과제
과제 در ۳۰ ثانیه
- School or university assignment.
- Professional task or project.
- A problem to be solved.
- A national or global challenge.
The Korean word 과제 (gwaje) primarily translates to a task, assignment, or a piece of work that is allocated to someone as part of a job or a course of study. In educational contexts, it is frequently used to refer to homework, projects, or papers that students must complete and submit to their professors or teachers. However, its meaning extends far beyond the classroom. In professional and societal contexts, 과제 refers to a challenge, an issue, or a problem that needs to be addressed and solved. This dual nature makes it a highly versatile and essential word for intermediate learners to master.
- Educational Context
- In schools and universities, it means an assignment or project given by an instructor. It is more formal than 숙제 (homework) and is the standard term used in higher education.
오늘 밤까지 역사 과제를 끝내야 해요.
When moving into the professional world, the word takes on a slightly different nuance. It becomes synonymous with a business task, a strategic initiative, or a hurdle that a company must overcome to achieve its goals. You will often hear managers or executives discussing the 'key tasks' or 'core challenges' facing their departments.
- Professional Context
- In the workplace, it refers to duties, strategic goals, or operational challenges that require a systematic approach to resolve.
매출 감소는 우리가 해결해야 할 시급한 과제입니다.
Furthermore, in news broadcasts and political discourse, 과제 is used to describe national or global issues. For example, climate change, economic inequality, and demographic shifts are often framed as 'national challenges' (국가적 과제). This usage highlights the gravity and scale of the problem, indicating that it requires collective effort and long-term planning to resolve.
- Societal Context
- In journalism and politics, it signifies a major societal issue, a systemic problem, or a long-term goal for a nation or humanity.
환경 보호는 인류의 가장 큰 과제가 되었습니다.
Understanding the scope of this word is crucial for CEFR B1 learners because it bridges the gap between everyday student life and more complex, abstract discussions about society and work. It is a noun that frequently pairs with verbs indicating completion, submission, or resolution.
이번 학기에는 과제가 너무 많아서 힘들어요.
그것은 앞으로 우리가 풀어야 할 과제입니다.
In summary, whether you are talking about a ten-page essay due next week, a marketing strategy for a new product, or the global transition to renewable energy, this single vocabulary item covers all these concepts effectively and naturally in Korean.
Using 과제 correctly involves knowing its common verb pairings (collocations) and the particles that typically accompany it. Because it is a noun, it functions as a subject, object, or topic in a sentence, taking particles like 이/가, 을/를, or 은/는. The most fundamental verb to use with it in an educational setting is 하다 (to do). When a student says they are doing their assignment, they say 과제를 하다. This is the most direct and common usage you will encounter at the B1 level.
- Doing and Submitting
- Use 과제를 하다 (to do an assignment) and 과제를 제출하다 (to submit an assignment). These are essential for university life.
주말 내내 밀린 과제를 했어요.
Another crucial verb is 제출하다 (to submit or hand in). In formal academic and professional environments, you do not simply 'give' your work; you 'submit' it. Therefore, 과제를 제출하다 is a highly frequent phrase. Professors will often announce deadlines using this exact phrasing, making it vital for listening comprehension in academic settings.
- Assigning and Evaluating
- Teachers use 과제를 내다 (to give/assign an assignment) and 과제를 평가하다 (to evaluate/grade an assignment).
교수님께서 아주 어려운 과제를 내셨습니다.
When the word is used to mean a 'challenge' or 'problem to be solved,' the verb pairings change significantly. In these contexts, you will frequently see verbs like 해결하다 (to resolve), 풀다 (to solve), or 남다 (to remain). For instance, if a company has a lingering issue, it is described as a 'remaining challenge' (남은 과제). If a politician promises to fix a societal issue, they will talk about 'resolving the challenge' (과제를 해결하다).
- Solving Challenges
- Use 과제를 해결하다 (to resolve a challenge) or 과제를 풀다 (to solve a task/problem) in abstract or societal contexts.
청년 실업은 정부가 시급히 해결해야 할 과제입니다.
You can also use descriptive adjectives to modify the noun. Common adjectives include 중요한 (important), 어려운 (difficult), 시급한 (urgent), and 새로운 (new). By combining these adjectives with the noun and appropriate verbs, you can create highly expressive and precise sentences suitable for intermediate and advanced communication.
우리 팀에 새로운 과제가 주어졌습니다.
이것은 우리 모두에게 남겨진 중요한 과제입니다.
