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B1 verb #9,000 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

재수하다

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Erklärung 재수하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the deep cultural implications of '재수하다.' You can simply understand it as a word for 'studying again for a big test.' At this stage, you might encounter it in simple sentences about students. Think of it as 'again' (재) + 'study' (수) + 'do' (하다). If you see a student who is not in college yet but has graduated high school, they might be '재수' students. Just remember: it's about the university test, not a small quiz in class. You can say '저는 재수해요' to mean 'I am studying again for the entrance exam.' It's a useful word to know when talking about Korean students' lives, even if you don't use it yourself often.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to recognize '재수하다' in the context of daily life and school. You can use it to describe someone's situation. For example, '제 친구는 재수하고 있어요' (My friend is retaking the exam). You should also learn the noun form '재수생' (a student retaking the exam). At this level, you can start to use basic connectors like '그래서' (so) or '때문에' (because) with it. For example: '시험을 못 봤어요. 그래서 재수해요.' (I didn't do well on the exam. So I am retaking it.) You should also be careful not to confuse it with '다시 공부하다' (to study again in general), as '재수하다' is specifically for that one big university exam.

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At the B1 level, you should understand '재수하다' as a significant life choice in Korean culture. You should be able to discuss the reasons why someone might choose to retake the exam, such as wanting to go to a better university ('더 좋은 대학에 가기 위해서'). You will encounter this word in intermediate listening materials, dramas, and social conversations. You should be comfortable using various grammar patterns like '-기로 결심하다' (decide to) or '-느라' (because of doing...). For example: '재수하느라 친구들을 못 만났어요.' (I couldn't meet my friends because I was retaking the exam.) You should also understand the difference between '재수' (second try) and '삼수' (third try).

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '재수하다' and its related terms like '반수하다' (retaking while enrolled in another school). You should be able to understand news reports or articles discussing the '재수' phenomenon in Korea, including the economic impact on families and the competitive nature of the education system. You can use more advanced structures like '재수 끝에' (at the end of/after retaking) or '재수를 각오하다' (to be prepared for/to brace oneself for retaking). You should also be aware of the social stigma or pressure associated with the term, and how it's used in formal vs. informal settings. You can debate the pros and cons of '재수' in a classroom setting.

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At the C1 level, you should be able to analyze the societal implications of '재수하다.' This includes understanding how the 'jaesu' industry (academies, specialized housing) functions and how it reflects Korean meritocracy. You should be able to use the word in academic or professional contexts, such as discussing educational policy or demographic changes. You will recognize idiomatic expressions and sophisticated sentence structures involving the word. For example, you might discuss the 'N-su' trend among medical school aspirants. Your vocabulary should include related terms like '재수생 양산' (mass-producing retakers) or '교육 과열' (educational overheating). You can understand the emotional nuances in literature or high-level essays that feature this theme.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '재수하다.' You understand the historical evolution of the term and its place in the broader context of East Asian education systems. You can pick up on subtle sarcasm, irony, or deep empathy when the word is used in complex discourse. You can write sophisticated critiques or reports on the psychological effects of '재수' on Korean youth. You are aware of how the term might be used in specialized fields like sociology, economics, or psychology. You can effortlessly switch between the literal meaning and its metaphorical extensions in high-level literature. You understand the full range of 'N-su' terminology and the hyper-specific slang used within the 'jaesu' subculture (e.g., specific names of famous academies or study methods).

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재수하다 in 30 Sekunden

재수하다 refers specifically to retaking the university entrance exam (CSAT) in Korea for a better score.
It involves a year of full-time study, often at specialized academies called 'Jaesu Hagwons'.
The term is a combination of 'Jae' (again) and 'Su' (study), followed by 'hada' (to do).
It is a significant cultural phenomenon in Korea due to the high importance placed on university prestige.

