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A1 noun #2,500 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

기자

gija
At the A1 level, '기자' is a basic vocabulary word for a job. You should learn it alongside other occupations like '선생님' (teacher) or '의사' (doctor). At this stage, you just need to know that a 기자 is someone who writes for a newspaper or appears on the news. You will use it in simple sentences like '저는 기자입니다' (I am a reporter) or '제 친구는 기자예요' (My friend is a reporter). Focus on the pronunciation (gi-ja) and the fact that it is a noun. You might see this word in introductory Korean textbooks when learning how to introduce yourself and your profession. It's a simple, two-syllable word that is easy to remember because it follows the common '자' (person) suffix pattern found in many other job titles.
At the A2 level, you can start using '기자' in more descriptive sentences. You might talk about what a reporter does using basic verbs: '기자가 글을 써요' (The reporter writes text) or '기자가 인터뷰를 해요' (The reporter does an interview). You should also learn the compound '기자 회견' (press conference) as it appears frequently in news-related listening exercises. You can begin to use particles more effectively, such as '기자에게 물어봐요' (Ask the reporter). At this level, you are expected to understand the word when it appears in simple stories or dialogues about people's daily lives and careers. You should also be able to distinguish between a '신문 기자' (newspaper reporter) and a '방송 기자' (broadcast reporter).
At the B1 level, you should understand the social role of a '기자'. You will encounter this word in intermediate reading passages about the media, social issues, or biographies of famous people. You should be able to use related verbs like '취재하다' (to cover/gather news) and '보도하다' (to report). You might discuss the qualities of a good reporter, such as being '정직하다' (honest) or '용감하다' (brave). You will also start to see '기자' in the context of professional ethics and the influence of the press. At this stage, you should be comfortable using the honorific '기자님' when role-playing or writing formal letters. You'll also learn about '특파원' (correspondents) and how they differ from local reporters.
At the B2 level, you can engage in deeper discussions about the '기자' profession. You should be aware of the nuances between '기자', '언론인', and '저널리스트'. You will likely encounter the word in complex news articles or debates about media freedom and responsibility. You should understand terms like '기자단' (press corps) and '기자실' (press room). This level requires you to understand the challenges reporters face, such as '마감 시간' (deadlines) and '오보' (misreporting). You might also learn about the negative slang '기레기' and the public's changing perception of journalists in the digital age. You should be able to write an essay or give a presentation on the importance of reporters in a democratic society.
At the C1 level, your understanding of '기자' should be highly nuanced. You will study the history of journalism in Korea and how '기자' have played a role in political movements. You should be familiar with specialized types of reporters, such as '탐사 보도 기자' (investigative reporter) or '종군 기자' (war correspondent). You will analyze the rhetorical strategies used by reporters in editorials and investigative pieces. At this level, you should be able to discuss the legal aspects of a reporter's work, including '취재원 보호' (protection of sources) and '명예훼손' (defamation). You will understand the subtle differences in tone when different media outlets refer to their '기자' and the institutional weight the title carries in Korean society.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word '기자' and its implications. You can critique the structural issues within the Korean '기자' system, such as the '기자단' culture and its impact on information transparency. You can read and understand high-level academic papers or philosophical treatises on the '기자's' role in the post-truth era. You are comfortable with archaic or highly formal terms related to the press and can navigate the most complex media environments. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and can use it metaphorically in literature or high-level discourse. Your usage of the word and its derivatives is flawless, reflecting a deep cultural and linguistic immersion.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

기자 en 30 secondes

  • 기자 (Gija) means reporter or journalist in Korean, used for those who gather and report news.
  • It is a common job title seen in news bylines, TV broadcasts, and professional media contexts.
  • The word is formed from Hanja meaning 'recording person', emphasizing the act of documentation.
  • Respectful address requires adding '-nim' (기자님) when speaking to a reporter directly.

The Korean word 기자 (Gija) is a fundamental noun used to describe a professional whose primary responsibility is the gathering, writing, and reporting of news. Derived from the Hanja characters 記 (gi - to record) and 者 (ja - person), it literally translates to 'a person who records.' In a modern context, this encompasses a wide array of roles within the media landscape, including print journalists, broadcast reporters, photojournalists, and digital media contributors. The term carries a sense of professional duty and is often associated with the search for truth and the dissemination of information to the public. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating Korean news, media, or professional environments.

