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A2 noun #2,500 le plus courant 5 min de lecture

공짜

gongjja
At the A1 level, you should know that '공짜' (Gong-jja) means 'free.' It is a very useful word when you are shopping or visiting tourist spots in Korea. You might see it on signs or hear it when someone gives you a small gift. The most important thing to remember is the simple sentence: '이거 공짜예요?' (Is this free?). This will help you avoid confusion when you see items on a table or samples in a store. At this stage, don't worry too much about the formal version '무료'; just focus on '공짜' as your go-to word for 'zero dollars.' You will often hear it in convenience stores when there is a 1+1 (one plus one) promotion. Even though the sign might say '무료,' people talking will say '공짜.' It's a fun word because everyone loves getting things for free! Try to practice saying it with a light, happy tone, as it usually brings good news.
At the A2 level, you can start using '공짜' in more complete sentences. You should learn the adverbial form '공짜로' (for free). Instead of just saying 'It is free,' you can now say 'I got it for free' (공짜로 받았어요) or 'I ate for free' (공짜로 먹었어요). You are also beginning to see the difference between '공짜' and '무료.' While '공짜' is what you say to your friends, '무료' is what you see on official websites or museum tickets. You should also be aware of the phrase '공짜 선물' (free gift). In Korea, the concept of 'Service' (서비스) is very common in restaurants, and this 'service' is always '공짜.' If a waiter brings you a drink you didn't order and says '서비스예요,' you can respond with '와, 공짜예요? 감사합니다!' (Wow, is it free? Thank you!). This level is about moving from simple identification to describing actions involving free items.
As a B1 learner, you should understand the social implications of the word '공짜.' It's not just about price; it's about the culture of giving and receiving. You will encounter the famous Korean proverb '세상에 공짜는 없다' (There is no such thing as a free lunch). This reflects a more mature understanding of the word—that sometimes 'free' things come with hidden expectations or future obligations. You can use '공짜' to talk about promotions, marketing strategies, and social favors. You should also be comfortable using it in the negative, such as '이건 공짜가 아니에요' (This isn't free). At this level, you can start using it to describe people's characters, though be careful: '공짜를 너무 좋아하다' can imply someone is a bit greedy. You are now expected to switch between '공짜' and '무료' depending on who you are talking to. If you are talking to a teacher or a boss, '무료' is safer, but with classmates, '공짜' is the natural choice.
At the B2 level, you can use '공짜' to discuss economic concepts and consumer behavior. You might analyze why companies offer '공짜 샘플' (free samples) to increase brand loyalty. You should be able to understand more complex idioms like '공짜라면 양젯물도 마신다' (People will drink lye if it's free), which critiques human greed. You can also use the word in hypothetical situations: '만약 이게 공짜라면, 사람들이 다 가져갈 거예요' (If this were free, everyone would take it). Your vocabulary should also include related terms like '무료화' (making something free/liberalization of costs). You can discuss the 'freemium' model in apps using these terms. At this stage, your use of '공짜' should feel natural and nuanced, reflecting an understanding of when the word sounds too 'cheap' and when it sounds 'friendly.' You might also use it in debates about public services, like '공짜 점심' (free school lunches) in the context of political discussions.
For C1 learners, '공짜' becomes a tool for sophisticated social commentary. You can explore the etymology and the subtle linguistic shifts between the native Korean '공짜' and the Sino-Korean '무료.' You might write an essay on how the 'Gong-jja' culture in Korea (the 'service' culture) affects the hospitality industry's profit margins. You should be able to identify the word in literature or high-level journalism where it might be used ironically to describe political 'handouts' or the 'cost' of freedom. You understand that '공짜' can carry a derogatory nuance when applied to intellectual property or professional services (e.g., '왜 내 노력을 공짜로 이용하려고 해?' - Why are you trying to use my effort for free?). Your mastery includes the ability to use the word to express cynicism, gratitude, or economic theory with equal ease, recognizing that the 'emptiness' implied by the '공' (空) in 공짜 can be both a blessing and a trap.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '공짜' and its place in the Korean psyche. You can deconstruct the word's role in the 'K-Marketing' phenomenon and its psychological impact on the 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture. You are familiar with obscure historical usages and can effortlessly navigate the spectrum between the vulgar use of the word and its most poetic applications. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about whether anything in a capitalist society can truly be '공짜.' You might analyze the linguistic evolution of the word in North vs. South Korea or its usage in different dialects. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural, recognizing '공짜' as a keyword that unlocks understanding of Korean social reciprocity, the 'Jeong' (affection) system, and the modern consumerist drive. You use the word with perfect prosody, capturing the exact emotional weight—whether it's the joy of a surprise gift or the sting of an undervalued labor.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