The Korean verb 재수하다 (jaesuhada) is a culturally heavy term that specifically refers to the act of studying for an additional year to retake the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), known in Korean as Suneung. Unlike the Western concept of a 'gap year,' which often involves travel or work experience, 재수하다 is strictly academic and often involves intense, full-time study at specialized academies. It is used when a student is dissatisfied with their initial exam results and believes that one more year of preparation will secure them a spot in a more prestigious university.

Etymology: The word is composed of the Hanja characters 再 (ja) meaning 'again' and 修 (su) meaning 'to study' or 'to cultivate.' Combined with the auxiliary verb 하다 (hada), it literally translates to 'to study again.'
Societal Context: In South Korea, where university prestige significantly impacts career prospects and social standing, 재수하다 is a common phenomenon. It is not seen as a failure but rather as a strategic, albeit stressful, investment in one's future. Entire districts like Daechi-dong in Seoul are dedicated to supporting students who choose to jaesu.

원하는 대학교에 가기 위해서 재수하기로 결심했어요. (I decided to retake the entrance exam to go to the university I want.)

The term is exclusively used for the university entrance exam. You would not use 재수하다 for retaking a driver's license test or a professional certification; for those, you would use 다시 시험을 보다 (take the test again). The commitment involved in 재수하다 often means attending a Jaesu Academy (재수학원) from 8 AM to 10 PM daily. It represents a year of sacrifice, often referred to as 'living like a monk' due to the lack of social life.

그는 재수 끝에 서울대학교에 합격했다. (After retaking the exam once, he was accepted into Seoul National University.)

Emotional Weight: The decision to 재수하다 is often a family decision because of the high cost of academies. It carries a mix of hope, anxiety, and determination. Many students feel a sense of 'being left behind' as their peers start their freshman year of college.

친구들이 대학 축제를 즐길 때 나는 학원에서 재수하며 공부했다. (While my friends were enjoying college festivals, I was studying at an academy, retaking the exam.)

Using 재수하다 correctly requires understanding its role as a verb that describes a status or a prolonged action. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't typically take a direct object like 'study a book,' but rather describes the state of 'doing a retake year.' However, you can use the noun form 재수 with verbs like 결심하다 (decide) or 성공하다 (succeed).

Common Conjugations: - Present: 재수해요 (I am retaking/I retake)
- Past: 재수했어요 (I retook the exam)
- Future: 재수할 거예요 (I will retake the exam)
- Continuous: 재수하고 있어요 (I am currently in my retake year)

동생은 이번에 떨어지면 재수할 거라고 하네요. (My younger sibling says they will retake the exam if they fail this time.)

When discussing the reason for retaking, you use the -기 위해(서) (in order to) structure. The sentence often mentions the target university or a specific score. Because 재수하다 implies a year-long process, it is frequently paired with time markers like 일 년 동안 (for one year) or 다시 한번 (once more).

Sentence Patterns: 1. [Subject] + 재수 중이다 (Subject is currently retaking the exam).
2. [Subject] + [University]에 가려고 재수하다 (Subject is retaking the exam to go to [University]).
3. [Subject] + 재수를 선택하다 (Subject chooses to retake the exam).

부모님은 제가 재수하는 것을 반대하셨어요. (My parents were against me retaking the exam.)

It's important to note the nuance of 'voluntary' vs 'involuntary' retaking. Even if a student is forced by circumstances (failing all applications), they still use 재수하다. However, if they were accepted to a 'lower' university but chose to try again for a 'top' school, this is still 재수하다, though sometimes specifically called 반수 if they start the first semester at the lower school then quit to study.

그녀는 독학으로 재수해서 원하는 과에 합격했다. (She retook the exam through self-study and was accepted into the department she wanted.)

In South Korea, you will hear 재수하다 everywhere from family dinners to high-stakes news broadcasts. It is a staple of the 'Suneung season' (November to February). High school seniors (고3) often discuss whether they will 재수하다 if their mock exam scores (모의고사) aren't high enough. It's a word that carries significant weight in conversations about the future.

In Media and K-Dramas: Many K-dramas that focus on education, such as SKY Castle or Crash Course in Romance, frequently use this term. Characters might be described as 'spending their youth at a jaesu academy.' It's used to build tension or show a character's perseverance (or the pressure from their parents).

