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A1 verb #3,500 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

복무하다

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At the A1 level, you only need to know that 복무하다 means 'to serve' in the military. Since many Korean men go to the army, you will hear this word often even in basic conversations. You can think of it as a special kind of 'working' that soldiers do. For now, just remember the simple pattern: '군대에서 복무하다' (to serve in the army). You don't need to worry about other meanings yet. Just focus on the fact that it is a formal word used for important duties like being a soldier. If you see a man in a uniform, the word '복무하다' is likely being used to describe what he is doing for his country.

At the A2 level, you can start using 복무하다 to talk about the length of service. You should be able to say how long someone served using time markers like '2년' (two years) or '동안' (during/for). You will also notice it in basic news headlines about famous people. It is important to distinguish it from '일하다' (to work). While '일하다' is for general jobs like working in a shop, '복무하다' is for the army. You might also see the noun form '복무' in simple contexts like '복무 기간' (service period). Try to practice the sentence: '제 친구는 지금 군복무 중이에요' (My friend is currently doing his military service).

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At the B1 level, you should understand that 복무하다 applies to more than just the regular army. It includes '사회복무' (social service) for those who work in public offices instead of the military. You should be able to use the particle '-(으)로' to describe a role, such as '의경으로 복무하다' (to serve as a conscripted policeman). You will also start encountering this word in formal reading materials, such as biographies or news articles about public officials. You should understand the nuance that this word implies a formal obligation and a set period of time. It is a good time to learn the collocation '성실히 복무하다' (to serve faithfully).

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 복무하다 in professional and academic contexts. You should understand the difference between '복무' (the state/period of service) and '근무' (the actual performance of tasks). For example, a soldier is in '복무' for 18 months, but when he is standing guard, he is '근무 중' (on duty). You should also be able to discuss the '복무 규정' (service regulations) and how they apply to different types of public servants. Your vocabulary should expand to include related terms like '복무 태도' (attitude toward service) and '복무 환경' (service environment). You can now use this word to discuss social issues like the length of mandatory service in Korea.

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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 복무하다 within legal and historical frameworks. You can use it to describe the service of high-ranking officials or historical figures who '복무'-ed during significant eras. You should be able to analyze the word's Hanja roots (服務) to explain its deeper meaning of 'obeying a duty.' You will encounter this word in complex legal documents regarding the '병역법' (Military Service Act) and in high-level political discourse. You should also be able to use it metaphorically or in highly formal speeches to honor those who have dedicated their lives to public service, using sophisticated modifiers like '헌신적으로 복무하다' (to serve devotedly).

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 복무하다, including its subtle connotations in various registers. You can distinguish between its use in modern administrative law and its more traditional, duty-bound nuances. You are capable of discussing the philosophical implications of '국방의 의무' (duty of national defense) and how the concept of '복무' has evolved in Korean society. You can use the word in creative writing or formal oratory to evoke a sense of duty, honor, and institutional history. You understand the specific technicalities of different '복무 형태' (types of service) and can navigate complex discussions about military reform, conscientious objection, and the legal responsibilities of civil servants with absolute precision.

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복무하다 in 30 Sekunden

복무하다 is a formal verb meaning 'to serve,' specifically used for military service, public office, or official duties with a sense of obligation.
It is primarily associated with the mandatory military service in South Korea, making it a key vocabulary word for understanding Korean social life.
Unlike '일하다' (to work), it implies a formal period of duty, a uniform, or a legal requirement to the state or an institution.
Commonly used structures include '군대에서 복무하다' (serve in the army) and '사회복무요원으로 복무하다' (serve as a social service agent).

The Korean verb 복무하다 (服務--) is a formal and specific term that translates to 'to serve' or 'to perform duties,' primarily within the context of the military, public service, or a formal organization. While the English word 'serve' can be used casually (like serving food), 복무하다 is strictly reserved for official, often obligatory, roles. It carries a weight of duty and social responsibility that casual verbs like '일하다' (to work) do not possess. In South Korea, where mandatory military service is a significant cultural and legal touchstone, this word is ubiquitous in daily life, news, and official documentation.

Etymology and Nuance: The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 服 (복), meaning 'to obey' or 'clothes/uniform,' and 務 (무), meaning 'duty' or 'task.' Combined with the verb-forming suffix '하다,' it literally means 'to perform one's duty in uniform.' This explains why it is almost never used for part-time jobs at a cafe or freelance work, but is the standard term for soldiers, government officials, and those in public service roles.

