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A2 noun #6,000 más común 10 min de lectura

조퇴

jotoe Top 6,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 조퇴 en 30 segundos

Explicación 조퇴 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '조퇴' means leaving school or work early. It is usually because someone is sick. You will see it used with the verb '하다' to make '조퇴해요' (I leave early). For a beginner, the most important thing is to distinguish it from '집에 가요' (I go home). While '집에 가요' is just going home, '조퇴해요' means you are going home *before* the time you were supposed to. You might hear a teacher ask, '왜 조퇴해요?' (Why are you leaving early?) and a student answer, '아파서 조퇴해요' (I'm leaving early because I'm sick). Focus on this simple cause-and-effect relationship. Do not worry about the formal paperwork or corporate rules yet. Just remember: Early + Leave = 조퇴.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to use '조퇴' in slightly more complex sentences, such as those using '-(으)면' (if) or '-아/어서' (because). You are beginning to understand that in Korea, you can't just leave; you have to ask for permission. You should learn phrases like '조퇴해도 돼요?' (May I leave early?). You also start to see the word in workplace contexts, not just school. You should be able to explain a simple reason for your '조퇴', such as '열이 나서 조퇴하고 싶어요' (I have a fever, so I want to leave early). At this level, you are also expected to know the difference between '지각' (late) and '조퇴' (early leave) as two types of attendance issues.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social and administrative implications of '조퇴'. In Korea, attendance is very important for your reputation. You should know that '조퇴' is recorded in school and can be seen by universities. You should be able to use more formal language when requesting it, such as '조퇴를 하려고 합니다' (I intend to leave early). You should also be familiar with related words like '조퇴증' (early leave slip) and '보건실' (nurse's office). You can describe more specific reasons for leaving early, such as '가족 행사가 있어서' (because there is a family event) or '급한 서류를 제출하러 가야 해서' (because I have to go submit urgent documents). You are moving beyond just 'feeling sick' as a reason.

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At the B2 level, you can discuss the cultural nuances of '조퇴' in the Korean workplace, such as the 'nunchi' (social sensing) involved in asking a boss to leave early. You should be able to use the word in the context of labor rights and company policies. For example, '조퇴가 잦으면 인사 고과에 부정적인 영향을 줄 수 있다' (Frequent early departures can negatively impact performance evaluations). You should also understand the difference between '조퇴' and '반차' (half-day off) clearly and be able to choose the right one depending on whether the leave is planned or unplanned. You can use advanced grammatical structures like '-느니 차라리' (rather than...) to express opinions about leaving early versus staying while sick.

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At the C1 level, you are expected to understand '조퇴' in academic and professional discourse. You might read articles about how 'flexible work hours' (유연근무제) are reducing the need for traditional '조퇴'. You should be able to use the word in metaphorical or idiomatic contexts if they arise, though '조퇴' is mostly literal. You understand the legal aspects, such as how '조퇴' hours are calculated toward total working hours in a month. You can participate in a debate about whether '조퇴' for 'mental health days' should be more widely accepted in the rigid Korean corporate culture. Your vocabulary includes related formal terms like '근태 관리' (attendance management) and '조기 퇴근' (early clock-out).

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '조퇴'. You understand the historical evolution of attendance culture in Korea, from the strict 1980s 'Gung-geun' (perfect attendance) obsession to the modern era. You can use '조퇴' in high-level literature or news reporting. You might notice subtle nuances, such as how '조퇴' sounds slightly more 'excused' than '무단 이탈' (unauthorized departure). You can analyze the socio-economic impact of '조퇴' patterns in different industries. You are comfortable using the word in complex legal contracts or labor dispute documents where '조퇴' might be defined with specific minute-by-minute criteria. You can also recognize when '조퇴' is used humorously or ironically in social media trends.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

조퇴 en 30 segundos

Leaving work or school early.
Often due to illness or emergency.
Requires permission from a superior.
Different from a planned half-day off.

The Korean word 조퇴 (Jotoe) is a noun that specifically refers to the act of leaving a place of obligation, such as a school or a workplace, before the official scheduled time has concluded. Derived from Hanja (Chinese characters), the word is composed of 早 (조 - early) and 退 (퇴 - retreat/leave). In the context of the South Korean educational system and corporate culture, 조퇴 is not merely a casual departure; it is a formal administrative status that usually requires a valid justification and prior approval from a superior or a teacher. For students, 조퇴 is recorded in their official academic transcripts and can influence their overall attendance record, which is a critical factor in university admissions. In the professional world, 조퇴 is often utilized when an employee feels unwell or has an urgent family matter that cannot wait until the end of the business day. Unlike a 'half-day off' (반차), which is a pre-planned portion of annual leave, 조퇴 often implies a more immediate or unplanned departure due to circumstances arising during the day.