공짜 en 30 secondes

  • 공짜 means 'free of charge' in casual Korean.
  • Commonly used as '공짜로' to mean 'for free'.
  • Less formal than '무료', perfect for daily life.
  • Often used in marketing (1+1) and restaurant 'service'.

The word 공짜 (Gong-jja) is a fundamental Korean noun that translates most directly to 'free of charge' or 'gratis.' In the Korean linguistic landscape, it represents the concept of receiving something without providing any monetary compensation or reciprocal service. While it is a simple A2-level word, its usage spans from casual street talk to complex social observations about the nature of value and exchange. Unlike its more formal counterpart, 무료 (Muryo), 공짜 carries a slightly more colloquial, everyday vibe. It is the word you use when you find a 'buy one get one free' deal at a convenience store or when a friend gives you an extra concert ticket they couldn't use. Understanding 공짜 is essential for navigating Korean consumer culture, where 'service' (freebies) is a common and expected part of the hospitality experience.

Core Essence
The absolute absence of cost or payment requirements for a good or service.
Social Nuance
Often implies a sense of luck or a 'gift' from the provider, sometimes used with a hint of skepticism (as in 'nothing is truly free').
Grammatical Role
Primarily functions as a noun, but frequently appears in the adverbial form 공짜로 (for free).

"이 커피는 공짜예요. 마음껏 드세요." (This coffee is free. Please help yourself.)

— Common Hospitality Phrase

Historically, the word has roots in the idea of 'empty' or 'void' of price. When Koreans use 공짜, they are often expressing a sense of small joy. However, there is a deep-seated cultural proverb: "세상에 공짜는 없다" (There is no such thing as a free lunch/nothing in the world is free), which balances the excitement of a freebie with a pragmatic understanding of social obligations. In modern urban Korea, you will see this word plastered on neon signs, marketing flyers, and mobile apps. It is a powerful psychological trigger in marketing, often used to lure customers into stores with the promise of 'Gong-jja' samples or services.

"공짜라면 양젯물도 마신다"

Literal: "If it's free, one would even drink lye." (Meaning: People will take anything if it's free, even if it's harmful.)

Using 공짜 effectively requires understanding its most common grammatical structures. While it is a noun, it rarely stands alone in a sentence. It is most frequently paired with the particle -로 to create the adverbial phrase 공짜로, meaning 'for free' or 'without paying.'

  • 공짜예요 (Noun + Copula): Use this to identify something as free. "이거 공짜예요?" (Is this free?)
  • 공짜로 얻다/받다: To get or receive something for free. "친구한테 공짜로 티켓을 받았어요." (I got a ticket for free from a friend.)
  • 공짜로 주다: To give something for free. "사장님이 서비스를 공짜로 주셨어요." (The owner gave me the service for free.)
Structure[Noun] + 공짜

Example: 공짜 점심 (Free lunch), 공짜 선물 (Free gift), 공짜 티켓 (Free ticket).

In terms of register, 공짜 is perfectly acceptable in daily conversation. However, if you are writing a formal business proposal or a legal document, you should substitute it with 무료 (無料). For example, 'Free Parking' is almost always written as 무료 주차, never 공짜 주차. Using 공짜 in these contexts can sound slightly unrefined or overly casual.

You will encounter 공짜 in a variety of real-world Korean settings. From the bustling streets of Myeongdong to the digital landscape of KakaoTalk, this word is everywhere. Here are the primary environments where the word thrives:

1. Traditional Markets (Sijang)
When a vendor throws in an extra apple or a handful of greens, they might say, "이건 공짜야!" (This one's free!). It's a sign of 'Jeong' (social bonding).
2. Online Shopping & Apps
Banner ads often scream "공짜 이벤트" (Free Event) to attract clicks. You'll see it in mobile games offering 'free' gems or items.
3. Casual Dining
If a restaurant provides a free side dish or a drink that wasn't ordered, the server might clarify, "서비스예요, 공짜입니다." (It's 'service' [on the house], it's free.)
Dialogue Snippet🔊

"와, 이 앱 다운로드하면 이모티콘 공짜로 준대!"