그는 해군에서 2년 동안 복무하다가 지난달에 제대했습니다.

Translation: He served in the Navy for two years and was discharged last month.

Beyond the military, 복무하다 is used for '사회복무요원' (Social Service Agents), who perform alternative service in government offices or welfare centers. It implies a period of time dedicated to the state or a higher cause. If you use this word in a conversation, you are signaling that the work being discussed is not just a job, but a defined period of service with specific rules and regulations. It is a formal declaration of one's professional status within a hierarchical system.

Social Context in Korea: Because military service is mandatory for men in South Korea, '복무' is a shared experience that shapes social hierarchies and conversations. Asking someone where they served ('어디에서 복무하셨어요?') is a common way to build rapport among men, as it opens the door to sharing '군대 이야기' (military stories).

공무원은 국민을 위해 성실히 복무해야 할 의무가 있습니다.

Translation: Public officials have an obligation to serve the people faithfully.

In summary, 복무하다 is more than just working; it is the act of fulfilling a mandate. It reflects the Confucian roots of Korean society where roles and duties to the collective are prioritized. Whether it is a soldier guarding the border or a civil servant processing documents, 복무하다 elevates the action to a level of official dignity and legal compliance. It is a word of commitment, structure, and institutional belonging.

Using 복무하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment. It typically follows a location or an organization marked by the particle -에서 (at/in) or a specific role marked by -(으)로 (as). Because it describes a continuous state of service over a period, it is often paired with duration markers like '2년 동안' (for two years) or '기간' (period).

Structure 1: [Location/Organization] + 에서 복무하다: This is the most common pattern. It specifies where the service is taking place. For example, '육군에서 복무하다' (to serve in the Army) or '전방 부대에서 복무하다' (to serve in a front-line unit).

그의 형은 현재 최전방 부대에서 복무하고 있습니다.

Translation: His older brother is currently serving in a front-line unit.

Structure 2: [Role/Capacity] + (으)로 복무하다: This pattern describes the specific capacity in which someone serves. Examples include '사회복무요원으로 복무하다' (to serve as a social service agent) or '카투사(KATUSA)로 복무하다' (to serve as a KATUSA).

그는 시청에서 사회복무요원으로 복무했다.

Translation: He served as a social service agent at the city hall.

It is also important to note the formality. Since 복무하다 is a formal word, it is rarely used with informal endings like '-어/아' in professional settings, though it can be in close personal conversations about the past. In news reports or official interviews, you will frequently hear the honorific form 복무하셨습니다 or the formal 복무합니다. Furthermore, it is often used in the noun form 복무 combined with other nouns, such as 복무 규정 (service regulations) or 복무 태도 (service attitude/conduct).

군인은 복무 기간 동안 허가 없이 부대를 이탈할 수 없습니다.

Translation: Soldiers cannot leave their unit without permission during their service period.

Finally, when comparing 복무하다 with 근무하다, remember that the latter is for general employment. You '근무' at Samsung or a local bakery, but you '복무' in the Army or as a public official. Using 복무하다 for a regular corporate job would sound overly dramatic, as if you are sacrificing your life for the company, which might be taken as a joke or a sign of non-native fluency.

You will encounter 복무하다 in several distinct areas of Korean life. The most prominent is, of course, the military context. Every South Korean male citizen must deal with the '복무 의무' (duty to serve). Consequently, news reports about military policy, celebrity enlistment, or changes in the length of service will always use this term. When a famous K-pop idol joins the army, the headlines will read: '[Idol Name], 오늘부터 성실히 복무하겠습니다' (I will serve faithfully starting today).

News and Media: In television news, especially segments covering the Ministry of National Defense, you'll hear the word used to describe troop movements, service conditions, and legislative updates. It is the 'anchor' word for any discussion regarding the 18 to 21 months of service required by law.

국방부는 복무 환경 개선을 위해 새로운 정책을 발표했습니다.

Translation: The Ministry of National Defense announced a new policy to improve the service environment.

Another common place is in legal and administrative settings. If you are applying for a job in Korea, the application form often has a section for '병역' (military service status). The options might include '군필' (completed service), where you would then specify the dates you 복무-ed. Public officials (공무원) also use this word to refer to their adherence to the '공무원 복무 규정' (Public Official Service Regulations), which dictates their ethical and professional conduct.

Professional and Academic Contexts: In academic papers discussing sociology or national security, 복무 is used to analyze the impact of the draft on the labor market or individual psychology. It is treated as a formal sociological stage of life for Korean men.