Practicing these collocations will make your Korean sound much more natural. Instead of translating word-for-word from English, adopting these established Korean verb-noun pairs ensures clarity and demonstrates a solid grasp of B1-level vocabulary usage.
You will encounter the word 과제 in a wide variety of environments, making it an indispensable part of your Korean vocabulary. The most immediate and frequent place you will hear it is in educational institutions, particularly universities and language schools. Professors and instructors use it constantly when discussing the syllabus, outlining expectations, and setting deadlines. It appears on course websites, in printed syllabi, and in student group chats where classmates discuss their workload.
- University Campuses
- Heard daily in lectures, student meetings, and academic announcements regarding coursework and deadlines.
이번 주 금요일까지 그룹 과제를 제출해 주세요.
Beyond the classroom, the corporate world is another major domain for this word. In office environments, employees and managers use it to refer to projects, strategic goals, or specific tasks assigned to a team. During meetings, a team leader might outline the 'core tasks' (핵심 과제) for the upcoming quarter. It is a formal and professional way to discuss work responsibilities, elevating the conversation above simple daily chores.
- Corporate Meetings
- Used to discuss strategic objectives, team projects, and business challenges during professional gatherings.
올해 우리 부서의 최대 과제는 해외 시장 진출입니다.
Furthermore, if you watch Korean news, read newspapers, or listen to political debates, you will hear this word used in its most abstract sense. Journalists and politicians use it to frame national issues. Phrases like 'the task of our time' (시대적 과제) or 'an urgent challenge' (시급한 과제) are staples of formal public discourse. This usage emphasizes the seriousness of an issue and the collective responsibility required to address it.
- News and Politics
- Frequently used by anchors and politicians to describe economic, social, or diplomatic challenges facing the country.
저출산 문제는 한국 사회가 직면한 가장 큰 과제 중 하나입니다.
대통령은 경제 회복을 최우선 과제로 삼겠다고 발표했습니다.
Finally, in everyday conversations among adults, the word can be used metaphorically to describe personal goals or hurdles. For example, someone trying to lose weight or learn a new language might jokingly refer to it as their 'lifelong task' (평생의 과제). This demonstrates the word's flexibility, moving seamlessly from strict academic requirements to broad societal issues and even personal life goals.
다이어트는 저에게 영원한 과제 같아요.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 과제 is confusing it with 숙제 (homework). While they can sometimes be translated to the same English word, their usage contexts in Korean are distinct. 숙제 is typically used for primary, middle, and high school homework. It has a slightly juvenile or simple connotation. In contrast, 과제 is the standard term used in universities and professional settings. Using 숙제 in a university or corporate environment can sound unnatural or overly casual.
- 숙제 vs. 과제
- Do not use 숙제 when referring to a university thesis, a major project, or a corporate task. Always use 과제 for higher-level assignments.
대학생이 되니 매일 과제가 쏟아집니다.
Another common error involves the choice of verbs. Learners sometimes directly translate English phrases like 'make an assignment' or 'write an assignment' resulting in awkward Korean phrases like 과제를 만들다 or 과제를 쓰다. While you might write an essay (에세이를 쓰다), the assignment itself is something you 'do' (하다) or 'submit' (제출하다). Using the wrong verb breaks the natural collocation and immediately marks the speaker as a learner.
- Incorrect Verb Usage
- Avoid saying 과제를 만들다 (to make an assignment) unless you are the teacher creating the task. Students should say 과제를 하다.
도서관에서 과제를 하고 있어요.
Additionally, learners often struggle with the abstract meaning of the word. When reading news articles, they might encounter a sentence like '이것은 정부의 과제입니다' and incorrectly translate it as 'This is the government's homework.' While metaphorically understandable, the accurate translation is 'This is the government's task/challenge.' Failing to recognize this secondary, broader meaning can lead to significant misunderstandings in reading comprehension at the B1 and B2 levels.
- Misinterpreting Abstract Meaning
- Remember that outside of school, it means a 'challenge' or 'issue to resolve,' not literal homework.
빈부격차 해소는 우리 사회의 오랜 과제이다.
그 회사는 기술 혁신이라는 큰 과제를 안고 있다.
우리는 이 과제를 성공적으로 마쳐야 합니다.
By being aware of these common pitfalls—distinguishing it from 숙제, using the correct verbs like 하다 and 제출하다, and recognizing its abstract meaning in formal contexts—you can use this vocabulary item with the confidence and precision of an advanced speaker.