드라마 주인공이 재수하며 고군분투하는 모습이 인상적이었다. (The scene where the drama's protagonist struggled while retaking the exam was impressive.)

You'll also hear it in the workplace. Koreans often ask about each other's 'class year' (학번). If someone graduated high school in 2020 but entered university in 2022, people might assume they 재수했다 or even 삼수했다 (took it three times). It's a common 'icebreaker' in academic settings to ask, 'Did you come here straight away, or did you 재수?'

요즘은 의대에 가기 위해 재수하는 학생들이 정말 많아요. (These days, there are so many students retaking the exam to get into medical school.)

News and Statistics: Every year, news outlets report on the percentage of 'N-su-saeng' (students retaking N times). Headlines like 'Percentage of students 재수-ing hits record high' are common, reflecting shifts in the difficulty of the exam or changes in university admission policies.

뉴스에서 올해 재수생 비율이 급증했다고 보도했다. (The news reported that the ratio of students retaking the exam surged this year.)

While 재수하다 seems straightforward, learners often misapply it to other 'retake' situations. The most common mistake is using it for university course retakes. If you fail 'Introduction to Psychology' and take it again next semester, you do NOT 재수하다. Instead, you use the term 재수강하다 (jaesuganghada).

Confusing with Other 'Re-' Verbs

재수하다: Specifically for the university entrance exam.
재수강하다: To retake a specific college course for a better grade.
다시 보다: To retake a general test (license, certification).
복학하다: To return to school after a leave of absence (e.g., after military service).

❌ 수학 수업을 재수했어요. (Incorrect for retaking a class)
✅ 수학 수업을 재수강했어요. (Correct for retaking a class)

Another mistake is confusing 재수하다 with 'transferring.' If you are already in a university but want to move to another one, that is 편입하다 (pyeoniphada). However, if you quit your current university to take the entrance exam again from scratch, then you are 재수하다 (or specifically 반수하다 if you only attended for half a year).

❌ 저는 재수가 있어요. (I have a retake - Incorrect)
✅ 저는 지금 재수하고 있어요. (I am retaking the exam - Correct)

Finally, learners sometimes confuse the noun 재수 (jaesu) with the homonym 재수 (luck/fortune). In the phrase '재수 없다' (to be unlucky/obnoxious), the 'jaesu' refers to luck, not exam retaking. Context is key! If someone says '재수 없어!', they are usually calling someone annoying, not commenting on their education.

The world of Korean education has several terms related to 재수하다 that describe specific variations of retaking the entrance exam. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and better comprehend the nuances of Korean academic life.

Variations of Retaking

삼수하다 (Samsuhada): To retake the exam for a third time (three years of attempts).
사수하다 (Sasuhada): To retake for a fourth time. Beyond this, people often use N수하다 (N-su-hada), where N is the number of attempts.
반수하다 (Bansuhada): 'Half-retaking.' This is when a student enrolls in a university they aren't fully satisfied with, attends the first semester, then takes a leave of absence to study for the Suneung again in the second half of the year.

대학에 다니면서 반수하는 것이 정말 힘들었어요. (It was really hard to 'half-retake' while attending university.)

How does 재수하다 compare to other educational paths? Here is a quick comparison:

재수하다 vs. 편입하다: 재수하다 involves starting over as a freshman by retaking the high school graduation exam (CSAT). 편입하다 involves transferring from one university to another, usually entering as a junior (3rd year), and requires a different type of transfer exam.
재수하다 vs. 휴학하다: 휴학하다 simply means to take a leave of absence from school. A student might 휴학하다 in order to 재수하다 (specifically 반수), but the two are not synonymous.

그는 재수 대신 편입을 선택했다. (He chose transferring instead of retaking the entrance exam.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

While 'Su' (修) means to study, it's the same 'Su' used in 'Susin' (self-cultivation), implying that the year is not just for books but for building character.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /tɕɛ.su.ɦa.da/

US /dʒɛ.su.hɑ.dɑ/

Stress is even across all syllables, as is typical in Korean phonology.

