At the A1 beginner level, learners are just starting to grasp the fundamental concepts of time, dates, and basic scheduling in Korean. While the formal noun for postponement might seem a bit advanced for absolute beginners, understanding the core concept of moving an event from 'today' (오늘) to 'tomorrow' (내일) is essential. At this stage, learners focus on recognizing that plans can change. You might not use the complex passive forms yet, but you can understand simple sentences if a teacher says a test is moved. The focus is on vocabulary building around days of the week and basic verbs. Teachers might introduce this word simply as 'delay' and pair it with basic time markers. For instance, understanding that an event planned for 월요일 (Monday) is now on 화요일 (Tuesday) is the primary goal. While the native verb 미루다 might be introduced first due to its casual nature, exposing A1 learners to the Sino-Korean noun prepares them for reading simple notices or understanding basic announcements. The key at this level is not perfect grammatical execution, but rather basic comprehension of schedule changes and the ability to recognize the word when it appears in very simple, highly contextualized sentences. This lays the groundwork for more complex usage in later stages.
Moving into the A2 elementary level, learners begin to discuss their daily routines, make simple plans with friends, and handle basic transactions like making appointments. At this stage, the concept of postponement becomes much more practical and frequently used. Learners start to construct sentences explaining why a plan needs to change, often using basic conjunctions like 아/어서 (because). For example, '비가 와서 소풍을 연기했어요' (Because it rained, we postponed the picnic). This level introduces the active use of the word with the verb 하다. Learners practice apologizing for changing plans and suggesting new times. The vocabulary expands to include reasons for delays, such as being sick (아파서) or being busy (바빠서). A2 learners also start to encounter the passive form in simple public announcements, such as reading a sign that says an event is delayed. The focus is on functional communication—being able to successfully navigate a change in schedule without causing confusion. Role-playing exercises where students have to call a clinic to push back a doctor's appointment or text a friend to move a dinner date are highly effective at this level. This practical application solidifies the word's meaning and its basic grammatical pairings.
At the B1 intermediate level, which is the target level for this specific vocabulary word, learners are expected to have a solid grasp of both the active and passive forms (연기하다 and 연기되다). This is the stage where the word becomes a critical component of a learner's active vocabulary. B1 learners can engage in more complex discussions about scheduling, providing detailed reasons for postponements and negotiating new dates. They are comfortable using the particle 로/으로 to indicate the new time frame (e.g., 다음 주로 연기되다 - to be postponed to next week). Furthermore, learners at this level start to consume native media, such as news reports or formal emails, where the passive form is heavily utilized. They learn to distinguish this word from similar concepts like cancellation (취소) and process delays (지연). The focus shifts towards accuracy and appropriate register—knowing when to use the formal Sino-Korean noun versus the casual native verb (미루다). B1 learners should be able to write a polite email to a professor or colleague requesting a schedule change, demonstrating cultural awareness of how delays are communicated respectfully in Korean society. Mastery at this level means the word is fully integrated into their communicative toolkit.
For B2 upper-intermediate learners, the focus shifts towards professional, academic, and highly formal environments. At this level, learners are dealing with complex texts, business correspondence, and detailed news analyses. The usage of the word expands to include more sophisticated collocations and idiomatic expressions. B2 learners will frequently encounter phrases like 무기한 연기 (indefinite postponement) or 잠정 연기 (temporary postponement) in political or economic news. They are expected to understand the subtle implications of a delay in a corporate setting, such as how a product launch postponement affects a company's strategy. In writing, B2 learners can draft formal business proposals or official announcements regarding schedule changes, using appropriate honorifics and formal sentence endings (습니다/비니다). They can also engage in debates or discussions about the consequences of delaying important events, using advanced grammar structures to express hypothetical situations or regrets. The distinction between various synonyms becomes crucial here, as B2 learners must choose the exact right word to convey their precise meaning in a professional context. The word is no longer just about changing a date; it is about managing professional relationships and communicating strategic decisions effectively.
At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a near-native understanding of the language's nuances and cultural underpinnings. The use of this vocabulary word at this stage is highly sophisticated and context-dependent. C1 learners can effortlessly navigate bureaucratic, legal, or highly technical texts where postponements are discussed in complex terms. They understand the historical or societal impact of major delayed events, such as the postponement of national elections or major infrastructure projects. At this level, learners can play with the language, using the word in metaphorical or abstract ways. They are fully aware of the homonyms (smoke, acting) and can use them in puns or wordplay if appropriate. C1 learners can also critically analyze how the media reports on delays, understanding the subtle biases or tones conveyed through the choice of specific verbs and adverbs. They can write comprehensive essays or reports detailing the reasons, impacts, and future projections of a postponed initiative. The focus is on eloquence, precision, and the ability to adapt the language to any given situation, no matter how complex or sensitive. The word is fully internalized, allowing for seamless and highly articulate communication.
At the C2 mastery level, the understanding and application of this concept transcend basic scheduling and enter the realm of philosophical, literary, and deep cultural fluency. C2 speakers understand the profound psychological and societal implications of time management and delay in Korean culture. They can read classic literature or complex academic papers where the concept of delaying the inevitable is explored. At this pinnacle of language learning, speakers can engage in high-level negotiations, diplomatic discussions, or crisis management where announcing a postponement requires extreme tact and linguistic precision. They intuitively know exactly which synonym, particle, and grammatical structure to use to achieve a specific emotional or strategic effect on the listener. C2 learners can also trace the etymological roots of the Hanja characters and understand how they influence the word's usage in modern Korean compared to other Sino-influenced languages. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, demonstrating a complete and absolute mastery of not just the vocabulary, but the very essence of how time and commitment are conceptualized and communicated in the Korean language.

