At the A1 level, the word '퇴근' is introduced as a basic noun meaning 'leaving work'. It is essential for beginners to learn this word early on because it is a fundamental part of daily routine vocabulary, much like eating, sleeping, or going to school. Learners at this stage will primarily use it with the verb '하다' (to do) to form '퇴근하다' (to leave work). The focus is on constructing simple, declarative sentences about one's own schedule or asking basic questions about someone else's schedule. For example, learners will practice saying '저는 6시에 퇴근해요' (I leave work at 6) or asking '몇 시에 퇴근해요?' (What time do you leave work?). It is usually taught alongside its direct opposite, '출근' (going to work), to help learners memorize them as a pair. At this level, grammatical complexity is kept to a minimum, and the emphasis is on rote memorization of the vocabulary item and its most common verb pairing. Students will also learn to associate this word with the time particle '에' to specify when the action occurs. Mastery of this word at the A1 level allows learners to engage in basic small talk about daily routines, which is a crucial step in building conversational confidence in Korean.
As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding and usage of '퇴근' expand to include more detailed descriptions of their daily routines and plans. They begin to use the word in conjunction with different tenses, such as the past tense ('어제 늦게 퇴근했어요' - I left work late yesterday) and the future tense ('내일 일찍 퇴근할 거예요' - I will leave work early tomorrow). Furthermore, A2 learners start combining the word with other nouns to form useful compound words. The most important of these is '퇴근길' (the way home from work). This allows them to express actions that happen during their commute, such as '퇴근길에 친구를 만났어요' (I met a friend on the way home from work). They also learn to express reasons and causes related to leaving work using conjunctions like '아/어서' (because). For instance, '비가 와서 퇴근길이 막혀요' (The way home is blocked because it is raining). At this stage, the vocabulary becomes a tool for more expressive storytelling about one's day, moving beyond simple statements of fact to include context, timing, and related activities. The ability to discuss one's commute and after-work plans is a key competency for A2 learners.
At the B1 level, learners begin to understand the cultural weight and workplace nuances associated with the word '퇴근'. It is no longer just a neutral vocabulary item describing an action; it becomes a concept tied to Korean corporate culture. Learners are introduced to related terms like '야근' (overtime) and '칼퇴근' (leaving exactly on time), allowing them to discuss work-life balance. They can express desires and frustrations using patterns like '-고 싶다' (want to) in more complex sentences: '오늘은 야근하기 싫고 칼퇴근하고 싶어요' (I don't want to work overtime today, I want to leave right on time). B1 learners also learn how to use polite and formal language (존댓말) appropriately in the workplace. They practice the correct etiquette for announcing their departure to superiors, using phrases like '먼저 퇴근하겠습니다' (I will leave work first). This level also introduces the concept of '눈치' (reading the room) in relation to leaving work, enabling learners to comprehend and discuss the social pressures of the Korean office environment. The vocabulary is used to navigate social interactions, make excuses, and coordinate complex schedules with colleagues and friends.
Reaching the B2 level means learners can engage in deeper, more abstract discussions about '퇴근' and its implications in modern Korean society. They can read and understand news articles, opinion pieces, and workplace policies regarding working hours. The vocabulary is used to debate topics like the 52-hour workweek limit in South Korea and the shifting attitudes of younger generations towards overtime. Learners can use advanced grammar structures to express hypothetical situations, regrets, or complex conditions related to work. For example, '업무를 다 끝냈더라면 일찍 퇴근할 수 있었을 텐데' (If I had finished all the work, I could have left early). They also become comfortable with idiomatic expressions and slang derived from the word. At this level, learners can comfortably watch Korean workplace dramas ('오피스물') and understand the subtle humor, tension, and relief associated with the characters' departure times. They can write formal emails requesting time off or explaining a delayed departure, demonstrating a high level of professional communicative competence. The word serves as a gateway to discussing broader socioeconomic trends in South Korea.
At the C1 level, the usage of '퇴근' is highly sophisticated and native-like. Learners can analyze and critique the sociological and psychological impacts of work culture in South Korea. They can engage in academic or professional discourse regarding labor rights, productivity, and the evolution of the '워라밸' (Work-Life Balance) movement. The word is used effortlessly in complex sentence structures involving multiple clauses and advanced vocabulary. For instance, '만성적인 야근 문화에서 벗어나 정시 퇴근을 보장하는 것은 기업의 장기적인 생산성 향상을 위한 필수불가결한 전제 조건이다' (Breaking away from the chronic overtime culture and guaranteeing on-time departure is an indispensable prerequisite for improving a company's long-term productivity). C1 learners can understand satirical or highly nuanced texts that use the concept of leaving work as a metaphor for freedom or escape from societal pressures. They are fully aware of the register and tone required when discussing this topic with different audiences, from close friends to senior management. The word is fully integrated into their active vocabulary, allowing for precise and eloquent expression of complex thoughts regarding professional life.
At the C2 level, mastery of '퇴근' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. Learners possess a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and linguistic evolution of the word and its related concepts. They can read historical texts or literature that trace the changes in Korean labor practices over the decades. They can deliver persuasive presentations or write academic papers on the intersection of corporate culture, mental health, and economic policy, using '퇴근' as a core thematic element. Their use of the word is characterized by absolute precision, utilizing rare or highly specific collocations and idiomatic phrasing naturally. They can effortlessly navigate the most delicate and complex workplace negotiations regarding time and availability. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, the word is not merely understood; it is wielded as a nuanced tool for deep cultural commentary, humor, and professional negotiation. The learner intuitively grasps the unspoken implications and societal anxieties that can be packed into the simple act of leaving work in South Korea.