그는 30년 동안 공직에서 복무한 공로로 훈장을 받았다.

Translation: He received a medal for his merit in serving in public office for 30 years.

Lastly, you might hear it during patriotic ceremonies or speeches. Politicians often use the word to honor veterans, saying things like '국가를 위해 복무하신 분들의 노고에 감사드립니다' (We thank those who served for the country for their hard work). In these moments, the word transcends its administrative meaning and becomes a term of high honor and sacrifice.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 복무하다 is over-generalizing its meaning to any kind of 'work' or 'service.' Because English uses 'serve' for many things—serving a customer, serving a volleyball, or serving in the army—learners often try to translate these directly into Korean using 복무하다. This leads to several awkward or incorrect usages.

Mistake 1: Casual Employment: Using 복무하다 to describe working at a restaurant or a private company.
Incorrect: '저는 식당에서 복무해요.' (I serve at a restaurant.)
Correct: '저는 식당에서 일해요' (I work at a restaurant) or '서빙해요' (I'm serving/waiting tables).

편의점에서 복무하고 있어요. (X)
편의점에서 아르바이트를 하고 있어요. (O)

Explanation: You don't 'serve' a convenience store; you work there as a part-timer.

Mistake 2: Confusing with '봉사하다' (Volunteer): While both words involve 'service,' 봉사하다 is voluntary and often for charity. 복무하다 is usually a formal duty or a job with strict regulations. If you are helping at an orphanage, you are 봉사-ing, not 복무-ing.

Another mistake involves the particles. Some learners use the object particle -을/를 with the organization, like '군대를 복무하다.' While understandable, the standard and more natural way is to use -에서 (in/at). Also, be careful with the word 'service' in sports. Serving a ball in tennis is '서브하다,' never 복무하다.

테니스 공을 복무하다. (X)
테니스 공을 서브하다. (O)

Finally, remember that 복무하다 implies a period of time. You don't '복무' for a single afternoon. It is a long-term commitment. Using it for a one-day event will sound very strange to native speakers. Stick to '참석하다' (attend) or '돕다' (help) for short-term activities.

Understanding the subtle differences between 복무하다 and its synonyms will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most related words are 근무하다, 종사하다, and 봉사하다. Each has a specific domain of usage.

복무하다 vs. 근무하다 (To be on duty/Work): This is the most common point of confusion.
• 복무하다: Focuses on the status of being in service (military, public office). It emphasizes the 'period' and 'duty.'
• 근무하다: Focuses on the act of working at a specific place during specific hours. You can '근무' at a bank, but you '복무' in the army. Interestingly, soldiers '복무' for 18 months, but they '근무' during their guard shift (초소 근무).

저는 지금 구청에서 근무 중입니다. (I am currently at work/on duty at the district office.)

Note: This refers to the current activity of being at the desk.

복무하다 vs. 종사하다 (To engage in/Follow an occupation): • 종사하다: Used for industries or professions. '교육계에 종사하다' (to be engaged in the education field). It is broader and more about one's career path than a specific period of duty.

그는 평생 농업에 종사해 왔습니다.

Translation: He has been engaged in agriculture all his life.

복무하다 vs. 봉사하다 (To volunteer/Serve the community): • 봉사하다: Carries a connotation of self-sacrifice and kindness. While a public official '복무's for the people, a person helping at a soup kitchen '봉사's. The former is a job; the latter is an act of heart.

Choosing the right word depends on the level of formality and the nature of the obligation. If you are talking about the compulsory nature of the task, 복무하다 is your best bet. If you are talking about where you go from 9 to 5, use 근무하다. If you are talking about your life's work in a specific field, use 종사하다. Mastery of these distinctions shows a deep understanding of Korean social structures.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character 服 (복) also means 'clothes' (as in 한복 - Hanbok). This suggests that '복무' is literally 'work you do while wearing the clothes of your office.'

Aussprachehilfe

UK /puk.mu.ha.da/

US /bok.mu.ha.da/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '복', with a secondary stress on '하'.

Reimt sich auf

직무하다 (to perform duties) 숙무하다 (to stay overnight for duty - rare) 격무하다 (to have heavy work) 학무 (educational affairs) 책무 (responsibility) 업무 (business/task) 공무 (public duty) 실무 (practical business)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing '복' as 'boak' (too long).
Failing to pronounce the 'k' (ㄱ) batchim clearly.
Confusing the 'u' in '무' with 'eo'.
Over-aspirating the 'h' in '하다'.
Merging '복' and '무' too quickly without a slight stop for the batchim.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in newspapers and official contexts.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires understanding which particle to use (에서 vs 로).