Professional Identity
A 기자 is not just someone who writes; they are often seen as the 'eyes and ears' of the public, tasked with holding power to account.
Scope of Work
From local crime beats to international politics, the term covers all thematic areas of reporting.
Social Status
Historically, journalism in Korea has been a prestigious and influential career path, though it faces modern challenges like any other media market.

"저는 사회부 기자로 일하고 있습니다." (I am working as a reporter in the social affairs department.)

In everyday conversation, you might hear this word when people discuss the news they saw on TV or read in a newspaper. It is a neutral term, though it can be modified by prefixes to specify the type of reporter, such as 정치 기자 (political reporter) or 스포츠 기자 (sports reporter). The role of a 기자 is central to the Korean concept of 언론 (eon-ron), which refers to the press or public opinion. Because Korean society places a high value on education and information, the figure of the reporter is frequently depicted in dramas and films as a protagonist fighting for justice.

"기자들이 사건 현장에 모여들었습니다." (Reporters gathered at the scene of the incident.)

Beyond the literal definition, the word carries weight in the context of democratic participation. A 기자 is expected to adhere to a code of ethics, though the term has also seen the rise of derogatory slang like 기레기 (giregi)—a portmanteau of 기자 and 쓰레기 (garbage)—used to criticize sensationalist or biased reporting. This contrast highlights the high expectations the Korean public has for those who hold the title of 기자. Whether they are working for a major network like KBS or a small local paper, the title remains a mark of professional authority in the field of communication.

Hanja Breakdown
記 (Record) + 者 (Person) = The one who records events.
Modern Usage
Includes YouTubers or independent bloggers who perform journalistic duties, though 'official' 기자 status usually requires affiliation with a media outlet.

"신입 기자 채용 공고가 떴어요." (The recruitment notice for new reporters has been posted.)

Using the word 기자 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common collocations. In Korean, nouns are often paired with specific verbs to create natural-sounding phrases. For '기자', the most common verbs are 되다 (to become), 하다 (to do/work as), and 만나다 (to meet). For example, if you want to say someone is a reporter, you can say '그는 기자입니다' (He is a reporter) or '기자로 일해요' (He works as a reporter).

Verb Pairings
기자가 되다 (To become a reporter), 기자를 인터뷰하다 (To interview a reporter).
Noun Compounds
기자 회견 (Press conference), 기자석 (Press seat/box), 기자증 (Press pass).

When you are addressing a reporter directly, especially in a professional setting, it is crucial to use the honorific suffix -님. Calling someone '기자!' can sound abrupt or even rude; instead, use '기자님'. This is standard practice in interviews or when a source is speaking to the media. If you are referring to a group of reporters, you might use 기자단 (press corps) or 기자들 (reporters).

"기자 회견이 오후 2시에 열립니다." (The press conference will be held at 2 PM.)

In written Korean, particularly in news articles themselves, you will often see the reporter's name followed by the word 기자. For example, '김철수 기자' (Reporter Kim Cheol-su). This acts as a byline. In more formal reports, you might see 본지 기자 (our reporter) or 특파원 (correspondent). If you are discussing the act of reporting, you would use the related verb 보도하다 (to report) or 취재하다 (to cover/gather news). A 기자 is the person who does the 취재 to create a 보도.

"그 기자는 날카로운 질문을 던졌습니다." (That reporter threw a sharp question.)

You will encounter the word 기자 in various contexts, most notably in the media itself. Every evening news broadcast in Korea begins with an anchor introducing various 기자 who are reporting from the field. You will hear phrases like '현장에 나가 있는 이 기자를 연결합니다' (We connect to Reporter Lee who is out in the field). This is perhaps the most common auditory exposure to the word for the average Korean resident.

TV News
Used constantly to introduce segments and credit reporters.
Movies & Dramas
Many K-dramas (like 'Pinocchio' or 'Healer') center around the lives of reporters, making the word a frequent part of the dialogue.
Public Announcements
During government briefings or corporate announcements, the term '기자 여러분' (Reporters, everyone) is often used to address the audience.

"다음은 경제부 기자의 보도입니다." (Next is a report from our economics reporter.)

In the workplace, if you work in public relations (PR) or marketing, you will use the word '기자' daily as you coordinate with media outlets. You might say, '기자 리스트를 확인해 보세요' (Please check the reporter list). In academic settings, students of 신문방송학 (Journalism and Mass Communication) frequently discuss the role and ethics of a 기자. Even in casual settings, if someone is being overly inquisitive, a friend might jokingly say, '너 기자야?' (Are you a reporter?), implying they are asking too many questions.

