At the A1 level, you primarily learn the word '바쁘다' (bappeuda) to say you are busy. However, introducing '분주하다' (bun-ju-ha-da) helps you understand that Korean has different ways to describe being busy. At this stage, you should think of '분주하다' as a word for a 'busy place' rather than just a 'busy person.' For example, think of a busy market or a busy school morning. You don't need to use it in every sentence, but recognizing it when you see it in a simple story or a news headline is a great first step. It is an adjective, so it behaves like '크다' (big) or '좋다' (good) when you conjugate it. Just remember that it sounds a bit more 'fancy' than '바쁘다'. If you want to say 'The market is busy,' you can say '시장이 분주해요.' This level is about simple identification and basic descriptive use.
At the A2 level, you can start using '분주하다' to describe scenes more vividly. Instead of just saying a place is crowded (사람이 많아요), you can say it is '분주하다' to show that there is a lot of movement and activity happening. You should practice the adverbial form '분주하게' (busily) to describe how people are moving. For example, '사람들이 분주하게 움직여요' (People are moving busily). This adds more detail to your speaking. You will also notice this word in travel guides or simple news articles describing festivals or holidays. You should be able to distinguish it from '바쁘다' by understanding that '분주하다' often involves physical movement or multiple different tasks happening at once. It's a great word to use when describing your morning routine or a busy weekend shopping trip.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '분주하다' in both spoken and written Korean, especially in semi-formal contexts. You can use it to describe not just physical scenes, but also busy periods of time or projects. For example, '신제품 출시를 앞두고 사무실이 아주 분주합니다' (The office is very busy ahead of the new product launch). You should also learn common collocations like '손길이 분주하다' (busy hands/working busily) or '발걸음이 분주하다' (busy footsteps/walking busily). At this level, you can start using the '-느라 분주하다' structure to explain the reason for the activity. This shows a higher level of grammatical control. You should also be able to recognize the difference between '분주하다' and '번잡하다', knowing that the latter often has a more negative or annoying connotation of being too crowded.
At the B2 level, '분주하다' becomes a tool for more nuanced description in essays and formal discussions. You should understand its Hanja roots (奔走 - running and rushing) and how this informs its meaning. You can use it to describe societal trends, such as '현대인들은 늘 분주한 삶을 살아간다' (Modern people always live busy lives). You will encounter this word frequently in literature, where it might be used metaphorically to describe a person's mind or the changing of seasons. You should also be aware of its usage in news reporting and professional emails. For instance, when coordinating a large event, you might describe the preparation phase as '분주한 일정' (a busy/bustling schedule). At this level, your usage should feel natural and appropriately formal, avoiding the mistake of using it in overly casual, personal situations where '바쁘다' is better.
At the C1 level, you can appreciate the stylistic impact of '분주하다'. You might use it to contrast the '분주함' (busyness/bustle) of the city with the '한적함' (tranquility/quietness) of the countryside. You should be able to use it in academic or professional writing to describe complex logistical operations or historical periods of rapid change. You will also understand its use in idiomatic expressions and more obscure literary contexts. Your ability to switch between '바쁘다', '분주하다', '번잡하다', and '혼잡하다' based on the exact nuance of the situation should be near-native. You might also explore the noun form '분주' or '분주다사' (being busy with many things) in classical or very formal texts. Your focus at this level is on precision and the evocative power of the word in sophisticated discourse.
At the C2 level, '분주하다' is a word you can use with complete mastery of its connotations and historical weight. You can discuss the philosophical implications of a '분주한 사회' (bustling society) and its impact on mental health or community. You will recognize the word in high-level literature where it might be used to create a specific atmosphere or to characterize a protagonist's lifestyle. You can use it in highly formal speeches, legal contexts (e.g., describing the activity at a crime scene), or complex business negotiations. You understand how the word functions within the broader landscape of Sino-Korean vocabulary and can use it to maintain a consistent register throughout a long piece of writing or a formal presentation. For you, '분주하다' is not just a synonym for 'busy,' but a specific descriptor of the kinetic energy of human activity.

분주하다 en 30 segundos

  • 분주하다 means 'busy' or 'bustling' with a focus on activity and movement.
  • It is more formal and descriptive than the everyday word '바쁘다'.
  • Commonly used for busy places like markets, airports, or offices.
  • Often paired with '-로' to show what is causing the busyness.

