you understand basic Korean conversations about daily life. It is a foundational vocabulary word for the A1 level. You should practice saying it: jik-jang-in. Remember the pronunciation. The 'k' sound in jik connects to the 'j' sound in jang. It is a very natural word. In textbooks, you will see pictures of people in suits. They are 직장인. When you ask someone '직업이 무엇입니까?' (What is your job?), they might answer '직장인입니다'. It is a safe and common answer. You do not need to know complex grammar to use it. Just knowing this one word opens up many possibilities for basic communication. It is essential for survival Korean. Everyone knows this word. It is used every day. You will see it on forms, in beginner dialogues, and in simple reading passages. Memorize it early in your Korean learning journey. It will be very helpful.
At the A2 level, you are learning to describe daily routines and talk about the people around you in more detail. The word 직장인 becomes incredibly useful here because it represents a major lifestyle in Korea. You can use it to describe what office workers do every day. For example, you can say '직장인은 아침 일찍 일어납니다' (Office workers wake up early in the morning) or '직장인은 지하철을 타고 출근합니다' (Office workers commute by subway). This word helps you practice verbs related to daily life, such as 출근하다 (to go to work), 퇴근하다 (to leave work), and 야근하다 (to work overtime). You can also use it to express feelings and states, like '직장인은 피곤합니다' (Office workers are tired) or '직장인은 주말을 좋아합니다' (Office workers like the weekend). It is a great word for practicing plural forms by adding 들 to make 직장인들. You will start reading short texts or listening to dialogues about the lives of these workers. For instance, a listening exercise might be about an office worker ordering coffee or buying lunch. You can also use it to compare different groups of people. '학생은 공부를 하고, 직장인은 일을 합니다' (Students study, and office workers work). This helps you build compound sentences using conjunctions like 고 or 지만. Understanding this word also gives you a glimpse into Korean culture, where working hard in an office is a very common path. You might learn phrases like 직장인 점심시간 (office worker lunch hour), which is a busy time in Korea. By mastering this word at the A2 level, you can comfortably discuss occupations, daily schedules, and basic societal roles. It bridges the gap between simple introductions and more descriptive, narrative conversations about everyday life.
As an intermediate learner at the B1 level, your conversations and reading materials become more complex, and the word 직장인 takes on deeper cultural and social meanings. You are no longer just saying 'I am an office worker'; you are discussing the nuances of the office worker lifestyle. You will encounter this word in discussions about work-life balance (워라밸), stress, and company culture. For example, you might read an article titled '한국 직장인들의 스트레스 원인' (Causes of stress for Korean office workers). Here, you can practice expressing opinions: '제 생각에는 직장인들이 야근을 너무 많이 하는 것 같습니다' (I think office workers do too much overtime). You will also learn about specific cultural practices associated with this group, such as 회식 (company dinners). '직장인들은 금요일 저녁에 자주 회식을 합니다' (Office workers often have company dinners on Friday evenings). This word is essential for discussing economic and social issues on a basic level. You can talk about salaries (월급), vacations (휴가), and the challenges of commuting (출퇴근 지옥). Furthermore, you will start using it with more advanced grammar structures. For instance, using relative clauses: '매일 야근하는 직장인' (an office worker who works overtime every day) or '스트레스를 받는 직장인' (an office worker who is stressed). This allows you to create much more descriptive and accurate sentences. You might also write short essays or journal entries about your own experiences or observations of working life, using this vocabulary extensively. Understanding the context of a 직장인 at this level means understanding a significant part of modern Korean society, their struggles, their routines, and their aspirations. It is a key vocabulary word that unlocks a wide range of intermediate reading and listening materials.
At the B2 level, you are expected to understand and discuss abstract concepts, news reports, and societal trends. The word 직장인 is frequently used in these contexts, especially in media and professional environments. You will hear it in news broadcasts discussing economic indicators, such as '직장인 평균 연봉' (average annual salary of office workers) or '직장인 대출 금리' (loan interest rates for office workers). You need to be able to comprehend these reports and discuss their implications. For example, you might debate the impact of a new government policy on the middle class: '이 정책은 평범한 직장인들에게 큰 부담이 될 것입니다' (This policy will be a great burden to ordinary office workers). You will also explore the psychological and sociological aspects of the lifestyle, such as '직장인 번아웃 증후군' (office worker burnout syndrome) or the desire for '소확행' (small but certain happiness) among employees. The vocabulary you use alongside 직장인 becomes much more sophisticated, including words like 자기계발 (self-improvement), 이직 (changing jobs), and 승진 (promotion). You can use complex grammar to express hypothetical situations or analyze trends: '만약 주 4일제가 도입된다면, 직장인들의 삶의 질이 크게 향상될 것입니다' (If a 4-day workweek is introduced, the quality of life for office workers will greatly improve). At this level, you should also be aware of the subtle differences between similar terms like 회사원, 근로자, and 노동자, and know when to use each appropriately in a formal context. The word is no longer just a label for a job; it is a demographic category used in marketing, sociology, and economics. Mastering its use at the B2 level allows you to engage in deep, meaningful conversations about the realities of modern Korean society and economy.
At the C1 advanced level, your command of the Korean language allows you to explore the historical, legal, and nuanced sociological dimensions of the word 직장인. You are reading editorials, academic papers, and literature where the term is used to represent the modern proletariat or the quintessential middle-class citizen. You will analyze how the concept of the 직장인 has evolved over time, from the highly loyal 'salaryman' of the rapid economic growth era to the modern employee who values work-life balance and individual growth. You can discuss complex issues like the gig economy and how it challenges the traditional definition of a 직장인. '플랫폼 노동의 증가는 전통적인 직장인의 개념을 해체하고 있습니다' (The rise of platform labor is dismantling the traditional concept of the office worker). You will also encounter the term in legal and administrative contexts, understanding its relationship with terms like 근로소득자 (earned income earner) in tax laws. Your vocabulary will include highly specific collocations and idiomatic expressions used by native speakers, such as '유리지갑 직장인' (glass wallet office worker - meaning their income is transparently taxed) or '직장인 사춘기' (office worker puberty - a period of career doubt). You can articulate detailed arguments about corporate culture, hierarchical structures (상명하복), and labor rights. Furthermore, you can appreciate the satirical or poignant use of the word in contemporary Korean literature and cinema, where the 'ordinary office worker' is often a protagonist navigating an absurd or oppressive system. At this level, using the word is about demonstrating a profound cultural fluency and an ability to critically analyze the socio-economic fabric of South Korea. You are not just communicating; you are engaging with the language on a native-like intellectual level.
At the C2 mastery level, your understanding of the word 직장인 is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess a comprehensive grasp of its etymology, its socio-linguistic evolution, and its precise application across all registers of the Korean language, from casual slang to highly academic discourse. You can deconstruct the cultural phenomenology of the '직장인' identity in South Korea, discussing how it intersects with Confucian values, hyper-capitalism, and modern existentialism. You are capable of reading and critiquing complex sociological texts that analyze the '직장인' not merely as an occupation, but as a modern archetype—a symbol of both economic stability and systemic alienation. You can effortlessly navigate the subtle semantic shifts when the word is used in different contexts, such as the irony often employed in self-deprecating humor among workers, or the earnest rhetoric of labor union manifestos. Your vocabulary includes obscure or highly specialized jargon related to corporate life and labor law. You can write sophisticated essays or deliver formal presentations on the future of work in Korea, predicting how demographic changes and AI will redefine what it means to be a 직장인. '인공지능의 발달은 직장인의 업무 형태뿐만 아니라, 직장인이라는 정체성 자체에 대한 근본적인 재정의를 요구할 것입니다' (The development of AI will demand a fundamental redefinition not only of the work patterns of office workers but of the identity of the office worker itself). You understand the emotional weight the word carries for different generations—the pride of the older generation who built the economy, and the disillusionment of the younger generation facing stagnant wages and fierce competition. At this ultimate level of proficiency, '직장인' is a lens through which you can analyze and articulate the deepest complexities of Korean society, history, and human experience.
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직장인 في 30 ثانية

