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B1 noun 6 min de lectura

결석

gyeolseok

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 결석 en 30 segundos

Explicación 결석 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that '결석' means 'no school.' You will mostly use it with '했어요' (did). For example, '어제 학교에 결석했어요' means 'I was absent from school yesterday.' It is an important word for students to explain why they weren't in class. You might hear your teacher say this word when they look at the empty chairs in the room. Just remember that it is a formal noun, and in very simple talk, people might just say '안 갔어요' (didn't go), but '결석했어요' is the correct 'school word.' Focus on the pattern: [Place] + 에 + 결석 + 했어요.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '결석' to give simple reasons. You might use the grammar '-아서/어서' (because) to explain your absence. For example, '아파서 결석했어요' (I was absent because I was sick). You should also learn the opposite word, '출석' (attendance). In an A2 classroom, the teacher might ask '누가 결석이에요?' (Who is absent?). You should be able to answer with a classmate's name. You are also learning that '결석' is for school, while '결근' is for work, though '결석' is much more common in beginner textbooks which focus on student life.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the different types of absences and how to use the word in more complex sentences. You will encounter terms like '무단 결석' (absence without notice) and '병결' (sick absence). You should be able to write a basic '결석계' (absence note). At this level, you start to see '결석' used with more diverse verbs like '결석이 잦다' (to be frequently absent) or '결석을 처리하다' (to process an absence). You should also be comfortable using the honorific forms when speaking to professors, such as '사정상 결석하게 되었습니다' (Due to circumstances, I have come to be absent).

At the B2 level, you understand the social and academic implications of '결석' in Korean society. You know that '결석' records can affect university entrance and that '개근' (perfect attendance) is highly valued. You can discuss policies regarding attendance, such as how many '결석' days lead to an automatic 'F' grade (usually called '출석 미달'). You also distinguish between '결석' (student absence) and '결강' (when a professor cancels class). You can use the word in formal debates or essays about education, discussing the causes of '장기 결석' (long-term absence) among teenagers.

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At the C1 level, you can use '결석' in nuanced ways and understand its medical homonym (calculus/stone) without confusion. You can analyze the legal requirements for '의무 교육' (compulsory education) and the legal repercussions of '무단 결석'. You understand the nuance of using '결석' metaphorically in literature, though it is rare. You are proficient in using administrative terminology surrounding attendance, such as '결석 사유서' (statement of reason for absence) and '출결 관리' (attendance management). You can also discuss the psychological aspects of '등교 거부' (school refusal) leading to chronic '결석'.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '결석' and its related Hanja roots. You can discuss historical changes in how attendance was recorded and the cultural shift from valuing 'perfect attendance' to valuing 'well-being' and 'mental health days.' You can interpret complex academic papers on '학업 중단' (dropping out) where '결석' is a primary variable. You are also fully aware of the medical usage of '결석' (stones) in specialized urological or gastroenterological contexts, understanding terms like '담석' (gallstone) or '신장 결석' (kidney stone) as distinct from the educational '결석'.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

결석 en 30 segundos

결석 refers to being absent from school or a class.
It is a formal noun and is typically used with the verb '하다' (to be absent).
It is distinct from '결근' (absence from work) and '불참' (absence from an event).
In Korean culture, attendance records are highly important for academic and future success.

The Korean word 결석 (Gyeol-seok) is a formal noun that translates directly to 'absence.' It is primarily used in institutional contexts, most notably within the educational system. When a student is not present in class, whether at a primary school, high school, university, or even a private academy (hagwon), this is the term employed. It originates from the Hanja characters 缺 (결 - to lack/be vacant) and 席 (석 - seat), literally meaning that a seat is vacant or lacking its occupant.

Institutional Context: In South Korea, attendance is viewed as a reflection of a student's sincerity (성실성). Therefore, '결석' is not just a neutral record but a significant metric in academic evaluations and even future employment records. Schools categorize absences into different types: '병결' (absence due to illness), '무단 결석' (unexcused absence), and '공결' (official absence for school-sanctioned events).

지수는 오늘 감기 때문에 학교에 결석했어요. (Jisoo was absent from school today because of a cold.)