Reimt sich auf

배수하다 (baesuhada) 개수하다 (gaesuhada) 대수하다 (daesuhada) 매수하다 (maesuhada) 회수하다 (hoisuhada) 보수하다 (bosuhada) 교수하다 (gyosuhada) 연수하다 (yeonsuhada)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'jae' as 'jay' (it should be shorter).
Confusing the 's' in 'su' with a 'sh' sound.
Over-aspirating the 'h' in 'hada'.
Putting too much stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing 'su' like 'sue' with a long English glide.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts about education.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires correct conjugation and understanding of the specific context.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation is simple, but cultural nuance is important.

Hören 3/5

Common in dramas and news during exam seasons.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

공부하다 시험 대학교 졸업하다 떨어지다 (to fail)

Als Nächstes lernen

합격하다 입시 전공 장학금 취업

Fortgeschritten

학벌주의 공교육 사교육 변별력 입시 전형

Wichtige Grammatik

-기로 하다 (Decide to)

내년에 재수하기로 했어요.

-느라 (Because of doing)

재수하느라 여행을 못 갔어요.

-은/는/을 것 (Noun phrase)

재수하는 것은 쉬운 일이 아니다.

-아/어/여서 (Reason)

성적이 낮아서 재수해요.

-(으)ㄹ까 말까 (Whether to... or not)

재수할까 말까 고민 중이에요.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

저는 올해 재수해요.

I am retaking the exam this year.

Present tense of 재수하다.

제 동생은 재수생이에요.

My younger sibling is a 'jaesu' student.

Noun form 재수생 + 이다.

친구는 재수하기 싫어해요.

My friend hates retaking the exam.

-기 싫어하다 (to hate doing something).

재수는 힘들어요.

Retaking the exam is hard.

Noun form 재수 used as a subject.

우리 형은 재수해서 대학에 갔어요.

My older brother went to college after retaking the exam.

-해서 (sequence of actions).

다시 공부해요? 네, 재수해요.

Are you studying again? Yes, I'm retaking the exam.

Simple conversational exchange.

그는 지금 재수 중입니다.

He is currently in the middle of retaking the exam.

-중이다 (in the middle of).

재수하면 성공할 거예요.

If you retake it, you will succeed.

-면 (if) + future tense.

점수가 낮아서 재수하기로 했어요.

My score was low, so I decided to retake the exam.

-기로 하다 (decide to).

재수하는 동안 친구를 안 만났어요.

While retaking the exam, I didn't meet friends.

-는 동안 (while).

부모님이 재수를 허락해 주셨어요.

My parents gave me permission to retake the exam.

Noun 재수 + 허락하다.

재수 학원에 등록하러 가요.

I'm going to register for a retake academy.

-(으)러 가다 (go in order to).

일 년 더 공부하는 재수는 쉽지 않아요.

Retaking the exam, which means studying for one more year, is not easy.

Noun modification with -는.

그는 재수 끝에 꿈을 이뤘다.

He achieved his dream after retaking the exam.

Noun + 끝에 (at the end of).

재수할 때 가장 힘든 게 뭐예요?

What is the hardest thing when retaking the exam?

-(으)ㄹ 때 (when).

언니는 재수해서 성적이 많이 올랐어요.

My older sister retook the exam and her grades went up a lot.

-해서 (cause and effect).

원하는 대학에 못 가서 재수를 결심했습니다.

I decided to retake the exam because I couldn't go to the university I wanted.

-아/어/여서 (reason).

재수생들은 보통 아침 일찍 학원에 가요.

Students retaking the exam usually go to the academy early in the morning.

Subject is 재수생 (retakers).

재수한다고 해서 무조건 성공하는 건 아니에요.

Just because you retake the exam doesn't mean you'll definitely succeed.

-는다고 해서 (just because... doesn't mean...).

그는 재수 시절의 고통을 잊지 못한다.

