B1 noun 10 min de lecture
The word '실업자' (sil-eop-ja) is a bit difficult for beginners, but you can think of it as 'a person without a job.' In Korean, '실' means 'lose,' '업' means 'work,' and '자' means 'person.' So it is a 'person who lost work.' At this level, you just need to know that it refers to someone who is looking for a job. You might hear it in basic news or when people talk about their status. For example, '그는 실업자예요' means 'He is unemployed.' It is a formal word. If you want to say you don't have a job in a simple way, you can also say '일이 없어요' (I don't have work). But learning '실업자' helps you understand more formal Korean. Remember, it's not a verb, so you can't say '실업자해요.' You must use '이다' (to be) or '되다' (to become). It is a noun that describes a person's situation. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand basic social topics in Korea.
At the A2 level, you should understand that '실업자' is the formal way to say 'unemployed person.' You will see this word often in news headlines or simple articles about the economy. It is important to distinguish it from '학생' (student) or '회사원' (office worker). A '실업자' is someone who *wants* to work but doesn't have a job right now. You can use it in sentences like '많은 실업자가 일자리를 찾고 있습니다' (Many unemployed people are looking for jobs). You should also learn the basic verb pairing '실업자가 되다' (to become unemployed). This is useful for talking about life changes. For example, '회사가 문을 닫아서 그는 실업자가 되었습니다' (The company closed, so he became unemployed). While '백수' is a slang word for the same thing, '실업자' is the word you should use in class or in a polite conversation. It sounds more respectful and objective.
As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using '실업자' in discussions about social issues. You should understand the Hanja roots: 실 (lose), 업 (occupation), and 자 (person). This helps you connect it to other words like '실망' (disappointment/lose hope) or '직업' (job). At this level, you can start using more complex patterns like '장기 실업자' (long-term unemployed) or '청년 실업자' (youth unemployed). These are very common terms in Korean media. You should also be aware of the difference between '실업자' and '구직자' (job seeker). While they often refer to the same person, '실업자' focuses on the lack of employment, while '구직자' focuses on the act of searching. In a B1 context, you might write an essay about the '실업자 문제' (unemployment problem) and suggest solutions like '직업 훈련' (job training). Understanding this word is key to participating in intermediate-level conversations about the economy and society.
At the B2 level, you should grasp the technical nuances of '실업자'. In economic contexts, this term specifically refers to those who are part of the 'economically active population' (경제활동인구) but are currently without work despite their efforts. You should be able to distinguish this from '비경제활동인구' (economically inactive population), which includes students and retirees. You will likely encounter this word in complex news reports discussing '실업률' (unemployment rate) and '고용 지표' (employment indicators). You should also be able to use the word in more nuanced ways, such as '자발적 실업자' (voluntary unemployed) versus '비자발적 실업자' (involuntary unemployed). In a debate, you might discuss how '기술의 발전이 실업자를 양산한다' (technological advancement produces unemployed people in large numbers). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's formal register and its serious societal implications.
For C1 learners, '실업자' is a foundational term for exploring deep sociological and economic themes. You should be able to analyze the social stigma associated with being a '실업자' in a society that values corporate belonging so highly. You will encounter this word in academic journals, legal documents, and high-level political discourse. You should understand how '실업자' relates to terms like '구조조정' (restructuring), '명예퇴직' (voluntary/honorable retirement), and '실업급여' (unemployment benefits). At this level, you should be able to discuss the psychological impact on '장기 실업자' and how the government's '실업자 구제 정책' (unemployment relief policies) function. You should also be sensitive to the shifting definitions of unemployment in the 'gig economy' and how the term '실업자' might be evolving to include or exclude certain types of modern labor. Your ability to use this word should demonstrate a high degree of precision and academic sophistication.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '실업자' and its place within the vast web of Korean socio-economic terminology. You can discuss the historical evolution of the word, from its Hanja origins to its modern usage in the wake of the 1997 IMF crisis, which significantly changed the Korean perception of '실업자'. You are capable of critiquing '실업자' statistics and understanding the nuances of '잠재적 실업자' (potential unemployed) or '실질적 실업자' (practical unemployed) who might not appear in official figures. You can use the word in high-level literary or rhetorical contexts, perhaps exploring the existential state of being a '실업자' in a hyper-competitive capitalist society. Your command of the word allows you to navigate the most complex discussions on labor law, welfare systems, and economic theory with the same ease as a native-speaking expert or policymaker.
The Korean word 실업자 (sil-eop-ja) is a formal and standard term used to describe an individual who is currently without a job but is actively seeking employment. To understand this word deeply, one must look at its linguistic roots. It is a Sino-Korean noun composed of three Hanja characters: (失 - sil) meaning 'to lose' or 'to miss,' (業 - eop) meaning 'work,' 'occupation,' or 'business,' and (者 - ja) meaning 'person.' Therefore, the literal translation is 'a person who has lost their work.' In contemporary South Korean society, this word carries significant weight, as professional identity often dictates social standing and personal stability.
Economic Context
In economic terms, a 실업자 is someone who is part of the economically active population but cannot find a job despite their willingness and ability to work. This distinguishes them from those who are 'economically inactive,' such as full-time students or retirees.