While '결석' is the standard noun, the verb form is created by adding '하다' (to do), resulting in 결석하다. It is important to distinguish this from '결근' (Gyeol-geun), which is specifically used for missing work. Using '결석' when talking about a job would sound slightly childish or incorrect to a native speaker's ears, as it implies a school setting. Furthermore, in casual conversation, Koreans often use the verb '빠지다' (to fall out/miss) instead of the formal '결석하다'. However, in any official report, '결석' remains the mandatory term.

Social Nuance: Frequent '무단 결석' (unexcused absence) is treated very seriously in Korea. It can affect a student's internal school record (생활기록부), which is a crucial component of university admissions. This cultural emphasis on physical presence explains why '결석' is a word with significant weight in the life of a Korean student.

이번 학기에는 단 한 번의 결석도 없었습니다. (There was not even a single absence this semester.)

Using 결석 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its transformation into a verb. Most commonly, you will see it paired with the particle '-을' as an object or used with '하다'. However, it also appears in compound nouns that describe the *reason* for the absence.

Common Grammatical Patterns: 1. [Place]에 결석하다: To be absent from [Place].
2. 결석이 잦다: To have frequent absences.
3. 결석을 사유하다: To provide a reason for absence.

When you want to specify the cause, Korean often prefixes the reason to '결석'. For example, '병결석' (often shortened to '병결') is absence due to illness. '사고결석' refers to absence due to personal circumstances or accidents. These terms are used in official attendance registers (출석부).

개인적인 사정으로 오늘 수업에 결석하게 되었습니다. (I ended up being absent from today's class due to personal circumstances.)

In formal writing, such as an email to a professor, you should use the honorific form '결석하게 되었습니다' (I have come to be absent) or '결석을 하게 되어 죄송합니다' (I am sorry for being absent). This shows respect and acknowledges the disruption caused by your absence.

잦은 결석은 성적에 좋지 않은 영향을 미칩니다. (Frequent absences have a negative impact on grades.)

You will encounter 결석 in three primary arenas: the classroom, administrative documents, and medical/formal reports. In a typical Korean school morning, the teacher will take attendance (출석을 부르다). If a student is missing, the teacher will ask, '누가 결석했지?' (Who is absent?).

In K-Dramas and Movies: In school-themed dramas, you'll often hear a teacher sternly announcing, '오늘 무단 결석한 학생 누구야?' (Who is the student that is absent without permission today?). It usually signals a plot point where a character is in trouble or dealing with a crisis.

Another place you will see this word is on an official transcript or a '생활기록부' (Student Record). Here, absences are meticulously tracked. A student with zero '결석' for their entire school career is eligible for the highly respected '개근상' (Perfect Attendance Award), which is a point of pride for many Korean families.

병원 진단서를 제출하면 질병 결석으로 처리됩니다. (If you submit a doctor's note, it will be processed as a sickness absence.)

Interestingly, there is a homonym of '결석' that you might hear in a hospital. In a medical context, 결석 (結石) means 'calculus' or 'stone' (like a kidney stone - 요로결석). While the Hanja is different, the pronunciation is identical. Context usually makes it clear whether someone is talking about missing school or having a kidney stone!

The most frequent mistake learners make with 결석 is using it in the wrong professional context. Korean has distinct words for absence depending on *where* you are missing from. Using '결석' for a job is a classic 'foreigner mistake' that sounds slightly awkward.

결석 vs. 결근: - 결석 (Gyeol-seok): Used for school, lectures, or academies.
- 결근 (Gyeol-geun): Used for work/employment. '근' comes from '근무' (work/duty).

Another error is confusing '결석' with '부재' (Bu-jae). '부재' means 'absence' in the sense of not being present in a general location or being away from one's desk. For example, '부재중' (away/absent) is what you see on a phone or an office door. '결석' implies a failure to attend a scheduled session or meeting where you were expected.

❌ 회사에 결석했어요. (Incorrect)
✅ 회사에 결근했어요. (Correct - I was absent from work.)

Finally, learners often forget the particle '에' when using the verb form. You don't just 'absent school'; you 'are absent *at* school' in Korean logic. Therefore, '학교를 결석하다' is common, but '학교에 결석하다' is the more precise grammatical structure for indicating the location of the absence.

Depending on how formal you want to be or the specific situation, you might want to use synonyms for 결석. The most common informal alternative is the verb 빠지다.