  • Means 'office worker' or 'employee'.
  • Used for anyone with a regular workplace.
  • Essential for self-introductions in Korean.
  • Often combined with words like stress or commute.
The Korean word 직장인 (jik-jang-in) is a fundamental noun used to describe a person who works in an office, a company employee, or a salaried worker. Understanding this word is absolutely crucial for anyone studying the Korean language, as it forms the backbone of countless conversations regarding daily life, introductions, and societal roles in South Korea. The word is composed of three distinct Hanja (Chinese characters): 직 (jik), meaning 'job' or 'profession'; 장 (jang), meaning 'place' or 'location'; and 인 (in), meaning 'person'. When combined, they literally translate to 'a person at a workplace'. This literal translation perfectly encapsulates the essence of the word. In South Korean society, being a 직장인 carries significant cultural weight. It implies stability, adulthood, and participation in the formal economy. When you meet someone for the first time in Korea, after exchanging names and ages, inquiring about their occupation is standard practice. If they work for a company, they will almost certainly identify themselves as a 직장인. This term is broader than 회사원 (hoe-sa-won), which strictly means 'company employee'. A 직장인 can be anyone who has a regular workplace, although in everyday usage, the two are often used interchangeably to refer to white-collar office workers. Let us delve deeper into the nuances.

저는 평범한 직장인입니다.

This sentence translates to 'I am an ordinary office worker.' It is a humble and extremely common way to introduce oneself.
Hanja Breakdown
직 (職) - Duty, profession. 장 (場) - Place, yard. 인 (人) - Person.
The identity of a 직장인 is often associated with specific routines, such as the morning commute (출근), the evening departure (퇴근), and the notorious overtime (야근). Furthermore, the lifestyle of a typical Korean office worker is heavily influenced by corporate culture, which traditionally emphasizes hierarchy, loyalty, and collective harmony over individual preference. This is vividly seen in practices like 회식 (hoe-sik), the company dinner, which is considered an extension of work rather than purely a social event.