퇴근 در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • Means 'leaving work' or 'getting off work'.
  • Used with '하다' to make the verb '퇴근하다'.
  • Opposite of '출근' (going to work).
  • A crucial word for daily Korean conversation.

The Korean word 퇴근 (toe-geun) is a fundamental noun that translates to 'leaving work' or 'getting off work'. It is an essential vocabulary word for anyone learning Korean, especially those interested in Korean corporate culture, daily life, or professional environments. Understanding this word goes beyond mere translation; it provides a window into the daily rhythms of South Korean society. The word is composed of two Hanja (Chinese characters): 退 (퇴 - toe), meaning 'to retreat' or 'to go back', and 勤 (근 - geun), meaning 'work' or 'diligence'. Together, they literally mean 'retreating from work'.

Hanja Breakdown
退 (퇴): Retreat, withdraw, go back. 勤 (근): Work, duty, service.

In everyday conversation, you will hear this word constantly. It marks the transition from professional obligations to personal time. In a culture historically known for long working hours, the concept of leaving work carries significant emotional and social weight. For many employees, the time they can finally say they are leaving is the highlight of their day.

오늘 몇 시에 퇴근해요?

What time do you get off work today?

The concept is deeply intertwined with workplace dynamics. Historically, leaving before one's boss was considered poor etiquette, a practice tied to the concept of 'nunchi' (눈치), which means reading the room or sensing the atmosphere. Employees would often wait until senior staff departed before packing their own bags. However, modern Korean workplaces are rapidly changing, and the culture of leaving exactly on time is becoming more accepted and even encouraged in progressive companies.

When discussing this topic, it is also important to note the verb form. By attaching the verb 하다 (to do), it becomes 퇴근하다 (to leave work). This is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. You simply say 'I leave work' rather than 'I leave the work'.

Verb Usage
퇴근하다 (toe-geun-ha-da) - To get off work. Used in all formality levels.

Let's look at another practical example of how this is used in a sentence to express anticipation or planning for the evening.

저는 보통 6시에 퇴근합니다.

I usually leave work at 6 o'clock.

Furthermore, the word has spawned several popular slang terms and compound words. For instance, '칼퇴근' (kal-toe-geun) or '칼퇴' (kal-toe) uses the word '칼' (knife) to signify leaving work exactly on the dot, cutting off work sharply. This term became popular as younger generations began prioritizing work-life balance over the traditional expectation of unpaid overtime.

In summary, mastering this vocabulary item is not just about knowing a definition; it is about unlocking a core aspect of adult life in Korea. Whether you are watching a K-drama, reading a webtoon about office workers, or communicating with Korean colleagues, this word will appear frequently and prominently.

Related Concept
야근 (ya-geun) - Night work / Overtime. The dreaded opposite of leaving on time.

비가 와서 퇴근길이 막혀요.

The way home from work is congested because it's raining.

빨리 퇴근하고 싶어요.

I want to get off work quickly.

퇴근 준비를 합시다.

Let's get ready to leave work.

Using 퇴근 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it combines with verbs and particles to form natural Korean sentences. The most straightforward and common way to use it is by adding the verb 하다 (to do) to create the action verb 퇴근하다 (to leave work). This verb is intransitive, which means it describes an action the subject performs without acting upon a direct object. Therefore, you will never see it used with the object particles 을/를 in standard usage.

Basic Verb Form
퇴근하다 (toe-geun-ha-da) - The standard dictionary form for leaving work.

When specifying the time you leave work, you use the time particle 에 (e). For example, to say 'I leave work at 6', you would say '6시에 퇴근해요' (yuh-seot-shi-e toe-geun-hae-yo). This structure is incredibly common in daily conversations, especially when coordinating schedules with friends, family, or colleagues.

내일은 5시에 퇴근할 예정입니다.

I plan to leave work at 5 tomorrow.