Etymological Root: The character 早 (조) signifies 'early' or 'morning,' while 退 (퇴) means 'to go back' or 'to withdraw.' Together, they create the specific meaning of withdrawing from one's post or desk before the appointed hour.

갑자기 몸이 너무 안 좋아서 선생님께 말씀드리고 조퇴를 했어요. (I suddenly felt very unwell, so I spoke to the teacher and left school early.)

Understanding the nuance of 조퇴 is essential for anyone navigating Korean social structures. It is distinct from '퇴근' (leaving work at the normal time) and '결석' (being absent for the entire day). If you arrive late, that is '지각'. If you leave early, it is '조퇴'. If you leave in the middle and come back, it is '외출'. These distinctions are vital for maintaining a professional or academic reputation. In a high-pressure environment, 조퇴 is sometimes viewed with a degree of guilt, as the individual might feel they are burdening their colleagues by leaving early. However, modern Korean society is increasingly recognizing the importance of health and work-life balance, making 조퇴 for medical reasons more socially acceptable than in previous decades.

Workplace Application: In a corporate setting, one might say '조퇴하겠습니다' (I will leave early) to a manager. This is usually followed by a reason, such as '몸살 기운이 있어서' (Because I have symptoms of a cold/body ache).

부장님, 집안에 급한 일이 생겨서 오늘 한 시간만 일찍 조퇴해도 될까요? (Manager, an urgent family matter has come up; may I leave an hour early today?)

Academic Impact: In middle and high school, frequent 'unauthorized early departures' (무단 조퇴) can negatively impact a student's character evaluation score, which is why students always seek a '조퇴증' (early leave slip) signed by the nurse or homeroom teacher.

보건실에서 조퇴증을 끊어서 집으로 돌아갔다. (I got an early leave slip from the nurse's office and went home.)

어제는 머리가 너무 아파서 조퇴하고 푹 쉬었어요. (Yesterday, I had a terrible headache, so I left early and took a good rest.)

Using 조퇴 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as a noun and its functional use as a verb when combined with '하다'. In most daily conversations, it acts as a justification for one's absence during the latter part of a day. It is crucial to pair it with appropriate particles like '를' (object marker) or '가' (subject marker) depending on the sentence structure. For example, '조퇴를 하다' is the standard way to say 'to do an early leave.' In more formal settings, you might hear '조퇴를 신청하다' (to apply for early leave) or '조퇴를 허가받다' (to receive permission for early leave).

The Verb Form: 조퇴하다: This is the most common way to express the action. It follows the standard 'Noun + 하다' pattern. Example: '저는 오늘 조퇴해야 해요' (I have to leave early today).

과장님, 아이가 아파서 그런데 오늘만 좀 일찍 조퇴해도 될까요? (Manager, my child is sick, so would it be okay if I leave a bit early today?)

Another important aspect is the reason for 조퇴. Usually, the reason is stated before the word 조퇴. Common reasons include '병가' (sick leave), '개인 사정' (personal reasons), or '급한 일' (urgent matter). When these are combined, the sentence structure often looks like '[Reason] 때문에 조퇴하다'.

Common Reason Patterns: - 감기 때문에 조퇴했어요 (I left early because of a cold).
- 집안일로 조퇴를 신청했습니다 (I applied for early leave due to family matters).
- 몸이 안 좋아서 조퇴할게요 (I'll leave early because I don't feel well).

그 학생은 어제 배가 아파서 조퇴했다고 들었어요. (I heard that student left school early yesterday because of a stomachache.)

Formal vs. Informal: In formal documents or announcements, you might see '조퇴자' (person who leaves early). In informal speech among friends, you might say '나 오늘 조퇴하고 싶다' (I want to leave early today).

오늘 조퇴한 사람이 누구누구죠? (Who are the people who left early today?)

회의 중에 갑자기 조퇴를 하게 되어서 죄송합니다. (I am sorry for having to leave early suddenly during the meeting.)

