근무하다
근무하다 en 30 secondes
- 근무하다 is the formal Korean verb for 'to work', specifically used for office jobs, professional roles, and official shifts.
- Unlike the general '일하다', it emphasizes your institutional affiliation and your presence at a designated workplace.
- It is commonly used in professional contexts like resumes, news reports, and formal introductions to describe employment status.
- Key collocations include '재택 근무' (work from home), '야간 근무' (night shift), and '근무 시간' (working hours).
The Korean verb 근무하다 (geunmu-hada) is a formal and specific term used to describe the act of working at a particular workplace, holding a specific position, or being on duty during a designated shift. Derived from the Hanja 勤 (diligence/work) and 務 (task/duty), it carries a weight of professional responsibility that the more general term '일하다' (to work) lacks. When you use 근무하다, you are not just talking about the physical labor or the tasks you perform; you are highlighting your institutional affiliation, your presence at a job site, and your adherence to a professional schedule.
- Institutional Context
- This word is almost exclusively used in the context of formal employment, such as in offices, government buildings, hospitals, or the military. You wouldn't typically use it for freelance hobbies or chores at home.
- Shift and Duration
- It is frequently paired with time-related words to describe when someone is on duty, such as '야간 근무' (night shift) or '교대 근무' (shift work).
- Location Emphasis
- It is the standard verb to use when specifying *where* you are stationed or assigned, such as '서울 본사에서 근무하다' (working at the Seoul headquarters).
"저는 현재 삼성전자 마케팅 팀에서 근무하고 있습니다." (I am currently working in the marketing team at Samsung Electronics.)
To understand 근무하다 deeply, one must look at the corporate culture of Korea. In a society where professional identity is often tied to one's workplace, this verb serves as a linguistic marker of one's official status. It is used in contracts, performance reviews, and formal introductions. It encompasses the entirety of one's professional presence—from the moment you clock in (출근하다) to the moment you clock out (퇴근하다). The word also extends to specialized environments; for instance, soldiers '근무' at their posts, and doctors '근무' at hospitals. It suggests a level of permanence and structure that '일하다' does not necessarily convey. For example, a part-timer might '일하다' at a cafe, but a full-time manager would more likely be described as '근무하다' at the branch.
"야간 근무 때문에 피곤해요." (I'm tired because of the night shift.)
Furthermore, the term is often nominalized as '근무' (work/duty). This noun form is used in countless compound words that define the modern Korean working life. '근무 시간' (working hours), '근무 환경' (work environment), and '근무지' (workplace) are all essential terms for anyone navigating a career in Korea. The verb form 근무하다 is thus the engine behind these descriptions of professional life. It bridges the gap between the person and the institution. When you say you '근무' somewhere, you are stating that you are a cog in a larger machine, contributing to a collective goal through your specific role and time.
Using 근무하다 correctly requires an understanding of both grammar and social context. As a '하다' verb, it follows standard conjugation patterns, but its usage is governed by the formal nature of the word itself. You will most frequently encounter it in the present progressive form (근무하고 있다) when describing your current employment status, or in the past tense (근무했다) when discussing your career history.
- Particle Usage: 에서 vs 로
- When specifying the location, use the particle -에서 (at/in). Example: '병원에서 근무하다'. When specifying the role or capacity, use -(으)로 (as). Example: '간호사로 근무하다'.
- Honorifics
- In formal settings or when speaking to superiors, use the honorific form 근무하시다. For example, '아버지는 은행에서 근무하십니다' (My father works at a bank).
"저는 5년 동안 해외 지사에서 근무한 경험이 있습니다." (I have experience working at an overseas branch for 5 years.)
In business writing, such as resumes (이력서) or self-introduction letters (자기소개서), 근무하다 is the preferred term. It sounds more professional and objective than '일하다'. For instance, instead of saying '식당에서 일했어요', saying '레스토랑에서 매니저로 근무했습니다' elevates the tone and suggests a more structured professional experience. It also allows for more precise descriptions of work conditions. You can say '유연 근무제를 통해 근무하고 있습니다' (I am working through a flexible work system), which sounds much more natural than trying to use '일하다' in such a technical context.
Another important aspect is the combination with adverbs. Since 근무하다 implies a formal duty, it is often paired with adverbs that describe the manner of duty, such as '성실히' (sincerely/faithfully), '장기적으로' (long-term), or '교대로' (in shifts). It is also used to describe the state of being at work. If someone calls your office and you are away from your desk but still in the building, a colleague might say '지금 근무 중이십니다' (He/She is currently on duty/working), implying they are available but perhaps momentarily occupied. This is distinct from '일하고 있어요', which focuses more on the physical action of doing a task.
"주 40시간 근무하는 것이 원칙입니다." (The principle is to work 40 hours per week.)
You will encounter 근무하다 in various professional and official settings across Korea. It is a staple of the corporate lexicon, the medical field, and government administration. Understanding where you hear it helps you grasp the level of formality required when you use it yourself. In a typical Korean office, the HR department (인사과) will use this word constantly when discussing contracts, attendance, and departmental assignments.
- In the News and Media
- News reports about labor laws, minimum wage, or corporate culture will always use '근무' and '근무하다'. For example, reports on '주 52시간 근무제' (the 52-hour work week system) are very common.