He cannot forget the pain of his 'jaesu' days.

Noun 시절 (days/times).

재수하지 않고 바로 대학에 가는 게 좋죠.

It's good to go to college right away without retaking the exam, right?

-지 않고 (without doing).

재수하는 아들을 위해 매일 기도해요.

I pray every day for my son who is retaking the exam.

-는 (adjective clause) + 위해 (for).

재수 비용이 만만치 않아서 걱정이에요.

I'm worried because the cost of retaking the exam is not cheap.

Noun + 비용 (cost).

힘들어도 참고 재수해서 꼭 합격할게요.

Even if it's hard, I'll endure it, retake the exam, and definitely pass.

-아/어도 (even if).

올해는 작년보다 재수생의 비율이 높아졌습니다.

This year, the proportion of students retaking the exam has increased compared to last year.

Comparative structure -보다.

재수를 하느냐 마느냐는 본인의 선택에 달려 있다.

Whether to retake the exam or not depends on one's own choice.

-느냐 마느냐 (whether or not).

그녀는 반수 끝에 마침내 의대에 합격했다.

After 'half-retaking,' she finally got into medical school.

Specific term 반수 (half-retake).

재수 생활은 체력과 정신력의 싸움이라고들 합니다.

They say the life of a retaker is a battle of physical and mental strength.

-라고들 합니다 (people say that...).

학원가는 재수생들로 인산인해를 이루고 있었다.

The academy district was packed with students retaking the exam.

Idiom 인산인해 (huge crowd).

재수를 결심한 이상, 뒤를 돌아보지 않기로 했다.

Since I've decided to retake the exam, I've decided not to look back.

-(으)ㄴ 이상 (now that/since).

재수생 전용 독서실은 분위기가 아주 엄숙하다.

The atmosphere in the reading room exclusively for retakers is very solemn.

Noun + 전용 (exclusive use).

부모님의 기대를 저버릴 수 없어 재수를 시작했다.

I started retaking the exam because I couldn't let down my parents' expectations.

저버리다 (to betray/let down).

재수 문화는 한국 사회의 지나친 교육 열풍을 반영한다.

The 'jaesu' culture reflects the excessive educational fever in Korean society.

Reflective verb 반영하다.

N수생의 증가는 입시 제도의 문제점을 시사한다.

The increase in 'N-su' students suggests problems in the entrance examination system.

N수생 (students retaking N times).

재수를 통해 얻은 인내심은 인생의 큰 자산이 된다.

The patience gained through retaking the exam becomes a great asset in life.

Through (통해) + Asset (자산).

그는 재수 기간 동안 철저하게 자기 관리를 했다.

He managed himself thoroughly during the period of retaking the exam.

Adverb 철저하게 (thoroughly).

재수 성공 사례를 분석하여 공부 전략을 세웠다.

I analyzed successful cases of retaking and set up a study strategy.

Analysis (분석) + Strategy (전략).

정부의 입시 정책 변화가 재수생들에게 큰 혼란을 주었다.

Changes in the government's entrance exam policy caused great confusion among retakers.

Policy (정책) + Confusion (혼란).

재수는 단순히 시험을 다시 보는 것 이상의 의미를 갖는다.

Retaking the exam holds more meaning than simply taking a test again.

Comparison - 이상의 (more than).

그는 삼수 끝에 합격의 기쁨을 맛볼 수 있었다.

He was able to taste the joy of passing after his third attempt.

Tri-retake (삼수) + Taste joy (기쁨을 맛보다).

재수생 양산 체제는 국가적 차원의 인력 낭비라는 지적이 있다.

There are points that the system of mass-producing retakers is a waste of national human resources.

Sophisticated noun phrase (양산 체제).

입시 위주의 교육이 낳은 기형적인 산물이 바로 재수 문화다.

The 'jaesu' culture is a malformed product of entrance-exam-oriented education.

Metaphorical use (기형적인 산물).

재수를 선택할 수밖에 없는 사회 구조적 모순을 비판했다.