빠지다 (Ppa-ji-da): This is a very versatile verb meaning 'to fall out,' 'to be left out,' or 'to skip.' In daily life, students usually say '오늘 학원 빠졌어' (I skipped/missed the academy today) rather than using the formal '결석'. It sounds more natural in spoken conversation among friends.
불참 (Bul-cham): This means 'non-attendance' or 'failure to participate.' It is used for events like weddings, meetings, or parties. You wouldn't say you '결석' a wedding; you would '불참' (not attend) it.

회의에 불참하게 되어 죄송합니다. (I am sorry for not attending the meeting.)

For a more literary or high-level context, you might see 결강 (Gyeol-gang). This is specifically used when a *professor* or teacher cancels a lecture. If a student misses a lecture, it's '결석'; if the lecture itself doesn't happen, it's '결강'.

Comparison Table

Word	Best For...
결석	School (formal)
빠지다	School/Academy (casual)
결근	Work/Job
불참	Events/Meetings
결강	Cancelled Lectures

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

Because '석' (席) refers to a seat, the word literally implies that the student's physical seat in the classroom is empty.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ɡjʌlsʰʌk/

US /ɡjʌlsʰʌk/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but the first syllable '결' is often perceived as slightly higher in pitch in this word.

Rima con

출석 (Chul-seok) 분석 (Bun-seok) 좌석 (Jwa-seok) 해석 (Hae-seok) 보석 (Bo-seok) 주석 (Ju-seok) 정석 (Jeong-seok) 자석 (Ja-seok)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it as 'geol-seok' instead of 'gyeol-seok'. Ensure the 'y' glide is present.
Releasing the final 'k' too strongly. It should be a 'stop' sound.
Confusing the pronunciation with '결혼' (marriage) which starts with the same syllable but ends differently.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in school settings, but watch out for the medical homonym.

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowledge of Hanja-based formal vocabulary and correct particle usage.

Expresión oral 2/5

Commonly used in school contexts; easy to pronounce.

Escucha 2/5

Clearly articulated in formal school announcements.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

학교 (School) 학생 (Student) 하다 (To do) 아프다 (To be sick) 이유 (Reason)

Aprende después

출석 (Attendance) 결근 (Work absence) 지각 (Tardiness) 조퇴 (Leaving early) 사유서 (Reason form)

Avanzado

학업 중단 (Dropping out) 생활기록부 (Student record) 의무 교육 (Compulsory education) 유급 (Repeating a grade)

Gramática que debes saber

-아서/어서 (Reason)

머리가 아파서 결석했어요.

-(으)로 인해 (Cause - Formal)

폭설로 인해 결석하게 되었습니다.

-지 말다 (Prohibition)

내일은 결석하지 마세요.

-게 되다 (Result/Change)

사정상 결석하게 되었습니다.

N 때문에 (Reason - Noun)

감기 때문에 결석했어요.

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Ejemplos por nivel

오늘 학교에 결석했어요.

I was absent from school today.

Simple past tense of 결석하다.

누가 결석했어요?

Who is absent?

Interrogative form.

저는 결석 안 했어요.

I was not absent.

Negative form using 안.

어제 왜 결석했어요?

Why were you absent yesterday?

Using the question word '왜' (why).

아파서 결석했어요.

I was absent because I was sick.

Using -아서 for reason.

민수는 오늘 결석이에요.

Minsu is absent today.

Noun + 이/가 + 결석 + 이다.

내일은 결석하지 마세요.

Please don't be absent tomorrow.

-지 마세요 (prohibition).

친구 두 명이 결석했어요.

Two friends were absent.

Counting people with '명'.

감기 때문에 수업에 결석했습니다.

I was absent from class because of a cold.

N + 때문에 (because of).

결석하면 선생님께 전화하세요.

If you are absent, call the teacher.

-(으)면 (if/when).

어제 결석한 이유가 뭐예요?

What is the reason you were absent yesterday?

Adnominal form (결석한) modifying '이유'.

배가 너무 아파서 결석할 수밖에 없었어요.

I had no choice but to be absent because my stomach hurt so much.

-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (no choice but to).

결석하지 않고 학교에 다 왔어요.

Everyone came to school without any absences.

-지 않고 (without doing).

이번 달에 세 번 결석했어요.

I was absent three times this month.

Frequency counting.

결석한 학생은 숙제를 물어보세요.

Students who were absent, please ask about the homework.

Noun phrase '결석한 학생'.

가족 여행 때문에 결석하게 됐어요.