The word 조퇴 is ubiquitous in environments governed by strict schedules. You will most frequently encounter it in schools, offices, and military contexts. In a Korean school, the 'homeroom teacher' (담임 선생님) is the primary person who handles 조퇴 requests. Students often go to the 'health room' (보건실) first if they feel sick, and the school nurse provides a note that facilitates the 조퇴 process. In office environments, the process is slightly different depending on the company's size. In large conglomerates (재벌), 조퇴 might be logged through an electronic HR system, whereas in smaller 'startups' or 'SMEs,' it might just be a verbal agreement with the team leader.

In the Drama/Media: In K-Dramas, you often see a character 'faking' an illness to 조퇴 so they can meet a secret lover or attend an urgent event. The dramatic tension often comes from the fear of being caught by a strict boss or a parent.

드라마 주인공이 아픈 척하며 조퇴를 시도하고 있어요. (The drama protagonist is pretending to be sick and attempting to leave early.)

You will also hear this word in hospital waiting rooms. A patient might say to a nurse, '회사에서 조퇴하고 왔어요' (I left work early and came here). This immediately communicates the urgency of their health issue. In news reports, you might hear about '무단 조퇴' (unauthorized early departure) in the context of government officials or public servants failing to fulfill their duty hours, which is often a source of public criticism.

News and Official Reports: '공무원들의 무단 조퇴가 적발되어 논란이 되고 있습니다' (The unauthorized early departures of public servants have been detected and are causing controversy.)

선생님, 저 오늘 몸이 너무 안 좋아서 조퇴해야 할 것 같아요. (Teacher, I don't feel well today, so I think I need to leave school early.)

Social Media: On platforms like Instagram or Twitter, people post photos of themselves at a cafe at 3 PM with the hashtag #조퇴, celebrating a rare break from their routine.

오늘 날씨가 너무 좋아서 그냥 조퇴하고 싶네요! (The weather is so nice today, I just want to leave early!)

명절 전날이라 회사에서 전 직원 조퇴를 시켜 주셨어요. (Since it's the day before the holiday, the company let all employees leave early.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make with 조퇴 is confusing it with other time-related attendance terms. Because Korean has specific words for every type of absence or scheduling change, using the wrong one can lead to significant misunderstandings. The most common confusion is between 조퇴 (leaving early) and 퇴근 (leaving work at the regular time). If you tell your boss '조퇴하겠습니다' when it is actually 6:00 PM (the normal closing time), they will be very confused because 조퇴 implies you are leaving *before* you are supposed to.

Confusion with '퇴근' (Leaving Work): - Wrong: 6시니까 조퇴할게요. (It's 6 o'clock, so I'll leave early.)
- Right: 6시니까 퇴근할게요. (It's 6 o'clock, so I'll leave work.)

정시에 나가는 것은 퇴근이고, 정시보다 일찍 나가는 것만 조퇴입니다. (Leaving on time is 'toegeun', and only leaving earlier than the scheduled time is 'jotoe'.)

Learners also often mix up 조퇴 with 외출 (going out). 외출 refers to leaving the premises temporarily with the intention of returning. If you leave at 1 PM to see a doctor and come back at 3 PM to finish your work, that is '외출'. If you leave at 1 PM and go straight home, that is '조퇴'. Mixing these up can cause your colleagues to wait for you to return when you have no intention of doing so.

Confusion with '외출' (Stepping Out): - 외출: Temporary departure, will return.
- 조퇴: Permanent departure for the day, will not return.

잠깐 은행에 다녀오는 것은 외출이지 조퇴가 아닙니다. (Going to the bank for a moment is 'oechul', not 'jotoe'.)

Grammar Mistake: Particle Usage: Some students say '조퇴를 갔어요' (went to early leave). This is incorrect. You should say '조퇴를 했어요' (did early leave) or '조퇴하고 집에 갔어요' (left early and went home).

'조퇴를 가다'라는 표현은 틀린 표현이며, '조퇴하다' 또는 '조퇴를 하다'가 맞습니다. (The expression 'jotoereul gada' is wrong; 'jotoehada' or 'jotoereul hada' is correct.)

허락 없이 조퇴하는 것은 회사 규정 위반입니다. (Leaving early without permission is a violation of company regulations.)

To master the use of 조퇴, one must understand its relationship with other attendance-related vocabulary. These words form a cluster of meanings that describe how one interacts with their required hours of presence. For instance, the opposite of 조퇴 is not exactly 'arriving late,' but 'staying late' (야근 in a work context). However, in terms of 'irregular attendance,' the counterpart is 지각 (tardiness).