He criticized the structural contradictions of society that leave no choice but to retake the exam.

Structural contradiction (구조적 모순).

재수생들의 심리적 불안감을 해소하기 위한 대책이 시급하다.

Measures to relieve the psychological anxiety of retakers are urgent.

Urgency (시급하다) + Measures (대책).

학벌 지상주의가 공고한 한 재수 열기는 식지 않을 것이다.

As long as academic elitism remains firm, the fever for retaking exams will not cool down.

Conditional phrase (공고한 한).

그는 재수 시절의 트라우마를 극복하고 교육 전문가가 되었다.

He overcame the trauma of his 'jaesu' days and became an education expert.

Overcoming trauma (트라우마를 극복하고).

재수를 통해 자신의 한계를 시험해 보고 싶다는 이들도 있다.

There are those who say they want to test their limits through retaking the exam.

Testing limits (한계를 시험하다).

치열한 입시 경쟁 속에서 재수는 일종의 통과 의례가 되어버렸다.

In the fierce competition for entrance exams, retaking has become a kind of rite of passage.

Rite of passage (통과 의례).

Häufige Kollokationen

재수를 결심하다

재수에 성공하다

재수 학원

재수 생활

재수 비용

독학 재수

재수 시절

재수생 비율

재수 끝에

재수를 권하다

Häufige Phrasen

재수는 필수

— Retaking is mandatory (sarcastic phrase about how common it is).

요즘 대학 입시에서 재수는 필수라는 말이 있어요.

재수 없다

— To be unlucky or annoying (homonym, not related to exams).

저 사람은 정말 재수 없어!

재수 좋게

— With good luck (homonym).

재수 좋게 마지막 버스를 탔어요.

재수강을 하다

— To retake a college course (often confused with jaesuhada).

학점이 안 좋아서 재수강을 해야 해요.

삼수생

— A student retaking for the third time.

그는 삼수생이라서 나이가 한 살 더 많다.

재수 성공기

— A success story of retaking the exam.

인터넷에서 재수 성공기를 읽고 용기를 얻었다.

재수 전문

— Specializing in retake students.

이곳은 재수 전문 학원입니다.

재수를 고민하다

— To contemplate retaking the exam.

친구는 지금 재수를 고민하고 있어요.

재수생 신분

— The status of being a retaker.

재수생 신분으로 도서관에 갔다.

재수 후회

— Regretting retaking the exam.

재수한 것을 후회하지 않아요.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

재수하다 vs 재수강하다

Used for retaking a college class, not the entrance exam.

재수하다 vs 복학하다

Used for returning to school after a break, not retaking an exam.

재수하다 vs 편입하다

Used for transferring between universities as a 3rd-year student.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"재수는 필수, 삼수는 선택"

— A common saying highlighting the high rate of retaking exams in Korea.

친구들이 우스갯소리로 재수는 필수, 삼수는 선택이라고 하더군요.

Slang/Colloquial

"재수 옴 붙다"

— To have extremely bad luck (using the luck homonym).

오늘 정말 재수 옴 붙은 날이야.

Informal

"재수가 훤하다"

— To have a bright future/luck (archaic/homonym).

앞길에 재수가 훤하길 빈다.

Formal/Archaic

"공든 탑이 무너지랴"

— Hard work won't be in vain (often said to encourage retakers).

재수하는 동안 열심히 했으니 공든 탑이 무너지지 않을 거야.

Literary

"전화위복"

— Turning a misfortune into a blessing (failing first and succeeding after retaking).

재수가 전화위복이 되어 더 좋은 대학에 갔다.

Formal

"고진감래"

— Sweetness comes after bitterness (success after a hard year of retaking).

재수 생활은 힘들었지만 고진감래였다.

Formal

"절치부심"

— Grinding teeth and steeling one's heart (studying hard for revenge/success).

그는 절치부심하며 재수 기간을 보냈다.

Literary

"와신상담"

— Enduring hardships to achieve a goal (like retaking the exam).

그는 와신상담의 각오로 재수에 임했다.

