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A2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

과장님

gwajangnim Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 과장님 en 30 secondes

Explication 과장님 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '과장님' (Gwajangnim) is a word for a 'boss' or 'manager' in an office. You should recognize that the 'nim' part is for respect. You might hear this in basic greetings or introductions. For example, if you see a picture of an office, you can identify the person in charge as the '과장님.' At this stage, focus on the sound and the basic meaning: 'Manager + Respect.' You don't need to worry about the complex hierarchy yet. Just remember that when you see a man or woman in a suit in a Korean drama, they are often called this title. It is a noun that describes a person's job level. Practice saying it clearly: Gwa-jang-nim.

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At the A2 level, you should understand that '과장님' is a specific rank in the Korean workplace. You should be able to use it in simple sentences like '과장님, 안녕하세요' (Hello, Manager) or '과장님은 사무실에 계세요' (The manager is in the office). You are starting to learn about honorifics, so you should realize that you must use polite endings (like -yo) when using this word. You should also know that you can put a surname before it, like 'Kim 과장님.' This is the level where you begin to understand that Korean culture uses titles instead of names in professional settings. You might use this word when role-playing a simple office scenario or describing someone's job.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '과장님' in various office contexts. You should understand the difference between '과장님' (the rank) and '팀장님' (the role). You should be able to handle more complex grammar, such as using the honorific subject marker '-께서' and the honorific verb endings '-(으)십니다.' For example: '과장님께서 서류를 검토하셨습니다' (The manager reviewed the documents). You should also understand the social expectation of a 과장님: they are mid-level managers who supervise others. You can describe their responsibilities and your relationship with them using more varied vocabulary. You are starting to understand the 'nuance' of respect in the Korean workplace.

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At the B2 level, you can discuss the Korean corporate hierarchy in detail and explain the role of a '과장님' within a company. You should understand the concept of 'Ap-jon-beop' (honorifics based on the listener's rank) and when it might apply to a 과장님. You can use the word in professional emails, reports, and meetings with appropriate formality. You should be able to understand office-themed media (like dramas or news articles) where the '과장님' is a key character, and follow the social dynamics involved. You can also compare the Korean 'Gwajang' role to management roles in your own country, discussing the differences in authority and cultural expectations. Your use of the word is now naturally integrated into complex professional conversations.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the socio-economic implications of being a '과장님' in Korea. You can analyze literature or films where the '과장님' represents the 'middle-class struggle' or 'corporate loyalty.' You understand the etymology (課長 - Section Head) and how this title has evolved over decades of Korean industrialization. You can navigate high-level business negotiations, correctly using titles for everyone in the room to maintain perfect 'Chemyon' (face). You are aware of the subtle shifts in modern Korean culture, such as the move towards 'Nim-culture' in startups, and can discuss the pros and cons of these changes using sophisticated vocabulary. The word is no longer just a title to you; it's a symbol of a specific social identity.

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At the C2 level, you use '과장님' with the same nuance and cultural intuition as a native speaker. You can detect subtle sarcasm, irony, or deep respect in the way the word is used in various contexts. You can write professional documents or creative pieces that accurately reflect the complex interpersonal relationships in a Korean office centered around a '과장님.' You are capable of debating the merits of the hierarchical system and its impact on Korean society. You understand the historical context of the title and its variations across different industries (e.g., finance vs. manufacturing). Your mastery of the word includes the ability to switch registers effortlessly, knowing exactly when to use the title and when to use other forms of address based on the finest details of social context.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

과장님 en 30 secondes

A 'Gwajangnim' is a mid-level manager or section chief in the Korean corporate hierarchy, sitting between Assistant Manager and Deputy General Manager.
The honorific suffix '-nim' is essential when addressing them to maintain professional etiquette and show respect for their rank.
In Korean offices, people are addressed by their title (plus surname) rather than their first name to uphold social harmony.
This word is frequently used in business contexts, office-themed media, and formal introductions within South Korean society.