The Korean word 분주하다 (bun-ju-ha-da) is a descriptive verb, or adjective, that translates to being busy, bustling, or full of activity. While English speakers often use the word 'busy' to cover almost any situation where time is short, Korean distinguishes between the simple state of having a lot of work (바쁘다) and the more descriptive, often more formal or literary sense of a scene or person being in a state of high activity and movement. When you use 분주하다, you are painting a picture of movement, multiple tasks being handled simultaneously, and a certain level of external energy. It is derived from Hanja (Chinese characters), where '분' (奔) means to run or rush, and '주' (走) also means to run or go. Literally, it evokes the image of someone running here and there to get things done.

Daily Life Usage
In daily life, you might hear this word when someone is preparing for a big event like a wedding, a holiday, or a move. It describes the state of the household where everyone is moving quickly and many things are happening at once.
Public Spaces
It is frequently used to describe places like traditional markets (시장), airports (공항), or downtown areas (도심) where there is a constant flow of people and commerce.

명절을 앞두고 시장이 상인들과 손님들로 분주하다.

Translation: Ahead of the holiday, the market is bustling with merchants and customers.

The nuance of 분주하다 often implies a sense of purpose. It isn't just chaotic; it is productive busyness. For instance, a kitchen during the lunch rush is 분주하다. A student preparing for multiple exams might find their schedule 분주하다. It is less about the internal feeling of stress (though that can be part of it) and more about the observable state of being extremely occupied. In news reports, you will often hear reporters say that the government is '분주하게 움직이고 있다' (moving busily) to solve a problem, which adds a layer of professional urgency to the word.

Furthermore, the word carries a rhythmic quality. Because of its Hanja roots, it feels more grounded in written tradition. You will encounter it in novels to describe the morning routine of a city or the frantic energy of a battlefield. It captures the essence of life in motion. While '바쁘다' is the go-to for 'I'm busy, I can't talk,' '분주하다' is the go-to for 'The world is busy, and there is much to see and do.' Understanding this distinction helps you move from basic communication to expressive Korean fluency.

Grammatically, 분주하다 is an adjective (descriptive verb). This means it describes a state or quality and follows the standard conjugation rules for adjectives ending in '하다'. In the present tense, it becomes 분주해요 (polite) or 분주합니다 (formal). In the past tense, it becomes 분주했어요 or 분주했습니다. Unlike action verbs, it cannot be used with the progressive '-고 있다' form directly to mean 'I am busying,' but it can be used with the adverbial form 분주하게 to describe how an action is being performed.

Describing Places
When describing a place, use the particle '-가/이' for the subject or '-는/은' for the topic. '공항이 매우 분주합니다' (The airport is very busy).
Describing People
When describing a person's state: '그는 연말이라서 일로 분주하다' (He is busy with work because it is the end of the year).

어머니는 아침부터 식사 준비로 분주하셨다.

Translation: Mother was busy preparing the meal since morning (honorific).

One of the most common ways to use this word is as an adverb: 분주하게. This describes the manner in which people are moving or working. For example, '개미들이 분주하게 먹이를 나르고 있다' (The ants are busily carrying food). Here, it emphasizes the constant, repetitive, and energetic movement. Another common pattern is '...느라 분주하다', where '느라' explains the reason for the busyness: '이사를 하느라 분주해요' (I'm busy moving house).

You can also use it to describe a period of time. '분주한 하루' (a busy day) or '분주한 오전' (a busy morning). In these cases, it functions as a modifier before the noun. To do this, you drop '다' and add 'ㄴ' to the stem '분주하', resulting in '분주한'. This is a very common structure in both spoken and written Korean. Whether you are describing a bustling city street or a person's hectic schedule, 분주하다 provides a rich, descriptive alternative that enhances the texture of your Korean sentences.

While you might use '바쁘다' (bappeuda) in a casual text to a friend, you will encounter 분주하다 in more varied and often more formal contexts. One of the primary places you will hear this word is on the news. Reporters use it to describe scenes of national importance or widespread activity. For instance, during a national election, you will hear that '투표소는 아침 일찍부터 유권자들로 분주합니다' (The polling stations are bustling with voters from early morning). It gives the report a sense of dynamic energy and scale.

Literature and Novels
In literature, authors use it to set the scene. It describes the atmosphere of a setting—like a harbor with ships coming and going or a palace preparing for a royal banquet.
Business and Work
In a corporate setting, a manager might describe the office as '분주하다' during a project deadline or a product launch, implying that everyone is working hard and moving fast.

백화점 식품관은 명절 선물을 사려는 사람들로 매우 분주했다.

Translation: The department store food hall was very busy with people trying to buy holiday gifts.