많은 직장인들이 월요병을 겪습니다.

Meaning: 'Many office workers suffer from Monday sickness (the Monday blues).'
Cultural Context
The term encompasses the shared experiences of the working class in modern Korea, from crowded subways to lunch hour rushes.
It is also worth noting that the term has evolved. In the past, it strictly meant someone in a traditional 9-to-5 corporate job. Today, with the rise of startups and flexible working arrangements, the visual image of a 직장인 is changing, but the core meaning remains: someone who earns a living by working at a designated workplace.

대한민국의 모든 직장인을 응원합니다.

'I cheer for all the office workers in South Korea.' This is a common slogan used in advertisements targeting this demographic.
Demographic Usage
Marketers frequently use this term to target products like coffee, energy drinks, and business attire.

직장인의 하루는 커피로 시작됩니다.

'An office worker's day begins with coffee.'

그는 10년 차 직장인이다.

'He is an office worker in his 10th year.' As you can see, the word is versatile and deeply embedded in the Korean lexicon. Mastering its use will significantly improve your ability to discuss daily life, economics, and society in Korean. It is a word that bridges the gap between basic vocabulary and advanced cultural understanding, making it an indispensable part of your language learning journey.
Using the word 직장인 correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a noun and its common collocations in everyday Korean sentences. Because it is a standard noun, it can act as the subject, object, or topic of a sentence by attaching the appropriate particles such as 이/가 (subject), 을/를 (object), or 은/는 (topic). For instance, when you want to make a general statement about office workers, you would use the topic marker: 직장인은 (As for office workers). If you are identifying someone as an office worker, you use the copula 이다 (to be), resulting in 직장인이다 (is an office worker), or in polite forms, 직장인입니다 or 직장인이에요.

제 동생은 작년에 직장인이 되었습니다.

This means 'My younger sibling became an office worker last year.' Notice the use of the particle 이 before the verb 되다 (to become).
Grammar Point
Always use the subject particle 이/가 when using 직장인 with the verb 되다 (to become).
In conversation, you will frequently hear this word modified by adjectives or descriptive phrases to specify the type of worker or their current state. For example, 바쁜 직장인 (a busy office worker), 평범한 직장인 (an ordinary office worker), or 스트레스 받는 직장인 (a stressed office worker).

요즘 직장인들은 자기계발에 관심이 많습니다.

'These days, office workers are very interested in self-improvement.' This sentence highlights a common trend and uses the plural marker 들 (deul).
Pluralization
Adding 들 makes it 직장인들, explicitly referring to multiple office workers or the group as a whole.
Another critical aspect of using this word is understanding its place in compound nouns or phrases. You will often see it combined with other words to describe phenomena related to work life. Examples include 직장인 밴드 (an amateur band made up of office workers), 직장인 대출 (loans specifically designed for salaried employees), and 직장인 건강검진 (health check-ups for employees).

그 식당은 점심시간에 직장인들로 붐빕니다.

'That restaurant is crowded with office workers during lunchtime.' Here, the particle 로 (with/by) is used to show the cause of the crowding. When speaking to someone directly, you generally do not call them '직장인' as a title or pronoun. Instead, you use their specific job title (like 과장님, 대리님) or a polite pronoun. 직장인 is a descriptive term used in the third person or when describing oneself.

그녀는 투잡을 뛰는 직장인입니다.

'She is an office worker who works a second job.'
Modifier Usage
You can use complex relative clauses before the word to provide detailed descriptions of the worker's lifestyle or situation.

신입 직장인을 위한 팁을 알려주세요.

'Please give me tips for new office workers.' The prefix 신입 (newly entered) is very common. By mastering these grammatical structures and common collocations, you will be able to use the word naturally and accurately in a wide variety of contexts, from casual chats about your day to formal presentations about economic trends.
The word 직장인 is ubiquitous in South Korean daily life, media, and professional environments. Because a vast portion of the adult population falls into this category, the term is constantly used across various platforms and situations. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in news broadcasts and economic reports. Journalists frequently use it when discussing employment rates, economic policies, taxation, and lifestyle trends. For example, a news anchor might report on a new tax benefit specifically designed for salaried workers, using the phrase '직장인을 위한 세제 혜택' (tax benefits for office workers).

뉴스에서 직장인의 평균 연봉을 발표했습니다.

'The news announced the average annual salary of office workers.'
Media Context
News outlets use the term to categorize the working middle class when discussing economic indicators.
You will also encounter this word extensively in advertisements. Marketing campaigns for coffee, energy drinks, business attire, banking products, and even vacation packages heavily target this demographic. Billboards in subway stations often feature slogans like '지친 직장인을 위한 피로회복제' (A fatigue recovery supplement for exhausted office workers).

이 신용카드는 직장인에게 혜택이 많습니다.