"기자들이 문 앞에서 기다리고 있어요." (Reporters are waiting at the door.)

One common mistake for learners is confusing 기자 (reporter) with 작가 (writer/author). While both professions involve writing, a 기자 specifically works for news media and reports on facts, whereas a 작가 creates literary works, scripts, or creative content. If you call a news reporter a '작가', it might imply they are making things up, which could be taken as an insult! Similarly, don't confuse it with 아나운서 (announcer); an announcer typically reads the news in a studio, while a 기자 often goes out to the field to gather it.

Confusing Roles
Using '작가' for a journalist or '아나운서' for a field reporter.
Honorific Omission
Addressing a reporter as just '기자' instead of '기자님' in a professional setting.
Pronunciation
Confusing '기자' (gi-ja) with '기차' (gi-cha - train). The 'j' sound in Korean is soft, while 'ch' is aspirated.

Another nuance is the difference between 기자 and 언론인. '언론인' (journalist) is a broader, more formal term that includes editors, publishers, and commentators, whereas '기자' is the specific job title for those reporting. Using '기자' is almost always safe, but '언론인' is used when discussing the profession as a whole in a sociological or political context.

"그는 기자가 아니라 작가예요." (He is a writer, not a reporter.)

To expand your vocabulary, it's helpful to look at words related to 기자. The most direct synonym is 리포터 (reporter), which is a loanword from English. However, '리포터' is often used specifically for lifestyle or entertainment segments, while '기자' is used for hard news. Another related term is 저널리스트 (journalist), which sounds more academic or international.

언론인 (Journalist/Press person)
A broad term for anyone working in the media industry.
특파원 (Correspondent)
A reporter stationed in a specific location, often overseas (e.g., 워싱턴 특파원 - Washington correspondent).
칼럼니스트 (Columnist)
A person who writes regular opinion pieces rather than straight news reports.

If you are looking for the person who captures the images, you would use 사진기자 (photojournalist) or 영상기자 (camera reporter). In the digital age, the term 1인 미디어 (one-person media) is also becoming common for independent creators who act like reporters. Understanding these distinctions helps you describe the media landscape more accurately in Korean.

"그는 유명한 정치 칼럼니스트입니다." (He is a famous political columnist.)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Informel

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

그는 기자입니다.

He is a reporter.

N + 입니다 (formal ending)

2

기자가 신문을 써요.

The reporter writes the newspaper.

Subject marker -가

3

저는 기자가 되고 싶어요.

I want to become a reporter.

-가 되고 싶다 (want to become)

4

기자님, 안녕하세요?

Hello, reporter.

Honorific -님

5

여기 기자가 많아요.

There are many reporters here.

Adjective 많다

6

제 직업은 기자예요.

My job is a reporter.

N + 예요 (polite ending)

7

기자가 질문해요.

The reporter asks a question.

Verb 질문하다

8

그 기자는 한국 사람이에요.

That reporter is Korean.

Determiner 그 (that)

1

어제 뉴스에서 그 기자를 봤어요.

I saw that reporter on the news yesterday.

Past tense -았/었어요

2

기자가 사건을 취재하고 있어요.

The reporter is covering the incident.

Progressive -고 있다

3

유명한 기자를 만나서 기뻐요.

I am happy to meet a famous reporter.

Reason connector -아서/어서

4

기자는 매일 글을 써야 해요.

Reporters have to write every day.

Obligation -아야/어야 하다

5

이 잡지 기자가 누구예요?

Who is the reporter for this magazine?

Question word 누구

6

기자가 카메라를 가지고 왔어요.

The reporter brought a camera.

Verb compound 가지고 오다

7

기자 회견이 곧 시작됩니다.

The press conference will start soon.

Formal ending -습니다

8

스포츠 기자가 축구 경기를 봐요.

The sports reporter watches the soccer match.

Noun modification 스포츠 기자

1

기자는 사실을 정확하게 보도해야 합니다.

Reporters must report facts accurately.

Adverbial -게

2

그 기자는 용기 있게 진실을 밝혔습니다.

That reporter bravely revealed the truth.

Adverbial -게

3

기자가 되기 위해서 열심히 공부하고 있어요.

I am studying hard to become a reporter.

-기 위해서 (in order to)

4

많은 기자들이 그 소식을 전했습니다.

Many reporters delivered that news.