The word 과장님 (Gwajangnim) is a fundamental pillar of South Korean corporate culture. In the hierarchical structure of a Korean company, it refers to a 'Section Chief' or a 'Manager.' To understand this word, one must first understand the concept of 'Nim' (님), an honorific suffix added to titles to show respect. Without the 'Nim,' the word 'Gwajang' (과장) simply refers to the rank itself. In a professional setting, you would almost never address your superior as just 'Gwajang'; the 'Nim' is mandatory to maintain social harmony and professional etiquette.

Hierarchical Context: In the standard Korean office hierarchy, a 과장님 typically sits above a 대리 (Daeri - Assistant Manager) and below a 차장 (Chajang - Deputy General Manager). They are often the 'middle management' heart of the office, handling both the execution of tasks and the supervision of junior staff.

김 과장님, 이 서류 좀 확인해 주시겠어요? (Manager Kim, could you please check this document?)

The use of 과장님 extends beyond just a job title; it acts as a primary form of address. In Western culture, you might call your manager 'John' or 'Mr. Smith,' but in Korea, using a person's name followed by their title is the standard. If there are multiple managers, you prefix the title with their surname, such as 'Lee Gwajangnim' or 'Park Gwajangnim.' If the context is clear, simply saying 'Gwajangnim' is sufficient. This linguistic structure reinforces the 'Chemyon' (face) and social standing of the individual within the collective group.

Social Dynamics: A 과장님 is often seen as the bridge between the 'working level' (the doers) and the 'decision makers' (the executives). They are the ones who guide the junior staff through the intricacies of corporate life while being responsible for the output of their specific section.

우리 과장님은 정말 꼼꼼하세요. (Our manager is really meticulous.)

Furthermore, the term is frequently encountered in K-dramas and webtoons centered on office life, such as 'Misaeng' or 'Chief Kim.' These stories often highlight the pressure a 과장님 faces—balancing the demands of their own bosses with the needs of their subordinates. It is a role that commands respect but also carries significant responsibility. Understanding this word is key to navigating any Korean social environment that involves business or professional networking.

Using 과장님 correctly requires an understanding of Korean honorifics. When you speak to a 과장님, you must use polite verb endings like -yo (요) or the more formal -seumnida (습니다). You should never use Banmal (informal speech) with a 과장님 unless you have a very close, long-standing relationship outside of work, and even then, it is rarely done within the office walls.

Direct Address: When calling out to your manager, you simply say '과장님!' If you are in a meeting and need to refer to them, you use 'Surname + 과장님.' For example, '김 과장님께서 말씀하신 대로...' (As Manager Kim said...).

과장님, 점심 식사 하셨어요? (Manager, have you had lunch?)

In written communication, such as emails or KakaoTalk messages, the title is equally important. You would start an email with '안녕하세요, [Name] 과장님' (Hello, Manager [Name]). It is considered rude to omit the title or to use just their name. Even when talking about your manager to someone else of a lower or equal rank, you still use the title to show respect for their position.

과장님께서 지금 회의 중이십니다. (The manager is in a meeting right now.)

Another common usage is when introducing someone. '이분은 우리 팀의 박 과장님이십니다' (This person is Manager Park of our team). Note the use of '이분' (this person - polite) and '이십니다' (is - formal). The level of politeness must be consistent throughout the sentence. If you are a client talking to a company, you would refer to their staff by their titles to maintain professional distance and respect.

Referring to One's Own Manager: When speaking to someone outside your company (like a client) about your own manager, the rules can change slightly. Traditionally, you might humble your own superior to the outsider, but in modern business Korean, it is increasingly common to keep the 'Nim' to show that your company respects its leaders.

The most obvious place to hear 과장님 is in a Korean office. From the moment the workday starts at 9:00 AM until the late-night 'Hoesik' (company dinner), this word echoes through the cubicles. You will hear it during morning briefings, in the elevator, and over coffee breaks. It is the soundtrack of the Korean 'salaryman' life. In these settings, the word carries the weight of authority and the expectation of guidance.

Media and Pop Culture: Korean dramas are famous for their office-themed plots. Shows like 'Misaeng: Incomplete Life' depict the grueling reality of corporate hierarchy. In such dramas, the 과장님 is often a central figure—sometimes a mentor, sometimes a hurdle. You'll hear characters using the word with various intonations: with fear, with respect, or even with frustration behind their backs.