I ended up being absent due to a family trip.

-게 되다 (to end up/become).

무단 결석은 생활기록부에 남습니다.

Unexcused absences remain on your student record.

Technical term '무단 결석'.

질병으로 인한 결석은 진단서가 필요합니다.

Absence due to illness requires a medical certificate.

-로 인한 (due to).

결석 사유서를 작성해서 제출하세요.

Please write and submit an absence explanation form.

Compound noun '결석 사유서'.

그는 이번 학기에 결석이 한 번도 없었다.

He didn't have a single absence this semester.

Emphasis with '한 번도'.

잦은 결석은 학업 성적에 악영향을 미칩니다.

Frequent absences have a bad effect on academic grades.

Formal vocabulary '악영향', '미치다'.

결석한 기간 동안의 진도를 보충해야 합니다.

You must make up for the progress made during your absence.

Noun '기간' (period).

교수님께 결석에 대해 미리 메일을 드렸어요.

I sent an email to the professor in advance about my absence.

Honorific '드리다'.

피치 못할 사정으로 결석하게 되었습니다.

I became absent due to unavoidable circumstances.

Idiomatic expression '피치 못할 사정'.

출석 점수 미달로 인해 결석 처리가 되었습니다.

It was processed as an absence due to insufficient attendance points.

Passive form '처리가 되다'.

그 학생은 정당한 사유 없이 결석을 일삼았다.

That student habitually stayed absent without a justifiable reason.

-를 일삼다 (to do habitually - usually negative).

결석계를 제출하지 않으면 무단 결석으로 간주됩니다.

If you don't submit an absence report, it will be considered an unexcused absence.

-로 간주되다 (to be considered as).

질병 결석은 출석 인정 결석에 해당합니다.

Sickness absence falls under 'excused absence' (attendance-recognized absence).

-에 해당하다 (to correspond/fall under).

장기 결석 학생들에 대한 관리가 시급합니다.

Management of students with long-term absences is urgent.

Adjective '시급하다' (urgent).

결석한 날짜를 정확히 기입해 주세요.

Please fill in the dates of your absence accurately.

Verb '기입하다' (to fill in/enter).

단순 변심으로 인한 결석은 허용되지 않습니다.

Absence due to a simple change of heart is not permitted.

Formal noun '변심' (change of heart).

결석 사유가 타당하지 않으면 불이익을 받을 수 있습니다.

If the reason for absence is not valid, you may face disadvantages.

Noun '불이익' (disadvantage).

학업 중단의 징후 중 하나는 빈번한 결석입니다.

One of the signs of dropping out of school is frequent absence.

Noun '징후' (sign/omen).

공결 처리 규정에 따라 증빙 서류를 갖춰야 한다.

According to the official absence processing regulations, you must have supporting documents.

-에 따라 (according to).

그는 요로결석으로 인해 극심한 통증을 호소하며 결석했다.

He was absent, complaining of extreme pain due to urinary stones.

Demonstrates the homonym '요로결석' (medical stone).

학교 측은 무단 결석 학생의 소재 파악에 나섰다.

The school has begun to determine the whereabouts of the student who is absent without notice.

Advanced phrase '소재 파악' (locating whereabouts).

가정 내 불화가 자녀의 무단 결석으로 이어지기도 한다.

Discord within the family sometimes leads to a child's unexcused absence.

-로 이어지다 (to lead to).

그의 결석은 단순한 게으름이 아닌 우울증의 발로였다.

His absence was an expression of depression, not simple laziness.

Noun '발로' (expression/manifestation).

출결 현황은 학생의 성실도를 측정하는 주요 지표다.

Attendance status is a key indicator for measuring a student's level of sincerity.

Noun '지표' (indicator).

교권 침해 사건으로 인해 교사가 결강하는 사태가 발생했다.

A situation occurred where the teacher cancelled the lecture due to a violation of teacher's rights.

Distinguishes '결강' (teacher side).

의무교육 대상자의 장기 결석은 아동 학대의 신호일 수 있다.

Long-term absence of a person subject to compulsory education can be a signal of child abuse.

Legal terminology '의무교육 대상자'.

참석과 결석의 경계에서 방황하는 청소년들이 늘고 있다.

The number of teenagers wandering on the boundary between attendance and absence is increasing.

Metaphorical use of '경계' (boundary).