Plural marker -들

5

기자와 인터뷰를 할 때 긴장됐어요.

I was nervous when I had an interview with a reporter.

Time connector -(으)ㄹ 때

6

그는 10년 동안 경제부 기자로 일했습니다.

He worked as an economics reporter for 10 years.

Particle -로 (as/in the capacity of)

7

기자들은 사건의 원인을 조사하고 있습니다.

Reporters are investigating the cause of the incident.

Noun 원인 (cause)

8

방송 기자가 마이크를 잡고 말을 합니다.

The broadcast reporter is holding the microphone and speaking.

Sequential connector -고

1

기자의 사명은 대중에게 진실을 알리는 것입니다.

A reporter's mission is to inform the public of the truth.

Noun 사명 (mission)

2

정치부 기자는 정부의 정책을 비판하기도 합니다.

Political reporters sometimes criticize government policies.

-기도 하다 (also/sometimes does)

3

그 기자는 현장의 생생한 목소리를 담았습니다.

That reporter captured the vivid voices of the scene.

Adjective 생생하다 (vivid)

4

기자단은 공동 성명을 발표하기로 결정했습니다.

The press corps decided to issue a joint statement.

-기로 결정하다 (decide to)

5

기자가 쓴 기사가 사회적으로 큰 파장을 일으켰습니다.

The article written by the reporter caused a huge social stir.

Noun modification (past) -ㄴ/은

6

그는 유능한 기자로 정평이 나 있습니다.

He is well-known as a competent reporter.

Expression 정평이 나다 (to be well-known)

7

기자는 취재원의 신원을 보호할 의무가 있습니다.

Reporters have an obligation to protect the identity of their sources.

Noun 의무 (obligation)

8

기자 회견장에서 날카로운 질문이 쏟아졌습니다.

Sharp questions poured out at the press conference venue.

Passive-like verb 쏟아지다

1

기자의 윤리 의식은 언론의 신뢰도를 결정짓는 핵심 요소입니다.

A reporter's sense of ethics is a key factor in determining the credibility of the press.

Noun 신뢰도 (credibility)

2

탐사 보도 기자는 권력의 부패를 파헤치는 데 주력합니다.

Investigative reporters focus on digging up the corruption of power.

-는 데 주력하다 (focus on doing)

3

그 기자는 편향된 시각을 버리고 객관성을 유지하려 노력했습니다.

The reporter tried to discard biased perspectives and maintain objectivity.

-(으)려 노력하다 (try to)

4

기자들의 과잉 취재가 사생활 침해 논란을 불러일으켰습니다.

Reporters' excessive coverage sparked a controversy over invasion of privacy.

Noun 과잉 취재 (excessive coverage)

5

그는 전쟁터에서 생명을 무릅쓰고 취재하는 종군 기자입니다.

He is a war correspondent who reports from the battlefield at the risk of his life.

Expression 생명을 무릅쓰다 (risk one's life)

6

기자는 복잡한 사회 현상을 명료하게 분석하여 전달해야 합니다.

Reporters must clearly analyze and convey complex social phenomena.

Adverbial 명료하게 (clearly)

7

신입 기자들은 선배 기자들로부터 혹독한 훈련을 받습니다.

New reporters receive harsh training from their seniors.

Particle -로부터 (from)

8

기자의 펜은 칼보다 강하다는 격언이 있습니다.

There is a proverb that the reporter's pen is mightier than the sword.

Quotation -다는 격언

1

기자의 주관이 개입된 보도는 여론을 왜곡할 위험성이 다분합니다.

Reporting involving a reporter's subjectivity has a high risk of distorting public opinion.

Adjective 다분하다 (to be high/plentiful)

2

디지털 미디어의 범람 속에서 기자의 전문성은 더욱 강조되고 있습니다.

Amidst the flood of digital media, the professionalism of reporters is being emphasized even more.

Noun 범람 (flood/overflow)

3

기자는 권력에 대한 감시자로서의 책무를 다해야 합니다.

A reporter must fulfill their duty as a watchdog over power.

Noun 책무 (duty/responsibility)

4

그 기자의 평론은 날카로운 통찰력과 해박한 지식을 바탕으로 합니다.

That reporter's commentary is based on sharp insight and extensive knowledge.

-를 바탕으로 하다 (be based on)

5

기자단 내의 폐쇄적인 문화가 정보의 자유로운 흐름을 저해하기도 합니다.

The closed culture within the press corps sometimes hinders the free flow of information.