To fully grasp 과제, it is helpful to compare it with similar words in the Korean language. As mentioned earlier, the most closely related word is 숙제 (homework). While 숙제 is used for younger students and simple daily tasks assigned by a teacher, 과제 implies a more substantial, formal, or complex piece of work. A university thesis or a major group presentation is always a 과제, never a mere 숙제. Understanding this hierarchy of formality is key to sounding natural.
- 숙제 (Homework)
- Used primarily for primary/secondary school homework. Less formal and implies simpler, routine tasks.
초등학생 동생이 수학 숙제를 하고 있어요. (하지만 저는 대학 과제를 해요.)
Another similar word is 임무 (mission or duty). While both words refer to something that must be done, 임무 carries a stronger sense of obligation, duty, or a specific role assigned within an organization, military, or game. You might have a 'task' (과제) to write a report, but your 'mission' (임무) as a security guard is to protect the building. 임무 is about role-based responsibility, whereas our target word is about a specific project or problem to solve.
- 임무 (Mission/Duty)
- Focuses on an assigned role, duty, or mission, often with a sense of strict obligation or official capacity.
경찰의 주요 임무는 시민의 안전을 지키는 것입니다. (이것은 과제와 다릅니다.)
We must also consider the word 문제 (problem or question). In the context of societal challenges, 과제 and 문제 can sometimes overlap. For example, 'environmental problem' (환경 문제) and 'environmental challenge' (환경 과제) are both valid. However, 문제 simply states that something is wrong or requires an answer, while 과제 implies that it is an active task that we have taken on the responsibility to solve. It is a more proactive and formal term.
- 문제 (Problem/Issue)
- A general term for a problem, issue, or question. It lacks the 'assigned task' nuance of our target word.
이 문제를 해결하는 것이 우리의 다음 과제입니다.
프로젝트(Project) 역시 과제와 비슷한 의미로 회사에서 자주 쓰입니다.
업무(Work/Task)는 일상적인 직장 일을 뜻하며, 특별한 과제와는 구분될 수 있습니다.
Finally, English loanwords like 프로젝트 (project) are frequently used in modern Korean workplaces. While a project is a type of 과제, the native Korean word is broader, encompassing everything from a short essay to a decade-long national policy goal. Understanding these subtle distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning, greatly enhancing your fluency and communicative competence.
چقدر رسمی است؟
سطح دشواری
گرامر لازم
V-아/어야 하다 (Must do) - often used with submitting assignments.
V-기 위해(서) (In order to) - used when explaining the purpose of a task.
N-에 직면하다 (To face N) - used with challenges.
V-ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다 (Have no choice but to) - used when overwhelmed with tasks.
N-(이)라는 (Called N) - used to define a specific challenge.
مثالها بر اساس سطح
저는 지금 과제를 해요.
I am doing my assignment now.
과제 (noun) + 를 (object particle) + 해요 (do).
오늘 과제가 많아요.
There are many assignments today.
과제 (noun) + 가 (subject particle) + 많아요 (many).
이 과제는 어려워요.
This assignment is difficult.
이 (this) + 과제 (noun) + 는 (topic particle).
한국어 과제가 있어요?
Do you have a Korean assignment?
과제 (noun) + 가 (subject particle) + 있어요 (have/exist).
과제를 다 했어요.
I did all the assignments.
다 (all) + 했어요 (did - past tense).
내일 과제가 없습니다.
There is no assignment tomorrow.
없습니다 (do not have - formal).
과제가 재미있어요.
The assignment is fun.
재미있어요 (fun/interesting).
친구와 과제를 해요.
I do the assignment with a friend.
친구 (friend) + 와 (with).
내일까지 과제를 제출해야 해요.
I have to submit the assignment by tomorrow.
제출하다 (to submit) + 아/어야 해요 (have to).
주말에 밀린 과제를 할 거예요.
I will do the delayed assignments over the weekend.
밀린 (delayed/piled up) + 할 거예요 (will do).
교수님이 새로운 과제를 주셨어요.
The professor gave a new assignment.
주셨어요 (gave - honorific past tense).
과제를 끝내고 영화를 봤어요.
I finished the assignment and watched a movie.
끝내고 (finish and...).
이 과제는 시간이 오래 걸려요.
This assignment takes a long time.
시간이 오래 걸려요 (takes a long time).
과제를 하느라 밤을 새웠어요.
I stayed up all night doing the assignment.
하느라 (because of doing...).
그룹 과제를 위해 친구들을 만났어요.
I met friends for the group assignment.
그룹 과제 (group assignment) + 를 위해 (for).
과제 점수가 아주 잘 나왔어요.
My assignment score came out very well.