경기 침체로 인해 많은 실업자가 발생했습니다. (Many people became unemployed due to the economic recession.)

The word is most frequently encountered in news reports, academic papers, and government statistics regarding the '실업률' (unemployment rate). However, it is also used in daily life when discussing social issues or personal hardships. Unlike slang terms like '백수' (baek-su), which can sometimes be used jokingly among friends, '실업자' is serious and objective. It highlights the systemic or situational nature of joblessness rather than the individual's lifestyle choice.
Social Implication
In Korea, being a 실업자 often involves a sense of 'social invisibility.' Because of the high value placed on 'belonging' to a company (소속감), being without a workplace can feel like losing one's place in the community hierarchy.

그는 실업자 신세가 되었지만 희망을 잃지 않았습니다. (He became unemployed, but he did not lose hope.)

Common Collocations
You will often see this word paired with verbs like '되다' (to become), '양산하다' (to produce in large numbers), or '구제하다' (to provide relief/help for).

정부는 실업자들을 위한 재취업 교육을 강화하고 있습니다. (The government is strengthening re-employment education for the unemployed.)

청년 실업자 문제가 심각한 사회적 이슈로 떠오르고 있습니다. (The problem of youth unemployment is emerging as a serious social issue.)

갑작스러운 해고로 인해 그는 하루아침에 실업자가 되었습니다. (Due to a sudden layoff, he became unemployed overnight.)

To summarize, '실업자' is the most accurate, respectful, and formal way to refer to someone in the state of joblessness while looking for work. It is essential for discussing economics, politics, and social welfare in Korean.
Using the word 실업자 correctly requires an understanding of both its grammatical function as a noun and its contextual appropriateness. Since it refers to a person, it often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, and is frequently followed by the verb '되다' (to become) to describe the transition into unemployment.
Grammatical Patterns
The most common pattern is '[Subject] + 실업자가 되다'. For example, '그는 실업자가 되었다' (He became unemployed). Another common pattern is '[Adjective/Noun] + 실업자', such as '장기 실업자' (long-term unemployed person) or '청년 실업자' (youth unemployed person).

회사가 부도나면서 수천 명의 실업자가 거리로 내몰렸습니다. (As the company went bankrupt, thousands of unemployed people were forced onto the streets.)

In formal writing, such as news articles or policy documents, '실업자' is used to quantify a social phenomenon. For instance, '실업자 수' (the number of unemployed people). It is rarely used as a direct address; you would never call someone 'Hey, 실업자!' as it would be incredibly rude. Instead, it is used to describe a status.
Verb Pairings
1. 실업자를 구제하다 (To provide relief for the unemployed) 2. 실업자가 늘어나다 (The number of unemployed increases) 3. 실업자로 전락하다 (To fall into the status of being unemployed - negative nuance)

그는 1년 넘게 실업자 생활을 하고 있습니다. (He has been living as an unemployed person for over a year.)

정부는 실업자들에게 실업 급여를 지급합니다. (The government pays unemployment benefits to the unemployed.)

많은 실업자들이 기술 교육을 통해 새로운 기회를 찾고 있습니다. (Many unemployed people are looking for new opportunities through technical training.)