드라마에서 과장님 캐릭터는 보통 아주 바쁩니다. (Manager characters in dramas are usually very busy.)

Beyond the office, you might hear the term in service industries. Sometimes, customers might call a male shop owner or a senior staff member '과장님' as a way of being overly polite or giving them a 'promotion' in status to ensure better service, although 'Sajangnim' (CEO/Owner) is more common for this. In casual social settings, friends who work together will still use the title to maintain professional boundaries, especially if others from the office are present.

퇴근 후에 과장님과 술 한잔 했어요. (I had a drink with the manager after work.)

You will also encounter this word in news reports or documentaries discussing labor issues or corporate trends. When a journalist interviews a 'Manager Lee' from a major corporation like Samsung or Hyundai, they will refer to him as 'Lee Gwajangnim.' It is a versatile term that defines a specific social strata in Korean society—the middle-class professional who has 'made it' past the entry-level struggles but still works on the front lines of business.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is forgetting the honorific suffix '-nim.' In English, we can say 'Manager,' but in Korean, '과장' (Gwajang) sounds like you are talking about the rank in an abstract sense or, worse, addressing them as an inferior. Always remember to attach '님' when speaking to or about a specific person. It is a small addition that makes a massive difference in how you are perceived.

Misusing Names: Another frequent error is using the full name with the title, like 'Kim Cheol-su 과장님.' While not technically 'wrong' in all cases, it is much more natural to use just the surname: '김 과장님.' Using the full name can sometimes sound overly formal or like you are reading from a directory. Never use just the first name ('Cheol-su 과장님') as this is culturally inappropriate.

과장! (Wrong) vs 과장님! (Correct)

Confusing ranks is another pitfall. If you call a '부장님' (Bujangnim - General Manager) a '과장님,' it is essentially a demotion. In the hierarchy-conscious Korean workplace, this can be taken as a slight. It is always better to double-check someone's business card (Myeong-ham) before addressing them. If you aren't sure, 'Manager' (매니저님) is a safer, more modern alternative in some startup environments, but in traditional companies, stick to the specific rank.

김철수 과장님 (Awkward) vs 김 과장님 (Natural)

Lastly, learners often forget to adjust their entire sentence to match the respect shown by the word '과장님.' Using '과장님' at the start of a sentence but ending with '어/아' (Banmal) is a major linguistic clash. If you use the title, the rest of the sentence must be in 'Haeyo-che' or 'Hapsyo-che.' Consistency is key to sounding natural and respectful in a Korean professional context.

While 과장님 is a specific rank, there are several other titles you will encounter in a Korean office. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for navigating the hierarchy. The term '팀장님' (Timjangnim - Team Leader) is often used interchangeably with 과장님 in modern companies, but they represent different things: 과장님 is a rank, while 팀장님 is a functional role. A 과장님 might be a 팀장님, or a higher-ranking 부장님 might be the 팀장님.

대리님 (Daerinim): The rank immediately below 과장님. Think of them as an 'Assistant Manager' or 'Senior Associate.' They have more experience than entry-level staff but still report to the 과장님.
차장님 (Chajangnim): The rank immediately above 과장님. This is a 'Deputy General Manager.' They handle more strategic tasks and oversee multiple sections.

직급 순서: 사원 → 대리 → 과장 → 차장 → 부장

In newer tech companies or startups, you might see the 'Nim-culture' (님 문화) where everyone addresses each other by their name plus 'Nim,' regardless of rank (e.g., 'Cheol-su Nim'). In these environments, '과장님' might feel outdated. However, in traditional conglomerates (Chaebols) like LG or Lotte, the traditional titles are still very much the law of the land. It's important to read the room and see what others are using.

부장님은 과장님보다 직급이 높습니다. (The General Manager is higher in rank than the Manager.)

Other alternatives include '선생님' (Seonsaengnim - Teacher), which is sometimes used for older professionals or experts whose specific rank you don't know. '사장님' (Sajangnim) is the go-to for business owners. If you are a freelancer working with a company, calling your contact '과장님' is a safe and professional choice. It acknowledges their status without being overly intimate or confusingly formal.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In the past, becoming a 'Gwajang' was seen as the first major step into 'real' management, often celebrated with a large party for the family.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɡwa.dʑaŋ.nim/

US /ɡwɑ.dʒɑŋ.nɪm/

The stress is relatively even, but a slight emphasis is often placed on the first syllable 'Gwa'.