점수 (score) + 가 잘 나왔어요 (came out well).
환경 오염은 우리가 해결해야 할 중요한 과제입니다.
Environmental pollution is an important challenge we must solve.
해결하다 (to solve) + 아/어야 할 (that must be).
이번 프로젝트의 핵심 과제는 비용 절감입니다.
The core task of this project is cost reduction.
핵심 과제 (core task).
정부는 청년 실업 문제를 최우선 과제로 삼았습니다.
The government made the youth unemployment problem its top priority task.
최우선 과제로 삼다 (to make it a top priority task).
그 회사는 기술 혁신이라는 큰 과제를 안고 있습니다.
The company faces the major challenge of technological innovation.
과제를 안다 (to face/hold a challenge).
우리 팀에 주어진 과제를 성공적으로 완수했습니다.
We successfully completed the task given to our team.
주어진 (given) + 완수하다 (to complete/accomplish).
이것은 단기간에 끝낼 수 있는 과제가 아닙니다.
This is not a task that can be finished in a short period.
끝낼 수 있는 (that can be finished).
다음 주까지 연구 과제 제안서를 작성해야 합니다.
I must write the research project proposal by next week.
연구 과제 (research project/task).
저출산은 한국 사회가 직면한 가장 시급한 과제 중 하나입니다.
Low birth rate is one of the most urgent challenges facing Korean society.
직면한 (facing) + 시급한 (urgent).
양극화 해소는 현 정부가 풀어야 할 최대의 숙원 과제이다.
Resolving polarization is the greatest long-awaited challenge the current government must solve.
숙원 과제 (long-awaited/cherished task).
기업들은 지속 가능한 성장을 위한 새로운 과제들을 모색하고 있다.
Companies are seeking new tasks/strategies for sustainable growth.
모색하다 (to seek/explore).
이 논문은 현대 사회의 윤리적 과제를 심도 있게 다루고 있습니다.
This paper deals with the ethical challenges of modern society in depth.
심도 있게 다루다 (to deal with in depth).
인공지능의 발전은 인류에게 편리함과 동시에 새로운 과제를 던져주었다.
The development of AI has given humanity convenience and, at the same time, new challenges.
과제를 던져주다 (to throw/present a challenge).
그들은 당면한 과제를 회피하지 않고 정면으로 돌파하기로 결정했다.
They decided not to avoid the task at hand but to break through it head-on.
당면한 과제 (the task at hand).
교육 제도의 개혁은 더 이상 미룰 수 없는 시대적 과제가 되었습니다.
The reform of the education system has become a challenge of our times that can no longer be delayed.
시대적 과제 (challenge of the times).
성공적인 인수합병을 위해서는 조직 문화 통합이라는 과제를 넘어야 한다.
For a successful M&A, the challenge of integrating organizational cultures must be overcome.
과제를 넘다 (to overcome a challenge).
전문가들은 경제 위기 극복을 위한 단기 및 장기 과제를 제시했다.
Experts presented short-term and long-term tasks for overcoming the economic crisis.
단기 및 장기 과제 (short-term and long-term tasks).
기후 변화 대응은 개별 국가의 차원을 넘어선 전 지구적 과제로 격상되었다.
Responding to climate change has been elevated to a global challenge transcending the level of individual nations.
전 지구적 과제 (global challenge) + 로 격상되다 (to be elevated to).
해당 정책은 초기 의도와 달리 심각한 부작용을 낳으며 새로운 정책적 과제를 파생시켰다.
Contrary to its initial intention, the policy produced serious side effects, generating new policy challenges.
정책적 과제 (policy challenge) + 를 파생시키다 (to generate/derive).
인구 구조의 급격한 변화는 연금 제도 개편이라는 난해한 과제를 우리에게 안겨주었다.
The rapid change in demographic structure has burdened us with the difficult task of reforming the pension system.
난해한 과제 (difficult/complex task).
이 소설은 인간 소외라는 근대성의 과제를 문학적 상상력으로 탁월하게 형상화했다.
This novel excellently embodies the challenge of modernity, namely human alienation, through literary imagination.
근대성의 과제 (challenge of modernity).
노사 간의 첨예한 대립을 해소하고 상생의 길을 찾는 것이 현 경영진의 최우선 과제이다.
Resolving the sharp conflict between labor and management and finding a path to mutual growth is the top priority task of the current management.
최우선 과제 (top priority task).
역사적 상처를 치유하고 사회적 대통합을 이루는 것은 여전히 미완의 과제로 남아 있다.