(Wow, they say if you download this app, they give you emoticons for free!)

Interestingly, the word is also used metaphorically in dramas and movies to discuss life lessons. A character might say, "세상에 공짜가 어디 있어?" (Where is there anything free in this world?) during a moment of cynical realization. This highlights that the word isn't just about money; it's about the universal law of cause and effect.

Even though 공짜 is an A2 word, learners often trip over its usage nuances and its relationship with similar words. Here are the most frequent pitfalls:

  • ✕
    Confusing with '무료' (Muryo): While they mean the same thing, using '공짜' in a formal speech or a business presentation sounds unprofessional. Correct: 무료 배송 (Free shipping) in a store; 공짜 배송 sounds a bit childish.
  • ✕
    Incorrect Particle Usage: Many learners say "공짜를" when they mean "for free." Correct: 공짜로 (Adverbial form). "공짜로 얻었어요" is correct; "공짜를 얻었어요" is awkward.
  • ✕
    Misinterpreting 'Service' (서비스): In Korea, 'Service' often means 'Free of charge.' If a waiter says "이건 서비스예요," they mean it's '공짜.' Don't try to pay for it!

Korean has several ways to express the idea of 'free' or 'without cost,' each with its own specific context. Knowing the difference will make you sound much more like a native speaker.

무료 (Muryo)
The formal/Sino-Korean version. Used in business, official signs, and polite settings. (e.g., 무료 입장 - Free Admission).
거저 (Geojeo)
Implies getting something for free with almost no effort, or something being incredibly cheap. (e.g., 거저나 다름없다 - It's practically free).
무보수 (Mubosu)
Specifically refers to working without pay (unpaid/volunteer). (e.g., 무보수 봉사 - Unpaid service).
덤 (Deom)
An extra amount given for free as a bonus during a purchase. (e.g., 덤으로 주다).

Comparison Table

WordVibeBest For...
공짜CasualFriends, Markets
무료FormalAds, Business
거저EmphaticLucky finds

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

이거 공짜예요?

Is this free?

Noun + -예요 (polite ending)

2

공짜 선물이에요.

It's a free gift.

Noun + Noun

3

물은 공짜입니다.

Water is free.

Formal ending -입니다

4

공짜 좋아해요?

Do you like free things?

Object + Verb

5

이 커피 공짜예요.

This coffee is free.

Simple subject-predicate

6

공짜로 주세요.

Give it to me for free, please.

Adverbial -로 + Imperative

7

우와, 공짜다!

Wow, it's free!

Exclamatory ending -다

8

공짜 티켓이 있어요.

I have a free ticket.

Possession verb -있어요

1

어제 공짜로 영화를 봤어요.

I watched a movie for free yesterday.

Past tense -았/었어요

2

이 사탕은 공짜니까 드세요.

These candies are free, so please have some.

Reasoning -니까

3

공짜로 받은 가방이에요.

This is a bag I received for free.

Noun modifying clause -은

4

길에서 공짜 샘플을 받았어요.

I got a free sample on the street.

Location particle -에서

5

공짜라고 다 좋은 건 아니에요.

Just because it's free doesn't mean it's all good.

Quoting -라고

6

편의점에서 1+1은 하나가 공짜예요.

In a convenience store, 1+1 means one is free.

Topic particle -은/는

7

공짜로 가르쳐 줄게요.

I will teach you for free.

Future intention -을게요

8

이건 공짜 선물이니까 마음껏 가져가세요.

Since this is a free gift, take as much as you want.

Honorific imperative -세요

1

세상에 공짜는 없다는 말을 믿어요.

I believe the saying that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Appositive clause -는 말

2

공짜를 너무 좋아하면 대머리가 된대요.

They say you'll go bald if you like free things too much (Korean myth).