Another frequent usage is combining it with the noun 길 (gil), meaning 'road' or 'way'. The compound word 퇴근길 (toe-geun-gil) refers to the journey or commute home from work. You will often hear this on traffic reports or when someone is calling you while they are driving or taking the subway home.

Let's look at an example of using this compound word in a practical context.

퇴근길에 슈퍼에 들를게요.

I will stop by the supermarket on my way home from work.

In professional settings, you might also hear the causative form, 퇴근시키다 (toe-geun-si-ki-da), which means 'to make someone leave work' or 'to let someone leave work'. A manager might use this to tell their team to go home after a long day. However, it is more common for a manager to simply say '먼저 가보겠습니다' (I will leave first) or '퇴근하세요' (Please leave work).

Causative Usage
퇴근시키다 - To dismiss someone from work. Usually used by superiors.

It is also common to use the word as a standalone noun modifying another noun. For example, 퇴근 시간 (toe-geun si-gan) means 'clock-out time' or 'rush hour'. If you want to avoid traffic, you might say you want to avoid the '퇴근 시간'.

지금은 퇴근 시간이라서 차가 많이 막혀요.

There is a lot of traffic right now because it's rush hour (leaving work time).

Furthermore, you can express the desire to leave work using the -고 싶다 (want to) grammar pattern. '퇴근하고 싶어요' (I want to leave work) is a phrase universally understood and frequently uttered by office workers around the world, but especially in Korea around 5:30 PM.

Expressing Desire
퇴근하고 싶다 - To want to get off work. A very common phrase among employees.

오늘은 일이 많아서 늦게 퇴근해야 해요.

I have a lot of work today, so I have to leave late.

부장님은 벌써 퇴근하셨습니다.

The department head has already left work.

The word 퇴근 is ubiquitous in South Korea, echoing through various environments from bustling corporate offices to casual evening gatherings. The most obvious place you will hear this word is, naturally, in the workplace. As the clock approaches 6:00 PM (or the designated end of the workday), the atmosphere in a Korean office shifts, and this word becomes the focal point of many conversations. Colleagues will ask each other about their departure plans, managers will give the green light for their teams to wrap up, and the phrase '수고하셨습니다' (Thank you for your hard work) is exchanged as people head out the door.

Office Environment
The primary setting. Used in greetings, scheduling, and reporting to superiors.

Beyond the physical office, you will frequently encounter this word on public transportation. The Seoul Metro and city buses are packed during what is known as '퇴근 시간' (rush hour). You might hear automated announcements or news broadcasts on the radio providing traffic updates specifically for the '퇴근길' (commute home). The density of people during this time is a physical manifestation of the word itself.

퇴근길 지하철은 항상 지옥철이에요.

The subway on the way home from work is always a 'hell train'.

If you are a fan of Korean media, particularly K-dramas that feature office romance or corporate drama (often referred to as '오피스물' - office genre), you will hear this word in almost every episode. Characters will dramatically leave the office, text their romantic interests about their departure time, or complain about not being able to leave due to a strict boss. It is a crucial plot device that dictates the characters' availability and stress levels.

Let's look at how a character might text their friend in a drama.

나 방금 퇴근했어. 어디야?

I just got off work. Where are you?

In social settings, such as restaurants, cafes, or bars (포장마차 - pojangmacha), you will hear people discussing their workdays. Friends meeting up for dinner will inevitably ask each other what time they managed to leave work. If someone arrives late, they will often apologize by explaining that their departure was delayed.

Social Gatherings
Used to coordinate meeting times and explain tardiness due to work.

Furthermore, the rise of remote work and flexible hours has introduced new contexts for the word. Even if someone is working from home, they will still use this word to indicate that they have logged off for the day and are no longer available for work-related tasks. It signifies the mental shift from work mode to personal time, regardless of physical location.

집에서 일하니까 언제 퇴근인지 모르겠어요.

Because I work from home, I don't know when my clock-out time is.
News and Media
Used in news reports about labor laws, working hours, and traffic conditions.

오늘 퇴근 후에 맥주 한잔 어때요?

How about a glass of beer after work today?

모두 퇴근한 빈 사무실에 혼자 남았다.

I was left alone in the empty office after everyone had left.

While 퇴근 is a relatively straightforward word, Korean learners often make a few common mistakes regarding its usage, particle attachment, and context. One of the most frequent errors is confusing it with the word for 'resigning' or 'quitting a job', which is 퇴사 (toe-sa). While both words share the Hanja character 退 (퇴 - to retreat), they have vastly different meanings. Telling your boss '저 내일 퇴사해요' means 'I am quitting tomorrow', whereas '저 내일 일찍 퇴근해요' means 'I am leaving work early tomorrow'. Mixing these up can lead to very awkward or alarming situations in the workplace!