Healing historical wounds and achieving grand social integration still remains an unfinished task.
미완의 과제 (unfinished task).
디지털 전환 시대에 발맞춰 규제 프레임워크를 재설계하는 것은 시급한 입법 과제이다.
Redesigning the regulatory framework in step with the era of digital transformation is an urgent legislative task.
입법 과제 (legislative task).
그 철학자는 자유와 평등의 조화라는 인류의 영원한 과제에 대해 깊이 있는 통찰을 제공한다.
The philosopher provides deep insight into humanity's eternal challenge of harmonizing freedom and equality.
영원한 과제 (eternal challenge).
본 연구는 기존 패러다임의 한계를 극복하고 새로운 인식론적 지평을 여는 것을 핵심 과제로 상정한다.
This study posits overcoming the limitations of the existing paradigm and opening a new epistemological horizon as its core task.
핵심 과제로 상정하다 (to posit as a core task).
자본주의의 구조적 모순을 내재적으로 초월하려는 시도는 맑스주의 정치경제학의 오랜 과제였다.
The attempt to immanently transcend the structural contradictions of capitalism has been a long-standing task of Marxist political economy.
오랜 과제 (long-standing task).
다원주의 사회에서 보편적 가치의 정당성을 확보하는 것은 현대 정치철학이 직면한 가장 까다로운 과제 중 하나이다.
Securing the legitimacy of universal values in a pluralistic society is one of the most tricky challenges facing modern political philosophy.
까다로운 과제 (tricky/demanding challenge).
해당 법안의 통과는 단순한 제도적 개선을 넘어, 사회적 신뢰 회복이라는 더 큰 과제를 향한 첫걸음으로 평가받는다.
The passage of the bill is evaluated not just as a simple institutional improvement, but as the first step toward the larger task of restoring social trust.
더 큰 과제 (larger task).
예술의 자율성과 사회적 참여 사이의 긴장 관계를 어떻게 조율할 것인가는 미학의 영원한 난제이자 과제이다.
How to mediate the tension between the autonomy of art and social engagement is an eternal dilemma and task of aesthetics.
난제이자 과제 (dilemma and task).
생명공학의 비약적 발전은 포스트휴먼 시대의 인간 조건에 대한 근본적인 존재론적 과제를 제기하고 있다.
The rapid advancement of biotechnology is raising fundamental ontological challenges regarding the human condition in the posthuman era.
존재론적 과제 (ontological challenge).
지방 소멸 위기에 대응하여 균형 발전을 도모하는 것은 국가의 명운이 걸린 중차대한 과제임이 틀림없다.
Responding to the crisis of regional extinction and promoting balanced development is undoubtedly a momentous task upon which the fate of the nation depends.
중차대한 과제 (momentous/crucial task).
언어의 한계를 인식하면서도 끊임없이 의미를 구성해 나가는 것은 문학이 짊어진 숙명적 과제라 할 수 있다.
Constantly constructing meaning while recognizing the limits of language can be said to be the fatalistic task borne by literature.
숙명적 과제 (fatalistic/destined task).
ترکیبهای رایج
عبارات رایج
اغلب اشتباه گرفته میشود با
اصطلاحات و عبارات
بهراحتی اشتباه گرفته میشود
الگوهای جملهسازی
نحوه استفاده
'과제 늪' (swamp of assignments) or '과제 지옥' (assignment hell) are common student slang terms.
Highly frequent. Essential for reading syllabi and understanding professor instructions.
Very frequent. Used interchangeably with 'project' or 'objective'.
- Using 숙제 instead of 과제 in a university or corporate setting.
- Saying 과제를 만들다 (to make an assignment) instead of 과제를 하다 (to do an assignment).
- Translating 'national challenge' as 국가적 숙제 instead of 국가적 과제.
- Using 주다 (to give) instead of 제출하다 (to submit) when handing in work to a professor.
- Confusing the pronunciation of 과제 with 가제 or 과거.
نکات
Use the right particle
Since 과제 is a noun, it needs particles. Use 과제를 when it is the object (과제를 하다) and 과제가 when it is the subject (과제가 많다). Never use it without a particle in formal writing.
Upgrade from 숙제
If you are a university student or older, stop using 숙제 to describe your work. Upgrading to 과제 immediately makes your Korean sound more mature and appropriate for your age level.
Memorize '제출하다'
The verb 제출하다 (to submit) is the best friend of 과제. Memorize them together as a single chunk: 과제를 제출하다. This will save you time and prevent awkward translations.