'This credit card has many benefits for office workers.'
Commercial Context
Banks and financial institutions have specific products labeled with this word, such as '직장인 통장' (salary account).
In everyday conversations, you will hear it during introductions, especially in blind dates (소개팅) or social gatherings. When people ask about someone's background, saying '그냥 평범한 직장인이에요' (I'm just an ordinary office worker) is a standard, modest reply. It sets a baseline understanding of the person's lifestyle. Furthermore, Korean dramas and movies frequently center around the lives of these workers. Dramas like 'Misaeng' (미생) or 'My Mister' (나의 아저씨) deeply explore the struggles, joys, and politics of corporate life, and the characters frequently refer to themselves and their peers using this term.

드라마 속 주인공은 현실적인 직장인의 모습을 보여줍니다.

'The main character in the drama shows the realistic life of an office worker.'
Pop Culture
Webtoons and dramas often use the 'office worker' trope to create relatable content for the masses.
Additionally, you will hear it in casual complaints among friends. Topics like '직장인 스트레스' (office worker stress), '월요병' (Monday blues), and '퇴사 충동' (the urge to quit) are common conversation starters at bars or cafes after work hours.

친구들과 만나서 직장인의 애환을 나누었습니다.

'I met with friends and shared the sorrows and joys of being an office worker.'

모든 직장인의 꿈은 경제적 자유입니다.

'The dream of every office worker is financial freedom.' Whether you are reading a newspaper, watching television, commuting on the subway, or chatting with Korean friends, the word is an inescapable and vital part of the linguistic landscape, reflecting the hard-working nature of Korean society.
While the word 직장인 is relatively straightforward, learners of Korean often make a few common mistakes regarding its usage, nuances, and collocations. One of the most frequent errors is using it as a direct form of address. In English, you might not call someone 'Office Worker,' but learners sometimes translate titles directly or use nouns inappropriately. You should never say '직장인, 안녕하세요!' (Hello, office worker!). Instead, you must use their specific job title, such as '과장님' (Manager) or '대리님' (Assistant Manager), or simply use their name with a polite suffix like '씨' or '님'.

Incorrect: 저기요, 직장인. Correct: 저기요, 대리님.

'Excuse me, Assistant Manager.'
Addressing People
Always use hierarchical titles in the workplace, never the general demographic noun.
Another common mistake is confusing 직장인 with similar words like 회사원 (company employee) or 노동자 (laborer/worker). While 회사원 is a very close synonym and often interchangeable, it strictly refers to someone working for a private company (회사). A person working in a government office or a school might be a 직장인 (because they have a workplace), but they are not technically a 회사원. 노동자 has a stronger political or industrial connotation, often used in the context of labor rights, unions, or blue-collar work.

공무원도 넓은 의미에서는 직장인입니다.

'Civil servants are also office workers in a broad sense.'
Nuance Difference
Understand the scope of the word; it focuses on the 'workplace' aspect rather than the specific type of employer.
Learners also sometimes struggle with the pronunciation. The word is spelled 직장인, but due to Korean pronunciation rules (specifically, the tensification of the second syllable after a consonant), it is pronounced as [직짱인] (jik-jjang-in). Failing to tense the '장' can make your Korean sound unnatural.

발음할 때는 [직짱인]이라고 해야 자연스럽습니다.

'When pronouncing it, saying [jik-jjang-in] is natural.'
Pronunciation Rule
Consonant assimilation and tensification are key to sounding fluent.
Additionally, learners might use the word for people who do not fit the cultural definition. For example, calling a freelance artist or a university student a 직장인 is incorrect, even if they work hard or have a part-time job. The word strongly implies formal, regular employment at a specific physical or organizational workplace.

프리랜서는 보통 직장인이라고 부르지 않습니다.

'Freelancers are not usually called office workers.'

아르바이트생과 직장인은 구분됩니다.

'Part-time workers and office workers are distinguished.' By avoiding these common pitfalls—using it as a title, confusing it with narrower terms, mispronouncing it, or applying it to the wrong employment types—you will demonstrate a much higher level of cultural and linguistic competence in Korean.
To truly master the vocabulary surrounding employment in Korean, it is essential to understand the words that are similar to 직장인 and how they differ in nuance, context, and usage. The most immediate synonym is 회사원 (hoe-sa-won), which translates directly to 'company employee'. As mentioned previously, while the two are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, 회사원 specifically denotes someone employed by a private enterprise (회사). If someone works for a bank, they are an 은행원 (bank employee); if they work for the government, they are a 공무원 (civil servant). All of these can fall under the broader umbrella of 직장인, which simply means anyone who has a workplace.

그는 대기업에 다니는 회사원입니다.

'He is a company employee working at a large conglomerate.'
회사원 (Company Employee)
Strictly refers to those working in private companies, excluding government or public sector workers.
Another related term is 근로자 (geun-no-ja), which translates to 'worker' or 'laborer'. This is a more formal and legalistic term. You will see 근로자 used in official government documents, labor laws (such as 근로기준법 - Labor Standards Act), and contracts. It focuses on the act of providing labor in exchange for wages, regardless of whether it is white-collar or blue-collar work.