You will also hear this word in documentaries. When the narrator describes the life of animals or the cycle of nature, they might use 분주하다 to describe birds building nests in the spring or bees collecting pollen. This usage highlights the natural, productive energy of the subjects. In the context of Korean 'Palli-palli' culture, 분주하다 is a word that captures the essence of the country's rapid pace. Whether it's the subway at rush hour or a tech company working on a new app, the word fits perfectly.

Finally, in formal announcements—like those at a train station or an airport—the word might be used to describe the current state of the facility. For example, '현재 공항 내부가 매우 분주하오니...' (As the inside of the airport is currently very busy...). This usage is polite and professional. By listening for 분주하다 in these contexts, you can start to feel the difference between simple 'busyness' and the 'bustling activity' that this word so effectively describes.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is using 분주하다 interchangeably with 바쁘다 in all situations. While they are synonyms, they are not always functional equivalents. If a friend asks if you can talk and you say '나 지금 분주해' (I'm bustling right now), it sounds slightly unnatural or overly dramatic. In that specific personal context, '나 지금 바빠' (I'm busy) is much more common. 분주하다 implies a state of 'doing many things' or 'moving around,' whereas '바쁘다' simply means you have no spare time.

Object vs. Subject
Mistaking it for an action verb: Some learners try to say '일을 분주하다' (to busy the work). This is incorrect because 분주하다 is an adjective. You should say '일을 하느라 분주하다' (to be busy doing work).
Contextual Mismatch
Using it for internal mental states: You wouldn't usually say '내 마음이 분주하다' to mean you are worried, although it can be used poetically. Typically, it refers to physical or organizational activity.

Incorrect: 지금 분주해서 전화를 못 받아요.
Correct: 지금 바빠서 전화를 못 받아요.

Explanation: In a quick excuse for not answering the phone, '바쁘다' is the standard choice.

Another mistake is forgetting the particle '-로' when explaining the cause of the busyness. Many learners say '사람들 분주하다' instead of '사람들 분주하다' (bustling with people). The particle '-로' acts as the bridge that connects the cause of the activity to the state of being busy. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete and grammatically weak.

Lastly, be careful with the level of formality. Using 분주하다 in a very casual setting might make you sound like you are reading from a book. If you are with close friends, stick to '바쁘다'. Use 분주하다 when you want to describe a situation more vividly, such as when telling a story about your morning or explaining why a certain place was so crowded. Mastering the 'when' is just as important as mastering the 'how' with this particular word.

To truly master the concept of 'busyness' in Korean, it is essential to compare 분주하다 with its synonyms and related terms. Each word has a specific flavor and context. The most common alternative is 바쁘다, which is the general, all-purpose word for being busy. If you have no time, you are '바쁘다'. If a place is full of people and movement, it is '분주하다'.

바쁘다 (Bappeuda)
The most common word. Focuses on the lack of time. '나 오늘 바빠' (I'm busy today).
번잡하다 (Beon-jap-ha-da)
This word carries a negative nuance of being 'congested' or 'chaotically busy.' It is often used for crowded streets or complicated procedures.
활기차다 (Hwal-gi-cha-da)
If the busyness is positive and full of life, like a festival, you might use '활기차다' (lively/energetic) instead.

시장이 분주하다 vs. 시장이 번잡하다.

Comparison: '분주하다' describes the activity; '번잡하다' describes the crowded/annoying chaos.

Another interesting word is 정신없다 (jeong-sin-eops-da), which literally means 'to have no spirit/mind.' It is used when you are so busy that you feel scattered or overwhelmed. While 분주하다 is an objective description of activity, '정신없다' is a subjective description of how that activity makes you feel. If you are '분주하다', you are doing many things. If you are '정신없다', you might be forgetting things because you are so busy.

In formal or poetic contexts, you might also see 총망하다 (chong-mang-ha-da), which means to be extremely busy and hurried, but this is quite rare in modern conversation. For most learners, distinguishing between 바쁘다 (personal/time-based), 분주하다 (descriptive/activity-based), and 번잡하다 (negative/crowded) will cover 95% of situations. By choosing the right word, you show a deeper understanding of Korean social and spatial contexts.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

Because both characters mean 'to run', the word emphasizes the physical movement involved in being busy, which is why it's so often used to describe bustling places.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /pun.dzu.ɦa.da/
US /bun.dzu.ɦa.da/
The primary stress is on the second syllable '주' (ju).
Rima con
분주하다 (bunju-hada) 우주하다 (uju-hada - rare) 분투하다 (buntu-hada - to struggle) 분개하다 (bungae-hada - to be indignant) 질주하다 (jilju-hada - to sprint) 폭주하다 (pokju-hada - to run wild) 상주하다 (sangju-hada - to reside) 이주하다 (iju-hada - to migrate)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing '분' like the English 'bun' (bread). It should be 'boon'.
  • Over-aspirating the 'h' in 'hada'. In fast speech, it often becomes nearly silent.
  • Treating it as a two-syllable word. It has four distinct syllables: bun-ju-ha-da.
  • Confusing the 'j' sound with 'z'. Korean doesn't have a 'z' sound.
  • Failing to lengthen the 'u' sound in 'ju'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts once you know the Hanja roots or '바쁘다' connection.