Comparison: 조퇴 vs. 반차: - 조퇴 (Early Leave): Usually unplanned, often due to illness or sudden emergency. It might or might not be deducted from your formal leave balance depending on company policy.
- 반차 (Half-day Off): A formal use of half a day of your annual leave. Usually planned in advance (e.g., 'I'm taking a half-day next Friday to go to the airport').

갑자기 아파서 하는 것은 조퇴이고, 미리 계획해서 오후에 쉬는 것은 오후 반차입니다. (Leaving because you're suddenly sick is 'jotoe', and resting in the afternoon by planning ahead is 'afternoon bancha'.)

Comparison: 조퇴 vs. 외출: - 조퇴: You leave and go home. Your workday/schoolday is over.
- 외출: You leave for a specific task (bank, quick hospital visit) and come back to finish the day.

병원에만 다녀오려면 외출을 하고, 병원 갔다가 바로 집에 가려면 조퇴를 하세요. (If you're just going to the hospital and back, do 'oechul'; if you're going to the hospital and then straight home, do 'jotoe'.)

Comparison: 조퇴 vs. 하교: 하교 (Hagyo) simply means 'leaving school' at the end of the day. It is the school equivalent of '퇴근'. 조퇴 is 'early hagyo'.

정규 수업이 끝나고 집에 가는 것은 하교라고 합니다. 조퇴와는 다릅니다. (Going home after regular classes end is called 'hagyo'. It is different from 'jotoe'.)

급하게 조퇴하는 대신 반차를 쓰는 것이 동료들에게 덜 미안할 때도 있어요. (Sometimes taking a half-day off instead of suddenly leaving early feels less apologetic toward colleagues.)

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In old Korea, this term wasn't used for modern schools but the concept of leaving one's duty early has always been strictly regulated.

Guía de pronunciación

UK tɕo.tʰwe̞

US tʃoʊ.tʰweɪ

The stress is equal on both syllables, typical of Korean.

Rima con

교회 (gyo-hoe) 후회 (hu-hoe) 기회 (gi-hoe) 의회 (ui-hoe) 국회 (guk-hoe) 대회 (dae-hoe) 사회 (sa-hoe) 조회 (jo-hoe)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'toe' as the English word 'toe' (foot digit). It should be more like 't-way'.
Making the 'j' sound too heavy like 'Joe'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The word itself is simple, but in news articles, it can appear in complex contexts.

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowing the correct particles (를/가) and the verb '하다'.

Expresión oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce once you master the 'oe' sound.

Escucha 2/5

Commonly heard in school and office settings.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

학교 회사 아프다 가다 일찍

Aprende después

지각 결석 반차 연차 휴가

Avanzado

근태 인사고과 복리후생 유연근무제

Gramática que debes saber

-아/어서 (Reasoning)

아파서 조퇴했어요.

-(으)면 (Condition)

아프면 조퇴하세요.

-아/어도 되다 (Permission)

조퇴해도 돼요?

-고 싶다 (Desire)

조퇴하고 싶어요.

-ㄴ/은 적이 있다 (Experience)

조퇴한 적이 있어요.

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Ejemplos por nivel

저는 오늘 조퇴해요.

I am leaving early today.

Present tense of 조퇴하다.

왜 조퇴해요?

Why are you leaving early?

Interrogative form.

아파서 조퇴해요.

I leave early because I am sick.

-아/어서 (reason) + 조퇴하다.

언니는 어제 조퇴했어요.

My older sister left early yesterday.

Past tense.

조퇴하고 싶어요.

I want to leave early.

-고 싶다 (desire).

학교에서 조퇴했어요.

I left early from school.

-에서 (location) + 조퇴했다.

조퇴는 안 돼요.

Leaving early is not allowed.

-는 안 돼요 (prohibition).

선생님, 조퇴해도 돼요?

Teacher, may I leave early?

-아/어도 돼요? (asking permission).

머리가 너무 아파서 조퇴를 했어요.

I had a bad headache, so I left early.

Noun + 를 하다 structure.

몸이 안 좋으면 조퇴하세요.

If you don't feel well, please leave early.

-(으)면 (if) + -(으)세요 (polite command).

조퇴하고 병원에 갔어요.

I left early and went to the hospital.

-고 (sequential action).

어제 조퇴한 사람이 누구예요?

Who is the person who left early yesterday?