모든 근로자는 최저임금을 보장받아야 합니다.

'All workers must be guaranteed the minimum wage.'
근로자 (Worker/Laborer)
A formal, legal term encompassing all wage earners.
Similarly, 노동자 (no-dong-ja) also means 'laborer' or 'worker', but it carries a slightly different connotation. It is often associated with labor movements, unions (노동조합), and the physical aspect of work. While a white-collar office worker is technically a 노동자, they are more likely to refer to themselves as a 직장인 in daily life to emphasize their professional environment rather than their status as a provider of labor.

오늘은 노동자의 날입니다.

'Today is Labor Day (Workers' Day).'
노동자 (Laborer)
Often used in the context of labor rights, unions, and social classes.
We also have the term 샐러리맨 (sael-leo-ri-maen), which is a Konglish (Korean-English) word derived from 'salaryman'. It carries a very similar meaning to 직장인 but often evokes a specific image: a middle-aged male office worker in a suit, perhaps dealing with the pressures of corporate life and supporting a family. While still understood, it is slightly dated compared to the gender-neutral and universally used 직장인.

과거에는 샐러리맨의 성공 신화가 많았습니다.

'In the past, there were many success stories of salarymen.'

그녀는 프리랜서가 아닌 정규직 직장인을 원합니다.

'She wants to be a regular office worker, not a freelancer.' Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the precise word for the context, whether you are chatting with a friend, reading a news article, or studying Korean labor laws.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

""

غير رسمي

""

عامية

""

مستوى الصعوبة

قواعد يجب معرفتها

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

저는 직장인입니다.

I am an office worker.

Noun + 입니다 (formal polite copula).

2

제 친구는 직장인이에요.

My friend is an office worker.

Noun + 이에요 (informal polite copula).

3

직장인은 회사에 갑니다.

The office worker goes to the company.

은/는 (topic particle) + 에 가다 (to go to a place).

4

아버지는 직장인입니다.

My father is an office worker.

Vocabulary for family members combined with occupations.

5

직장인이 많습니다.

There are many office workers.

이/가 (subject particle) + 많다 (to be many).

6

우리는 직장인입니다.

We are office workers.

우리 (we) as a plural subject.

7

직장인은 바쁩니다.

Office workers are busy.

Adjective 바쁘다 conjugated to formal polite 바쁩니다.

8

직업이 직장인입니까?

Is your job an office worker?

입니까? (formal polite question form).

1

직장인들은 아침에 커피를 마십니다.

Office workers drink coffee in the morning.

들 (plural marker) + 을/를 (object particle).

2

보통 직장인은 9시에 출근합니다.

Usually, office workers go to work at 9 o'clock.

Time + 에 (time particle) + 출근하다 (to go to work).

3

직장인이라서 주말에만 쉴 수 있어요.

Because I am an office worker, I can only rest on weekends.

(이)라서 (because it is Noun).

4

많은 직장인이 지하철을 탑니다.

Many office workers take the subway.

Noun + 을/를 타다 (to ride/take).

5

직장인 점심시간은 12시부터입니다.

The office worker lunch hour starts from 12 o'clock.

부터 (from a certain time).

6

제 동생도 내년부터 직장인이 됩니다.

My younger sibling will also become an office worker from next year.

이/가 되다 (to become).

7

직장인들은 퇴근 후에 피곤해합니다.

Office workers feel tired after leaving work.

후에 (after) + 아/어하다 (expressing third-person feeling).

8

어제 직장인 친구를 만났어요.

I met an office worker friend yesterday.

Noun modifying another noun directly (직장인 친구).

1

요즘 직장인들은 워라밸을 중요하게 생각합니다.

These days, office workers consider work-life balance important.

게 생각하다 (to think of something as...).

2

스트레스를 받는 직장인이 점점 늘어나고 있습니다.

The number of stressed office workers is gradually increasing.

는 (present tense noun modifier) + 고 있다 (present progressive).

3

직장인으로서 가장 힘든 점은 매일 일찍 일어나는 것입니다.

As an office worker, the hardest thing is waking up early every day.

(으)로서 (as a [role/status]).

4

금요일 저녁에는 회식을 하는 직장인들을 많이 볼 수 있어요.

On Friday evenings, you can see many office workers having company dinners.

을/를 볼 수 있다 (can see).

5

직장인 평균 월급이 작년보다 조금 올랐습니다.

The average monthly salary of office workers has risen slightly compared to last year.

보다 (compared to).

6

그녀는 5년 차 직장인인데, 이직을 고민하고 있습니다.

She is a 5th-year office worker, and she is contemplating changing jobs.

은/ㄴ데 (background information/contrast).

7

바쁜 직장인들을 위한 간편식이 인기를 끌고 있습니다.

Convenience foods for busy office workers are gaining popularity.

을/를 위한 (for the sake of).

8

직장인이라면 누구나 월요병을 경험해 봤을 것입니다.