Rime avec

사장님 (Sajangnim) 부장님 (Bujangnim) 차장님 (Chajangnim) 대리님 (Daerinim) 팀장님 (Timjangnim) 회장님 (Hoejangnim) 실장님 (Siljangnim) 교장님 (Gyojangnim)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'Gwa' as 'Goo-ah' (two syllables). It should be one fluid sound.
Dropping the 'ng' sound at the end of 'jang'.
Pronouncing 'Nim' as 'Neem' with a very long 'ee' sound.
Forgetting the nasal 'n' in 'Nim'.
Not pausing slightly between 'Gwajang' and 'Nim'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the Hanja or the pattern.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the specific characters and honorific context.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation is key, especially the 'Gwa' diphthong.

Écoute 2/5

Very common in office environments and media.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

회사 사람 님 이름 일

Apprends ensuite

대리님 부장님 차장님 결재 출장

Avancé

상명하복 경영 직제 승진 인사고과

Grammaire à connaître

Honorific Suffix -님

선생님, 사장님, 과장님

Subject Marker -께서

과장님께서 말씀하십니다.

Dative Marker -께

과장님께 드립니다.

Honorific Verb Suffix -시-

과장님이 가십니다.

Humble Verbs

과장님께 여쭤보다 (instead of 묻다)

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Exemples par niveau

이분은 우리 과장님입니다.

This person is our manager.

Uses the polite '-imnida' ending.

과장님, 안녕하세요?

Manager, hello?

Basic greeting with the title.

과장님은 한국 사람입니다.

The manager is Korean.

Simple subject-predicate structure.

우리 과장님은 좋습니다.

Our manager is good/nice.

Adjective 'jota' used with the title.

과장님, 감사합니다.

Manager, thank you.

Expressing gratitude using the title.

저분이 과장님입니까?

Is that person the manager?

Interrogative form of 'to be'.

과장님은 사무실에 있어요.

The manager is in the office.

Locative particle 'e' with 'isseoyo'.

김 과장님, 여기요.

Manager Kim, here it is.

Using surname with the title.

과장님, 커피 드시겠어요?

Manager, would you like some coffee?

Uses honorific 'deusida' (to eat/drink).

과장님은 지금 회의 중이에요.

The manager is in a meeting now.

'Jung-ieyo' indicates 'in the middle of'.

박 과장님께 전화를 드렸어요.

I gave a call to Manager Park.

Uses honorific 'kke' and 'deurida'.

과장님은 언제 오세요?

When is the manager coming?

Honorific 'oseyo' (come).

이 서류를 과장님께 보여주세요.

Please show this document to the manager.

Imperative '-juseyo' with honorific 'kke'.

과장님, 주말 잘 보내셨어요?

Manager, did you have a good weekend?

Past tense honorific 'bona-syeo-sseo-yo'.

과장님이 아주 친절하세요.

The manager is very kind.

Honorific adjective ending '-seyo'.

과장님께 보고서를 드렸습니다.

I gave the report to the manager.

Formal '-seumnida' ending.

과장님께서 이 일을 시키셨어요.

The manager ordered this task.

Uses honorific subject marker '-kkeseo'.

과장님께 결재를 받아야 합니다.

I need to get approval from the manager.

'-ya hamnida' (must do).

과장님은 우리 팀의 정신적 지주예요.

The manager is the spiritual pillar of our team.

Metaphorical usage of 'pillar'.

과장님과 함께 출장을 가게 되었어요.

I ended up going on a business trip with the manager.

'-ge doe-eosseoyo' (became/ended up).

과장님 덕분에 프로젝트를 잘 마쳤습니다.

Thanks to the manager, we finished the project well.

'Deok-bune' (thanks to).

과장님은 항상 솔선수범하시는 분입니다.

The manager is someone who always leads by example.

Noun modifying clause '-hasineun bun'.

과장님께 제 의견을 솔직하게 말씀드렸어요.

I told the manager my opinion honestly.