Past tense noun modifier -(으)ㄴ.

부장님께 조퇴를 허락받았어요.

I received permission from the department manager to leave early.

Passive-like structure '허락받다'.

조퇴 사유를 적어 주세요.

Please write down the reason for leaving early.

사유 (reason) + -아/어 주세요.

오늘은 조퇴하는 사람이 많아요.

There are many people leaving early today.

Present tense noun modifier -는.

갑자기 조퇴하게 되어서 미안해요.

I'm sorry for having to leave early suddenly.

-게 되다 (result of circumstances).

조퇴를 하려면 선생님의 허락이 필요해요.

In order to leave early, you need the teacher's permission.

-(으)려면 (in order to).

감기 기운이 있어서 조퇴를 신청했습니다.

I applied for early leave because I have symptoms of a cold.

Formal -습니다 ending.

조퇴를 자주 하면 성적에 안 좋을 수 있어요.

If you leave early often, it can be bad for your grades.

-(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (possibility).

보건실에서 조퇴증을 받아야 합니다.

You must get an early leave slip from the nurse's office.

-아/어야 하다 (obligation).

회의가 끝나고 나서 조퇴를 할게요.

I will leave early after the meeting ends.

-고 나서 (after finishing).

조퇴 사유가 타당하지 않으면 안 됩니다.

It won't do if the reason for leaving early is not valid.

타당하다 (valid) + -지 않으면 안 되다.

아이가 유치원에서 아프다고 해서 조퇴했어요.

I left early because they said my child was sick at kindergarten.

-다고 하다 (indirect quote).

조퇴하고 집에 가서 푹 쉬는 게 좋겠어요.

It would be good to leave early, go home, and take a good rest.

-는 게 좋겠다 (suggestion).

조퇴를 하려면 미리 팀장님께 보고를 드려야 합니다.

To leave early, you must report to the team leader in advance.

Honorific -드리다.

업무가 너무 많아서 조퇴는 꿈도 못 꿔요.

I have so much work that I can't even dream of leaving early.

Idiom '꿈도 못 꾸다'.

몸이 안 좋은데 억지로 참지 말고 조퇴하세요.

Don't force yourself to endure it when you're unwell; just leave early.

-지 말고 (don't do X, do Y).

조퇴 기록이 인사 고과에 영향을 미칠까 봐 걱정돼요.

I'm worried that my record of leaving early might affect my performance evaluation.

-(으)ㄹ까 봐 (fear that...).

부득이한 사정으로 인해 조퇴하게 되었습니다.

I have come to leave early due to unavoidable circumstances.

-로 인해 (due to).

조퇴한 시간만큼 월급에서 차감되는 경우도 있습니다.

There are cases where pay is deducted by the amount of time you left early.

-는 경우 (cases where...).

그는 어제 조퇴를 핑계로 데이트를 하러 갔다.

He went on a date yesterday using leaving early as an excuse.

-를 핑계로 (as an excuse).

조퇴를 허가하는 기준이 회사마다 다릅니다.

The standards for permitting early leave differ for each company.

Noun modifier -는.

유연근무제가 도입되면서 조퇴라는 개념이 점차 사라지고 있다.

With the introduction of flexible work hours, the concept of 'early leave' is gradually disappearing.

-면서 (while/as).

잦은 조퇴는 조직의 사기를 저하시키는 요인이 될 수 있다.

Frequent early departures can be a factor that lowers the morale of the organization.

저하시키다 (to lower/deteriorate).

그는 건강상의 이유로 조퇴를 권고받았다.

He was advised to leave early for health reasons.

권고받다 (to be advised/recommended).

조퇴 사유가 불분명할 경우 승인이 거절될 수 있습니다.

If the reason for early leave is unclear, approval may be denied.

-ㄹ 경우 (in case of).

학업 중도 포기나 무단 조퇴는 학생 기록부에 남게 된다.

Giving up on studies midway or unauthorized early departures will remain in the student record.

-게 되다 (resultative).

근로기준법에 따르면 조퇴 시간에 대한 임금 지급 여부는 단체협약에 따른다.

According to the Labor Standards Act, whether wages are paid for early leave hours depends on the collective agreement.

-에 따르면 (according to).

그 선수는 부상으로 인해 경기 도중 조퇴와 다름없는 교체를 당했다.

That player was substituted during the game due to injury, which was no different from leaving early.

-와 다름없는 (no different from).