If you are an office worker, anyone would have experienced the Monday blues.

(이)라면 (if it is [Noun]).

1

정부는 직장인들의 세금 부담을 줄이기 위한 정책을 발표했습니다.

The government announced a policy to reduce the tax burden on office workers.

기 위한 (in order to).

2

최근 평생직장의 개념이 사라지면서 자기계발에 투자하는 직장인이 급증했습니다.

Recently, as the concept of a lifetime workplace has disappeared, the number of office workers investing in self-improvement has rapidly increased.

(으)면서 (while/as an action occurs concurrently).

3

직장인 번아웃 증후군은 개인의 문제를 넘어 사회적 문제로 대두되고 있습니다.

Office worker burnout syndrome is emerging as a social problem beyond an individual's problem.

로 대두되다 (to emerge as).

4

대다수의 직장인들은 은퇴 후의 안정적인 삶을 위해 연금에 가입합니다.

The majority of office workers subscribe to pensions for a stable life after retirement.

을/를 위해 (for the purpose of).

5

이 설문조사는 전국 30대 남녀 직장인 1,000명을 대상으로 실시되었습니다.

This survey was conducted targeting 1,000 male and female office workers in their 30s nationwide.

을/를 대상으로 (targeting/aimed at).

6

직장인 익명 커뮤니티 앱에서는 회사에 대한 솔직한 불만이 자주 올라옵니다.

Honest complaints about companies are frequently posted on anonymous community apps for office workers.

에 대한 (about/regarding).

7

유연근무제가 도입된 이후, 직장인들의 업무 만족도가 크게 향상된 것으로 나타났습니다.

It has been shown that after the introduction of flexible working hours, the job satisfaction of office workers has greatly improved.

은/ㄴ 것으로 나타나다 (it has been shown/revealed that).

8

치열한 경쟁 사회 속에서 살아남기 위해 한국의 직장인들은 끊임없이 노력해야만 합니다.

In order to survive in a fiercely competitive society, Korean office workers must constantly make an effort.

아/어야만 하다 (must/have to - strong obligation).

1

플랫폼 경제의 확산은 전통적인 직장인의 정의를 모호하게 만들고 있습니다.

The spread of the platform economy is making the definition of a traditional office worker ambiguous.

게 만들다 (to make something become [adjective]).

2

소위 '유리지갑'이라 불리는 직장인들은 근로소득세 인상에 가장 민감하게 반응할 수밖에 없습니다.

Office workers, so-called 'glass wallets', have no choice but to react most sensitively to the increase in earned income tax.

을/ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (have no choice but to).

3

이 소설은 자본주의 시스템의 부속품으로 전락한 현대 직장인의 비애를 날카롭게 통찰하고 있습니다.

This novel sharply provides insight into the sorrow of the modern office worker who has been reduced to a mere component of the capitalist system.

(으)로 전락하다 (to be reduced to / degenerate into).

4

직장인 사춘기라는 신조어는 경력의 전환점에서 겪는 정체성의 혼란을 잘 대변해 줍니다.

The neologism 'office worker puberty' well represents the confusion of identity experienced at a turning point in one's career.

을/를 대변하다 (to represent/speak for).

5

수직적인 조직 문화에 염증을 느낀 젊은 직장인들의 조기 퇴사가 기업의 새로운 리스크로 부상했습니다.

The early resignation of young office workers who feel disgusted by vertical organizational culture has emerged as a new risk for companies.

에 염증을 느끼다 (to feel disgusted/tired of).

6

노동조합은 비정규직 직장인들의 처우 개선을 사측에 강력히 촉구했습니다.

The labor union strongly urged the management to improve the treatment of non-regular office workers.

을/를 촉구하다 (to urge/demand).

7

거시경제 지표의 호조에도 불구하고, 일반 직장인들이 체감하는 경기는 여전히 얼어붙어 있습니다.

Despite the favorable macroeconomic indicators, the economy as felt by ordinary office workers remains frozen.

에도 불구하고 (despite / in spite of).

8

해당 법안은 특수형태근로종사자들을 직장인의 범주에 포함시켜 법적 보호망을 제공하려는 취지를 담고 있습니다.

The bill contains the intention to provide a legal safety net by including special types of workers in the category of office workers.

(으)려는 취지를 담다 (to contain the intention to).

1

고도성장기 한국 사회를 지탱했던 '산업 역군'으로서의 직장인 표상은 이제 파편화된 개인주의적 노동 주체로 변모하였습니다.

The representation of the office worker as an 'industrial pillar' that supported Korean society during the period of rapid growth has now transformed into a fragmented, individualistic labor subject.

(으)로 변모하다 (to transform into).

2

그의 산문집은 매일 아침 만원 지하철에 몸을 싣는 직장인들의 무채색 일상 속에 숨겨진 실존적 고뇌를 포착해냅니다.

His collection of prose captures the existential anguish hidden within the achromatic daily lives of office workers who board the packed subway every morning.

아/어내다 (to accomplish an action thoroughly, often with effort).