Escritura 3/5

Requires understanding of when to use it vs. '바쁘다' to sound natural.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but choosing the right context takes practice.

Escucha 2/5

Common in news and documentaries, easy to pick out.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

바쁘다 사람 많다 시장 움직이다

Aprende después

번잡하다 혼잡하다 활기차다 여유롭다

Avanzado

동분서주 분주다사 분투하다 정신없다

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Conjugation (-하다)

분주하다 -> 분주해요 / 분주합니다

Adverbial form -하게

분주하게 움직이다

Noun modifying form -ㄴ/은

분주한 거리

Reason marker -느라

공부하느라 분주하다

Cause marker -로/으로

일로 분주하다

Ejemplos por nivel

1

시장이 분주해요.

The market is busy.

Simple present tense polite form.

2

아침에는 집이 분주합니다.

In the morning, the house is busy.

Formal present tense.

3

분주한 거리예요.

It's a busy street.

Adjective modifying a noun.

4

공항이 아주 분주해요.

The airport is very busy.

Use of '아주' (very) as an intensifier.

5

그녀는 오늘 분주해요.

She is busy today.

Describing a person's state.

6

어제는 정말 분주했어요.

Yesterday was really busy.

Past tense polite form.

7

분주한 곳에 가요.

I'm going to a busy place.

Noun modification with '-ㄴ'.

8

우리 학교는 분주합니다.

Our school is busy.

Formal polite ending.

1

사람들이 분주하게 움직이고 있어요.

People are moving busily.

Adverbial form '분주하게'.

2

요리사가 음식을 만드느라 분주해요.

The chef is busy making food.

'-느라' indicates the reason.

3

축제 준비로 마을이 분주합니다.

The village is busy with festival preparations.

'-로' indicates the cause of busyness.

4

이사하느라 아침부터 분주했어요.

I was busy since morning because of moving.

Past tense with a reason.

5

분주한 아침 시간을 보냈어요.

I had a busy morning.

Adjective modifying '시간'.

6

백화점은 항상 사람들로 분주해요.

The department store is always busy with people.

'-로' used for 'full of/with'.

7

그는 전화를 받느라 분주해 보였어요.

He looked busy taking phone calls.

'-아/어 보이다' (looks like).

8

기차역은 여행객들로 분주합니다.

The train station is bustling with travelers.

Formal descriptive sentence.

1

명절을 앞두고 시장 상인들의 손길이 분주하다.

Ahead of the holidays, the hands of the market merchants are busy.

Common collocation '손길이 분주하다'.

2

새 학기가 시작되어 캠퍼스가 분주해졌다.

The campus has become busy as the new semester started.

'-아/어지다' indicates a change of state.

3

그는 여러 가지 프로젝트를 동시에 하느라 매우 분주하다.

He is very busy doing several projects at the same time.

Describing multitasking.

4

분주한 도심을 벗어나 조용한 곳으로 가고 싶어요.

I want to leave the busy city center and go to a quiet place.

Contrasting '분주한' with '조용한'.

5

회의 준비로 사무실 분위기가 매우 분주합니다.

The office atmosphere is very busy with meeting preparations.

Describing '분위기' (atmosphere).

6

벌들은 꽃 사이를 분주하게 날아다닌다.

Bees fly busily between the flowers.

Describing natural activity.

7

그의 일상은 늘 분주함의 연속이다.

His daily life is always a series of busyness.

Noun form '분주함'.

8

우리는 손님 맞이 준비로 하루 종일 분주했다.

We were busy all day preparing to welcome guests.

'-로' indicating the cause.

1

정부는 경제 위기 극복을 위해 분주하게 움직이고 있다.

The government is moving busily to overcome the economic crisis.

Formal/News-style usage.

2

작가는 마감 시간을 맞추기 위해 분주한 나날을 보냈다.

The writer spent busy days to meet the deadline.

Describing a period of time ('나날').

3

항구는 배를 정박시키려는 사람들로 분주한 모습이었다.