Crucial Distinction
퇴근 (toe-geun) = Leaving work for the day. 퇴사 (toe-sa) = Quitting the company permanently.

Another common grammatical mistake involves the use of object particles. Because English speakers say 'I leave work', they might be tempted to translate 'work' as the object and say '일을 퇴근해요'. This is grammatically incorrect in Korean. The word itself already contains the meaning of 'work' (근). It functions as an intransitive verb when combined with 하다. Therefore, you should simply say '퇴근해요' without an object particle.

❌ 일을 퇴근해요.
퇴근해요.

Incorrect vs. Correct usage of particles.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the antonym. The opposite of leaving work is going to work, which is 출근 (chul-geun). A mistake is trying to invent a word like '입근' or using a generic verb like '가다' (to go) in a professional context when '출근하다' is the expected, natural vocabulary. Memorizing these as a definitive pair (출근/퇴근) is the best way to avoid this issue.

Let's look at a sentence where a learner might use the wrong verb for leaving a specific location.

❌ 회사에서 나가요. (Grammatically fine, but less natural for ending the workday)
퇴근해요. (Natural and professional)

Choosing the most natural vocabulary.

Additionally, learners might misuse the word when talking about school. If you are a student, you do not '퇴근' from school. The word for leaving school is 하교 (ha-gyo). Using workplace vocabulary for a school setting sounds very unnatural to a native Korean speaker. Always ensure the vocabulary matches the environment (work vs. school).

Contextual Error
Do not use this word for leaving school (하교) or leaving a hospital (퇴원).

Finally, a subtle mistake relates to workplace etiquette. In a traditional Korean office, it is considered impolite to loudly announce your departure if senior colleagues are still working hard, unless you are using the proper honorific phrases. Simply saying '저 퇴근해요' (I'm leaving) to a boss can sound abrupt. Instead, polite phrases like '먼저 가보겠습니다' (I will get going first) or '먼저 퇴근하겠습니다' are preferred.

부장님, 저 먼저 퇴근하겠습니다.

Boss, I will leave work first. (Polite and correct)
Pronunciation Error
Ensure you pronounce the '근' (geun) clearly. Do not confuse it with '금' (geum - gold/Friday).

친구는 아직 퇴근 전이에요.

My friend is still before leaving work (hasn't left yet).

오늘 회식은 퇴근 직후에 있습니다.

Today's company dinner is right after leaving work.

To fully grasp the nuances of 퇴근, it is helpful to explore similar words and related vocabulary in Korean. Korean has highly specific vocabulary for entering and leaving different types of institutions, which can sometimes be confusing for learners who are used to using a single verb like 'leave' in English. Let's break down some of the most common related terms and how they differ from our main vocabulary word.

하교 (ha-gyo)
Leaving school. Used exclusively for students finishing their school day.

As mentioned in the common mistakes section, 하교 (ha-gyo) is the equivalent term for students. While adults leave work, children and university students leave school. The Hanja '하' (ha) means 'down' or 'descend', and '교' (gyo) means 'school'. So, if you are talking to a younger person, you would ask them about their 하교 시간 (time leaving school), not their work departure time.

동생은 3시에 하교하고, 저는 6시에 퇴근해요.

My younger sibling leaves school at 3, and I leave work at 6.

Another critical distinction is 퇴사 (toe-sa). This word means to resign or quit a company permanently. The '사' (sa) refers to 'company' (회사). While leaving work is a daily occurrence, leaving the company is a major life event. Mixing these up is a classic learner mistake, so it's vital to remember the difference between daily diligence (근) and the company itself (사).

If you need to leave work earlier than your usual time due to illness or a personal appointment, you would use the word 조퇴 (jo-toe). This translates to 'leaving early'. It can be used in both school and workplace settings. It implies that you have not completed the full, expected duration of your work or study hours for that specific day.

조퇴 (jo-toe)
Leaving early. Used when you leave before the official end time due to special circumstances.

몸이 아파서 오늘은 일찍 조퇴하고 퇴근했습니다.

I was sick, so I left early and got off work today.

We must also mention 야근 (ya-geun), which means night work or overtime. While not a synonym, it is the most common related concept. In Korean corporate culture, the battle is often between leaving on time (정시 퇴근) and doing overtime (야근). Understanding both words is essential for discussing work-life balance in Korea.

Finally, there is 퇴원 (toe-won), which means being discharged from a hospital. Again, the root '퇴' (retreat/leave) is used, but '원' refers to the hospital (병원). This shows how structured the Korean language is when it comes to institutional vocabulary.

퇴원 (toe-won)
Leaving the hospital / Discharge. Do not use work vocabulary for medical situations.

내일 병원에서 퇴원한 후에 바로 회사로 출근할지, 아니면 집에서 쉴지 고민입니다. 정상적인 퇴근은 모레부터 가능할 것 같아요.