3

인공지능의 일상화는 직장인의 직무 수행 방식을 재편할 뿐만 아니라, '노동하는 인간'이라는 근원적 정체성에 대한 철학적 질문을 던집니다.

The routinization of artificial intelligence not only reorganizes the way office workers perform their duties but also poses a philosophical question about the fundamental identity of 'working humans'.

ㄹ 뿐만 아니라 (not only... but also).

4

기업의 ESG 경영이 화두로 떠오르면서, 직장인들 사이에서도 기업의 사회적 책임에 동참하려는 윤리적 소비와 사내 행동주의가 확산되는 추세입니다.

As corporate ESG management emerges as a talking point, there is a spreading trend among office workers of ethical consumption and internal activism to participate in corporate social responsibility.

는 추세이다 (it is a trend that).

5

이 연구는 신자유주의적 노동 유연화가 직장인의 심리적 계약에 미치는 파괴적 영향을 종단적으로 분석하였습니다.

This study longitudinally analyzed the destructive impact that neoliberal labor flexibilization has on the psychological contract of office workers.

에 미치는 영향 (the impact/effect on).

6

직장인이라는 기표는 더 이상 단일한 계급적 연대를 담보하지 못하며, 소득과 고용 형태에 따라 극심한 내부 균열을 겪고 있습니다.

The signifier of 'office worker' no longer guarantees a single class solidarity and is experiencing severe internal fissures depending on income and employment type.

에 따라 (depending on / according to).

7

관료제적 병폐에 찌든 조직 내에서, 한낱 부속품에 불과한 직장인이 주체성을 회복하기란 요원한 일처럼 보입니다.

Within an organization steeped in bureaucratic ills, it seems like a distant prospect for an office worker, who is nothing more than a mere component, to recover their subjectivity.

기란 요원한 일이다 (it is a distant/unlikely prospect to).

8

저자는 자본의 논리에 포섭된 직장인의 삶을 미화하는 자기계발서의 기만성을 신랄하게 비판합니다.

The author scathingly criticizes the deceptiveness of self-help books that romanticize the lives of office workers co-opted by the logic of capital.

에 포섭되다 (to be co-opted / subsumed by).

تلازمات شائعة

직장인 스트레스
직장인 밴드
직장인 대출
직장인 점심시간
평범한 직장인
직장인 건강검진
직장인 익명 커뮤니티
직장인 평균 연봉
직장인 투잡
신입 직장인

العبارات الشائعة

직장인입니다.

직장인 생활을 하다.

직장인의 애환.

직장인들의 워라밸.

직장인으로 살아가다.

직장인들이 겪는 문제.

직장인을 위한 혜택.

직장인들의 흔한 일상.

대한민국 직장인.

직장인이라면 공감할 이야기.

يُخلط عادةً مع

직장인 vs 회사원

직장인 vs 근로자

직장인 vs 노동자

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

سهل الخلط

직장인 vs

직장인 vs

직장인 vs

직장인 vs

직장인 vs

أنماط الجُمل

كيفية الاستخدام

nuance

Carries a sense of adulthood, responsibility, and participation in the standard economic system.

formality

Neutral. Can be used in both highly formal and casual contexts.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Using '직장인' as a direct title to address someone (e.g., '직장인, 안녕하세요').
  • Pronouncing it as [직장인] without tensing the middle syllable to [짱].
  • Calling a part-time worker (알바생) or a freelancer a 직장인.
  • Confusing it with '노동자' in casual conversation, which sounds too political or formal.
  • Forgetting to use the plural marker '들' when making general statements about the demographic.

نصائح

Self-Introduction

When introducing yourself in a casual or semi-formal setting, saying '저는 평범한 직장인입니다' is a great, humble way to state your occupation. It avoids sounding boastful about a specific high-ranking title. It immediately establishes common ground with other working adults. Practice this phrase until it feels natural.

Using Plurals

To talk about office workers as a group, always attach the plural marker '들' to make '직장인들'. This is especially important when discussing trends or news. For example, '직장인들은 피곤합니다' sounds much more natural than just using the singular when making a generalization. It shows you understand Korean pluralization nuances.

Tensification Rule

Never pronounce it exactly as it is spelled. The '장' must be pronounced as '짱'. Say [jik-jjang-in]. This is a classic example of Korean consonant assimilation. Mastering this specific pronunciation will significantly improve your accent and listening comprehension.

The Commute

Understand that the concept of a 직장인 is heavily tied to the commute (출퇴근). Words like '지옥철' (hell subway) are part of their daily vocabulary. When making small talk with a Korean office worker, asking about their commute is a very common and empathetic conversation starter. It shows cultural awareness.

Collocations are Key

Don't just memorize the word alone; memorize its collocations. Learn phrases like '직장인 건강검진' (health check-up) or '직장인 대출' (loan). These combinations appear constantly in daily life, advertisements, and banking. Knowing them will help you navigate life in Korea much more easily.