The harbor appeared busy with people trying to dock the ships.

'-ㄴ 모습이다' (it is a scene of...).

4

분주한 현대 사회에서 여유를 찾기란 쉽지 않다.

It is not easy to find leisure in a busy modern society.

Social commentary context.

5

그녀는 아침부터 저녁까지 분주한 일정을 소화했다.

She handled a busy schedule from morning to evening.

Collocation '일정을 소화하다'.

6

공연이 시작되기 전 무대 뒤는 매우 분주했다.

Before the performance started, it was very busy backstage.

Describing a specific setting.

7

개미들은 겨울을 나기 위해 분주하게 먹이를 모은다.

Ants busily gather food to survive the winter.

Nature documentary style.

8

사고 현장은 구조 대원들로 인해 분주한 상태였다.

The accident scene was in a busy state due to the rescue workers.

Describing a '상태' (state).

1

도시는 새벽부터 분주한 소음으로 가득 찼다.

The city was filled with busy noises from dawn.

Metaphorical use with '소음' (noise).

2

그는 세속의 분주함에서 벗어나 산사로 떠났다.

He left the busyness of the secular world and went to a mountain temple.

Philosophical/Literary context.

3

선거철이 되면 정치권은 표심을 잡기 위해 분주해진다.

When election season comes, the political world becomes busy to catch votes.

Political commentary.

4

분주한 일상 속에서도 자아를 성찰하는 시간이 필요하다.

Even in a busy daily life, time to reflect on oneself is necessary.

Reflective/Formal writing.

5

전쟁터의 병사들은 다음 작전을 위해 분주하게 움직였다.

The soldiers on the battlefield moved busily for the next operation.

Historical/Narrative context.

6

그의 문체는 분주한 현대인의 삶을 날카롭게 묘사한다.

His writing style sharply depicts the busy lives of modern people.

Literary criticism context.

7

전통 시장의 분주함은 그 지역의 활력을 상징한다.

The bustle of the traditional market symbolizes the vitality of the region.

Sociological observation.

8

연구원들은 실험 결과를 분석하느라 분주한 밤을 보냈다.

The researchers spent a busy night analyzing the experiment results.

Academic/Professional context.

1

인간의 욕망은 끝이 없고, 그로 인해 삶은 늘 분주할 수밖에 없다.

Human desire is endless, and because of that, life cannot help but always be busy.

Philosophical reasoning.

2

역사의 수레바퀴는 멈추지 않고 분주하게 돌아간다.

The wheel of history does not stop and turns busily.

High-level metaphor.

3

그의 생애는 민족의 독립을 위해 분주히 뛰어다닌 삶이었다.

His life was one of busily running around for the independence of the nation.

Biographical/Honorific context.

4

도시의 분주함 이면에 숨겨진 고독을 응시해야 한다.

We must gaze at the loneliness hidden behind the bustle of the city.

Critical analysis.

5

기술의 발전은 우리를 더 편하게 했지만, 동시에 더 분주하게 만들었다.

The advancement of technology made us more comfortable, but at the same time made us busier.

Paradoxical statement.

6

분주다사한 일상 속에서 본질을 잃지 않는 것이 중요하다.

It is important not to lose the essence in a busy and complicated daily life.

Use of the four-character idiom-like phrase '분주다사'.

7

개미의 분주한 움직임에서 우리는 노동의 신성함을 배운다.

From the busy movement of ants, we learn the sanctity of labor.

Moral/Reflective tone.

8

그 연설가는 분주한 청중의 마음을 단번에 사로잡았다.

The speaker captured the hearts of the busy audience at once.

Sophisticated narrative.

Colocaciones comunes

손길이 분주하다
발걸음이 분주하다
아침부터 분주하다
준비로 분주하다
일로 분주하다
시장이 분주하다
거리가 분주하다
사무실이 분주하다
분주하게 움직이다
분주한 일상

Frases Comunes

분주한 하루

— A busy day. Used to describe a day full of tasks and movement.

오늘도 분주한 하루가 시작되었다.

분주한 아침

— A busy morning. Often used for the rush to work or school.

분주한 아침을 보내고 나니 벌써 점심이다.

분주히 움직이다

— To move busily. Emphasizes the action of being busy.

그는 성공을 위해 분주히 움직였다.

분주를 떨다

— To make a fuss or be unnecessarily busy. Often used for someone overreacting.

그는 작은 일에도 분주를 떨며 소란을 피웠다.

분주한 틈

— A busy interval/gap. Used when finding a small moment in a busy schedule.