연기 in 30 Sekunden

  • Means postponement or delay.
  • Used for events, meetings, and schedules.
  • Active: 연기하다, Passive: 연기되다.
  • Different from 취소 (cancellation).
The Korean noun 연기, pronounced as yeon-gi, is an essential vocabulary word for learners at the CEFR B1 level, representing the concept of postponement or delay. This word is primarily used to describe the act of pushing back the time or date of a scheduled event, task, or appointment to a later point in time. Understanding the precise meaning and application of this word is crucial for navigating both personal and professional scheduling in South Korea. The term originates from Sino-Korean roots, specifically the Hanja characters 延 (yeon), which carries the meaning of stretching, prolonging, or delaying, and 期 (gi), which refers to a period, time, phase, or term. When these two characters are combined, they create a word that literally translates to stretching a period or extending time, perfectly encapsulating the modern usage of postponement. It is vital for learners to distinguish this word from similar concepts, most notably 취소, which means cancellation. While cancellation implies that an event will no longer take place at all, postponement indicates that the event is still intended to occur, just at a different, usually later, time. This distinction is frequently encountered in daily life, from casual plans with friends to formal business meetings and large-scale public events. For instance, if a concert is affected by severe weather, the organizers might announce a postponement rather than a cancellation to reassure fans that the show will go on eventually.
Etymology
Derived from Hanja 延期, meaning to stretch time.

행사가 다음 달로 연기되었습니다.

In Korean culture, where punctuality and adherence to schedules are highly respected, the act of delaying an event carries a certain weight. It often requires a formal apology or a clear explanation of the circumstances that necessitated the change. Therefore, when you use this word in professional correspondence, it is typically accompanied by polite expressions of regret. The grammatical flexibility of the word allows it to function seamlessly with various verbs. The most common pairings are with 하다 to form the active verb, meaning to postpone something, and with 되다 to form the passive verb, meaning to be postponed. Understanding when to use the active versus the passive form is a key milestone for intermediate learners. Typically, the passive form is more prevalent in announcements and news reports, as the focus is on the event itself rather than the person making the decision. For example, you would say the meeting was postponed rather than the manager postponed the meeting, to maintain a formal and objective tone.
Grammar Focus
Active vs Passive usage is critical here.

비 때문에 경기가 연기될 수 있습니다.

As you expand your vocabulary, you will find that mastering this specific term opens up a broader understanding of Korean societal norms regarding time and commitment. It is not just a word; it is a reflection of how schedules are negotiated and managed in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Whether you are reading a notice at a train station, listening to a weather report, or drafting an email to a colleague, your ability to accurately comprehend and utilize this concept will greatly enhance your communicative competence.
Cultural Note
Punctuality makes delays significant events.

출발 시간을 연기합시다.

무기한 연기는 피해야 합니다.

일정 연기를 요청드립니다.

This comprehensive understanding ensures that you are not merely memorizing a translation, but truly internalizing a core aspect of the Korean language. The nuanced application of this term in various contexts, from the mundane to the highly formal, demonstrates a sophisticated grasp of Korean communication styles. By consistently practicing its use in both spoken and written forms, learners can confidently navigate the complexities of scheduling, ensuring their intentions are clearly and politely conveyed.
Learning how to use the word 연기 correctly involves mastering its grammatical pairings and understanding the appropriate contexts for its application. As a noun, it cannot function as a verb on its own; it must be combined with a verb to express the action of postponing. The two most fundamental combinations are 연기하다, which is the active form meaning to postpone, and 연기되다, which is the passive form meaning to be postponed. Grasping the distinction between these two forms is essential for achieving natural-sounding Korean. When you use the active form, you must specify who is doing the postponing. For example, you might say, 'The committee postponed the meeting.' In Korean, this translates to '위원회가 회의를 연기했습니다.' Here, the committee is the active agent making the decision. However, in many professional and formal contexts, Korean speakers prefer the passive voice to soften the impact of the delay or when the decision-maker is unknown or irrelevant. In these cases, you would use the passive form, saying, 'The meeting was postponed.' This translates to '회의가 연기되었습니다.' Notice how the particle changes from the object marker 를 to the subject marker 가 when switching from active to passive.
Active Form
연기하다 requires a subject and an object.

우리는 여행을 연기하기로 했습니다.

