진도

Think of 진도 as your personal progress bar. Whether you are studying for an exam or working on a big project, this word describes how far along you are in the process.

In a classroom, teachers often talk about 진도 to ensure everyone is on the same page. It is a very common term in Korean culture, reflecting the high importance placed on systematic learning and keeping to a schedule.

The word 진도 comes from Sino-Korean roots. 진 (進) means to advance or move forward, and 도 (度) refers to a degree, measure, or path.

Historically, it was used to describe the advancement of troops or the progress of official administrative tasks. Over time, it became the standard term for academic progress, reflecting the Confucian value of steady, measured advancement in education.

You will hear 진도 most often in school or work environments. It is frequently paired with verbs like 나가다 (to go out/advance) or 맞추다 (to match/adjust).

It is a neutral, everyday word. You can use it when talking to a teacher, a colleague, or even a friend about your study habits.

진도를 나가다: To make progress. Example: 오늘 교과서 5페이지까지 진도를 나갔어요.

진도를 맞추다: To keep pace with others. Example: 친구들과 진도를 맞추기 위해 열심히 공부했어요.

진도가 빠르다: The pace is fast. Example: 이 수업은 진도가 너무 빨라요.

진도가 느리다: The pace is slow. Example: 프로젝트 진도가 생각보다 느리네요.

진도를 놓치다: To fall behind. Example: 감기 때문에 수업 진도를 놓쳤어요.

As a noun, 진도 is straightforward. It does not have plural forms in Korean. It is often used with object markers like -를.

The pronunciation is straightforward: 'jin' (like 'gin') and 'do' (like 'dough'). It is a flat, two-syllable word with no complex stress patterns.