분주한 틈을 타서 잠깐 휴식을 취했다.

분주한 연말

— A busy end-of-year. Refers to the parties and deadlines at year-end.

분주한 연말을 보내느라 친구들을 못 만났다.

분주한 도심

— A bustling city center. Describes the high energy of a city.

분주한 도심 속에서 조용한 카페를 찾았다.

분주한 현장

— A busy site/scene. Used for construction sites, news scenes, etc.

드라마 촬영 현장은 언제나 분주하다.

분주하게 일하다

— To work busily. Describes a high level of work activity.

직원들이 신제품 개발을 위해 분주하게 일하고 있다.

분주한 나날

— Busy days. Refers to a period of time that is consistently hectic.

그는 사업 준비로 분주한 나날을 보내고 있다.

Se confunde a menudo con

분주하다 vs 바쁘다

바쁘다 is general; 분주하다 is descriptive and focuses on activity/movement.

분주하다 vs 번잡하다

번잡하다 implies a negative sense of being too crowded or complicated.

분주하다 vs 혼잡하다

혼잡하다 is specifically for traffic or crowded public spaces like subways.

Modismos y expresiones

"동분서주하다"

— To run East and West; to be extremely busy running around everywhere.

그는 투자자를 찾기 위해 전국을 동분서주했다.

Formal/Idiom
"눈코 뜰 새 없이 바쁘다"

— To be so busy one doesn't even have time to open eyes and nose (very busy).

요즘 가게가 잘 돼서 눈코 뜰 새 없이 분주해요.

Common
"발바닥에 땀이 나도록 뛰다"

— To run so much that the soles of the feet sweat (working very hard/busily).

그는 행사를 성공시키기 위해 발바닥에 땀이 나도록 분주하게 움직였다.

Common
"손이 열 개라도 모자라다"

— Even ten hands would not be enough (extremely busy).

일손이 부족해서 손이 열 개라도 모자랄 정도로 분주하다.

Common
"정신을 못 차리다"

— To not be able to pull oneself together because it's so busy/chaotic.

손님이 몰려와서 정신을 못 차릴 정도로 분주했다.

Informal
"분주다사하다"

— To be busy with many different matters.

그는 분주다사한 와중에도 가족을 챙겼다.

Formal/Literary
"고양이 손이라도 빌리고 싶다"

— To want to borrow even a cat's hand (being extremely busy and needing any help).

너무 분주해서 고양이 손이라도 빌리고 싶은 심정이다.

Idiom
"눈코 뜰 사이 없다"

— To have no time to breathe or look around.

마감 전이라 눈코 뜰 사이 없이 분주한 사무실.

Common
"동으로 번쩍 서로 번쩍"

— Appearing in the East and then the West (being very busy and moving fast).

그는 동으로 번쩍 서로 번쩍 하며 분주하게 일을 처리했다.

Informal
"몸이 열 개라도 부족하다"

— Even ten bodies would not be enough (having too much to do).

해야 할 일이 너무 많아 몸이 열 개라도 부족할 만큼 분주하다.

Common

Fácil de confundir

분주하다 vs 바쁘다

Both mean 'busy'.

바쁘다 is subjective/time-based. 분주하다 is objective/scene-based.

나 바빠 (I'm busy). 시장이 분주해 (The market is bustling).

분주하다 vs 번잡하다

Both describe a lot of activity.

번잡하다 has a negative connotation of 'too much noise/chaos'.

이곳은 너무 번잡해서 싫다 (I dislike this place because it's too chaotic).

분주하다 vs 분주 (Noun)

Learners might use the noun where the adjective is needed.

분주 is the noun; 분주하다 is the adjective.

연말의 분주함 (The busyness of year-end).

분주하다 vs 정신없다

Both imply a high level of activity.

정신없다 is an informal expression of feeling overwhelmed.

오늘 너무 정신없었어 (Today was so hectic/I lost my mind).

분주하다 vs 활기차다

Both describe a lively scene.

활기차다 is always positive energy; 분주하다 is neutral activity.

활기찬 축제 (Lively festival).

Patrones de oraciones

A2

N이/가 N(으)로 분주하다

공항이 사람들로 분주하다.

A2

V-느라 분주하다

요리하느라 분주하다.

B1

분주하게 V-고 있다

직원들이 분주하게 일하고 있다.

B1

분주한 N

분주한 아침 시간.

B2

N의 손길이 분주하다

어머니의 손길이 분주하다.

B2

분주한 일상을 보내다

그는 분주한 일상을 보내고 있다.

C1

분주함 속의 N

분주함 속의 고독.