Listen to the news
To master the abstract meaning of this word, watch Korean news. You will hear phrases like '국가적 과제' (national challenge) frequently. This helps you understand its broader societal implications.
Expressing burden
When you are overwhelmed with tasks, use the adjective 밀린 (piled up/delayed). '밀린 과제가 많아요' (I have a lot of piled-up assignments) is a very natural way to express stress.
Formal essays
In TOPIK writing or formal essays, use 과제 instead of 문제 when proposing solutions. It shows that you view the issue as an actionable task rather than just a passive problem.
Active vs Passive
Remember that a 과제 is something you actively take on to solve or complete. It has a proactive nuance compared to just experiencing a difficulty.
Student slang
Impress your Korean friends by using '과제 폭탄' (assignment bomb) during exam season. It shows you understand the cultural context of Korean university life.
Catching deadlines
In listening exams, the word 과제 is almost always followed by a time or date and the verb 제출하다. Train your ears to catch the deadline whenever you hear this word.
과제 vs 업무
In a company, 업무 is your daily routine work (like answering emails). 과제 is a specific, larger project or strategic goal you must achieve. Keep this distinction clear.
حفظ کنید
روش یادسپاری
Imagine a GWA-va (과) jelly (제) that you have to eat as a difficult ASSIGNMENT.
ریشه کلمه
Sino-Korean
بافت فرهنگی
Carries a sense of responsibility and required effort, more so than simple daily chores.
Formal and standard. Suitable for all professional and academic settings.
تمرین در زندگی واقعی
موقعیتهای واقعی
شروعکنندههای مکالمه
"이번 주말에 과제 다 끝냈어요?"
"요즘 회사에서 맡은 주요 과제가 뭐예요?"
"한국 사회의 가장 큰 과제는 무엇이라고 생각하나요?"
"과제가 너무 많을 때 스트레스를 어떻게 풀어요?"
"그룹 과제 할 때 어떤 역할이 제일 편해요?"
موضوعات نگارش
Describe a difficult assignment (과제) you had to do recently.
What do you think is the biggest challenge (과제) facing your country today?
Write about a time you successfully completed a group project (그룹 과제).
How do you manage your time when you have many tasks (과제) to do?
What is your personal lifelong goal or challenge (평생의 과제)?
سوالات متداول
10 سوالIt is better to use 숙제 for a 10-year-old's homework. 과제 sounds too formal and is usually reserved for university students or professional projects. Using 과제 for a child might sound slightly humorous or overly serious. Stick to 숙제 for primary and secondary school.
프로젝트 is the English loanword 'project' and is widely used in business and universities. 과제 is the native Sino-Korean word. They are often used interchangeably. However, 과제 has a broader meaning and can also mean a 'societal challenge' (e.g., climate change), whereas 프로젝트 usually refers to a specific, planned piece of work.
The most natural and correct verb is 제출하다 (to submit). You should say 과제를 제출하다. While you might be tempted to use 주다 (to give), it sounds unnatural in this context. Always use 제출하다 for formal submissions.
No. While it is the standard word for university assignments, it is equally common in business (meaning a task or strategic goal) and in politics/news (meaning a national challenge or issue to resolve). Context will tell you which meaning is intended.
You can say '과제가 많아요' (There are many assignments). If you want to sound like a native student complaining, you can use the slang '과제 폭탄이에요' (It's an assignment bomb!). Both are very common and natural.
It translates to 'a challenge that must be solved.' This is a very common phrase in news and formal writing. It uses the verb 해결하다 (to solve/resolve) modifying the noun 과제. It refers to a problem or issue that requires action.
It is understandable, but not the most natural phrasing. Koreans usually say 과제를 하다 (to do an assignment). If you want to specify writing, you would name the document: 보고서를 쓰다 (to write a report) or 에세이를 쓰다 (to write an essay).
A '그룹 과제' is a group assignment or group project. It is a very common term in Korean universities where students must work together in teams (often called '조') to complete a task and present it.
Yes, it is a formal, Sino-Korean word. It is appropriate for all professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. It is much more formal than pure Korean words for daily chores.
It is pronounced exactly as it is spelled: /gwa-je/. Make sure to pronounce the 'w' sound in '과' clearly. Do not say '가제'. The '제' sounds like 'je' in 'jelly'.
خودت رو بسنج 200 سوال
Translate: I have to submit the assignment by tomorrow.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
내일까지 (by tomorrow) + 과제를 (assignment) + 제출해야 합니다 (must submit).
내일까지 (by tomorrow) + 과제를 (assignment) + 제출해야 합니다 (must submit).