Sprechen 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but used mainly in formal settings.

Hören 2/5

Frequently heard in news and military-themed media.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

군대 (army) 일하다 (to work) 의무 (duty) 기간 (period) 하다 (to do)

Als Nächstes lernen

제대하다 (to be discharged) 입대하다 (to enlist) 훈련하다 (to train) 파견되다 (to be dispatched) 임무 (mission)

Fortgeschritten

병역법 (Military Service Act) 국가유공자 (Person of National Merit) 대체복무제 (Alternative Service System) 복무기강 (Service Discipline)

Wichtige Grammatik

-(으)로 (Role/Capacity)

그는 통역병으로 복무했다.

-에서 (Location of action)

해군에서 복무하고 있습니다.

-(으)ㄴ 지 [Time] 되다 (Duration since an event)

복무한 지 6개월이 지났다.

-아/어 오다 (Continuation of action)

그는 헌신적으로 복무해 왔다.

-는 동안 (While/During)

복무하는 동안 많은 친구를 사귀었다.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

그는 군대에서 복무합니다.

He serves in the army.

Basic present tense: 복무합니다.

동생은 어디에서 복무해요?

Where does your younger brother serve?

Interrogative form with '어디에서'.

저는 육군에서 복무하고 싶어요.

I want to serve in the Army.

-고 싶다 (want to) attached to the stem.

형은 성실히 복무해요.

My older brother serves faithfully.

Adverb '성실히' (faithfully) modifying the verb.

군인은 나라를 위해 복무합니다.

Soldiers serve for the country.

-를 위해 (for the sake of).

그는 2년 동안 복무했어요.

He served for two years.

Past tense: 복무했어요.

복무는 힘들지만 중요해요.

Service is hard but important.

Noun form '복무' as a subject.

어디서 복무하셨습니까?

Where did you serve? (Formal)

Formal honorific past tense: -하셨습니까.

그는 해군에서 복무한 지 1년이 되었습니다.

It has been one year since he served in the Navy.

-(으)ㄴ 지 [time] 되다 (it has been [time] since).

복무 기간이 얼마나 남았어요?

How much of the service period is left?

Noun phrase '복무 기간' (service period).

제 친구는 공군에서 복무하고 있습니다.

My friend is serving in the Air Force.

-고 있다 (progressive tense).

그는 복무를 마치고 학교로 돌아왔어요.

He finished his service and returned to school.

-고 (and then) connecting two actions.

복무하는 동안 건강하게 지내세요.

Please stay healthy while you serve.

-는 동안 (while/during).

그 연예인은 언제부터 복무해요?

When does that celebrity start serving?

Future/Planned action in present tense.

그는 최전방에서 복무하기로 했어요.

He decided to serve at the front line.

-기로 하다 (decide to).

복무 중에는 전화를 자주 못 해요.

I can't call often while serving.

Noun + 중 (in the middle of/during).

그는 신체 조건 때문에 사회복무요원으로 복무하게 되었다.

He came to serve as a social service agent due to his physical condition.

-게 되다 (to end up/come to).

복무 규정을 어기면 처벌을 받을 수 있습니다.

If you break service regulations, you can be punished.

-(으)면 (if) and Noun + 을/를 어기다 (break/violate).

그는 군 복무를 통해 많은 것을 배웠다고 말했다.

He said he learned many things through his military service.

-을/를 통해 (through/via) and indirect speech -다고 말하다.

그는 카투사로 복무하면서 영어를 많이 익혔다.

He mastered a lot of English while serving as a KATUSA.

-(으)면서 (while doing).

복무 환경이 예전보다 많이 좋아졌습니다.

The service environment has improved a lot compared to the past.

-아/어지다 (become/get to be).

그는 성실한 복무 태도로 표창장을 받았다.

He received a commendation for his faithful service attitude.

Noun + 로 (reason/cause).

복무 기간 단축에 대한 논의가 계속되고 있다.

Discussions about shortening the service period are continuing.

-에 대한 (about/regarding).

그는 해외에서 평화유지군으로 복무했다.

He served as a peacekeeper abroad.

Specific role with -(으)로.

군 복무는 대한민국 남성에게 주어진 신성한 의무입니다.