C1

분주히 N-을/를 소화하다

분주히 일정을 소화하다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

분주함 Busyness, bustle
분주 Being busy (Hanja root form)

Verbos

분주히 하다 To do something busily

Adjetivos

분주하다 To be busy/bustling

Relacionado

바쁘다 (To be busy)
분투하다 (To struggle/strive)
질주하다 (To sprint/race)
분산하다 (To disperse)
주행하다 (To drive/run)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in written news, literature, and formal descriptions. Moderate in daily speech.

Errores comunes
  • 나 지금 분주해 (to a close friend) 나 지금 바빠

    Using '분주하다' in a very casual personal context sounds overly formal or stiff.

  • 사람들 분주해요 사람들로 분주해요

    You need the particle '-로' to show that the people are the cause of the busyness.

  • 분주하고 있다 분주하게 움직이고 있다

    As an adjective, '분주하다' cannot be used with '-고 있다' (progressive). Use the adverb form with an action verb.

  • 분주한 교통 혼잡한 교통

    While '분주하다' can describe a street, '혼잡하다' is the standard word for traffic congestion.

  • 일을 분주하다 일을 하느라 분주하다

    Adjectives don't take direct objects. Use '-느라' to connect the work to the state of being busy.

Consejos

Context Matters

Use '분주하다' when you want to describe a scene of activity, like a busy hive or a morning market.

Particle Pairing

Always remember to use '-로' (with/by) to indicate what is making the place or person busy.

Sound Natural

In casual speech, stick to '바쁘다'. Save '분주하다' for storytelling or formal descriptions.

Hanja Power

Remembering 奔 (run) + 走 (run) will help you never forget that this word is about movement.

Scene Setting

When writing a diary entry, use '분주한 하루' to summarize a day where you were constantly moving.

News Keywords

When you hear '분주' on the news, look for visuals of crowds or people working hard.

Vs. 번잡하다

If the busyness is annoying or messy, use '번잡하다'. If it's just active, use '분주하다'.

The 'Hand' Idiom

Learn '손길이 분주하다' to describe someone working very hard and skillfully.

Polite Excuses

In a formal setting, saying '분주하여' instead of '바빠서' makes your excuse sound more professional.

Historical Context

This word has been used for centuries to describe the bustling nature of human society.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'BUN' (분) that is 'JU'-icy (주) and everyone is running to get it. The scene is '분주하다'!

Asociación visual

Imagine a time-lapse video of a busy intersection like Shibuya Crossing or Seoul Station. That constant, flowing movement is '분주하다'.

Word Web

Market Airport Morning Festival Preparation Movement Activity Hectic

Desafío

Try to describe your morning routine using '분주하다' instead of '바쁘다' to a language partner or in your journal.

Origen de la palabra

The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 奔 (분) and 走 (주). Both characters essentially mean 'to run' or 'to rush'.

Significado original: The original meaning was literally 'to run around' or 'to rush here and there' to handle affairs.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived).

Contexto cultural

There are no major sensitivities, but avoid using it to describe someone's personal grief or a quiet, solemn occasion as it implies high energy and movement.

English speakers might just say 'busy' for everything, but in Korean, using '분주하다' adds a layer of 'scene-setting' that English often does with words like 'bustling' or 'hectic'.

Often used in Korean news headlines to describe the '분주한' atmosphere of election days. Used in classical poetry to describe the '분주한' life of a government official. Commonly found in the lyrics of K-Indie songs describing the loneliness within a '분주한 도시' (busy city).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Traditional Market

  • 시장이 분주하다
  • 상인들이 분주하다
  • 손님들로 분주하다
  • 분주한 분위기

Morning Rush

  • 분주한 아침
  • 출근길이 분주하다
  • 분주하게 준비하다
  • 아침부터 분주하다

Big Events/Festivals

  • 축제 준비로 분주하다
  • 행사장이 분주하다
  • 분주한 손길
  • 준비하느라 분주하다

Office/Work

  • 업무로 분주하다
  • 사무실이 분주하다
  • 분주한 일상
  • 프로젝트로 분주하다

Travel/Transport

  • 공항이 분주하다
  • 기차역이 분주하다
  • 여행객들로 분주하다
  • 분주한 터미널

Inicios de conversación

"오늘 아침은 왜 이렇게 분주해 보여요? (Why do you look so busy this morning?)"

"명절에는 보통 어떻게 분주하게 보내세요? (How do you usually spend your busy time during holidays?)"

"가장 분주한 곳이 어디라고 생각하세요? (Where do you think is the busiest place?)"