Beyond the basic active and passive forms, this noun is frequently used with other verbs to express more complex ideas. For instance, you might encounter the phrase 연기시키다, which is a causative form meaning to make someone postpone something or to cause a postponement. This is often used when an external factor forces a delay, such as bad weather causing a flight to be delayed. Another common usage is in the form of a request. In business emails or formal correspondence, you might write '일정 연기를 요청드립니다,' which translates to 'I request a postponement of the schedule.' This phrasing is highly polite and professional, demonstrating respect for the recipient's time. When discussing the duration or the new date of the postponed event, specific grammatical structures are employed. To say an event is postponed to a certain date, you use the particle 로/으로. For example, '내일로 연기되다' means 'to be postponed to tomorrow.'
Passive Form
연기되다 is used when the event is the subject.

개막식이 내년으로 연기되었습니다.

It is also important to note the adverbs that frequently accompany this word. The phrase 무기한 연기, meaning indefinite postponement, is common in news reports regarding strikes, political summits, or major construction projects. Conversely, you might hear 잠정 연기, which means a temporary postponement, implying that a new date will be announced soon. By mastering these collocations and grammatical structures, you elevate your Korean from simple vocabulary recall to fluent, context-appropriate communication. Practicing these patterns in various scenarios, such as writing a mock email to a professor to delay a meeting or reading news headlines about delayed sports events, will solidify your understanding and ensure you can use the word confidently and accurately in any situation.
Collocations
Often paired with words like 무기한 (indefinite).

파업으로 인해 기차 출발이 연기되었습니다.

결혼식을 가을로 연기할까 합니다.

시험 날짜가 일주일 연기됐어.

Consistent practice with these structures is the key to fluency. Remember that the way you frame a delay can significantly impact how the message is received, so choosing the right form is crucial.
The word 연기 is ubiquitous in Korean daily life, appearing in a wide array of contexts ranging from casual conversations to highly formal public announcements. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in the realm of public transportation. If you are at an airport in Seoul or waiting for a KTX train, and there is a disruption due to heavy rain, snow, or technical difficulties, the overhead announcements and digital display boards will frequently use this term. You might hear, '비행기 출발이 연기되었습니다,' informing passengers that their flight has been delayed. In these situations, the word is crucial for travelers to understand so they can adjust their plans accordingly. Similarly, in the context of weather, Korea experiences distinct seasons, including a monsoon season (장마) and occasional typhoons. During these times, outdoor events, sports matches, and even school schedules are subject to change. News anchors will often report that a baseball game or a local festival has been postponed due to inclement weather, using phrases like '우천으로 인해 경기가 연기되었습니다.'
Transportation
Commonly heard at airports and train stations.

폭설로 인해 모든 항공편이 연기되었습니다.

The corporate world is another major domain where this vocabulary is essential. In business environments, schedules are constantly shifting. Meetings, project deadlines, and product launches are frequently pushed back due to various logistical or strategic reasons. If you work in a Korean company or collaborate with Korean partners, you will inevitably receive emails or messages stating that a meeting has been postponed. Understanding this word ensures that you do not show up to an empty conference room. Furthermore, in the educational sector, exams and important academic dates can sometimes be delayed. A famous example in South Korea occurred when the national college entrance exam, known as Suneung, was postponed due to an unexpected earthquake. The entire nation was glued to the news, and the word was repeated endlessly across all media platforms. This highlights the word's significance in conveying critical, time-sensitive information that affects large segments of the population.
Business Context
Used in emails to reschedule meetings.

부장님, 오늘 회의를 내일로 연기할 수 있을까요?

On a more personal level, you will use and hear this word when making plans with friends or family. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes a dinner date or a weekend trip needs to be pushed back because someone falls ill or has a sudden work commitment. In these casual settings, while the native Korean word 미루다 is also very common, using the Sino-Korean term can add a slight touch of formality or seriousness to the change of plans. For instance, postponing a wedding is a major life event, and families will formally announce that the ceremony has been postponed, utilizing this specific vocabulary to convey the gravity of the decision. By recognizing the diverse environments where this word is employed, learners can better appreciate its versatility and importance in everyday Korean communication.
Personal Life
Used for significant personal events like weddings.

코로나 때문에 결혼식을 연기했어요.

약속을 다음 주로 연기하자.

수능이 지진으로 인해 연기된 적이 있습니다.

Being attuned to these contexts will drastically improve your listening comprehension and cultural fluency.
When learning the word 연기, students frequently encounter a few specific pitfalls that can lead to confusion or unnatural phrasing. The most prominent mistake is confusing it with the word 취소, which means cancellation. Because both words deal with changes to a scheduled event, learners sometimes use them interchangeably. However, the implications are vastly different. If you tell a friend that a concert is 취소되었다 (canceled), they will assume they are getting a refund and the event is over. If you meant to say it was 연기되었다 (postponed), you have accidentally conveyed the wrong information, potentially causing them to miss the rescheduled event. It is crucial to remember that postponement implies a future occurrence, whereas cancellation implies finality. Another common error involves the misuse of active and passive voices. Learners often say '회의가 연기했습니다' directly translating 'The meeting postponed' from English structures where inanimate objects can sometimes take active verbs in a casual sense. In Korean, this is grammatically incorrect because a meeting cannot perform the action of postponing itself. You must use the passive form: '회의가 연기되었습니다' (The meeting was postponed).
Cancellation vs Delay
Never confuse this word with 취소 (cancellation).