Verb 저해하다 (hinder)

6

기자는 시대의 공기를 읽고 이를 대중에게 전달하는 메신저입니다.

A reporter is a messenger who reads the 'air' (spirit) of the times and conveys it to the public.

Metaphorical use of 공기 (air/atmosphere)

7

언론의 자유를 수호하기 위해 기자들이 거리로 나섰습니다.

Reporters took to the streets to protect the freedom of the press.

Verb 수호하다 (protect/safeguard)

8

기자의 보도 한 줄이 누군가의 인생을 송두리째 바꿀 수도 있습니다.

A single line of a reporter's report can change someone's life completely.

Adverb 송두리째 (completely/root and branch)

Collocations courantes

기자 회견
기자 회견을 열다
기자가 되다
기자로 활동하다
기자증을 제시하다
기자단에 가입하다
현장 기자
정치부 기자
사회부 기자
신입 기자

Phrases Courantes

기자 회견 (Press conference)

기자단 (Press corps)

기자석 (Press box)

기자증 (Press pass)

기자실 (Press room)

기자님 (Mr./Ms. Reporter)

담당 기자 (Reporter in charge)

현지 기자 (Local reporter)

수습 기자 (Trainee reporter)

영상 기자 (Camera reporter)

Souvent confondu avec

기자 vs 기차 (Train)

기자 vs 기사 (Article/Driver)

기자 vs 작가 (Writer)

Expressions idiomatiques

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Facile à confondre

기자 vs

기자 vs

기자 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

Gender

The term is gender-neutral.

Professionalism

The term is strictly professional; you wouldn't use it for a casual blogger unless they are recognized as a journalist.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using '기차' (train) instead of '기자'.
  • Forgetting to use '-님' in professional settings.
  • Confusing '기자' with '작가' (creative writer).
  • Using the wrong particle with '되다' (should be '기자가 되다').
  • Assuming '기자' only refers to newspaper writers (it includes TV too).

Astuces

Learn the Hanja

Knowing that '기' means record will help you learn related words like '기사' and '기록'.

Watch News

Watching Korean news is the best way to hear '기자' used in its natural environment.

Use -님

Never forget the honorific -님 when talking to a reporter directly.

Practice Bylines

Practice saying your name followed by '기자' as if you are reporting the news.

Identify Departments

Listen for prefixes like '정치부' or '경제부' before the word '기자'.

Formal Reports

Use '기자' in formal writing when citing sources from the media.

Networking

If you meet a reporter, ask '어느 부서 기자님이세요?' (Which department are you a reporter for?).

Drama Context

Notice how reporters are portrayed in K-dramas to understand their social standing.

Truth

Associate '기자' with '진실' (truth) to remember their primary mission.

The 'Ja' Suffix

Remember that '-자' often means 'person' in jobs (e.g., 학자 - scholar).

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Contexte culturel

A derogatory term used for low-quality journalism.

Journalism is a highly competitive field in Korea, often requiring graduation from top universities.

The system of '기자단' which is often criticized for being exclusionary.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"어떤 기자가 그 기사를 썼어요? (Which reporter wrote that article?)"

"기자가 되는 것이 꿈인가요? (Is it your dream to become a reporter?)"

"요즘 기자들은 어떤 문제를 다루나요? (What issues are reporters covering these days?)"

"기자 회견 내용을 들으셨나요? (Did you hear the contents of the press conference?)"

"그 기자의 보도는 믿을 만해요. (That reporter's reporting is trustworthy.)"

Sujets d'écriture

내가 만약 기자라면 어떤 사건을 취재하고 싶은가?

기자의 가장 중요한 덕목은 무엇이라고 생각하는가?

최근에 읽은 기사 중에서 가장 인상 깊었던 것은 무엇인가?

기레기라는 단어에 대해 어떻게 생각하는가?

미래의 기자는 어떤 모습일까?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

기자 is the standard term for a journalist, while 리포터 (reporter) is often used for lifestyle or entertainment segments.

Use '기자님' (Gija-nim) to be polite and professional.

Generally no, unless they are a professional journalist who also uses YouTube.

Yes, it is considered a professional and influential career, though it is very demanding.

It means 'press conference'.

A 특파원 is a correspondent, usually based in a foreign country.

記者 (Record + Person).

No, the term is gender-neutral in Korean.

It is a slang term for a bad or 'trash' reporter.

스포츠 기자 (Seu-po-cheu Gija).

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