"분주한 일상에서 벗어나고 싶을 때 무엇을 하나요? (What do you do when you want to escape from a busy daily life?)"

"최근에 무엇을 하느라 그렇게 분주하셨어요? (What have you been so busy doing lately?)"

Temas para diario

오늘 하루 중 가장 분주했던 순간에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the busiest moment of your day today.)

내가 좋아하는 분주한 장소(예: 시장, 카페)를 묘사해 보세요. (Describe a busy place you like, e.g., market, cafe.)

분주한 삶과 여유로운 삶 중 어느 쪽을 선호하나요? (Which do you prefer, a busy life or a leisurely life?)

한국의 분주한 문화를 보고 느낀 점을 적어 보세요. (Write down your feelings after seeing Korea's busy culture.)

미래의 내가 분주하게 하고 싶은 일은 무엇인가요? (What is something you want to be busy doing in the future?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but it sounds more formal. It implies the person is doing many things or moving around a lot. '그는 분주하게 일한다' is common.

Yes, especially in hospital or office dramas to describe a chaotic emergency room or a busy work environment.

They are almost identical. '분주하게' is the standard adverbial form, while '분주히' is a slightly more literary adverb form.

Yes, it is a poetic way to say your mind is busy with many thoughts or worries.

Usually, it's considered A2 or B1 because '바쁘다' is taught first as the primary word for 'busy'.

It becomes '분주했다' (plain) or '분주했어요' (polite).

Not necessarily. It is mostly neutral, describing activity. However, too much activity can be tiring.

You can, but '혼잡하다' or '막히다' are more specific to traffic.

Yes, to describe a busy period or project: '분주한 일정 중에도 시간을 내주셔서 감사합니다'.

The most direct opposite is '한가하다' (to be free/leisurely).

Ponte a prueba 182 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence using '분주하다' to describe a busy market.

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

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writing

Translate: 'The airport is bustling with travelers.'

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writing

Use '분주하게' in a sentence about ants.

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writing

Write a sentence about being busy preparing for a festival.

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writing

Translate: 'I had a busy morning today.'

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writing

Use the collocation '손길이 분주하다' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence using '-느라 분주하다' regarding an exam.

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writing

Describe a busy office using '분주하다'.

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writing

Translate: 'The city is busy from dawn.'

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writing

Use '분주한 일상' in a sentence about wanting rest.

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writing

Write a formal sentence about the government being busy.

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writing

Translate: 'The harbor was busy with ships.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a busy department store during a sale.

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writing

Use '분주히' in a sentence about a writer.

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writing

Translate: 'My mind is busy with thoughts.'

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writing

Write about a busy kitchen during lunch time.

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writing

Use '분주다사' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The station is always busy with commuters.'

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writing

Describe a busy street scene using '분주한'.

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writing

Write a sentence about being busy moving house.

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speaking

Say 'The market is busy' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I'm busy with work' in formal Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a busy morning using '분주하게'.

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speaking

Ask a friend if their office is busy: '사무실이 분주해요?'

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speaking

Say 'It's a busy day' using '분주한'.

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speaking

Explain you are busy moving: '이사하느라 분주해요.'

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speaking

Use the honorific form: '어머니께서 분주하십니다.'

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speaking

Say 'The airport is bustling with people.'

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speaking

Describe a lively festival scene.

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speaking

Say 'I spent a busy weekend.'

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speaking

Use '분주하게' to describe ants working.

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speaking

Say 'The station was busy yesterday.'

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speaking

Ask 'Why is it so busy here?'

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speaking

Translate: 'Busy with preparation.'

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speaking

Say 'I'm busy taking calls.'

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speaking

Describe a busy kitchen.

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speaking

Say 'The world is busy.'

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speaking

Say 'I want to escape busyness.'

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speaking

Use '손길' in a sentence about cooking.

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speaking

Say 'The office is busy today.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and write: '시장이 사람들로 분주하다.'

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listening

Listen and write: '분주한 아침 시간.'

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listening

Listen and write: '분주하게 움직여요.'

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listening

Listen and write: '일로 분주합니다.'

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listening

Listen and write: '준비하느라 분주해요.'

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listening

Listen and write: '손길이 분주하다.'

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listening

Listen and write: '분주한 일상.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: '공항이 매우 분주해요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: '분주히 돌아가다.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: '어제는 정말 분주했어요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: '분주한 거리의 풍경.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: '회의로 분주한 사무실.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: '분주하게 일하고 있다.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: '이사 준비로 분주하다.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: '분주함 속에 여유.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 182 correct

Perfect score!

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