I am debating whether to go straight to work after being discharged from the hospital tomorrow or rest at home. Normal work departure will likely be possible from the day after tomorrow.

퇴근을 목표로 열심히 일합시다.

Let's work hard with the goal of leaving exactly on time.

퇴근 시간 전에는 업무를 마무리해야 합니다.

You must finish your tasks before clock-out time.

چقدر رسمی است؟

سطح دشواری

گرامر لازم

Noun + 하다 to form verbs

Time particle 에

Sequential conjunction -고

Desire pattern -고 싶다

Polite requests -(으)세요

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

저는 6시에 퇴근해요.

I leave work at 6.

Noun + 하다 verb form.

2

오늘 퇴근해요?

Are you leaving work today?

Question form.

3

아빠는 늦게 퇴근해요.

Dad leaves work late.

Adverb 늦게 (late) modifying the verb.

4

빨리 퇴근하고 싶어요.

I want to leave work early.

-고 싶다 (want to) pattern.

5

퇴근 시간이 언제예요?

When is your clock-out time?

Compound noun 퇴근 시간.

6

내일은 퇴근 안 해요.

I don't leave work tomorrow. (Meaning: I don't work/go to work)

Negative form 안.

7

지금 퇴근합니다.

I am leaving work now.

Formal ending -ㅂ니다.

8

퇴근 준비를 해요.

I am getting ready to leave work.

Noun + 준비 (preparation).

1

비가 와서 퇴근길이 막혀요.

The way home from work is congested because it's raining.

Compound noun 퇴근길 and conjunction -아/어서.

2

어제는 8시에 퇴근했어요.

I left work at 8 yesterday.

Past tense -았/었어요.

3

퇴근 후에 영화를 볼 거예요.

I will watch a movie after leaving work.

Noun + 후에 (after) and future tense.

4

오늘 일찍 퇴근할 수 있어요?

Can you leave work early today?

Ability pattern -ㄹ 수 있다.

5

퇴근하고 친구를 만났어요.

I left work and met a friend.

Sequential conjunction -고.

6

퇴근 시간이라서 지하철에 사람이 많아요.

There are many people on the subway because it's rush hour.

Noun + (이)라서 (because it is).

7

먼저 퇴근하세요.

Please leave work first.

Polite request -세요.

8

퇴근길에 빵을 샀어요.

I bought bread on the way home from work.

Location/Time particle -에 with 퇴근길.

1

오늘은 야근을 안 하고 칼퇴근을 할 계획입니다.

I plan to leave exactly on time today without working overtime.

Slang 칼퇴근 and plan pattern -ㄹ 계획이다.

2

부장님이 아직 안 가셔서 퇴근하기가 눈치 보여요.

I feel self-conscious about leaving because the boss hasn't left yet.

Cultural concept 눈치 보이다.

3

퇴근 시간이 다가오면 기분이 좋아집니다.

I feel good when clock-out time approaches.

Condition pattern -(으)면 and change of state -아/어지다.

4

차가 막힐까 봐 퇴근을 조금 일찍 했어요.

I left work a little early for fear that traffic would be bad.

Worry/Fear pattern -ㄹ까 봐.

5

아무리 바빠도 정시 퇴근은 지켜야 한다고 생각해요.

No matter how busy it is, I think leaving on time should be kept.

Concession 아무리 -아/어도 and opinion pattern -고 생각하다.

6

퇴근하는 길에 우연히 옛날 동료를 마주쳤어요.

I bumped into an old colleague by chance on my way home from work.

Action in progress -는 길에.

7

금요일 퇴근 후의 맥주 한잔은 정말 최고예요.

A glass of beer after leaving work on Friday is truly the best.

Noun modification with 의.

8

일이 너무 많아서 오늘 안에 퇴근할 수 있을지 모르겠어요.

I have so much work, I don't know if I can leave work within today.

Uncertainty pattern -ㄹ 수 있을지 모르겠다.

1

유연근무제의 도입으로 직원들의 퇴근 시간이 한층 자유로워졌습니다.

With the introduction of flexible working hours, employees' clock-out times have become much freer.

Formal causal particle -(으)로.

2

상사의 눈치를 보느라 퇴근을 미루는 문화는 점차 사라져야 합니다.

The culture of delaying departure to read the boss's mood must gradually disappear.

Reason for negative outcome -느라.

3

퇴근길 지옥철을 피하기 위해 일부러 야근을 자처하는 사람들도 있습니다.

There are people who intentionally volunteer for overtime to avoid the 'hell train' commute home.

Purpose pattern -기 위해.

4

업무 효율성을 높이려면 정시 퇴근을 장려하는 사내 분위기 조성이 시급합니다.

To increase work efficiency, creating a company atmosphere that encourages leaving on time is urgent.

Intention/Condition -(으)려면.