Military service is a sacred duty given to South Korean men.

Passive participle '주어진' (given).

그는 공직에 복무하며 청렴한 생활을 유지해 왔다.

He has maintained an upright life while serving in public office.

-아/어 오다 (have been doing until now).

복무 중 사고를 당한 장병들에 대한 보상이 시급하다.

Compensation for soldiers injured during service is urgent.

Complex noun phrase as a subject.

그는 대체 복무 제도를 통해 자신의 신념을 지켰다.

He kept his beliefs through the alternative service system.

대체 복무 (alternative service).

복무 기강을 확립하기 위해 엄격한 훈련이 실시되었다.

Strict training was conducted to establish service discipline.

-기 위해 (in order to).

그는 20년간 경찰관으로 복무하며 지역 사회에 이바지했다.

He contributed to the local community while serving as a police officer for 20 years.

이바지하다 (to contribute).

복무 부적합 판정을 받아 조기 제대하게 되었다.

He was discharged early after being judged unfit for service.

Noun + 판정을 받다 (to receive a judgment).

그는 전방 십자인대 파열로 인해 복무 면제 판정을 받았다.

He was exempted from service due to an ACL rupture.

-로 인해 (due to/because of).

국가 공무원은 법령을 준수하며 성실히 복무해야 할 법적 의무가 있다.

State public officials have a legal obligation to serve faithfully while complying with laws and regulations.

Relative clause: -해야 할 (that must do).

그는 일제 강점기에 독립군으로 복무하며 조국의 독립을 위해 싸웠다.

He fought for the independence of his country while serving in the Independence Army during the Japanese colonial period.

Historical context usage.

군 복무 가산점 제도는 여전히 사회적 논란의 중심에 서 있다.

The military service extra points system is still at the center of social controversy.

Complex abstract subject.

그는 공직 복무 기간 내내 단 한 차례의 비리도 저지르지 않았다.

Throughout his period of public service, he did not commit a single act of corruption.

기간 내내 (throughout the period).

복무 중 발생한 질병이 공무상 재해로 인정받기 위해서는 까다로운 절차를 거쳐야 한다.

To have a disease that occurred during service recognized as an occupational hazard, one must go through complex procedures.

-기 위해서는 (in order for... to happen).

그는 외교관으로 복무하며 여러 나라와의 우호 관계 증진에 힘썼다.

He worked hard to promote friendly relations with various countries while serving as a diplomat.

증진에 힘쓰다 (strive for promotion/improvement).

복무 이탈은 군 형법상 엄중히 처벌받는 중범죄에 해당한다.

Desertion is a serious crime that is strictly punished under military criminal law.

-에 해당하다 (correspond to/fall under).

그는 퇴직 후에도 공직 복무 시절의 경험을 살려 사회에 공헌하고 있다.

Even after retirement, he is contributing to society by utilizing his experience from his days in public service.

Noun + 시절 (the days/time of).

병역 의무 이행은 단순한 복무를 넘어 시민으로서의 정체성을 형성하는 기제로 작용하기도 한다.

Fulfilling military service obligations goes beyond simple service and sometimes acts as a mechanism for forming identity as a citizen.

-를 넘어 (beyond) and -로 작용하다 (act as).

그는 평생을 국가 안보의 최일선에서 복무하며 멸사봉공의 자세를 몸소 실천했다.

He served on the front lines of national security all his life, personally practicing the attitude of self-sacrifice for the public good.

Idiom: 멸사봉공 (滅私奉公 - self-sacrifice for the public).

복무 형태의 다양화는 현대 사회의 복잡한 요구를 반영한 결과물이라 할 수 있다.

The diversification of service types can be said to be a result reflecting the complex demands of modern society.

-(이)라 할 수 있다 (can be said to be).

그는 복무 중 겪은 트라우마를 극복하고 국가 유공자로 지정되어 예우를 받고 있다.

He overcame the trauma he experienced during service and is being treated with respect after being designated as a person of national merit.

국가 유공자 (person of national merit).

복무 관리 시스템의 투명성 제고는 군에 대한 국민적 신뢰를 회복하는 관건이다.

Improving the transparency of the service management system is the key to restoring public trust in the military.

Noun + 제고 (improvement/enhancement).

그는 공직자로서의 복무 윤리를 저버리고 사적 이익을 취했다는 비판을 면치 못했다.

He could not avoid the criticism that he abandoned his service ethics as a public official and took private interests.