Honorific 'malseum-deurida' (to tell).

과장님이 안 계셔서 대리님께 물어봤어요.

Since the manager wasn't there, I asked the assistant manager.

Honorific 'an gyesyeoseo' (not present).

과장님께서는 부하 직원들의 고충을 잘 들어주십니다.

The manager listens well to the grievances of the subordinates.

Focus on 'gochung' (grievance) and honorifics.

신임 과장님이 오신 후에 사무실 분위기가 바뀌었어요.

The office atmosphere changed after the new manager arrived.

'-n hue-e' (after doing).

과장님의 승진을 축하하기 위해 회식을 했습니다.

We had a company dinner to celebrate the manager's promotion.

'Seungjin' (promotion) and 'Hoesik' (dinner).

과장님은 업무 처리가 매우 빠르고 정확하십니다.

The manager's work processing is very fast and accurate.

Subject-predicate honorific agreement.

과장님께 보고할 때는 핵심만 간단히 말하는 게 좋아요.

When reporting to the manager, it's good to speak only the core points briefly.

'-neun ge joayo' (it's good to).

과장님은 가끔 엄격하시지만 속은 따뜻한 분이에요.

The manager is strict sometimes, but they are a warm person inside.

Contrastive '-jiman'.

과장님의 지시에 따라 계획을 수정했습니다.

I revised the plan according to the manager's instructions.

'-e ttara' (according to).

과장님은 회사 생활의 노하우를 많이 알고 계세요.

The manager knows a lot of know-how about company life.

Honorific 'algo gyeseyo'.

과장님이라는 직급은 책임감과 권한 사이의 균형을 요구합니다.

The rank of manager requires a balance between responsibility and authority.

Abstract discussion of the role.

과장님은 상부의 압박과 하부의 불만 사이에서 고군분투하고 계십니다.

The manager is struggling between pressure from above and complaints from below.

Advanced idiom 'gogun-buntu' (struggling alone).

과장님의 리더십 스타일은 팀원들의 사기에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

The manager's leadership style significantly impacts the team's morale.

'-e yeonghyang-eul michida' (to influence).

과장님은 조직 내 의사소통의 핵심적인 가교 역할을 수행하십니다.

The manager performs a key bridging role in communication within the organization.

'Gagyo yeokhal' (bridging role).

과장님의 부재 시에는 대리님이 업무를 대행하게 됩니다.

In the manager's absence, the assistant manager will act on their behalf.

'Bujae' (absence) and 'daehaeng' (acting for).

과장님은 실무 경험이 풍부하여 기술적인 문제도 잘 해결하십니다.

The manager has rich practical experience and solves technical issues well.

'-hayeo' (literary form of 'and/so').

과장님께서는 이번 프로젝트의 성패를 가를 중요한 결정을 내리셨습니다.

The manager made a crucial decision that will determine the success or failure of this project.

'Seongpae' (success or failure).

과장님의 안목은 시장의 흐름을 정확히 꿰뚫고 있습니다.

The manager's insight accurately pierces through the market trends.

'Anmok' (insight) and 'kkwedulko' (piercing).

과장님이라는 호칭 속에는 한국 사회 특유의 위계 문화가 응축되어 있습니다.

The title 'Gwajangnim' condenses the hierarchical culture unique to Korean society.

Sociolinguistic analysis.

과장님은 조직의 허리로서, 변화하는 경영 환경에 유연하게 대처해야 합니다.

As the waist of the organization, the manager must flexibly cope with the changing management environment.

Metaphorical 'heori' (waist) meaning the middle support.

과장님의 침묵은 때로 수만 가지 언어보다 더 강한 메시지를 전달합니다.

The manager's silence sometimes conveys a stronger message than tens of thousands of languages.

Poetic/Philosophical expression.

과장님은 권위주의적 구태를 벗어던지고 수평적 문화를 지향하고 계십니다.

The manager is casting off authoritarian old habits and aiming for a horizontal culture.

'Gutae' (old habits) and 'suryeongjeok' (horizontal).

과장님의 탁월한 협상력 덕분에 난항을 겪던 계약이 성사되었습니다.

Thanks to the manager's excellent negotiation skills, the contract that was facing difficulties was concluded.