5

오늘따라 퇴근 시간이 왜 이렇게 안 오는지 시계만 쳐다보고 있어요.

I'm just staring at the clock, wondering why clock-out time isn't coming today of all days.

Emphasis 오늘따라 and indirect question -는지.

6

퇴근 무렵에 갑자기 떨어진 업무 지시 때문에 약속을 취소해야만 했습니다.

I had to cancel my appointment due to a work order that suddenly dropped around clock-out time.

Time approximation 무렵 and obligation -아/어야만 했다.

7

워라밸을 중시하는 MZ세대에게 칼퇴근은 직장 선택의 중요한 기준이 됩니다.

For the MZ generation who values work-life balance, leaving exactly on time becomes an important criterion for choosing a job.

Dative particle for groups -에게.

8

퇴근 도장을 찍는 순간 모든 업무 스트레스에서 벗어나는 기분입니다.

The moment I clock out, I feel like I'm escaping from all work stress.

Moment of action -는 순간.

1

만성적인 야근 문화에서 탈피하여 정시 퇴근을 보장하는 것은 노동 생산성 향상의 핵심적인 전제 조건이다.

Breaking away from the chronic overtime culture and guaranteeing on-time departure is a core prerequisite for improving labor productivity.

Formal academic vocabulary and structure.

2

퇴근 후 업무용 메신저 사용을 금지하는 이른바 '연결되지 않을 권리'가 법제화되어야 한다는 목소리가 높아지고 있다.

Voices are rising that the so-called 'right to disconnect', which bans the use of work messengers after leaving work, should be legislated.

Complex noun modification and passive voice.

3

재택근무의 보편화는 출퇴근의 물리적 경계를 모호하게 만들어, 오히려 심리적인 퇴근을 어렵게 하는 역효과를 낳기도 했다.

The universalization of remote work blurred the physical boundaries of commuting, sometimes producing the adverse effect of making psychological clocking-out difficult.

Abstract concepts and causative verbs.

4

상명하복식의 경직된 조직 문화 속에서는 제도적인 퇴근 시간 명시가 실질적인 노동 시간 단축으로 이어지기 어렵다.

In a rigid organizational culture of top-down command, the institutional specification of clock-out times is unlikely to lead to an actual reduction in working hours.

Advanced socio-political vocabulary.

5

퇴근길 교통 체증으로 인한 사회적 비용 손실을 줄이기 위해 시차출퇴근제의 전면적인 도입이 검토되고 있다.

To reduce the loss of social costs caused by traffic congestion on the way home from work, the full-scale introduction of staggered commuting hours is being considered.

Cause and effect with -(으)로 인한.

6

일과 삶의 분리가 명확한 북유럽 국가들의 퇴근 문화를 맹목적으로 추종하기보다는 한국적 특수성을 고려한 접근이 필요하다.

Rather than blindly following the clock-out culture of Nordic countries where the separation of work and life is clear, an approach considering Korean specificity is needed.

Comparison pattern -기보다는.

7

형식적인 퇴근 처리 후에도 암묵적으로 잔무를 강요하는 관행은 근로기준법의 취지를 정면으로 위배하는 행위이다.

The practice of implicitly forcing remaining work even after formal clock-out processing is an act that directly violates the intent of the Labor Standards Act.

Legal and formal terminology.

8

퇴근이라는 단어가 주는 해방감은 역설적으로 그만큼 일터에서의 억압과 긴장이 크다는 것을 방증한다.

The sense of liberation given by the word 'leaving work' paradoxically proves that the suppression and tension in the workplace are that great.

Philosophical/analytical sentence structure.

1

한국 사회에서 '퇴근'의 의미 변천사는 곧 압축 성장기의 노동 착취에서 현대적 워라밸 담론으로 이행하는 궤적을 고스란히 투영한다.

The history of changes in the meaning of 'leaving work' in Korean society intactly projects the trajectory of transition from labor exploitation during the period of compressed growth to the modern discourse on work-life balance.

Highly abstract academic discourse.

2

디지털 노마드 시대의 도래는 물리적 공간 이탈로서의 퇴근 개념을 해체하고, 인지적 스위치 오프(switch-off)라는 새로운 패러다임을 요구하고 있다.

The advent of the digital nomad era is dismantling the concept of leaving work as a departure from physical space, demanding a new paradigm of cognitive switch-off.

Sociological analysis and loan words.

3

칼퇴근을 죄악시하던 과거의 집단주의적 병폐가 아직도 일부 기업의 기저에 잔존하여 조직의 혁신 동력을 저해하는 요인으로 작용하고 있다.

The collectivist malady of the past, which considered leaving exactly on time a sin, still remains at the base of some companies, acting as a factor hindering the organization's driving force for innovation.