-를 면치 못하다 (cannot avoid/be exempt from).

복무 기간의 산정 방식에 대한 법적 해석을 두고 여야 간의 날선 공방이 이어졌다.

A sharp debate between the ruling and opposition parties continued over the legal interpretation of the method for calculating the service period.

-를 두고 (over/regarding).

그는 복무 시절 집필한 수기를 통해 군 생활의 애환을 담담하게 그려냈다.

Through the memoirs he wrote during his service days, he calmly depicted the joys and sorrows of military life.

애환 (joys and sorrows).

Häufige Kollokationen

군 복무

성실히 복무하다

대체 복무

복무 규정

복무 기간

공직에 복무하다

현역으로 복무하다

사회복무요원

복무 태도

복무를 마치다

Häufige Phrasen

복무 중이다

— To be currently serving in the military or public office.

제 아들은 지금 군 복무 중입니다.

복무를 명받다

— To be ordered to serve (very formal/military).

그는 전방 부대 복무를 명받았다.

성실 복무

— Faithful service; often used as a goal or commendation.

성실 복무를 약속드립니다.

복무 부적격

— Unfit for service (usually for medical or psychological reasons).

그는 복무 부적격 판정을 받았다.

복무 만기

— Expiration of the service term; the end of one's duty.

복무 만기가 코앞으로 다가왔다.

장기 복무

— Long-term service, often referring to career soldiers.

그는 장기 복무를 신청했다.

복무 기록

— Service record; a document detailing one's history.

그의 복무 기록은 깨끗했다.

복무 여건

— Service conditions; the environment and facilities provided.

복무 여건 개선이 필요하다.

복무 의무

— The obligation to serve, usually referring to the draft.

모든 국민은 복무 의무가 있다.

복무 지원

— Applying for a specific type of service.

그는 해병대 복무를 지원했다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

복무하다 vs 근무하다

근무하다 focuses on the daily work shift or office location, while 복무하다 focuses on the institutional service period.

복무하다 vs 봉사하다

봉사하다 is for voluntary/charitable service, whereas 복무하다 is for obligatory/formal duty.

복무하다 vs 종사하다

종사하다 is for being in a profession or industry (e.g., 'engaged in farming'), not a specific period of duty.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"군대를 다녀오다"

— Literally 'to go and come back from the army,' used to mean completing service.

한국 남자는 군대를 다녀와야 어른이 된다는 말이 있다.

Neutral

"말뚝을 박다"

— Slang for choosing a long-term military career instead of discharging.

그는 군대가 적성에 맞아서 아예 말뚝을 박기로 했다.

Slang

"뺑뺑이를 돌다"

— To be sent to various units or hard training repeatedly during service.

복무 기간 내내 뺑뺑이만 돌다가 제대했다.

Slang

"군기가 빠지다"

— To lose military discipline or become lazy during service.

요즘 신병들은 군기가 너무 빠졌다.

Informal

"나라의 부름을 받다"

— To be called by the nation (to enlist).

그는 드디어 나라의 부름을 받고 입대했다.

Formal/Poetic

"거꾸로 매달아도 국방부 시계는 돌아간다"

— Even if you hang upside down, the clock of the Ministry of Defense still turns (time passes eventually).

힘들어도 참아라. 거꾸로 매달아도 국방부 시계는 돌아간다.

Common Saying

"총을 들다"

— To take up arms; to serve as a combatant.

그는 조국을 위해 기꺼이 총을 들었다.

Literary

"제복을 입다"

— To wear the uniform; to enter service in the military or police.

그는 평생 제복을 입고 국민을 위해 봉사했다.

Formal

"어깨가 무겁다"

— To feel a heavy responsibility (often used when starting service).

국가 안보를 책임지니 어깨가 무겁다.

Idiom

"뼈를 묻다"

— To bury one's bones; to dedicate one's entire life to a service or organization.

그는 이 부대에 뼈를 묻을 각오로 복무하고 있다.

Metaphorical

Leicht verwechselbar

복무하다 vs 복무 (Noun) vs. 업무 (Noun)

Both involve 'work' and start with different prefixes.

복무 is the 'state of service' (like being a soldier), while 업무 is the 'specific task' (like writing a report).

그는 복무 기간 동안 행정 업무를 담당했다.

복무하다 vs 복무하다 vs. 서빙하다

English 'serve' covers both.

복무하다 is for the nation/institution; 서빙하다 is for food in a restaurant.