그는 신장 결석 수술을 위해 일주일간 학교에 결석했다.

He was absent from school for a week for kidney stone surgery.

Clear distinction between the two meanings of '결석'.

집단 결석 사태는 교육 환경에 대한 학생들의 저항으로 풀이된다.

The mass absence situation is interpreted as students' resistance to the educational environment.

-로 풀이된다 (is interpreted as).

출결 데이터의 빅데이터 분석을 통해 결석 위험군을 선별한다.

The group at risk of absence is selected through big data analysis of attendance data.

Noun '위험군' (at-risk group).

그의 삶에서 진실은 언제나 결석 중이었다.

In his life, the truth was always absent.

Highly metaphorical/literary use.

결석 사유의 허위 기재는 학칙에 따라 엄격히 처벌받는다.

False entry of the reason for absence is strictly punished according to school regulations.

Noun '허위 기재' (false entry).

포스트 코로나 시대의 결석 개념은 온-오프라인을 넘나든다.

In the post-COVID era, the concept of absence spans across online and offline.

Modern sociological context.

Sinónimos

불참 부재 결강

Antónimos

출석 참석

Colocaciones comunes

무단 결석

결석 사유

결석이 잦다

질병 결석

결석계를 제출하다

장기 결석

결석을 통보하다

결석 처리

공결 인정

단 한 번의 결석

Frases Comunes

결석 사유서

— A written document explaining the reason for an absence. Usually required by schools.

결석 사유서를 이메일로 보냈습니다.

무단 결석자

— A person who is absent without prior notice or permission. Used in official reports.

무단 결석자에 대한 조사가 필요합니다.

결석이 불가피하다

— When an absence is unavoidable due to special circumstances. Formal expression.

가족 행사로 인해 결석이 불가피합니다.

결석을 면하다

— To narrowly avoid being marked absent. Often used when someone arrives just in time.

겨우 도착해서 결석을 면했어요.

결석 대책

— Measures or plans to handle or prevent absences. Used in policy discussions.

학교는 장기 결석 대책을 마련했다.

결석 도장

— A stamp or mark on an attendance sheet indicating absence. Old-fashioned term.

출석부에 결석 도장이 찍혔다.

결석 인원

— The number of people who are absent. Used during roll call.

오늘 결석 인원은 총 세 명입니다.

결석 사태

— A situation where many people are absent at once. Often used during strikes or outbreaks.

독감으로 인한 무더기 결석 사태가 일어났다.

결석 통지서

— A notice sent to parents informing them of their child's absence.

집으로 결석 통지서가 발송되었습니다.

결석생

— A student who is absent. Formal term.

결석생 명단을 확인해 주세요.

Se confunde a menudo con

결석 vs 결근

Absence from work. Used for employees, not students.

결석 vs 불참

Absence from an event or meeting. Used for social gatherings.

결석 vs 결강

Cancellation of a class by the professor. Used for the lecture itself, not the student.

Modismos y expresiones

"밥 먹듯이 결석하다"

— To be absent as habitually as one eats meals. Used for someone who skips class very often.

그는 밥 먹듯이 결석해서 졸업이 힘들 거예요.

Informal/Critical

"눈 가리고 아웅 하며 결석하다"

— To skip class using a shallow, obvious lie. Like 'covering one's eyes and saying meow'.

눈 가리고 아웅 하는 식으로 결석하면 안 된다.

Informal/Criticizing

"결석이 습관이다"

— Absence is a habit. Used for someone chronically unreliable.

너는 결석이 습관이 되었구나.

Neutral

"하늘이 무너져도 결석 안 한다"

— To never be absent even if the sky falls. Used for extremely diligent students.

민수는 하늘이 무너져도 결석 안 하는 학생이다.

Idiomatic/Praising

"결석은 성적의 적이다"

— Absence is the enemy of grades. A common saying in Korean education.

결석은 성적의 적이니 꼭 출석해라.

Proverbial

"무단 결석은 인생의 오점이다"

— Unexcused absence is a stain on one's life. Reflects the extreme importance of records.

무단 결석은 네 생활기록부의 오점이 될 거야.

Serious/Admonishing

"결석으로 때우다"

— To 'fill' or 'substitute' a day with absence. Usually implies avoiding something difficult.

시험 보기 싫어서 결석으로 때웠어.