Critical analysis using advanced vocabulary (병폐, 기저, 저해).

4

노동의 유연화가 역설적으로 퇴근 없는 삶을 양산하는 현상에 대해, 법적 규제 장치 마련과 더불어 노사 간의 근본적인 인식 전환이 촉구된다.

Regarding the phenomenon where labor flexibilization paradoxically mass-produces a life without leaving work, a fundamental shift in perception between labor and management is urged along with the preparation of legal regulatory mechanisms.

Policy discussion and formal passive voice.

5

문학 작품 속에서 묘사되는 소시민들의 고단한 퇴근길 풍경은 당대 민중의 애환과 시대적 우울을 포착하는 훌륭한 문학적 장치로 기능해 왔다.

The scenery of the exhausting commute home of the petty bourgeoisie depicted in literary works has functioned as an excellent literary device capturing the joys and sorrows of the people of the time and the melancholy of the era.

Literary critique vocabulary.

6

플랫폼 노동자들에게 퇴근이란 개념 자체가 성립하지 않는다는 사실은 현행 노동법 체계의 치명적인 사각지대를 여실히 드러낸다.

The fact that the concept of leaving work itself does not hold for platform workers clearly reveals the fatal blind spot of the current labor law system.

Socio-economic critique.

7

조직 내의 비공식적인 권력 관계는 누가 먼저 퇴근할 수 있는가라는 미시적인 권력 투쟁의 양상으로 발현되기도 한다.

Informal power relations within an organization are sometimes manifested in the aspect of a micro-power struggle over who can leave work first.

Sociological theory application.

8

완벽한 퇴근, 즉 직장과 자아의 철저한 분리는 현대 자본주의 사회에서 개인이 쟁취해야 할 가장 지난한 과제 중 하나일지도 모른다.

A perfect departure from work, that is, the thorough separation of workplace and ego, might be one of the most arduous tasks an individual must achieve in modern capitalist society.

Philosophical reflection.

ترکیب‌های رایج

퇴근 시간
퇴근길
정시 퇴근
칼퇴근
조기 퇴근
퇴근 준비
퇴근 버스
퇴근 무렵
퇴근 지시
퇴근 도장

عبارات رایج

퇴근하겠습니다
먼저 퇴근해
퇴근 시간 다 됐네
퇴근길 조심해
오늘 몇 시 퇴근이야?
빨리 퇴근하고 싶다
퇴근 후에 뭐 해?
칼퇴하자
퇴근을 명받았습니다
퇴근 본능

اغلب اشتباه گرفته می‌شود با

퇴근 vs 퇴사 (Quitting a job)

퇴근 vs 하교 (Leaving school)

퇴근 vs 퇴원 (Leaving a hospital)

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

퇴근 vs

퇴근 vs

퇴근 vs

퇴근 vs

퇴근 vs

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

نحوه استفاده

nuance

Carries a positive nuance of relief and ending obligations.

formality

Can be used in all levels of formality by changing the verb ending.

اشتباهات رایج
  • Saying '퇴사해요' instead of '퇴근해요' when leaving for the day.
  • Using '퇴근해요' when leaving school (should be 하교해요).
  • Adding the object particle: '일을 퇴근해요' (Incorrect).
  • Pronouncing it as '퇴금' instead of '퇴근'.
  • Saying '저 가요' to a boss instead of '먼저 퇴근하겠습니다'.

نکات

No Object Particle

Remember that '퇴근하다' is intransitive. Never say '회사를 퇴근하다'. Say '회사에서 퇴근하다' (leave from the company) or just '퇴근하다'.

Pair with Chul-geun

Always study '출근' (going to work) and '퇴근' (leaving work) together. They are the yin and yang of the Korean workday.

Nunchi Culture

Be aware that in older, traditional Korean companies, leaving before your boss is still sometimes frowned upon. This is changing, but it's good to know.

Use Kal-toe

Impress your Korean friends by using the slang '칼퇴' (kal-toe). Say '오늘 칼퇴할 거야!' (I'm going to leave exactly on time today!).

Polite Goodbyes

When leaving the office, it is customary to say '수고하셨습니다' (Thank you for your hard work) to those who are still working.

Traffic Reports

Tune into a Korean radio station around 6 PM. You will hear the word '퇴근길' (commute home) used repeatedly in traffic updates.

Texting Friends

A great way to start a text conversation in the evening is simply asking '퇴근했어?' (Did you get off work?). It shows you care about their day.

Not for School

Never use this word if you are a student talking about finishing classes. Use '하교' instead. Using work words for school sounds very strange.

Time and Way

Memorize the two most common compound nouns: 퇴근 시간 (clock-out time/rush hour) and 퇴근길 (the commute home).

Hanja Roots

Knowing that '퇴' means 'retreat' helps you remember other words like '퇴사' (retreat from company = resign) and '퇴학' (retreat from school = expelled).