조퇴를 밥 먹듯이 하는 그의 태도가 문제다.

His attitude of leaving early as if it were a common meal (very frequently) is the problem.

-를 밥 먹듯이 하다 (to do something very frequently).

조퇴의 남발은 공직 사회의 기강 해이를 여실히 보여주는 대목이다.

The excessive use of early leave is a part that clearly shows the lax discipline of the public service society.

여실히 (clearly/vividly).

근태의 기본은 지각과 조퇴를 삼가는 것에서부터 시작된다.

The basics of attendance management begin with refraining from tardiness and early departures.

삼가다 (to refrain from).

조퇴가 업무 생산성에 미치는 영향에 대한 심층적인 분석이 필요하다.

An in-depth analysis of the impact of early leave on work productivity is needed.

심층적인 (in-depth).

그는 조퇴를 일삼으면서도 자신의 권리만을 주장했다.

While making a habit of leaving early, he only insisted on his own rights.

-을 일삼다 (to do something bad habitually).

상급자의 묵인 하에 이루어지는 무단 조퇴는 조직 문화를 해친다.

Unauthorized early departures occurring under the superior's tacit approval harm the organizational culture.

묵인 (tacit approval).

조퇴는 단순한 시간의 결손이 아니라 책임감의 결여로 비칠 수 있다.

Early leave is not just a deficit of time but can be seen as a lack of responsibility.

-로 비치다 (to be seen as).

사내 규정의 허점을 이용해 조퇴를 악용하는 사례가 늘고 있다.

Cases of abusing early leave by taking advantage of loopholes in company regulations are increasing.

악용하다 (to abuse/misuse).

조퇴 신청 절차를 간소화하되, 증빙 서류는 엄격히 검토해야 한다.

The procedure for applying for early leave should be simplified, but supporting documents must be strictly reviewed.

-하되 (do X, but...).

Colocaciones comunes

조퇴를 하다

조퇴를 신청하다

조퇴를 허락받다

조퇴 사유

무단 조퇴

조퇴증을 끊다

조퇴를 시키다

조퇴가 잦다

조퇴를 권유하다

조퇴 처리

Frases Comunes

조퇴 좀 할게요

— I'm going to leave early. Used when informing someone of your departure.

저 오늘 몸이 안 좋아서 조퇴 좀 할게요.

조퇴해도 될까요?

— May I leave early? The polite way to ask for permission.

부장님, 오늘 조퇴해도 될까요?

조퇴 사유서

— Early leave justification form. A document explaining why you left early.

조퇴 사유서를 제출해 주세요.

조퇴 시간

— The time at which one leaves early.

조퇴 시간이 언제였죠?

전원 조퇴

— Everyone leaving early. Often happens before holidays.

명절이라 전원 조퇴를 했습니다.

조퇴생

— A student who leaves school early.

교문 앞에 조퇴생들이 모여 있다.

조퇴를 달다

— To formally register an early leave in an HR system.

시스템에 조퇴를 달아 놓으세요.

조퇴 허가

— Permission for early leave.

조퇴 허가가 아직 안 났어요.

조퇴 바람

— A trend or desire to leave early.

금요일 오후만 되면 조퇴 바람이 분다.

조퇴 결정

— The decision to leave early.

결국 조퇴 결정을 내렸습니다.

Se confunde a menudo con

조퇴 vs 퇴근

퇴근 is leaving at the regular time; 조퇴 is leaving early.

조퇴 vs 외출

외출 is leaving temporarily and coming back; 조퇴 is leaving for the day.

조퇴 vs 반차

반차 is a planned half-day of leave; 조퇴 is usually an unplanned early departure.

Modismos y expresiones

"조퇴를 밥 먹듯이 하다"

— To leave early very frequently, as often as one eats.

그는 조퇴를 밥 먹듯이 해서 해고당했다.

Informal

"눈치 조퇴"

— Leaving early while being very conscious of others' opinions.

부장님이 퇴근하시자마자 눈치 조퇴를 했다.

Slang/Workplace

"칼조퇴"

— Leaving early exactly at a specific (often early) time without hesitation.

일이 끝나자마자 칼조퇴를 했다.

Slang

"조퇴각"

— A situation where it looks like one should or could leave early.

오늘 날씨 보니까 완전 조퇴각인데?

Slang

"몰래 조퇴"

— Leaving early secretly without telling anyone.

아무도 모르게 몰래 조퇴를 했다.