Translate: I am doing my assignment now.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
지금 (now) + 과제를 하고 있습니다 (am doing the assignment).
지금 (now) + 과제를 하고 있습니다 (am doing the assignment).
Translate: There are too many assignments today.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
오늘 (today) + 과제가 (assignments) + 너무 많아요 (are too many).
오늘 (today) + 과제가 (assignments) + 너무 많아요 (are too many).
Translate: Environmental pollution is a challenge we must solve.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
환경 오염 (environmental pollution) + 해결해야 할 (must solve) + 과제입니다 (is a challenge).
환경 오염 (environmental pollution) + 해결해야 할 (must solve) + 과제입니다 (is a challenge).
Translate: I finished all the piled-up assignments.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
밀린 과제 (piled-up assignments) + 다 (all) + 끝냈어요 (finished).
밀린 과제 (piled-up assignments) + 다 (all) + 끝냈어요 (finished).
Translate: The professor gave a difficult assignment.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
교수님께서 (professor) + 어려운 과제를 (difficult assignment) + 내셨습니다 (gave/assigned).
교수님께서 (professor) + 어려운 과제를 (difficult assignment) + 내셨습니다 (gave/assigned).
Translate: This is the core task of our team.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
핵심 과제 (core task).
핵심 과제 (core task).
Translate: I met friends for the group assignment.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
그룹 과제 (group assignment) + 를 위해 (for).
그룹 과제 (group assignment) + 를 위해 (for).
Translate: The assignment score came out well.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
과제 점수 (assignment score) + 잘 나왔어요 (came out well).
과제 점수 (assignment score) + 잘 나왔어요 (came out well).
Translate: It is an urgent task.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
시급한 (urgent) + 과제입니다 (is a task).
시급한 (urgent) + 과제입니다 (is a task).
Translate: I stayed up all night doing the assignment.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
과제를 하느라 (because of doing the assignment) + 밤을 새웠어요 (stayed up all night).
과제를 하느라 (because of doing the assignment) + 밤을 새웠어요 (stayed up all night).
Translate: What is the topic of this assignment?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
이번 과제의 (of this assignment) + 주제 (topic).
이번 과제의 (of this assignment) + 주제 (topic).
Translate: It is a national challenge.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
국가적 (national) + 과제입니다 (is a challenge).
국가적 (national) + 과제입니다 (is a challenge).
Translate: We successfully completed the task.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
성공적으로 (successfully) + 완수했습니다 (completed).
성공적으로 (successfully) + 완수했습니다 (completed).
Translate: I forgot the assignment.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
과제를 (assignment) + 잊어버렸어요 (forgot).
과제를 (assignment) + 잊어버렸어요 (forgot).
Translate: Dieting is my lifelong challenge.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
평생의 과제 (lifelong challenge).
평생의 과제 (lifelong challenge).
Translate: A new task was given.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
새로운 과제가 (new task) + 주어졌습니다 (was given).
새로운 과제가 (new task) + 주어졌습니다 (was given).
Translate: I took on an important task.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
중요한 과제를 (important task) + 맡았습니다 (took on).
중요한 과제를 (important task) + 맡았습니다 (took on).
Translate: This assignment takes a long time.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
시간이 오래 걸려요 (takes a long time).
시간이 오래 걸려요 (takes a long time).
Translate: Resolving the problem is the top priority task.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
최우선 과제 (top priority task).
최우선 과제 (top priority task).
Say: I have to submit the assignment by tomorrow.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Pronounce 제출해야 해요 clearly.
Say: I am doing my assignment now.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Natural present continuous form.
Say: There are too many assignments.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Expressing burden.
Say: It is an urgent challenge.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Formal pronunciation of 시급한.
Say: I finished all the piled-up assignments.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Pronounce 밀린 smoothly.
Say: This is our core task.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Emphasize 핵심 (core).
Say: I met friends for the group assignment.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Using 때문에 for reason.
Say: The assignment score came out well.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Natural conversational phrase.
Say: Environmental protection is a national challenge.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Formal tone for societal issues.
Say: I stayed up all night doing the assignment.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Using 하느라 to show cause of hardship.
Say: What is the topic of this assignment?
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Casual polite question.
Say: We successfully completed the task.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Formal business tone.
Say: I forgot the assignment.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
깜빡했어요 is natural spoken Korean for forgetting.
Say: Dieting is my lifelong challenge.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Humorous conversational phrase.
Say: A new task was given.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Passive voice in spoken form.