حفظ کنید

روش یادسپاری

Imagine your TOE (퇴) pointing towards the exit because you are DONE (근) with work.

تداعی تصویری

A green exit sign above an office door.

ریشه کلمه

Sino-Korean

بافت فرهنگی

The practice of waiting for the boss to leave first.

Company dinners that often happen immediately after leaving work.

The modern ideal of leaving the very minute your shift ends.

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"오늘 몇 시에 퇴근하세요?"

"퇴근하고 특별한 계획 있어요?"

"어제 늦게 퇴근하셨어요?"

"보통 퇴근길에 뭐 하세요?"

"칼퇴근 자주 하시는 편인가요?"

موضوعات نگارش

Write about your ideal '퇴근' routine.

Describe a time you had to leave work very late.

How does the '퇴근' culture in Korea compare to your country?

What do you usually do on your '퇴근길'?

Write a short dialogue asking your boss for permission to leave early.

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

No, you cannot. The word for leaving school is 하교 (ha-gyo). 퇴근 is strictly for workplaces. Using it for school sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Always use vocabulary appropriate to the institution.

It is an intransitive verb. This means it does not take a direct object. You should not say '일을 퇴근하다' (leave the work). You simply say '퇴근하다' (leave work).

퇴근 means leaving work at the end of your daily shift. You will return the next day. 퇴사 means resigning or quitting the company permanently. Confusing these two can cause major misunderstandings!

The most standard and polite phrase is '먼저 가보겠습니다' (I will get going first) or '먼저 퇴근하겠습니다' (I will leave work first). Do not just say '저 가요' (I'm going) as it is too casual.

칼퇴근 (kal-toe-geun) is a slang term combining '칼' (knife) and '퇴근'. It means leaving work exactly on the dot when your shift ends, cutting off work sharply like a knife. It's a very popular goal for workers.

Yes, you can. In the context of remote work, '퇴근' refers to the act of logging off, closing your laptop, and ending your working hours for the day, even if you don't physically leave a building.

퇴근길 (toe-geun-gil) translates to 'the way home from work' or the evening commute. It is a compound word made of 퇴근 and 길 (road/way). It is frequently used in traffic reports.

The exact opposite is 출근 (chul-geun), which means going to work or arriving at work. These two words are usually learned together as a pair.

Historically, South Korea has had very long working hours and a culture of unpaid overtime (야근). Therefore, the designated clock-out time is highly valued, and leaving on time is seen as a victory for work-life balance.

Yes, you can separate the noun and the verb with an object particle for emphasis, like '퇴근을 하다'. However, '퇴근하다' as a single verb is much more common in everyday speech.

خودت رو بسنج 180 سوال

/ 180 درست

نمره کامل!

محتوای مرتبط

این کلمه در زبان‌های دیگر

واژه‌های بیشتر work

주 5일제

A2

«جو اویل جه» (ju o-il je) سیستم استاندارد کاری در کره است که در آن افراد پنج روز در هفته کار می‌کنند، معمولاً از دوشنبه تا جمعه، و شنبه و یکشنبه تعطیل هستند.

결근

A2

غیبت از محل کار؛ عدم حضور در محل کار. کلمه '결근' به معنی غیبت از کار است. زمانی استفاده می شود که کارمندی در محل کار خود حاضر نشود.

결근하다

A2

غیبت از کار. به عنوان مثال: 'او امروز به دلیل بیماری از کار غیبت کرد.'

추상적이다

A2

انتزاعی بودن. به مفاهیمی اشاره دارد که شکل فیزیکی یا ملموس ندارند.

출입증

A2

کارت شناسایی، کارت دسترسی. یک کارت شناسایی یا کارت دسترسی که اجازه ورود به مکان خاصی را می دهد. این یک کارت ویژه است، مانند کارت شناسایی، که برای ورود یا خروج از یک ساختمان یا منطقه باید نشان دهید.

회계

B1

حسابداری فرآیند سیستماتیک ثبت و گزارش تراکنش‌های مالی است.

경리

A2

مدیریت و ثبت اطلاعات مالی یک شرکت، مانند درآمد و هزینه. این اصطلاح به حسابداری یا دفترداری اشاره دارد.

업적

B1

دستاورد یا شاهکار برجسته، که معمولاً برای مشارکت‌های مهم در تاریخ، علم یا حرفه استفاده می‌شود. به معنای موفقیتی است که میراثی به جا می‌گذارد.

적극적이다

A2

فعال یا پیشگیرانه بودن. به معنای ابتکار عمل و مشارکت مشتاقانه است.

적극적으로

B1

به روشی فعال، پیشگیرانه یا مشتاقانه. به عنوان مثال: 'او فعالانه در کلاس شرکت می کند.'

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