Informal

"조퇴 유발자"

— Someone or something that makes people want to leave early.

이 지루한 회의는 정말 조퇴 유발자야.

Informal

"조퇴 찬스"

— An opportunity to leave early.

갑자기 회의가 취소되어서 조퇴 찬스를 얻었다.

Slang

"조퇴 요정"

— Someone who frequently leaves early (often used sarcastically).

우리 팀 조퇴 요정은 오늘도 일찍 갔네.

Slang

"반조퇴"

— Leaving early but only for a very short duration (not a standard term).

잠깐 나갔다 오는 반조퇴를 했다.

Non-standard

"조퇴 투혼"

— Leaving early despite trying hard to stay (ironic).

조퇴 투혼을 발휘해 병원으로 향했다.

Humorous

Fácil de confundir

조퇴 vs 지각

Both are attendance issues.

지각 is coming late; 조퇴 is leaving early.

지각하지 말고 조퇴도 하지 마세요.

조퇴 vs 결석

Both involve not being there.

결석 is for the whole day; 조퇴 is for part of the day.

어제는 결석했고 오늘은 조퇴했어요.

조퇴 vs 하교

Both involve leaving school.

하교 is the normal end of school; 조퇴 is leaving before that.

하교 시간 전에 조퇴했어요.

조퇴 vs 퇴사

Both start with '퇴'.

퇴사 is quitting the job entirely; 조퇴 is just leaving early for one day.

조퇴하려다가 퇴사하고 싶어졌다.

조퇴 vs 공가

Both are types of leave.

공가 is official leave for public duties; 조퇴 is usually personal/medical.

예비군 훈련은 공가이지 조퇴가 아닙니다.

Patrones de oraciones

N이/가 조퇴해요.

민수 씨가 조퇴해요.

V-아/어서 조퇴해요.

배가 아파서 조퇴해요.

조퇴해도 돼요?

선생님, 조퇴해도 돼요?

조퇴한 적이 있어요.

학교에서 조퇴한 적이 있어요.

조퇴를 하려면...

조퇴를 하려면 허락을 받아야 해요.

조퇴하는 대신에...

조퇴하는 대신에 약을 먹었어요.

조퇴가 잦으면...

조퇴가 잦으면 평가가 안 좋아요.

조퇴를 일삼다.

그는 조퇴를 일삼는 사람이다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

조퇴생 (Student leaving early)

조퇴증 (Early leave slip)

조퇴 사유 (Reason for leaving early)

Verbos

조퇴하다 (To leave early)

조퇴시키다 (To make/allow someone to leave early)

Relacionado

지각 (Tardiness)

결석 (Absence)

퇴근 (Leaving work)

하교 (Leaving school)

외출 (Stepping out)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in daily life, especially in professional and academic settings.

Errores comunes

Using 조퇴 instead of 퇴근 at the end of the day. → 6시에 퇴근해요.
조퇴 is only for leaving *earlier* than the scheduled time. Leaving on time is 퇴근.
Saying '조퇴를 가다'. → 조퇴를 하다 or 조퇴하다.
In Korean, you 'do' (하다) an early leave, you don't 'go' (가다) it.
Using 조퇴 for a temporary trip to the bank. → 외출을 다녀올게요.
If you are returning to the office, it is 외출, not 조퇴.
Using 조퇴 for a planned vacation. → 내일 오후에 반차예요.
Planned time off should be called 반차, while 조퇴 usually implies a sudden need to leave.
Forgetting to use honorifics with a boss. → 조퇴해도 되겠습니까?
Asking a superior for 조퇴 requires high-level politeness because you are asking for a favor.

Consejos

Be Specific

When asking for 조퇴, always provide a reason. Simply saying 'I want to leave early' can sound rude. Say 'I have a fever' or 'I have an urgent family matter'.

Particle Choice

Use '조퇴를 하다' for the action and '조퇴가 있다' to say there is an early leave recorded.

Nunchi Matters

In a Korean office, look at your boss's mood before asking for 조퇴. This is called 'nunchi'. If the boss is very busy, wait for a better moment.

Nurse First

If you are a student, go to the nurse's office (보건실) first. A note from the nurse makes getting '조퇴' permission from your teacher much easier.

Don't Confuse with Oechul

If you are coming back, use '외출'. If you are not coming back, use '조퇴'. This is a very important distinction in an office.

Written Requests

In formal emails, use '조퇴하고자 합니다' (I wish to leave early) instead of '조퇴할게요'.