Say: I took on an important task.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Pronounce 맡았어요 as [마타써요].
Say: This assignment takes a long time.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Natural expression of duration.
Say: Resolving the problem is the top priority task.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Formal presentation tone.
Say: It's an assignment bomb! (Slang)
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Using slang 완전 and 폭탄.
Say: Did you finish the assignment?
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Simple everyday question.
Listen and write: [Audio: 내일까지 과제를 제출하세요]
Please submit the assignment by tomorrow.
Listen and write: [Audio: 과제가 너무 많아서 힘들어요]
It's hard because there are too many assignments.
Listen and write: [Audio: 이것은 우리가 해결해야 할 과제입니다]
This is a challenge we must solve.
Listen and write: [Audio: 그룹 과제를 준비하고 있습니다]
I am preparing for the group assignment.
Listen and write: [Audio: 핵심 과제가 무엇입니까?]
What is the core task?
Listen and write: [Audio: 과제 점수가 아주 잘 나왔어요]
The assignment score came out very well.
Listen and write: [Audio: 밀린 과제를 주말에 다 했어요]
I did all the piled-up assignments over the weekend.
Listen and write: [Audio: 시급한 과제부터 처리합시다]
Let's handle the urgent tasks first.
Listen and write: [Audio: 교수님이 어려운 과제를 내셨어요]
The professor assigned a difficult task.
Listen and write: [Audio: 국가적 과제로 떠올랐습니다]
It has emerged as a national challenge.
Listen and write: [Audio: 과제를 성공적으로 완수했습니다]
Successfully completed the task.
Listen and write: [Audio: 평생의 과제라고 생각합니다]
I think it is a lifelong challenge.
Listen and write: [Audio: 새로운 과제가 주어졌습니다]
A new task was given.
Listen and write: [Audio: 연구 과제 제안서를 작성하세요]
Please write the research project proposal.
Listen and write: [Audio: 과제를 하느라 밤을 새웠어요]
I stayed up all night doing the assignment.
/ 200 درست
نمره کامل!
Summary
과제 means both a formal assignment (like a university paper) and a broader challenge or problem to solve (like a national economic issue). Example: 환경 보호는 우리의 과제입니다 (Environmental protection is our challenge).
- School or university assignment.
- Professional task or project.
- A problem to be solved.
- A national or global challenge.
Use the right particle
Since 과제 is a noun, it needs particles. Use 과제를 when it is the object (과제를 하다) and 과제가 when it is the subject (과제가 많다). Never use it without a particle in formal writing.
Upgrade from 숙제
If you are a university student or older, stop using 숙제 to describe your work. Upgrading to 과제 immediately makes your Korean sound more mature and appropriate for your age level.
Memorize '제출하다'
The verb 제출하다 (to submit) is the best friend of 과제. Memorize them together as a single chunk: 과제를 제출하다. This will save you time and prevent awkward translations.
Listen to the news
To master the abstract meaning of this word, watch Korean news. You will hear phrases like '국가적 과제' (national challenge) frequently. This helps you understand its broader societal implications.
مثال
경제 위기를 극복하는 것이 우리 사회의 시급한 과제이다.
محتوای مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر education
백점
A2A perfect score, typically 100 points, in a test or exam.
능력
B1داشتن ابزار یا مهارت برای انجام کاری. او توانایی زیادی در حل مسائل دارد.
결석
B1غیبت یک دانشآموز از مدرسه یا کلاس درس.
결석하다
A2غیبت کردن از مدرسه یا کلاس. مثال: او امروز به دلیل بیماری در کلاس غیبت کرد.
학업성취도
B2میزان موفقیت تحصیلی یک دانشآموز که معمولاً با نمرات سنجیده میشود. پیشرفت تحصیلی نشاندهنده تسلط بر مطالب درسی است.
학업 성취
B2پیشرفت تحصیلی به میزانی گفته میشود که دانشآموز به اهداف آموزشی خود دست یافته است.
학문
B1مطالعه آکادمیک یا تلاش سیستماتیک برای کسب دانش.
학문적
B1مربوط به آموزش، مطالعه یا تحقیق. ; مشخص شده با یا درگیر با پیگیری دانش، تحقیق و مطالعه نظری، اغلب در موسسات آموزشی رسمی یا جوامع علمی.
학술
B1Relating to education and scholarship, especially at a college or university level; academic pursuits or studies.
학원
A2یک مؤسسه آموزشی خصوصی برای یادگیری تکمیلی. دانشآموزان کرهای اغلب بعد از مدرسه به هاگوون میروند.