Formal vs. Informal
In a job interview, if asked about a gap in your resume, you might say, '그 기간 동안은 실업자 상태였지만...' (During that period, I was in an unemployed state, but...). This sounds much more professional than saying 'I was a baeksu'.

그는 갑작스러운 구조조정의 여파로 실업자가 되었습니다. (He became unemployed as a result of sudden restructuring.)

When using this word, keep in mind that it is an objective descriptor. It describes a state of being rather than a character trait. Therefore, it is best used when discussing the economic status or the broader societal impact of joblessness.
You will encounter the word 실업자 in a variety of specific environments in South Korea, ranging from the highly formal to the deeply personal. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the word's nuances.
1. News and Media
This is the most common place to hear '실업자'. News anchors frequently report on the '실업자 수' (number of unemployed) and '실업률' (unemployment rate). These reports often focus on trends, such as '고학력 실업자' (highly educated unemployed) or '장기 실업자' (long-term unemployed), reflecting concerns about the national economy.

오늘 통계청 발표에 따르면 지난달 실업자 수가 역대 최고치를 기록했습니다. (According to the Statistics Korea announcement today, the number of unemployed last month reached an all-time high.)

2. Government and Administrative Offices
If you visit a '고용복지플러스센터' (Employment Welfare Plus Center), the word '실업자' is used in all official forms and guidance materials. Here, it is a legal status that qualifies an individual for '실업급여' (unemployment benefits) or '내일배움카드' (a card for vocational training).
3. Academic and Educational Settings
In economics or sociology classes at university, '실업자' is a technical term. Professors discuss '마찰적 실업자' (frictional unemployed) or '구조적 실업자' (structural unemployed) to explain different types of unemployment within a capitalist system.

기술의 발전은 일부 노동자들을 실업자로 만들기도 합니다. (Technological advancement sometimes turns some workers into unemployed people.)

전쟁 이후 수많은 실업자들이 발생하여 사회가 혼란에 빠졌습니다. (After the war, numerous unemployed people emerged, throwing society into chaos.)

그는 실업자 신분으로 도서관에서 매일 공부를 했습니다. (As an unemployed person, he studied at the library every day.)

4. Workplace and Business
In the corporate world, when a company undergoes '구조조정' (restructuring), the fear of becoming a '실업자' is a common topic of conversation among employees. It is used to describe the potential consequence of business failure.

회사가 어려워지면 우리 모두 실업자가 될 수도 있어요. (If the company gets into trouble, we could all become unemployed.)

In summary, '실업자' is the standard term used across all sectors of society to describe the state of being unemployed, particularly when the focus is on the social or economic implications of that state.
When learning the word 실업자, English speakers often encounter a few common pitfalls. These usually involve choosing the wrong synonym or misunderstanding the 'active' requirement of the term.
1. Confusing '실업자' with '백수'
'백수' (baek-su) is a very common informal word for an unemployed person. However, it often carries a slightly lazy or carefree connotation. Using '백수' in a formal essay or a news report would be a major mistake. Conversely, calling your close friend '실업자' in a casual chat might sound too clinical or overly serious.

[Wrong]: 제 친구는 지금 실업자라서 매일 게임만 해요. (My friend is an unemployed person so he just plays games every day.) -> [Better]: 제 친구는 지금 백수라서... (Sounds more natural in casual conversation.)

2. Using it for Non-Job Seekers
Technically, '실업자' implies that the person is *looking* for work. A housewife who chooses to stay home (전업주부), a student (학생), or a retired person (은퇴자) is not a '실업자'. They are '비경제활동인구' (economically inactive population). Calling a retired person a '실업자' would be factually incorrect in an economic sense.
3. Particle Errors
Learners often forget that '실업자' is a noun and try to use it like a verb. You cannot say '그는 실업자해요'. You must use '실업자이다' (is an unemployed person) or '실업자가 되다' (become an unemployed person).

[Wrong]: 그는 작년에 실업자했습니다. -> [Correct]: 그는 작년에 실업자가 되었습니다.

그는 실업자라는 꼬리표를 떼기 위해 최선을 다했습니다. (He did his best to take off the label of 'unemployed person'.)