Using 'Jotoe-gak'

Use '조퇴각' with friends to jokingly say that the situation is perfect for leaving early.

Medical Proof

Keep your hospital receipt if you 조퇴 for medical reasons. Some companies require it for their records.

Apologize to Coworkers

When you 조퇴, it's polite to say to your colleagues, '먼저 들어가서 죄송합니다' (I'm sorry for leaving first).

Etymology Helps

Remember 'Jo' (Early) and 'Toe' (Leave). This will help you remember the word's meaning forever.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'JO' (Early) and 'TOE' (Way out). You are finding an early way out!

Asociación visual

Imagine a clock showing 2:00 PM and a student walking out of a school gate while others are inside.

Word Web

School Work Sick Leave Early Permission Clock Doctor

Desafío

Try to use '조퇴' in a sentence explaining why you might leave your Korean class early today.

Origen de la palabra

From the Hanja characters 早 (조) meaning 'early' and 退 (퇴) meaning 'retreat' or 'leave'.

Significado original: To retreat or withdraw from one's position early.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using '조퇴' as an excuse; in Korean culture, honesty about the reason is highly valued.

In English, we say 'leave early'. We don't have a single specific noun like 'jotoe' that sounds as formal or administrative.

Many K-Dramas like 'Sky Castle' show the pressure students feel regarding their attendance records (including 조퇴). The webtoon 'Misaeng' depicts the office politics of taking early leave.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At School

조퇴증 주세요
보건실 가고 싶어요
엄마한테 전화해 주세요
선생님, 저 조퇴할게요

At the Office

부장님, 조퇴해도 될까요?
몸이 안 좋아서요
병원에 가야 합니다
내일 일찍 올게요

At the Hospital

조퇴하고 왔어요
진단서 끊어 주세요
회사에 제출해야 해요
많이 아파요

With Friends

너 왜 조퇴했어?
나도 조퇴하고 싶다
부럽다
아프지 마

In an HR System

조퇴 신청 클릭
사유 입력
승인 대기
반려됨

Inicios de conversación

"오늘 왜 조퇴하는 사람이 이렇게 많아요?"

"혹시 조퇴하고 어디 가세요?"

"어제 조퇴했다면서요? 몸은 좀 어때요?"

"조퇴하려면 누구한테 말해야 돼요?"

"조퇴 사유서 어떻게 써야 하는지 알아요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 조퇴를 하고 싶었던 순간이 있었나요? 왜 그랬나요?

만약 당신이 사장이라면, 직원이 조퇴하고 싶다고 할 때 어떻게 할 건가요?

학교 다닐 때 조퇴해 본 적이 있나요? 어떤 기분이었나요?

조퇴를 하는 가장 정당한 이유는 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

한국의 조퇴 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

In many Korean companies, if you leave early (조퇴), the hours you missed might be deducted from your monthly pay or your annual leave balance. It depends on the specific company's rules. For example, '조퇴 3번이면 반차 1번으로 계산해요' (Three early leaves are counted as one half-day off).

'병가' (Byeong-ga) is sick leave, which usually covers one or more full days. '조퇴' is leaving early on a day you actually showed up for work or school. If you leave early because you are sick, it is a type of '조퇴' due to illness.

Yes, you can, but in an office setting, it is often better to use '반차' (half-day off) if you know about it in advance. '조퇴' sounds more like an emergency or a sudden change of plans.

Yes, soldiers can have '조퇴' from their duties if they are unwell or have a family emergency, though it is highly regulated and often requires an escort or specific documentation.

'무단' (Mudan) means 'without permission'. So '무단 조퇴' is leaving early without telling anyone or getting approval. This is considered a serious breach of rules in both schools and workplaces.

You should say, '선생님, 몸이 안 좋아서 그러는데 조퇴해도 될까요?' (Teacher, I don't feel well, so may I leave early?). It is polite and explains the reason.

It is a noun. To use it as a verb, you must add '하다' (to do), making it '조퇴하다'.

Not really. Since university students can usually just leave a lecture or not attend, they don't use the formal '조퇴' as much as K-12 students or office workers. They might just say '수업 빠졌어' (I skipped class).

It is a physical or digital slip of paper that proves you have permission to leave early. In Korean schools, you often need to show this to the security guard at the gate.

Yes, many people try to '조퇴' on Friday afternoons to start their weekend early, although this is often done using '반차' to be more official.

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