Slangy

"결석 귀신이 붙다"

— To be possessed by an 'absence ghost'. Used jokingly for someone who suddenly starts missing class.

너 결석 귀신이 붙었니? 왜 자꾸 안 와?

Humorous

"결석의 유혹"

— The temptation to skip class. Common feeling among students.

날씨가 좋으니 결석의 유혹이 생기네요.

Common expression

"개근은 못 해도 결석은 말자"

— Even if we can't get perfect attendance, let's at least not be absent. A minimum goal.

개근은 못 해도 결석은 말아야지.

Casual advice

Fácil de confundir

결석 vs 결석 (結石)

It is a perfect homonym.

One means absence (缺席), the other means medical stones (結石). Context (school vs. hospital) is key.

요로결석 때문에 학교에 결석했어요. (I was absent from school because of urinary stones.)

결석 vs 결근

Both mean absence.

결석 is for school; 결근 is for work. You cannot '결석' a job.

그는 회사에 결근했다. (He was absent from work.)

결석 vs 부재

Both refer to not being somewhere.

부재 is general (not present); 결석 is specific to a scheduled class/school.

부재중 전화 (Missed call/call during absence).

결석 vs 조퇴

Both involve not being in school.

결석 is missing the whole day; 조퇴 is leaving early after attending part of the day.

몸이 안 좋아서 조퇴했어요. (I left school early because I wasn't feeling well.)

결석 vs 지각

Both are attendance issues.

지각 is being late; 결석 is not coming at all.

지각하지 말고 일찍 와라. (Don't be late; come early.)

Patrones de oraciones

N(Place)에 결석했어요.

학교에 결석했어요.

Reason + -아서/어서 결석했어요.

아파서 결석했어요.

N(Reason) 때문에 결석하게 되었습니다.

감기 때문에 결석하게 되었습니다.

N(Reason)으로 인한 결석

질병으로 인한 결석

N을/를 무단 결석하다

수업을 무단 결석하다.

N(Reason)을 사유로 결석하다

가정사를 사유로 결석하다.

결석 처리가 되다

공결로 결석 처리가 되었습니다.

빈번한 결석은 N의 징후이다

빈번한 결석은 학업 중단의 징후이다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

결석 (Absence)

결석계 (Absence report)

무단결석 (Unexcused absence)

병결 (Sick absence)

Verbos

결석하다 (To be absent)

결석시키다 (To make someone absent)

Adjetivos

결석한 (Absent - adnominal form)

Relacionado

출석 (Attendance)

결근 (Work absence)

결강 (Lecture cancellation)

조퇴 (Leaving school early)

지각 (Tardiness)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in educational and administrative contexts.

Errores comunes

Using '결석' for work. → 결근
결석 is for school; 결근 is for work. This is the most common error for learners.
저 학교 결석이에요. → 저 학교 결석했어요 / 결석입니다.
You need a verb or the copula '이다' to complete the sentence. '결석' alone is just a noun.
결석를 했어요. → 결석을 했어요.
The noun '결석' ends in a consonant (ㄱ), so the object particle '을' must be used, not '를'.
Using '결석' for a party. → 불참
'결석' implies an institutional obligation like school. For social events, '불참' is the correct term.
결석했어요 because I was late. → 지각했어요.
If you arrived late but still attended, it is '지각' (tardiness), not '결석' (absence).

Consejos

Use with '하다'

Always remember that '결석' is a noun. To use it as an action, add '하다' to make '결석하다'.

The Power of Attendance

In Korea, attendance is a major part of your grade. Even one '무단 결석' can significantly hurt your chances for top universities.

Work vs. School

Mnemonic: '석' (Seok) is for 'Seat' in school. '근' (Geun) is for 'Geun-mu' (Work).

Emailing Professors

When emailing about an absence, always attach a '증빙 서류' (supporting document) if possible to have it processed as an excused absence.

The 'K' sound

The final 'k' in 'gyeol-seok' is not voiced. It's a sharp stop in the back of the throat.

Casual Alternatives

With friends, say '나 오늘 학교 쨌어' (I ditched school) or '빠졌어' (I missed) to sound more natural.

Check the Deadline

Most schools require a '결석계' within 3 to 5 days of the absence. Don't wait too long!

Hospital Context

If a doctor says you have '결석', they aren't talking about school—they are likely talking about a kidney stone!