회의가 취소된 것이 아니라 연기된 것입니다.

A third frequent mistake is the confusion between this word and 지연. While both relate to delays, they are used in different contexts. 지연 typically refers to a delay in a process or something that is currently running late, such as a train that is 10 minutes behind schedule (기차 지연). It implies a lag in time. On the other hand, the target word refers to a deliberate decision to push an entire event or schedule to a new, distinct time or date. You would not say a train is '연기' by 10 minutes; you would say it is '지연'. Conversely, you would not say a meeting is '지연' to next week; you would say it is '연기'. Understanding this nuance is vital for sounding like a native speaker. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the correct particles when specifying the new time. The correct particle to indicate the new time an event is pushed to is 로/으로. Saying '내일에 연기하다' (using the time particle 에) is less natural than saying '내일로 연기하다' (postponing TO tomorrow).
Particle Usage
Use 로/으로 for the new scheduled time.

일정을 금요일로 연기했습니다.

Lastly, because the word is a homonym in Korean, meaning it shares the same pronunciation and spelling with other words, beginners sometimes get confused. The same word can mean 'smoke' (like from a fire) or 'acting' (like in a movie). While context usually makes the meaning obvious, a learner reading a sentence like '배우의 연기가 훌륭하다' might momentarily wonder why the actor's postponement is excellent, before realizing it means 'acting'. Being aware of these homonyms helps prevent cognitive hiccups during reading and listening exercises. By actively avoiding these common mistakes—distinguishing it from cancellation, using the correct voice, differentiating it from process delays, applying the right particles, and recognizing its homonyms—learners can master this essential vocabulary item with confidence.
Homonyms
Context is key to separate it from 'smoke' or 'acting'.

그는 발표 연기를 결정했다.

비행기 연기 소식을 들었나요?

무기한 연기는 안 됩니다.

Paying attention to these details will refine your Korean proficiency significantly.
To truly master the concept of postponement in Korean, it is highly beneficial to explore similar words and understand the subtle nuances that separate them. The most direct synonym for 연기 is the native Korean verb 미루다. While both words mean to delay or postpone, their usage contexts differ slightly based on formality and origin. Because the target word is of Sino-Korean origin (derived from Hanja), it carries a slightly more formal, official, or objective tone. It is the preferred choice for news broadcasts, official announcements, and professional business emails. On the other hand, 미루다 is a native Korean word and is much more commonly used in casual, everyday conversations. If you are talking to a friend about pushing back a coffee date, you are more likely to say '약속을 미루자' rather than using the formal noun. However, both are grammatically correct, and understanding when to use which is a mark of an advanced learner.
Native Synonym
미루다 is the casual, native equivalent.

숙제를 내일로 미루지 말고, 일정 연기도 하지 마세요.

Another related word is 지연, which translates to delay or retardation. As discussed in the common mistakes section, 지연 is used when a process is running behind schedule, such as a delayed flight or a slow internet connection. It emphasizes the lag in time rather than a conscious decision to reschedule an event to a new date. For example, if a train is running 20 minutes late, it is 지연. If the train company decides the train will not run today but will run tomorrow instead, that is a postponement. Understanding this difference is crucial for accurate communication, especially in travel scenarios. Furthermore, the word 연장 is also related but means extension. While postponement pushes the start time back, extension pushes the end time further out. If a meeting is supposed to end at 3 PM but continues until 4 PM, that is an extension (연장). If the meeting was supposed to start at 3 PM but is moved to 4 PM, that is a postponement.
Delay vs Extension
지연 is a lag; 연장 is an extension.

비행기 지연 때문에 회의 연기가 불가피합니다.

There are also more formal or specific terms like 보류, which means to put something on hold or to reserve judgment. If a project is 보류, it means work has stopped temporarily, and it is in a state of suspension, which is similar to an indefinite postponement but carries a slightly different bureaucratic flavor. By comparing and contrasting these terms—미루다 for casual delays, 지연 for process lags, 연장 for extensions, and 보류 for suspensions—learners can build a highly nuanced and precise vocabulary network. This depth of understanding allows for much more expressive and accurate communication in Korean, enabling you to convey exactly what is happening with a schedule or an event without any ambiguity.
Suspension
보류 is used when putting things on hold.

결정을 보류하고 일정을 연기했습니다.

마감일 연장과 발표 연기를 혼동하지 마세요.

공연이 취소된 게 아니라 연기된 겁니다.

Mastering these distinctions is a hallmark of an advanced Korean speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Passive voice (되다)

Direction/Time particle (로/으로)

Reason clauses (아/어서, 때문에)

Noun modifiers (연기된 회의)

Propositive endings (ㅂ시다, 자)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

파티가 연기됐어요.