'Nanhang' (difficulties) and 'seongsa' (conclusion/success).

과장님은 개인의 성취보다 팀의 결속을 우선시하는 진정한 리더입니다.

The manager is a true leader who prioritizes team solidarity over individual achievement.

'-eul useonsihada' (to prioritize).

과장님의 일거수일투족은 신입 사원들에게 큰 본보기가 됩니다.

Every single move and action of the manager serves as a great example for new employees.

Four-character idiom 'il-geo-su-il-tu-jok'.

과장님은 복잡다단한 이해관계를 조정하여 최선의 합의점을 도출해내셨습니다.

The manager coordinated complex interests and derived the best consensus point.

'Bokjap-dadan' (complex) and 'dochul' (derivation).

Collocations courantes

과장님께 보고하다

과장님께 결재받다

신임 과장님

과장님을 모시다

과장님과 상의하다

과장님 지시

과장님 승진

과장님 자리

과장님 성함

과장님 면담

Phrases Courantes

과장님, 수고하셨습니다.

— Thank you for your hard work, Manager. Used when leaving work.

퇴근하면서 과장님께 인사했다.

과장님, 드릴 말씀이 있습니다.

— Manager, I have something to tell you. Used before a serious talk.

상담을 위해 과장님께 다가갔다.

과장님, 잠시 시간 되세요?

— Manager, do you have a moment? A polite way to interrupt.

질문이 있어서 과장님께 물어봤다.

과장님, 식사하러 가시죠.

— Manager, let's go eat. An invitation for lunch.

점심시간이 되어 과장님께 제안했다.

과장님, 이거 어떻게 할까요?

— Manager, how should I handle this? Asking for guidance.

모르는 업무를 과장님께 여쭤봤다.

과장님, 말씀하신 대로 했습니다.

— Manager, I did as you said. Confirming a task.

지시 사항을 완료하고 보고했다.

과장님, 먼저 들어가 보겠습니다.

— Manager, I'll be heading out first. Used when leaving before the boss.

야근하지 않고 퇴근할 때 하는 인사.

과장님, 좋은 아침입니다.

— Manager, good morning. A standard morning greeting.

출근해서 과장님께 인사했다.

과장님, 죄송합니다.

— Manager, I am sorry. Apologizing for a mistake.

실수를 해서 과장님께 사과했다.

과장님, 부탁드립니다.

— Manager, please do this for me. A polite request.

도움이 필요해서 과장님께 요청했다.

Souvent confondu avec

과장님 vs 과장하다

This is a verb meaning 'to exaggerate.' It sounds the same but has a completely different meaning.

과장님 vs 팀장님

A functional role (Team Leader). A Gwajang might be a Team Leader, but not always.

과장님 vs 부장님

A higher rank (General Manager). Confusing these can be a social mistake.

Expressions idiomatiques

"만년 과장"

— Someone who has been a manager for a very long time without being promoted.

그분은 승진을 못 해서 만년 과장이에요.

Informal

"과장님 눈에 들다"

— To be liked or favored by the manager.

열심히 해서 과장님 눈에 들어야지.

Neutral

"과장님 비위를 맞추다"

— To butter up or flatter the manager.

그는 과장님 비위를 참 잘 맞춰요.

Negative Nuance

"과장님께 찍히다"

— To be on the manager's bad side.

지각을 자주 해서 과장님께 찍혔어요.

Slang/Informal

"과장님이 무섭다"

— To be afraid of the manager (common office sentiment).

우리 과장님은 화나면 정말 무서워요.

Common

"과장님 자리가 위태롭다"

— The manager's position is in danger (risk of firing).

실적이 안 좋아서 과장님 자리가 위태로워요.

Business

"과장님을 엎다"

— To ignore or go over the manager's head (rare/strong).

과장님을 엎고 부장님께 직접 갔어요.

Informal

"과장님 손에 달렸다"

— It depends on the manager's decision.

이번 휴가는 과장님 손에 달렸어요.

Neutral

"과장님 입맛에 맞다"

— To suit the manager's taste or preference.

이 기획안이 과장님 입맛에 맞을까요?

Metaphorical

"과장님 빽"

— Having the manager's backing or 'background' support.