자발적 실업자와 비자발적 실업자의 차이를 아시나요? (Do you know the difference between voluntary and involuntary unemployed?)

4. Nuance of '취준생'
Young people who have never had a full-time job and are preparing for their first one are usually called '취준생' (short for 취업 준비생 - job preparation student). Calling a 24-year-old recent graduate a '실업자' is technically okay, but '취준생' is much more common and culturally accurate for that demographic.

정부는 장기 실업자를 돕기 위한 새로운 대책을 마련했습니다. (The government has prepared new measures to help the long-term unemployed.)

By avoiding these mistakes, you will use '실업자' like a native speaker, accurately conveying the intended social and economic meaning.
To master the concept of unemployment in Korean, it is helpful to compare 실업자 with other related terms. Each word has a specific register and nuance.
1. 실업자 vs. 무직자 (mu-jik-ja)
'무직자' literally means 'a person without an occupation.' This is broader than '실업자.' While a '실업자' is actively looking for work, a '무직자' simply doesn't have a job at the moment, regardless of whether they are looking or not. You might see '무직' on a form asking for your current occupation.
2. 실업자 vs. 백수 (baek-su)
'백수' is the informal, slangy version. It often implies someone who is staying at home, perhaps supported by parents. It is used in casual conversation. If you say 'I am a baeksu,' it sounds like you are just hanging out. If you say 'I am a sil-eop-ja,' it sounds like you are facing a serious economic situation.

그는 실업자가 된 이후로 매일 구직 사이트를 확인합니다. (Since becoming unemployed, he checks job sites every day.)

3. 실업자 vs. 구직자 (gu-jik-ja)
'구직자' means 'job seeker.' This is a very positive, active term. While '실업자' focuses on the *state* of not having a job (the negative aspect), '구직자' focuses on the *effort* to find one (the positive/active aspect). In job fairs, you are a '구직자'.
4. 실업자 vs. 취준생 (chwi-jun-saeng)
As mentioned before, '취준생' is specifically for those (usually younger) who are preparing for their first career entry. It's a very common cultural term in Korea today due to the competitive job market.

많은 실업자들이 정부의 재취업 프로그램을 이용하고 있습니다. (Many unemployed people are using the government's re-employment programs.)

그는 스스로를 자발적 실업자라고 부르며 여행을 떠났습니다. (He called himself a voluntary unemployed person and went on a trip.)

이 도시는 대공황 시절 수많은 실업자들로 가득 찼었습니다. (This city was full of numerous unemployed people during the Great Depression.)

은퇴 후에도 일을 하고 싶어 하는 실업자들이 늘고 있습니다. (The number of unemployed who want to work even after retirement is increasing.)

Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate Korean social contexts with much greater sensitivity and accuracy.

Exemples par niveau

1

그는 지금 실업자입니다.

He is currently an unemployed person.

실업자 + 입니다 (is)

2

제 친구는 실업자가 되었어요.

My friend became unemployed.

실업자 + 가 (particle) + 되다 (to become)

3

실업자가 많아요.

There are many unemployed people.

실업자 + 가 (subject particle) + 많다 (to be many)

4

그녀는 실업자라서 걱정해요.

She is worried because she is unemployed.

-라서 (because)

5

실업자는 돈이 없어요.

Unemployed people don't have money.

실업자 + 는 (topic particle)

6

저는 실업자가 아니에요.

I am not an unemployed person.

아니에요 (is not)

7

실업자도 꿈이 있어요.

Unemployed people also have dreams.

-도 (also)

8

누가 실업자예요?

Who is an unemployed person?

누가 (who) + 실업자예요 (is...)

1

그는 실업자가 된 후에 공부를 시작했어요.

After becoming unemployed, he started studying.

-(으)ㄴ 후에 (after doing something)

2

요즘 실업자가 늘고 있어요.

The number of unemployed people is increasing lately.

-고 있다 (progressive tense)

3

실업자들을 위한 일자리가 필요해요.

Jobs for unemployed people are needed.

-를 위한 (for)

4

그는 실업자 생활을 1년 동안 했어요.

He lived as an unemployed person for one year.