The party is postponed.

Basic past tense passive form.

2

내일로 연기해요.

Let's postpone it to tomorrow.

Using 로 to show the new time.

3

비가 와서 연기했어요.

It rained, so we postponed it.

Using 아/어서 for reason.

4

시험이 연기되었습니다.

The exam has been postponed.

Formal ending 습니다.

5

회의 연기 가능해요?

Is it possible to postpone the meeting?

Noun + 가능하다 pattern.

6

일정을 연기합시다.

Let's postpone the schedule.

Propositive ending ㅂ시다.

7

오늘 수업은 연기입니다.

Today's class is a postponement.

Noun + 이다.

8

왜 연기했어요?

Why did you postpone it?

Question word 왜.

1

친구가 아파서 약속을 연기했어요.

My friend is sick, so I postponed the plans.

Reason clause with 아파서.

2

다음 주로 연기하는 게 어때요?

How about postponing it to next week?

Suggestion pattern 는 게 어때요.

3

콘서트가 한 달 연기되었습니다.

The concert was postponed by one month.

Time duration before the verb.

4

연기 소식을 들었어요?

Did you hear the news of the postponement?

Noun modifying another noun.

5

날씨 때문에 출발을 연기했습니다.

We postponed the departure due to the weather.

때문에 for reason.

6

연기되면 다시 연락드릴게요.

If it gets postponed, I will contact you again.

Conditional 면.

7

회의가 연기돼서 다행이에요.

I'm glad the meeting was postponed.

아/어서 다행이다 pattern.

8

무슨 이유로 연기되었나요?

For what reason was it postponed?

무슨 + Noun.

1

주최 측의 사정으로 행사가 무기한 연기되었습니다.

Due to the organizers' circumstances, the event has been postponed indefinitely.

Use of 무기한 (indefinite) and 사정으로.

2

일정 연기를 요청하는 이메일을 보냈습니다.

I sent an email requesting a schedule postponement.

Modifying a noun with a verb phrase (요청하는).

3

비행기 출발이 두 시간이나 연기됐어요.

The flight departure was postponed by as much as two hours.

Particle 이나 emphasizing the large amount.

4

이번 프로젝트 마감일을 연기할 수밖에 없습니다.

We have no choice but to postpone the deadline for this project.

을 수밖에 없다 (no choice but to).

5

연기된 일정을 다시 확인해 주시기 바랍니다.

Please check the postponed schedule again.

Passive modifier 연기된.

6

갑작스러운 폭우로 인해 야구 경기가 연기되었습니다.

Due to sudden heavy rain, the baseball game was postponed.

로 인해 (due to) for formal reasons.

7

회의를 연기하자는 의견이 많았습니다.

There were many opinions suggesting we postpone the meeting.

Indirect quotation 자는.

8

결혼식을 내년 봄으로 연기하기로 결정했습니다.

We decided to postpone the wedding to next spring.

기로 결정하다 (decided to).

1

양국 간의 정상회담이 잠정적으로 연기되었습니다.

The summit between the two countries has been tentatively postponed.

Adverb 잠정적으로 (tentatively).

2

제품 출시 연기는 회사의 주가에 악영향을 미쳤습니다.

The postponement of the product launch negatively affected the company's stock price.

Noun phrase acting as a subject.

3

불가피한 사유로 인해 일정을 연기하게 된 점 사과드립니다.

We apologize for having to postpone the schedule due to unavoidable reasons.

하게 된 점 (the fact that it became so).

4

파업이 장기화되면서 공사 일정도 줄줄이 연기되고 있습니다.

As the strike prolongs, construction schedules are also being postponed one after another.

Adverb 줄줄이 (one after another).

5

그는 발표 연기를 통해 추가적인 준비 시간을 확보했습니다.

Through the postponement of the presentation, he secured additional preparation time.

를 통해 (through/by means of).

6

법원은 피고인의 재판 연기 신청을 기각했습니다.

The court dismissed the defendant's application for trial postponement.

Complex noun string (재판 연기 신청).

7

연기 사유를 명확히 밝히지 않아 의혹이 증폭되고 있습니다.

Because the reason for the postponement was not clearly stated, suspicions are amplifying.

Negative reason clause 지 않아.

8

일단 회의를 연기해 놓고 대책을 강구해 봅시다.

Let's postpone the meeting for now and devise a countermeasure.

해 놓다 (to do something and leave it in that state).

1

정부는 예산 부족을 이유로 해당 국책 사업의 전면 연기를 발표했습니다.

The government announced the total postponement of the national project, citing a budget deficit.

을/를 이유로 (citing ~ as a reason).

2

단순한 지연이 아니라 전략적 판단에 따른 의도적인 연기였습니다.

It was not a simple delay, but an intentional postponement based on strategic judgment.

에 따른 (according to/based on).

3

차일피일 연기만 하다가 결국 프로젝트 자체가 무산될 위기에 처했습니다.

After putting it off day after day, the project itself is eventually on the verge of falling through.

Idiomatic expression 차일피일 (putting off day by day).