Never Use as a Title

Do not call someone '직장인님' or '직장인아'. It is strictly a descriptive noun, not a title of address. Always ask for someone's actual job title (직급) if you need to address them in a professional setting. Using it as a title sounds very awkward and slightly rude.

회사원 vs. 직장인

While often interchangeable, remember the slight difference. Use 회사원 when you want to emphasize that someone works for a private corporate entity. Use 직장인 as the broader, safer term for anyone with a desk job, including public servants. When in doubt, 직장인 is the better choice.

Knowing '직딩'

Be aware of the slang term '직딩'. You will see it often on social media, YouTube comments, or casual blogs. It means the exact same thing but has a cute, slightly self-deprecating tone. However, strictly avoid using it in any formal writing or when speaking to elders.

News Broadcasts

Tune into Korean news and listen for the word. It is almost always followed by statistics about the economy, taxes, or social trends. Recognizing this word will act as a signal that the news anchor is about to discuss issues affecting the middle class. It's a great anchor word for listening practice.

Descriptive Modifiers

Enhance your writing by adding descriptive clauses before the word. Instead of just saying '직장인', write '매일 야근에 시달리는 직장인' (an office worker suffering from daily overtime). This demonstrates a higher level of grammatical control and makes your sentences much more interesting and native-like.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Imagine a person (인) wearing a suit, standing in a place (장) doing their job (직). Job-Place-Person = Office Worker.

أصل الكلمة

Sino-Korean

السياق الثقافي

The daily commute, often on crowded subways, is a defining shared experience for urban 직장인.

Korean work culture is traditionally hierarchical, heavily influenced by Confucianism, though modern startups are adopting flatter structures.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"직장인으로서 가장 힘든 점은 무엇인가요?"

"요즘 직장인들 사이에서 유행하는 취미는 무엇입니까?"

"직장인 스트레스를 어떻게 푸시나요?"

"주말에는 보통 무엇을 하는 직장인이신가요?"

"어떤 직장인이 되고 싶으신가요?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe a typical day in the life of a Korean 직장인.

What are the differences between a student's life and a 직장인's life?

Write about the pros and cons of being a 직장인.

If you were a 직장인 in Korea, what kind of company would you want to work for?

Discuss the concept of 'work-life balance' for modern 직장인.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Technically, a teacher has a workplace, so they fit the literal definition. However, in common usage, teachers are usually referred to by their specific title (선생님 or 교사). Calling a teacher a 직장인 might sound a bit unnatural or overly general. It is best to use specific titles for specialized professions. If discussing wage earners as a whole, it is acceptable.

회사원 specifically means 'company employee' and refers only to those working for private enterprises. 직장인 is a broader term meaning 'workplace person'. It includes 회사원 but can also include civil servants or anyone with a regular office job. In everyday casual conversation, they are often used interchangeably. However, in formal writing, the distinction is important.

Although it is spelled 직장인, the correct pronunciation is [직짱인] (jik-jjang-in). This is due to a Korean pronunciation rule where the 'ㅈ' sound becomes tensed (ㅉ) after the 'ㄱ' consonant. Making sure to pronounce the strong 'jj' sound will make your Korean sound much more natural. Practice saying it quickly to get the rhythm right.

Yes, it is a neutral and polite noun. It is perfectly acceptable to use in formal situations, news broadcasts, and professional introductions. It does not carry any derogatory or overly casual connotations. However, remember not to use it as a title to address someone directly. Always use job titles for direct address.

Usually, no. The term strongly implies full-time, regular employment with a salary. If you work part-time, you are an 아르바이트생 (part-timer) or 알바생. Using 직장인 implies a level of permanence and integration into a corporate or organizational structure that part-time work typically does not have.

'직딩' (jik-ding) is a slang term derived from 직장인. The '-딩' suffix comes from '초딩' (elementary school student) and is used playfully to refer to oneself or others as an office worker. It is very casual and should only be used with close friends or on informal internet forums. Do not use it in professional settings.

South Korea has historically had very long working hours and a highly competitive, hierarchical corporate culture. This environment naturally leads to high levels of stress. The phrase '직장인 스트레스' encapsulates this shared cultural experience. It is frequently discussed in media, health articles, and casual conversations as a major societal issue.

Generally, freelancers (프리랜서) are not considered 직장인. The word implies having a fixed 'workplace' (직장) and usually an employer. Freelancers work independently and often do not have a single, fixed office they commute to daily. Therefore, they are categorized separately in Korean society and language.

You would say '직장인이 되었습니다' (formal) or '직장인이 됐어요' (polite). Notice the use of the subject particle '이' before the verb '되다' (to become). This is a very common phrase used by recent graduates who have just secured their first full-time job. It signifies a major life transition.

While not idioms containing the exact word, many idioms relate to the lifestyle. '월급쟁이' (salaryman/wage earner) is a slightly self-deprecating term. '유리지갑' (glass wallet) refers to how their taxes are transparently deducted. '다람쥐 쳇바퀴 돌듯' (like a squirrel on a wheel) describes the repetitive daily routine of commuting and working.

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