실업자 생활 (living as an unemployed person)

5

정부는 실업자에게 돈을 줍니다.

The government gives money to the unemployed.

-에게 (to)

6

실업자가 되면 어떻게 해요?

What do you do if you become unemployed?

-(으)면 (if/when)

7

그는 실업자지만 아주 성실해요.

He is unemployed, but he is very diligent.

-지만 (but)

8

실업자 문제를 해결해야 합니다.

We must solve the unemployment problem.

-해야 합니다 (must do)

1

청년 실업자 비중이 점점 높아지고 있습니다.

The proportion of youth unemployed is gradually increasing.

청년 (youth) + 실업자

2

그는 실업자들을 돕는 자원봉사를 해요.

He does volunteer work helping the unemployed.

돕는 (helping - adjective form)

3

실업자가 줄어들면 경제가 좋아질 거예요.

If the number of unemployed decreases, the economy will get better.

-(으)ㄹ 거예요 (future tense)

4

실업자들은 재취업 교육을 받을 수 있습니다.

Unemployed people can receive re-employment education.

-을 수 있다 (can do)

5

그는 갑자기 실업자가 되어 당황했습니다.

He was flustered because he suddenly became unemployed.

-어/아서 (because - linking cause and emotion)

6

많은 실업자가 창업을 선택하기도 합니다.

Many unemployed people also choose to start their own businesses.

-기도 하다 (also do)

7

실업자 신세에서 벗어나고 싶어요.

I want to escape from the status of being unemployed.

신세 (status/lot in life)

8

그는 실업자 신분으로 공무원 시험을 준비 중입니다.

As an unemployed person, he is preparing for the civil service exam.

-중입니다 (in the middle of)

1

장기 실업자들을 위한 사회적 안전망이 필요합니다.

A social safety net for the long-term unemployed is necessary.

사회적 안전망 (social safety net)

2

구조조정으로 인해 수많은 실업자가 양산되었습니다.

Due to restructuring, numerous unemployed people were produced.

양산되다 (to be produced in large quantities)

3

실업자 수가 증가함에 따라 소비가 위축되고 있습니다.

As the number of unemployed increases, consumption is shrinking.

-함에 따라 (according to/as a result of)

4

그는 실업자라는 사회적 편견에 맞서 싸웠습니다.

He fought against the social prejudice of being an unemployed person.

편견 (prejudice)

5

정부는 실업자들의 전직을 지원하는 프로그램을 운영합니다.

The government operates programs to support the career change of the unemployed.

전직 (career change)

6

비자발적 실업자들에게는 실업 급여가 지급됩니다.

Involuntary unemployed people are paid unemployment benefits.

비자발적 (involuntary)

7

실업자가 급증하면 사회적 불안이 커질 수밖에 없습니다.

If the number of unemployed surges, social unrest is bound to grow.

-을 수밖에 없다 (no choice but to)

8

그는 실업자 기간 동안 자기 계발에 힘썼습니다.

During his period of unemployment, he focused on self-development.

자기 계발 (self-development)

1

고학력 실업자 문제는 노동 시장의 수급 불균형을 보여줍니다.

The problem of highly educated unemployed shows the supply-demand imbalance in the labor market.

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출입증

A2

Carte d'identité, carte d'accès. Une carte d'identité ou une carte d'accès qui permet d'entrer dans un lieu spécifique. Il s'agit d'une carte spéciale, comme une carte d'identité, que vous devez présenter pour entrer ou sortir d'un bâtiment ou d'une zone.

회계

B1

La comptabilité est l'enregistrement systématique des transactions financières d'une entreprise.

경리

A2

La gestion et l'enregistrement des informations financières d'une entreprise, comme les revenus et les dépenses. Le terme désigne la fonction de comptabilité ou de tenue de livres.

업적

B1

Un exploit ou une réalisation notable, souvent utilisé pour des figures historiques ou des carrières impressionnantes. On dit souvent 'réaliser un exploit' (업적을 남기다).

적극적이다

A2

Être actif ou proactif. Cela signifie prendre l'initiative et participer avec enthousiasme.

적극적으로

B1

D'une manière active, proactive ou enthousiaste. Par exemple: 'Il participe activement aux réunions.'

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