4

법안 처리의 무기한 연기는 사실상 폐기 수순에 돌입한 것으로 해석됩니다.

The indefinite postponement of the bill's processing is interpreted as practically entering the disposal phase.

Passive interpretation 은/는 것으로 해석되다.

5

상대방의 동의 없는 일방적인 일정 연기는 계약 위반 소지가 있습니다.

A unilateral schedule postponement without the other party's consent has the potential to be a breach of contract.

소지가 있다 (there is room/potential for).

6

연기에 연기를 거듭한 끝에 마침내 첫 삽을 뜨게 되었습니다.

After repeated postponements, they finally broke ground.

에 ~를 거듭한 끝에 (after repeating ~).

7

이러한 중대한 사안의 연기는 사회적 파장을 불러일으킬 수밖에 없습니다.

The postponement of such a crucial matter is bound to cause social repercussions.

파장을 불러일으키다 (to cause repercussions).

8

그들은 여론의 악화를 우려하여 발표 시기를 교묘하게 연기했습니다.

Fearing the worsening of public opinion, they cleverly postponed the announcement timing.

우려하여 (fearing/worrying about).

1

그의 결정 번복과 잦은 일정 연기는 조직 내의 심각한 기강 해이를 방증합니다.

His reversal of decisions and frequent schedule postponements are circumstantial evidence of severe laxity in discipline within the organization.

방증하다 (to be circumstantial evidence).

2

역사적 과제의 해결을 다음 세대로 연기하는 것은 현세대의 직무 유기입니다.

Postponing the resolution of historical tasks to the next generation is a dereliction of duty by the current generation.

직무 유기 (dereliction of duty).

3

형 집행 연기 제도의 허점을 악용하는 사례가 빈발하고 있어 제도적 보완이 시급합니다.

Cases of exploiting the loopholes in the stay of execution system are occurring frequently, making institutional supplementation urgent.

제도의 허점을 악용하다 (to exploit system loopholes).

4

그 철학자는 죽음이라는 필연적 사건 앞에서의 모든 인간적 유예와 연기를 실존적 불안의 발로로 보았습니다.

The philosopher viewed all human deferments and postponements in the face of the inevitable event of death as a manifestation of existential anxiety.

발로 (manifestation/expression).

5

임시방편적인 연기책으로는 근본적인 구조적 모순을 타개할 수 없음을 명심해야 합니다.

We must keep in mind that a fundamental structural contradiction cannot be overcome with stopgap postponement measures.

임시방편적인 (stopgap/makeshift).

6

협상의 타결을 목전에 두고 벌어진 갑작스러운 연기 통보는 상대국의 강한 반발을 샀습니다.

The sudden notification of postponement, occurring right before the conclusion of the negotiation, drew strong backlash from the opposing country.

목전에 두고 (with something right before one's eyes).

7

예술적 완성도를 핑계로 한 끝없는 개봉 연기는 결국 대중의 피로감만 가중시킬 뿐입니다.

Endless release postponements using artistic perfection as an excuse will ultimately only aggravate the public's fatigue.

가중시키다 (to aggravate/add to).

8

기후 위기 대응의 연기는 곧 인류 생존에 대한 치명적인 담보 대출과 다름없습니다.

The postponement of responding to the climate crisis is tantamount to a fatal mortgage on the survival of humanity.

과 다름없다 (is no different from/tantamount to).

Synonyme

Gegenteile

당김 강행

Häufige Kollokationen

연기되다
연기하다
무기한 연기
일정 연기
출발 연기
개막 연기
출시 연기
회의 연기
시험 연기
발사 연기

Häufige Phrasen

내일로 연기하다
다음 주로 연기되다
무기한 연기되다
일정 연기를 요청하다
연기 사유
잠정 연기
연기 불가
연기 신청
연기 결정
연기 통보

Wird oft verwechselt mit

연기 vs 취소 (cancellation)

연기 vs 지연 (process delay)

연기 vs 미루다 (native casual verb)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"차일피일 미루다"
"시간을 끌다"
"뒤로 미루다"
"발등에 불이 떨어지다"
"소 잃고 외양간 고친다"
"시간이 약이다"
"세월아 네월아"
"내일은 해가 뜬다"
"때를 기다리다"
"기회를 엿보다"

Leicht verwechselbar

연기 vs

연기 vs

연기 vs

연기 vs

연기 vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

nuance

Implies a conscious decision to change the schedule, unlike accidental delays.

formality

Highly versatile, but leans formal due to Hanja roots.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 취소 (cancel) instead of 연기 (postpone).
  • Saying 회의가 연기했습니다 (active) instead of 회의가 연기되었습니다 (passive).
  • Using the time particle 에 (내일에 연기) instead of the direction particle 로 (내일로 연기).
  • Confusing 연기 (postponement) with 지연 (process delay like a late train).
  • Forgetting to provide a polite reason when requesting a delay in business contexts.

Tipps

Active vs Passive

Mastering the difference between 연기하다 and 연기되다 is crucial. Always check if your subject is a person (active) or an event (passive). This is the most common grammar test question for this word.