Literary

"심기일전"

— Changing one's mindset and starting fresh.

심기일전하여 재수를 시작하기로 했다.

Formal

"칠전팔기"

— Falling seven times and getting up eight.

그는 칠전팔기의 정신으로 삼수 끝에 합격했다.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

재수하다 vs 재수 (Luck)

Homonym

One means retaking an exam, the other means luck/fortune. '재수 없다' almost always refers to luck/personality.

재수 없는 녀석! (What an obnoxious guy!) vs 재수하는 학생 (A student retaking the exam).

재수하다 vs 다시 공부하다

Literal meaning

General study vs. specific CSAT retake. '재수하다' is much more specific to the Korean education system.

시험 범위를 다시 공부해요. (I'm studying the exam range again.)

재수하다 vs 유급하다

Repeating a grade

Repeating a grade within school (rare in Korea) vs. retaking the entrance exam after graduation.

그는 성적 미달로 유급했다. (He repeated the grade due to poor scores.)

재수하다 vs 반수

Similar context

Retaking while enrolled in college vs. retaking full-time without a college enrollment.

그는 대학에 걸쳐놓고 반수 중이다.

재수하다 vs 삼수

Number of attempts

Specifically the third attempt, whereas '재수' is the second.

재수도 힘든데 삼수까지 하니?

Satzmuster

저는 [Year]에 재수해요.

저는 내년에 재수해요.

[Subject]는 재수생입니다.

제 친구는 재수생입니다.

[Reason] 때문에 재수하기로 했어요.

점수 때문에 재수하기로 했어요.

재수해서 [University]에 가고 싶어요.

재수해서 서울대에 가고 싶어요.

재수 생활은 [Adjective]하다.

재수 생활은 외롭고 고달프다.

재수 끝에 [Result].

재수 끝에 합격의 영광을 안았다.

재수생들의 [Noun]이 심각하다.

재수생들의 심리적 압박감이 심각하다.

재수 문화의 [Noun]을 고찰하다.

재수 문화의 사회적 배경을 고찰하다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

재수 (Retaking)

재수생 (Retaker)

재수생 (Student retaker)

삼수 (Third attempt)

반수 (Half-retake)

Verben

재수하다 (To retake)

삼수하다 (To retake 3rd time)

반수하다 (To half-retake)

N수하다 (To retake N times)

Adjektive

재수생다운 (Like a retaker)

고단한 (Tiring - often describing the life)

Verwandt

수능 (CSAT)

입시 (Entrance exam)

학원 (Academy)

합격 (Passing)

불합격 (Failing)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in academic and family contexts during winter/spring.

Häufige Fehler

Using it for retaking a class. → 재수강하다
재수하다 is only for the university entrance exam.
Using it for a driving test. → 다시 보다
재수하다 is culturally specific to academic entrance exams.
Saying '재수가 있다' for having a retake. → 재수하다
It's an action you do, not a possession you have.
Confusing it with 'unlucky' (재수 없다). → Context dependent
Make sure the context of 'study' is clear so people don't think you're being rude.
Using it for transferring schools. → 편입하다
Transferring is 'pyeonip', starting over as a freshman is 'jaesu'.

Tipps

The Suneung Pressure

Understand that '재수' is a byproduct of the intense 'Suneung' pressure where one day's test determines your university.

Verb vs Noun

Remember to use '재수하다' for the action and '재수' for the noun. '재수 중' is a common shortened form of '재수하고 있는 중'.

Counting Attempts

Learn '삼수' (3), '사수' (4), and '오수' (5) if you want to talk about long-term retakers.

Asking Carefully

When meeting someone for the first time, it's better to wait for them to mention '재수' rather than asking directly about their age/grade gap.

Jaesu-saeng Fashion

Students often wear 'training suits' (tracksuits) all year long to save time, which is a hallmark of the 'jaesu' look.

Hanja Roots

Knowing 'Jae' (再) means 'again' helps you learn other words like '재혼' (remarriage) or '재활용' (recycling).