그는 과장님 빽으로 들어왔다는 소문이 있어요.

Slang

Facile à confondre

과장님 vs 과장님

Sounds like 'exaggeration' (과장).

Context usually clarifies it; '과장님' refers to a person, '과장' refers to the act of exaggerating.

과장님이 과장을 좀 하셨어요. (The manager exaggerated a bit.)

과장님 vs 가장

Similar pronunciation.

'Gajang' means 'most' or 'head of household.'

우리 과장님이 가장 친절해요. (Our manager is the most kind.)

과장님 vs 교장

Ends in 'jang'.

'Gyojang' is a school principal.

교장 선생님과 과장님은 다릅니다. (A principal and a manager are different.)

과장님 vs 공장

Ends in 'jang'.

'Gongjang' is a factory.

과장님이 공장에 가셨어요. (The manager went to the factory.)

과장님 vs 고장

Similar sound.

'Gojang' means 'broken' or 'malfunction.'

컴퓨터가 고장 나서 과장님께 말씀드렸어요. (The computer is broken, so I told the manager.)

Structures de phrases

이분은 [Name] 과장님입니다.

이분은 이 과장님입니다.

과장님, [Object] 주세요.

과장님, 서류 주세요.

과장님께서 [Verb-si]었습니다.

과장님께서 오셨습니다.

과장님께 [Verb] 보고를 드렸습니다.

과장님께 업무 보고를 드렸습니다.

과장님의 [Noun] 덕분에 [Result].

과장님의 배려 덕분에 잘 끝났습니다.

과장님이라는 직책이 갖는 [Abstract Noun].

과장님이라는 직책이 갖는 무게감이 큽니다.

과장님, [Time]에 시간 되세요?

과장님, 오후에 시간 되세요?

과장님과 [Activity]을/를 했습니다.

과장님과 점심 식사를 했습니다.

Famille de mots

Noms

과장 (Rank)

과장님 (Person)

과 (Section/Department)

Verbes

과장하다 (Note: This means 'to exaggerate' - a homonym!)

Adjectifs

과장된 (Exaggerated - homonym)

Apparenté

직급 (Rank)

회사원 (Office worker)

진급 (Promotion)

부서 (Department)

상사 (Superior)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely frequent in professional and social settings involving office workers.

Erreurs courantes

Calling them '과장' (Gwajang) without '님' (nim). → 과장님 (Gwajangnim)
Without 'nim,' it sounds like you are looking down on them or talking about a category rather than a person.
Using '당신' (dangsin) to mean 'you'. → 과장님 (Gwajangnim)
In Korean, you address the person by their title instead of using a pronoun for 'you'.
Using first name + 과장님 (e.g., Cheol-su 과장님). → 김 과장님 (Kim Gwajangnim)
It is much more natural and respectful to use the surname only.
Using Banmal (informal speech) because you are older. → Jondaemal (polite speech)
In the office, rank usually overrides age. Even if you are older, you should be polite to a superior rank.
Confusing 과장님 with 부장님. → Check their business card.
Calling a General Manager a Manager is a demotion and can be offensive.

Astuces

Respect the Rank

Always acknowledge a 과장님 first when entering a room. Hierarchy is the glue of Korean society.

Pronunciation

Practice the 'Gwa' sound; it's a quick glide, not a slow 'goo-ah'.

Business Cards

When receiving a card, check the title. If it says 과장, address them as 과장님 immediately.

Honorifics

Never use 'Banmal' with a 과장님. Even a 'yo' ending is the bare minimum; 'seumnida' is better for formal reports.

Dining

At a company dinner, wait for the 과장님 to start eating before you pick up your chopsticks.

Drama Watching

Watch 'Misaeng' to see how the word is used in high-pressure situations.

Emailing

Always use 'Surname + 과장님' in the salutation of a professional email.

Listening

If a 과장님 calls you, respond with '네, 과장님!' (Yes, Manager!) immediately.

Ambition

Becoming a 과장님 is a major milestone in a Korean career. Recognize its importance when talking to one.