Don't say Cancel

Never use 취소 when you mean to delay. If you tell someone a meeting is 취소, they will delete it from their calendar entirely. Always use 연기 for delays.

The 'To' Particle

Remember to use 로/으로 for the new time. '금요일로 연기' means postponed TO Friday. This particle shows the movement of the schedule.

Business Use

In business emails, use the noun form with formal verbs. '연기를 요청드립니다' sounds much more professional than just saying '연기해요'.

Casual Speech

When talking to close friends, try using the native word 미루다 instead. It sounds softer and more natural for casual plan changes.

Airport Announcements

Next time you are at a Korean airport or train station, listen closely. You will almost certainly hear '연기' or '지연' if the weather is bad.

News Headlines

Look for this word in news headlines. It is often combined with other nouns, like '발사 연기' (launch postponement) or '개막 연기' (opening postponement).

Context Clues

If you see the word 연기, look at the surrounding words. If you see '배우' (actor), it means acting. If you see '불' (fire), it means smoke. If you see '회의' (meeting), it means postponement.

Indefinite Delays

Memorize the chunk '무기한 연기'. It is a very common phrase in Korean media and a great vocabulary booster for advanced proficiency.

Give a Reason

When writing a sentence about a postponement, always try to include a reason using 때문에 or 아/어서. It makes your sentences much more natural and complete.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine YAWNING (yeon) because the GAME (gi) was delayed. Yeon-gi = delay.

Wortherkunft

Kultureller Kontext

In business, delays must be communicated immediately to avoid disrupting partner schedules.

Always use formal language (습니다/비니다) when announcing a delay to superiors or the public.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"오늘 회의 연기된 거 들었어요?"

"비가 와서 약속을 연기해야 할 것 같아요."

"비행기가 연기돼서 공항에서 기다리고 있어요."

"시험이 연기돼서 다행이에요."

"언제로 연기하는 게 좋을까요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a time an important event in your life was postponed.

Draft an email to your boss asking to postpone a deadline.

Describe how you feel when your flight is delayed.

Explain the difference between canceling and postponing a plan.

Write a news report about a sports game delayed by rain.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

연기 means postponement, meaning the event will happen later. 취소 means cancellation, meaning the event will not happen at all. Mixing these up can cause major scheduling errors. Always use 연기 if the event is still planned for the future. Use 취소 if it is completely off. They are opposites in terms of future occurrence.

Use 연기하다 (active) when you are the one making the decision to delay something, and you state the object (e.g., I postponed the meeting). Use 연기되다 (passive) when the event itself is the subject, and the focus is on the fact that it was delayed (e.g., The meeting was postponed). Passive is much more common in announcements.

Usually, no. For a train that is running late, you use 지연 (delay). 연기 is used when the entire schedule is consciously pushed to a new, distinct time, like moving a meeting from Monday to Tuesday. A train running 10 minutes late is a process delay (지연).

You use the particle 로 or 으로. For example, to say 'postponed to tomorrow', you say 내일로 연기되다. Do not use the time particle 에 in this specific construction. 로 indicates the direction or destination of the new time.

Yes, because it is a Sino-Korean word (based on Hanja), it sounds slightly more formal and objective than the native Korean equivalent, 미루다. It is the standard word used in news, business, and official announcements. However, it is still common in everyday speech.

The phrase is 무기한 연기. 무기한 means 'without a set period' or 'indefinite'. You will often hear this in news reports about strikes or major events that are delayed without a new date being set.

Yes, 연기 is a homonym. It can mean postponement, smoke, or acting. You must rely on context to know which one is being used. If it is paired with time words or schedules, it means postponement.

You can say '회의를 연기할 수 있을까요?' (Could we postpone the meeting?) or more formally in an email, '회의 일정 연기를 요청드립니다' (I request a postponement of the meeting schedule). Always include an apology or reason.

The native Korean verb is 미루다. It is very common in casual conversation. For example, '약속을 미루자' (Let's push back our plans). You can use 미루다 with friends, but 연기 is better for work.

If you are pushing the end date further out, you usually use 연장 (extension). If you are pushing the start date or the entire event to a new time, you use 연기. For deadlines, both can sometimes be used, but 연장 is more precise for 'extending' time.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The meeting was postponed to tomorrow.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

회의가 내일로 연기되었습니다.

Use passive voice (연기되다) and the particle 로.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use passive voice (연기되다) and the particle 로.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'Let's postpone the appointment.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

약속을 연기합시다.

Use active voice with object particle (을) and propositive ending (합시다).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use active voice with object particle (을) and propositive ending (합시다).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The concert was postponed due to rain.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

비 때문에 콘서트가 연기되었습니다.

Use 때문에 for reason and passive voice.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 때문에 for reason and passive voice.

writing

Write a sentence asking 'Can we postpone the schedule?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

일정을 연기할 수 있을까요?

Use 을 수 있을까요 for polite requests.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 을 수 있을까요 for polite requests.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The exam is postponed indefinitely.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

시험이 무기한 연기되었습니다.