Don't confuse with '결강'

'결강' is when the teacher cancels the class. '결석' is when you miss the class.

Learn the Pair

Always learn '결석' and '출석' together. They are the two sides of the attendance coin.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Gyeol' as 'Gap' (an empty space) and 'Seok' as 'Seat'. Gyeol-seok = Gap in the Seat.

Asociación visual

Visualize an empty wooden school desk with a name tag on it, while everyone else is sitting down.

Word Web

School Teacher Attendance Sick Record Desk Empty Grade

Desafío

Try to use '결석' in a sentence today to explain why a famous person might have missed an awards show (even though '불참' is better for awards, using '결석' for practice helps you remember the 'absence' core).

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). '결석' consists of two characters.

Significado original: 缺 (결) means 'to be vacant, to lack, or to be broken.' 席 (석) means 'seat, mat, or place.'

Sino-Korean (Chinese-derived Korean vocabulary).

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to confuse '결석' (absence) with '결석' (medical stones) in a hospital, as it might lead to a confusing medical consultation!

In many English-speaking countries, a few absences are seen as normal and sometimes healthy for 'mental health.' In Korea, '결석' is much more strictly scrutinized.

The K-drama 'Sky Castle' discusses the intense pressure regarding school records including attendance. The 'Perfect Attendance Award' (개근상) is a common trope in Korean coming-of-age movies. News reports often discuss '무단 결석' in relation to juvenile delinquency.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At School (Morning Roll Call)

누가 결석했니?
민수가 결석입니다.
결석생 명단 확인해.
오늘 결석 없지?

At a University (Emailing a Professor)

결석계를 제출합니다.
결석하게 되어 죄송합니다.
공결 처리가 가능할까요?
수업에 결석했습니다.

At Home (Talking to Parents)

오늘 학교 결석하면 안 돼?
왜 결석하려고 하니?
어제 결석했니?
결석 통지서 왔어.

At a Hospital (Getting a Note)

결석 확인서 필요해요.
진단서 끊어주세요.
학교에 제출할 거예요.
병결 처리용입니다.

In a Student Record (Official)

무단 결석 0회
질병 결석 2회
장기 결석 주의
출결 상황 양호

Inicios de conversación

"어제 왜 수업에 결석했어요? (Why were you absent from class yesterday?)"

"이번 학기에 결석한 적 있어요? (Have you been absent at all this semester?)"

"결석 사유서를 어디에 제출해야 하죠? (Where should I submit the absence report?)"

"무단 결석을 하면 어떻게 되나요? (What happens if I have an unexcused absence?)"

"오늘 결석한 학생이 몇 명이에요? (How many students are absent today?)"

Temas para diario

학교에 결석하고 싶었던 날에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a day you wanted to be absent from school.)

한국의 '개근상' 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 적어 보세요. (Write your thoughts on Korea's 'Perfect Attendance Award' culture.)

만약 내가 선생님이라면, 결석한 학생에게 무엇을 물어볼까요? (If I were a teacher, what would I ask an absent student?)

피치 못할 사정으로 결석했던 경험을 공유해 주세요. (Share an experience where you were absent due to unavoidable circumstances.)

결석과 성적의 관계에 대해 자신의 의견을 써 보세요. (Write your opinion on the relationship between absence and grades.)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, '결석' is appropriate for any educational setting, including hagwons. However, in casual speech with friends, '빠지다' is more common for hagwons.

'무단 결석' is an unexcused absence without notice, while '병결' is an absence due to illness, usually requiring a doctor's note to be excused.

You should send a formal email saying, '개인적인 사정으로 인해 오늘 수업에 결석하게 되었습니다. 죄송합니다.' (I have become absent from today's class due to personal circumstances. I am sorry.)

No, you should use '결근' (Gyeol-geun) for work. Using '결석' at work sounds like you think your job is a school.

It is an 'Absence Reason Statement,' a formal document you submit to school to explain why you were away.

Yes, it is one of the most basic and essential words for anyone living or studying in Korea.

No, for weddings or parties, use '불참' (Bul-cham), which means non-attendance at an event.

It stands for 'official absence' (공식적인 결석). This is when the school excuses your absence because you are representing the school in a competition or event.

Yes, as a medical term, it means a 'stone' or 'calculus' in the body, such as a kidney stone.

The opposite is '출석' (Chul-seok), which means attendance.

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