Avoid Names

Calling a 과장님 by their name + 'ssi' (e.g., Cheol-su ssi) is a huge mistake. Stick to the title.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Gwa-jang' as a 'Grand-Manager' (G-M). He is the 'Chief' (Jang) of the 'Section' (Gwa).

Association visuelle

Imagine a person sitting at a desk with a nameplate that says 'MANAGER' in gold letters, with junior staff bringing them papers.

Word Web

Office Hierarchy Respect Salary Promotion Meeting Report Middle Management

Défi

Try to find 3 different Korean dramas on Netflix and count how many times they say '과장님' in the first 10 minutes of an office scene.

Origine du mot

From the Sino-Korean (Hanja) words 課 (gwa - section/task) and 長 (jang - head/chief). The suffix '-nim' is a native Korean honorific.

Sens originel : The head of a specific task-oriented section within a larger organization.

Sino-Korean roots with a Korean honorific suffix.

Contexte culturel

Never use '과장' without '님' unless you are their superior. Using it incorrectly can be seen as an intentional insult.

The equivalent would be 'Manager' or 'Section Head,' but in English, we rarely use the title as a direct address (we don't say 'Hello, Manager').

Misaeng (Drama) - Features the iconic Oh Sang-shik 과장님. Chief Kim (Drama) - A comedic take on a manager's life. The Office (Korean adaptation rumors) - Often uses these titles.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Morning Arrival

과장님, 좋은 아침입니다.
과장님, 일찍 오셨네요.
과장님, 안녕하세요.
과장님, 커피 드실래요?

Reporting Work

과장님, 보고서 다 됐습니다.
과장님, 이거 확인 부탁드려요.
과장님, 질문이 있습니다.
과장님, 결재해 주세요.

Company Dinner

과장님, 한 잔 받으세요.
과장님, 건배!
과장님, 많이 드세요.
과장님, 수고 많으셨습니다.

Leaving Work

과장님, 먼저 퇴근하겠습니다.
과장님, 내일 뵙겠습니다.
과장님, 수고하셨습니다.
과장님, 조심히 가세요.

Meeting

과장님 의견은 어떠세요?
과장님 말씀이 맞습니다.
과장님, 다시 설명해 주세요.
과장님, 이 부분은요?

Amorces de conversation

"과장님, 이번 주말에 뭐 하실 거예요? (Manager, what are you doing this weekend?)"

"과장님, 새로 나온 식당 가보셨어요? (Manager, have you tried the new restaurant?)"

"과장님, 오늘 넥타이가 참 멋지시네요. (Manager, your tie looks great today.)"

"과장님, 프로젝트 진행 상황 보고드릴까요? (Manager, shall I report on the project progress?)"

"과장님, 요즘 많이 바쁘시죠? (Manager, you're very busy lately, right?)"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 과장님과 어떤 대화를 나누었나요? (What conversation did you have with the manager today?)

내가 만약 과장님이 된다면 어떤 리더가 되고 싶나요? (If I were to become a manager, what kind of leader would I want to be?)

우리 과장님의 장점 세 가지를 적어보세요. (Write down three strengths of our manager.)

과장님께 칭찬을 들었을 때의 기분은 어땠나요? (How did you feel when you were praised by the manager?)

과장님과 갈등이 생기면 어떻게 해결할 것인가요? (How would you resolve a conflict if one arose with the manager?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, in a professional Korean setting, you should always use their title (과장님) regardless of age. Using their name is considered very rude.

'과장' is the rank itself, while '과장님' is how you address the person. Always use '님' when speaking to or about them.

Yes, a 과장님 is one step higher than a 대리님 (Assistant Manager) in the standard hierarchy.

The title '과장님' is gender-neutral. You use it for both men and women.

If you are with colleagues, it's safer to keep using it. If you are close friends, you might switch to 'Hyeong' or 'Noona' privately, but never in front of others from work.

Just saying '과장님' is perfectly acceptable and very common.

Yes, you can write something like '[보고] 김 과장님, 프로젝트 결과 보고입니다' to be polite.

It typically takes about 8 to 12 years of service in a company to reach this rank, depending on the industry.

They manage a specific section of a department, supervise junior staff, and report to the Chajang or Bujang.

Yes, it is the most common translation, though 'Section Chief' is more literal to the Hanja.

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