Drama Context

In dramas, '재수' is often used to show a family's financial sacrifice or a student's growth arc.

Using '결심하다'

The phrase '재수를 결심하다' is the most standard way to express the start of this journey.

Gap Year vs Jaesu

Don't translate 'Gap Year' as '재수'. A gap year is for exploration; '재수' is for intense exam prep.

Clear Vowels

Ensure the 'ae' in 'jae' is distinct from 'e' or 'a' to be clearly understood.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Jae' as 'Jay' (a bird) who 'Su' (Sues) the university to get in 'Again'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a student standing in front of a giant 'Number 2' made of textbooks.

Word Web

Suneung Hagwon Daechi-dong Bansu Samsuhada Score University Future

Herausforderung

Try to write a diary entry as if you are a student who just decided to 재수하다 today. Use the word at least three times.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Hanja characters 再 (Ja - Again) and 修 (Su - Study/Cultivate).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To study again or cultivate one's knowledge a second time.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Kultureller Kontext

Be sensitive when asking Koreans if they 'jaesu-ed.' While common, for some it represents a very painful or shameful period of their lives.

Unlike the US 'gap year' which is often seen as a time for personal growth and travel, 'jaesu' is purely academic and much more high-pressure.

SKY Castle (Drama depicting the intense pressure to enter top universities) Reply 1988 (Characters dealing with the burden of retaking exams) Extreme Job (Humorous references to failing exams multiple times)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Family Discussion

재수하면 안 될까?
학원비가 얼마야?
일 년만 더 해보자
응원할게

Academy Counseling

기숙 학원이 좋을까요?
성적이 얼마나 오를까요?
커리큘럼이 어떻게 되나요?
자습 시간이 많나요?

Friend Conversation

너 재수한다며?
같이 공부하자
힘내라
내년에 꼭 붙어

Job Interview

재수 기간 동안 무엇을 배웠나요?
실패를 어떻게 극복했나요?
인내심을 길렀습니다
목표를 위해 노력했습니다

News Report

재수생 유입 증가
불수능의 여파
입시 전략 수정
N수생 강세

Gesprächseinstiege

"혹시 한국의 재수 문화에 대해 들어본 적 있어요?"

"친구나 가족 중에 재수한 사람이 있나요?"

"만약 시험 결과가 안 좋다면 재수할 의향이 있나요?"

"재수 학원 생활이 얼마나 힘들 것 같아요?"

"한국 학생들이 왜 그렇게 재수를 많이 한다고 생각하세요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

내가 만약 재수생이라면 하루 일과를 어떻게 보낼지 써 보세요.

재수라는 제도가 학생들에게 주는 장점과 단점에 대해 서술하세요.

목표를 위해 1년을 더 투자하는 것에 대한 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요.

재수 생활을 견디기 위해 가장 필요한 마음가짐은 무엇일까요?

한국의 재수 문화와 당신 나라의 입시 문화를 비교해 보세요.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, '재수하다' is strictly for university entrance exams. For a driver's license, use '다시 시험을 보다' or '재응시하다'.

It's a private academy specifically for students retaking the CSAT. They have very strict schedules, often from early morning until late at night.

Yes, it is extremely common, especially among students aiming for top-tier universities or medical schools. Some estimate nearly 20-30% of test-takers are 'N-su' students.

The 'N' stands for any number. 'N-su' is a general term for anyone retaking the exam multiple times (2, 3, 4, etc.).

While it implies a previous failure or dissatisfaction, it's generally seen as a sign of ambition and perseverance in Korea rather than shame.

'재수' is full-time retaking after graduation. '반수' is retaking while remaining a student at a university (often taking a leave of absence for the second semester).

You say '저는 재수생입니다' (I am a jaesu student).

Yes, it can be very expensive. Top academies in Seoul can cost over 2-3 million KRW per month including tuition and meals.

Yes, anyone can retake the CSAT, but '재수하다' usually refers to the period immediately following high school graduation.

It means 'self-study retaking.' The student studies on their own or at a library without attending a formal academy.

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