Conditional -면 + Quoting -대요

3

그 회사는 공짜 마케팅으로 유명해요.

That company is famous for its 'free' marketing.

Reason particle -으로

4

공짜로 일해 주는 사람은 없어요.

There is no one who works for free.

Negative existence -없어요

5

친구 덕분에 공짜로 공연을 즐겼어요.

Thanks to my friend, I enjoyed the performance for free.

Benefactive -덕분에

6

공짜 티켓을 구하려고 줄을 섰어요.

I stood in line to get a free ticket.

Purpose -려고

7

이 앱은 공짜지만 광고가 너무 많아요.

This app is free, but there are too many ads.

Contrast -지만

8

공짜 점심을 먹으러 사람들이 모였어요.

People gathered to eat a free lunch.

Purpose -러 가다/오다

1

공짜 샘플을 배포하여 고객을 유인합니다.

They attract customers by distributing free samples.

Formal connective -하여

2

공짜라는 말에 속아서 개인정보를 넘겼어요.

I was tricked by the word 'free' and gave away my personal info.

Passive -속아서

3

정부는 공짜 점심 정책을 두고 토론했습니다.

The government debated over the free lunch policy.

Topic marker -을 두고

4

공짜로 얻은 지식은 쉽게 잊혀지기 마련이다.

Knowledge gained for free is bound to be forgotten easily.

Inevitability -기 마련이다

5

이 서비스는 일주일 동안만 공짜로 제공됩니다.

This service is provided for free for only one week.

Duration -동안 + Passive -됩니다

6

공짜를 바라는 마음이 화를 부를 수 있어요.

The desire for free things can invite trouble.

Potential -수 있어요

7

그는 공짜로 얻은 기회를 소중히 여겼다.

He cherished the opportunity he got for free.

Adverbial usage of '소중히'

8

공짜로 배포되는 소프트웨어에도 저작권이 있다.

Even software distributed for free has copyright.

Inclusive particle -도

1

공짜 경제학은 현대 시장의 핵심 전략 중 하나다.

Free economics is one of the core strategies of the modern market.

Noun-heavy academic style

2

노동력을 공짜로 착취하는 행위는 근절되어야 한다.

The act of exploiting labor for free must be eradicated.

Passive necessity -어야 한다

3

공짜라는 미끼로 소비자를 현혹하는 광고가 늘고 있다.

Ads that deceive consumers with the bait of 'free' are increasing.

Metaphorical usage

4

그의 호의를 공짜로 여기는 것은 큰 실례다.

It is a great rudeness to take his kindness for granted (as free).

Gerund -는 것

5

공짜 복지 논쟁은 사회적 합의가 필요한 사안이다.

The debate over free welfare is a matter that requires social consensus.

Complex noun phrases

6

자연이 주는 혜택을 공짜로 누려서는 안 된다.

We should not enjoy the benefits of nature for free (without responsibility).

Prohibition -어서는 안 된다

7

공짜 마케팅의 이면에는 치밀한 계산이 깔려 있다.

Behind free marketing lies a meticulous calculation.

Metaphorical '깔려 있다'

8

그들은 공짜로 얻은 권력을 남용하기 시작했다.

They began to abuse the power they had gained for free.

Action start -기 시작하다

1

공짜라는 환상이 빚어낸 현대 소비사회의 단면.

A cross-section of modern consumer society created by the illusion of 'free'.

Literary noun modification

2

대가 없는 공짜는 때로 가장 비싼 대가를 치르게 한다.

A freebie without a price sometimes makes one pay the highest price.

Causative -게 하다

3

공짜 지향적 태도는 창의적 가치를 폄훼할 우려가 있다.

A free-oriented attitude risks disparaging creative value.

Formal/Academic vocabulary

4

정보의 공짜 유통이 저널리즘의 질적 하락을 초래했다.

The free distribution of information has led to a decline in the quality of journalism.

Resultative -를 초래하다

5

공짜라는 기표 뒤에 숨은 자본의 논리를 꿰뚫어 보아야 한다.

One must see through the logic of capital hidden behind the signifier 'free'.

Philosophical terminology

6

무보수와 공짜 사이의 미묘한 언어적 경계를 탐색하다.

Exploring the subtle linguistic boundary between unpaid work and 'free'.