식당에서 음식을 서빙하다.

복무하다 vs 복무하다 vs. 시중들다

Both involve serving someone.

시중들다 is to wait on or attend to someone personally (like a servant), whereas 복무하다 is institutional.

환자의 시중을 들다.

복무하다 vs 복무하다 vs. 참전하다

Both are military-related.

복무하다 is the general act of serving; 참전하다 is specifically to fight in a war.

그는 6.25 전쟁에 참전했다.

복무하다 vs 복무하다 vs. 입대하다

Both relate to starting the army.

입대하다 is the 'action of entering' the army; 복무하다 is the 'state of serving' after entering.

그는 어제 입대해서 이제 복무를 시작했다.

Satzmuster

[Place]에서 복무하다

군대에서 복무합니다.

[Time] 동안 복무하다

2년 동안 복무했어요.

[Role]로 복무하다

사회복무요원으로 복무해요.

복무를 마치고 [Action]

복무를 마치고 복학했습니다.

[Adverb] 복무하다

성실하게 복무하고 있습니다.

복무 중 [Event]이 발생하다

복무 중 부상이 발생했습니다.

General

복무 중이다

지금 복무 중이라 바빠요.

Formal

복무를 명받았습니다

전방 배치를 명받았습니다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

복무 (service/duty)

복무자 (person in service)

군복무 (military service)

사회복무 (social service)

대체복무 (alternative service)

Verben

복무시키다 (to make someone serve)

복무당하다 (to be forced to serve - rare/passive)

Adjektive

복무적인 (service-related - rare)

복무 중인 (currently serving)

Verwandt

근무 (work/duty)

의무 (obligation)

병역 (military service)

임무 (mission)

직무 (job duty)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in military/government contexts; low in casual daily life.

Häufige Fehler

Using '복무하다' for serving food. → 서빙하다 / 음식을 내오다
복무하다 is for institutional service, not restaurant service.
Using '복무하다' for volunteering at a shelter. → 봉사하다
Volunteering is voluntary (봉사), whereas 복무 is usually mandatory or a formal career duty.
Saying '군대를 복무하다' (using the object particle). → 군대에서 복무하다
You serve *in* the army, so the location particle '에서' is more natural.
Using '복무하다' for a one-day event. → 참석하다 / 돕다
복무하다 implies a significant period of time, not a single day.
Confusing '복무' with '업무' in a sentence about a job description. → 맡은 업무 (assigned tasks)
업무 refers to the specific tasks you do; 복무 is the overarching state of being in service.

Tipps

Particle Choice

Use '에서' for the place where you serve and '로' for the rank or role you hold. For example: '육군에서(place) 병장으로(role) 복무했다.'

Noun Compounds

Learn '복무' as a building block. '군 복무', '공직 복무', '대체 복무' are all very common and will help you read news reports much faster.

Respect the Topic

In Korea, discussing military service is a major bonding topic. Using '복무하다' correctly shows you respect the seriousness of the duty.

Avoid Casual Use

Don't use it for part-time jobs. It will sound like you're being sarcastic or don't know the word '일하다' (to work).

Interview Tip

If you are a veteran and are in a job interview in Korea, use '복무했습니다' to describe your military background. It sounds disciplined and professional.

Drama Context

When you hear '복무' in a drama, look at the character's clothing. They are almost always in a uniform or a formal suit.

Hanja Roots

Remember the 'Mu' (務) in 'Bokmu' is the same as in ' 업무' (work) and '의무' (duty). This connection helps you group 'duty-related' words together.

The Batchim Stop

Ensure there is a tiny, almost unnoticeable pause after '복' (due to the 'k' sound) before moving to '무'. This makes the word sound crisp.

Duration Markers

Always pair '복무하다' with a duration if you want to sound natural. '2년 동안 복무했다' is much more common than just '복무했다'.

Service vs. Work

Think of '복무' as 'Service to the State' and '근무' as 'Service to the Employer'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'BOK' as a 'Book' of rules you must follow, and 'MU' as a 'Moo-ving' experience in the army. You are 'BOK-MU-ing' because you are following the book while moving for your country.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person standing perfectly still in a crisp green military uniform (服 - clothes) while performing a task like guarding a gate (務 - duty).

Word Web

군대 (Army) 의무 (Duty) 기간 (Period) 국가 (Nation) 공무원 (Civil Servant) 제복 (Uniform) 훈련 (Training) 책임 (Responsibility)

Herausforderung

Try to write three sentences about a famous Korean actor who recently started or finished their service using the word '복무하다'.