Use the adverb 무기한.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use the adverb 무기한.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I request a postponement of the meeting.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

회의 연기를 요청드립니다.

Use the formal verb 요청하다.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use the formal verb 요청하다.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The flight departure was delayed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

비행기 출발이 연기되었습니다.

Use 출발 (departure) as the subject.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 출발 (departure) as the subject.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'Please do not postpone it.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

연기하지 마세요.

Use the negative command 지 마세요.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use the negative command 지 마세요.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'It was postponed to next month.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

다음 달로 연기되었습니다.

Use 다음 달 (next month) with 로.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 다음 달 (next month) with 로.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'Why was it postponed?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

왜 연기되었나요?

Use the question word 왜.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use the question word 왜.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I heard the news of the postponement.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

연기 소식을 들었습니다.

Use 소식 (news).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 소식 (news).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'It is a tentative postponement.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

잠정 연기입니다.

Use 잠정 (tentative).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 잠정 (tentative).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'Postponement is impossible.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

연기는 불가능합니다.

Use 불가능하다 (impossible).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 불가능하다 (impossible).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'We decided to postpone it.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

연기하기로 결정했습니다.

Use 기로 결정하다 (decided to).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 기로 결정하다 (decided to).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The event was postponed by one week.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

행사가 일주일 연기되었습니다.

Place the duration (일주일) before the verb.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Place the duration (일주일) before the verb.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I apologize for the postponement.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

연기하게 되어 죄송합니다.

Use 하게 되어 (because it became) and 죄송합니다.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 하게 되어 (because it became) and 죄송합니다.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The game was postponed due to bad weather.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

악천후로 인해 경기가 연기되었습니다.

Use 악천후 (bad weather) and 로 인해.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 악천후 (bad weather) and 로 인해.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'Let's not postpone it anymore.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

더 이상 연기하지 맙시다.

Use 더 이상 (anymore) and 지 맙시다.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 더 이상 (anymore) and 지 맙시다.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The launch was postponed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

발사가 연기되었습니다.

Use 발사 (launch).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 발사 (launch).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I will notify you of the postponement.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

연기를 통보해 드리겠습니다.

Use 통보하다 (to notify).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 통보하다 (to notify).

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use formal passive voice.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use the casual native verb 미루다.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Include 비 때문에 and 무기한.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use indirect quotation 다고 들었어요.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use the question word 왜.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 더 이상 and 을 수 없다.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Contrast 취소 and 연기.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use the formal verb 요청드리다.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use the adverb 잠정.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 로 and 합시다.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 하게 되어 죄송합니다.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 이틀 (two days).

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 가능하다.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 기로 하다.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 사유 and 기상 악화.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 지 마세요.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 통보 (notice).

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 프로젝트.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 아/어야 하다.

speaking

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

You cannot postpone 'as scheduled'. Use 진행되다.

listening

Did the announcer use the word 연기?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

For train delays, 지연 is used, not 연기.

listening

When is the meeting?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

내일 오전 means tomorrow morning.

listening

Why was the sports day postponed?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

비가 너무 많이 와서 means because it rained too much.

listening

Is the event canceled?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

취소된 건가요? 아니요 asks if it's canceled. No, it's postponed.

listening

What needs to be submitted?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

사유서 means a written statement of reason.

listening

What is the speaker asking for?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

마감일을 연기해 주실 수 있습니까 asks to postpone the deadline.

listening

What news did they hear?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

수능 시험 연기 소식 means Suneung exam postponement news.

listening

What kind of postponement is this?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

잠정 연기 means tentative postponement.

listening

Will they postpone it again?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

연기는 불가능합니다 means postponement is impossible.

listening

What was the parents' opinion?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

가을로 연기하자는 의견 means opinion to postpone to autumn.

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 회의가 연기되었습니다.

Meetings cannot postpone themselves. Use the passive voice 연기되다.

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 내일로 연기합시다.

Use the particle 로/으로 to indicate the new time, not 에.

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 기차가 10분 지연되었습니다.

For a train running late, use 지연 (delay), not 연기 (postponement).

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 행사를 연기해서 다음 주에 합니다.

If it is happening next week, it is postponed (연기), not canceled (취소).

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 무기한 연기되었습니다.

연장 means extension. If the start date is pushed back indefinitely, it is 연기.

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 우리가 회의를 연기했습니다.

In active voice, the object (meeting) needs the object particle 를.

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 연기 사유가 뭐예요? 비가 와서 연기했어요.

Do not mix 연기 and 취소 in the same thought if the meaning is postponement.

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 일정 연기는 불가능합니다. (In formal writing)

In formal contexts where 연기 is used, match it with formal endings like 습니다/비니다.

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 배우의 사정으로 공연이 내일로 연기되었습니다.

Avoid using the homonyms (acting and postponement) confusingly in the same sentence without clear context.

error correction

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 회의를 미뤄서 다음 주로 연기합시다.

앞당기다 means to move earlier. To move to next week is 미루다 or 연기하다.

/ 180 correct

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