Infinitive ending style

7

공짜라면 양젯물도 마신다는 속담은 인간의 탐욕을 통찰한다.

The proverb about drinking lye if it's free provides insight into human greed.

Insight verb -통찰하다

8

공짜로 주어지는 삶의 순간들을 경건하게 맞이하라.

Solemnly welcome the moments of life that are given for free.

Imperative -하라

Collocations courantes

공짜 점심
공짜 티켓
공짜 선물
공짜 샘플
공짜 마케팅
공짜로 얻다
공짜로 주다
공짜로 먹다
공짜로 배우다
공짜가 아니다

Phrases Courantes

공짜예요?

공짜로 받았어요.

세상에 공짜는 없다.

공짜라면 양젯물도 마신다.

공짜 좋아하지 마세요.

이거 공짜인가요?

공짜로 줄게요.

공짜 이벤트

공짜 쿠폰

공짜 서비스

Souvent confondu avec

공짜 vs 무료

무료 is formal and used in writing; 공짜 is casual and spoken.

공짜 vs 거저

거저 emphasizes the lack of effort, while 공짜 emphasizes the lack of money.

공짜 vs 서비스

서비스 is specifically a 'freebie' given by a business.

Expressions idiomatiques

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Facile à confondre

공짜 vs

공짜 vs

공짜 vs

공짜 vs

공짜 vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

Casual vs Formal

공짜 (Casual) vs 무료 (Formal).

Negative Connotation

Can imply 'cheap' or 'freeloading' if used about a person.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using '공짜' in a formal report.
  • Saying '공짜를 했어요' instead of '공짜로 했어요'.
  • Confusing '공짜' with '공차' (the tea shop).
  • Thinking '공짜' is only for physical objects (it's for services too).
  • Forgetting that '무료' exists for formal signs.

Astuces

Accepting Service

When a restaurant gives you something '공짜,' always say thank you loudly!

The 'Ro' Particle

Always use '공짜로' when you are describing how you did an action (e.g., ate, watched).

1+1 is Gong-jja

In Korea, 1+1 means the second item is 공짜. Look for these signs!

Reciprocity

If someone gives you something 공짜, try to return the favor later.

Spotting Scams

If an ad says '공짜' too many times, be careful of your personal data.

Double J

Make sure to emphasize the 'jj' sound; it's not 'gong-ja,' it's 'gong-jja'.

Texting

In KakaoTalk, you can just type '공짜?!' to show excitement.

Baldness Joke

Use the baldness joke with close friends when they ask for free things.

At the Office

Use '무료' when talking about company benefits to your boss.

Empty Price

Remember 'Gong' means empty, like an empty price tag.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean roots

Contexte culturel

The most common way to see '공짜' in action at stores like CU or GS25.

A common joke is that if you like free things too much, you will go bald.

Free side dishes (Banchan) are expected in Korea, unlike in many Western countries.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"이거 공짜로 받은 건데, 너 가질래?"

"요즘 공짜로 배울 수 있는 강의가 많아요."

"세상에 정말 공짜가 있을까요?"

"공짜로 여행 갈 수 있다면 어디로 가고 싶어요?"

"어제 공짜 티켓이 생겨서 영화 봤어요."

Sujets d'écriture

최근에 공짜로 얻은 것 중에 가장 기분 좋았던 것은?

'세상에 공짜는 없다'는 말에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?

내가 다른 사람에게 공짜로 해줄 수 있는 재능 기부는?

공짜 마케팅에 속아본 적이 있나요?

한국의 '서비스' 문화에 대한 나의 생각은?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it's not rude, but it is very casual. Use '무료' with elders or in business.

Only if you mean they are doing something for free. Calling a person '공짜' doesn't make sense.

It means 'for free' or 'without paying.' It's the adverb form.

In a Korean restaurant context, yes, it usually means a free dish or drink.

The opposite is '유료' (paid) or simply saying something costs money.

Yes, '무료' (Muryo) is the formal version.

Better to use '무료' or '무보수' if discussing unpaid work.

It's an old Korean joke/superstition about greed.

Yes, '공' (空) is Sino-Korean, but the whole word is treated as native/casual.

Yes, '공짜 앱' (free app) is very common.

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