Wortherkunft

From the Hanja 服務 (복무). 服 (복) means 'to obey, to submit, or clothes/uniform.' 務 (무) means 'affairs, business, or duty.'

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To perform duties while in a state of obedience or while wearing a uniform.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived)

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when discussing '복무' with someone who may have had a traumatic experience or who is a conscientious objector, as it is a sensitive and high-pressure topic for many.

English speakers often just say 'I'm in the army' or 'I served.' In Korean, using '복무하다' sounds much more formal and respectful of the institutional nature of the work.

The drama 'Descendants of the Sun' (태양의 후예) frequently uses this word to describe the soldiers' duties. The movie 'JSA' (Joint Security Area) focuses on the tensions of those '복무'-ing at the border. BTS members' enlistment announcements all used the word '복무' to describe their upcoming hiatus.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Military Service

어디서 복무해요?
복무 기간이 언제예요?
성실히 복무하겠습니다.
복무를 무사히 마쳤습니다.

Public Service/Civil Service

공직에 복무하다.
사회복무요원으로 근무 중입니다.
복무 규정을 준수하십시오.
장기 복무 공무원.

Job Applications

복무 기간 입력.
복무 형태 선택.
복무 중 특이 사항.
복무 만기 제대.

News/Media

복무 환경 개선.
복무 기간 단축.
해외 복무 중인 장병.
대체 복무 논란.

History/Biographies

평생을 복무하다.
독립군으로 복무하다.
전쟁터에서 복무하다.
복무 공로를 인정받다.

Gesprächseinstiege

"군대 어디에서 복무하셨어요? (Where did you serve in the army?)"

"복무 기간 동안 가장 힘들었던 점이 뭐예요? (What was the hardest thing during your service period?)"

"요즘 복무 환경이 많이 좋아졌다고 들었는데 진짜인가요? (I heard service conditions have improved a lot lately; is it true?)"

"사회복무요원으로 복무하면 보통 무슨 일을 하나요? (What do people usually do when they serve as social service agents?)"

"복무를 마치고 나면 기분이 어떨 것 같아요? (How do you think you'll feel after finishing your service?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

내가 만약 한국에서 군 복무를 해야 한다면 어떤 부대에서 복무하고 싶은지 써 보세요. (Write about which unit you would want to serve in if you had to do military service in Korea.)

나라를 위해 복무하는 사람들에게 감사 편지를 써 보세요. (Write a thank-you letter to those serving the country.)

복무 기간을 단축하는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 자신의 의견을 적어 보세요. (Write your opinion on shortening the service period.)

자신의 나라에서 '복무'의 의미는 무엇인지 한국의 '복무'와 비교해 보세요. (Compare the meaning of 'service' in your country with that in Korea.)

복무 규정이 왜 중요한지 그 이유를 세 가지 들어 보세요. (Give three reasons why service regulations are important.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Generally, no. For a standard office job, use '근무하다' or '일하다'. Using '복무하다' makes it sound like you are in the military or a very strict government position. It sounds too formal and rigid for corporate life.

While it is most commonly associated with men due to the draft, it is used for anyone in the military (including female officers) and for anyone in public office regardless of gender. It describes the role, not the person's gender.

It refers to 'Social Service Agents.' These are men who, due to physical or other reasons, serve in public institutions (like subways, libraries, or local offices) instead of active military duty. They are still said to '복무하다'.

You can say '복무를 마쳤습니다' (I finished my service) or more commonly for the military, '제대했습니다' (I was discharged).

No, for volunteering, use '봉사하다'. '복무하다' implies a formal, often paid or mandatory, institutional duty. Volunteering is a choice of the heart, which '봉사' captures better.

It means 'Service Regulations.' These are the set of rules that a soldier or a public official must follow while they are in their role. For example, rules about working hours, behavior, and uniform.

Yes, '복무' is the noun form meaning 'service' or 'duty.' You can combine it with other nouns like '복무 기간' (service period) or '복무 태도' (service attitude).

Usually, no. For religious service or ministry, the word '봉사하다' or '사역하다' (minister) is used. '복무하다' is too secular and administrative for religious contexts.

It means 'Alternative Service.' This is service performed instead of active military duty, such as working in a hospital or as a researcher, for those who qualify under specific laws.

Yes, the word is also used in North Korea to describe their (much longer) military service. It is a standard term across the peninsula for formal service.

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