- Hospitals and Emergency Services
- Doctors, nurses, and firefighters use this term to describe their shifts. '당직 근무' (on-call duty) is a phrase you will hear frequently in medical dramas or real hospitals.
- Military Service
- In Korea, where military service is mandatory for men, '근무' is a daily word. Soldiers are assigned to '초소 근무' (guard duty) or '행정 근무' (administrative duty).
"이번 설 연휴에도 병원에서 근무해야 해요." (I have to work at the hospital even during this Lunar New Year holiday.)
If you are watching a Korean drama set in a workplace (an 'office drama'), you will hear characters discussing their '근무 환경' (work environment) or complaining about '연장 근무' (overtime work). It is also the word used in official announcements. For instance, a sign at a bank might say '토요일은 근무하지 않습니다' (We do not work/operate on Saturdays). This sounds much more official and authoritative than saying '일 안 해요'.
In the context of international relations or global business, you'll hear about '해외 근무' (working abroad). If a diplomat is stationed in a foreign country, they are said to be '근무' at the embassy. This highlights the 'stationed' or 'assigned' aspect of the word. Even in the digital age, with the rise of '재택 근무' (working from home/telecommuting), the word has maintained its relevance. It describes the official state of being 'at work' even if the physical location is one's living room. The term '재택 근무' became ubiquitous during the pandemic and remains a key part of the modern Korean vocabulary.
"저희 회사는 매주 금요일에 재택 근무를 합니다." (Our company does telecommuting every Friday.)
While 근무하다 is a common word, learners often trip up on its specific nuances and formal requirements. The most frequent error is using it in contexts that are too casual or for types of work that don't fit the 'duty' definition. Because it is a Hanja-based word, it carries a certain level of 'stiffness' that can sound out of place if used incorrectly.
- Overusing it for Casual Work
- If you are helping a friend with their homework or doing a quick favor, never use '근무하다'. It sounds like you are treating the favor as a formal job. Use '돕다' or '일하다' instead.
- Confusing '근무' with '직업'
- '근무하다' is a verb of action/state, while '직업' (job/profession) is a noun. You don't '근무' a job; you '근무' *at* a place or *as* a role. Incorrect: '제 근무는 선생님이에요'. Correct: '저는 학교에서 교사로 근무하고 있어요'.
- Particle Mismatch
- Many learners use the object particle '-을/를' with '근무하다' incorrectly. You don't 'work a company' (회사를 근무하다). You work *at* a company (회사에서 근무하다).
❌ "어제 집에서 근무했어요." (When referring to cleaning your house)
✅ "어제 집에서 일했어요." (I worked/did chores at home yesterday.)
Another mistake involves the distinction between '근무하다' and '취직하다' (to get a job). '취직하다' refers to the moment of being hired, whereas '근무하다' refers to the ongoing state of being employed. You cannot say 'I worked at this company yesterday' to mean 'I got hired yesterday'. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that '근무' can be a noun. In phrases like '근무 중' (on duty), you don't need the '하다' part. Saying '근무하다 중' is grammatically incorrect.
Finally, be careful with the word '복무하다' (to serve). While similar, '복무하다' is specifically used for military service or public service. If you are a regular office worker, stick to '근무하다'. Using '복무하다' for an office job makes it sound like you are in the army. Conversely, using '근무하다' for a soldier is okay, but '복무하다' is more precise for their 'service' to the country. Understanding these boundaries is key to sounding like a natural Korean speaker.
❌ "저는 편의점에서 복무해요."
✅ "저는 편의점에서 근무해요." (Or more commonly for part-time: '알바해요')
To truly master 근무하다, you must understand its relationship with other 'work' verbs in Korean. Each has a specific flavor and is used in different social settings. Choosing the right one shows your level of fluency and respect for the context.
- 일하다 (Il-hada)
- The most general and common term. It covers everything from physical labor to mental tasks. If '근무하다' is 'to be on duty', '일하다' is simply 'to work'. Use this in casual conversation or when the specific professional context isn't important.
- 재직하다 (Jaejik-hada)
- A very formal term meaning 'to hold a position' or 'to be in office'. It is often used in official documents like '재직 증명서' (Proof of Employment). It focuses on the fact that you are currently on the payroll/roster of an organization.
- 종사하다 (Jongsa-hada)
- Means 'to be engaged in' or 'to follow a profession'. It is used when talking about an industry as a whole. Example: 'IT 업계에 종사하다' (to work in the IT industry).
"그는 30년 동안 교육계에 종사해 왔습니다." (He has been engaged in the field of education for 30 years.)
There is also 복무하다 (bokmu-hada), which we touched on earlier. This is specifically for 'service', usually military or public. Then there is 작업하다 (jageop-hada), which refers to a specific piece of work or a project, often used by artists, designers, or construction workers. If you are '작업 중', you are in the middle of a specific task (like editing a video or building a wall). '근무하다' is the umbrella under which '작업' might happen during office hours.
Lastly, consider 다니다 (danida), which literally means 'to go/attend'. In casual Korean, people often say '회사 다녀요' (I go to a company) to mean 'I have a job'. This is the most natural way to answer 'What do you do?' in a social setting. '근무하다' is what you say when you want to sound more professional or when you are describing the specifics of your shift or location. For example, '저는 시청에서 근무해요' sounds like a proud professional statement, while '시청 다녀요' sounds like a casual fact of life.
"어디 다니세요?" (Where do you work? - Casual/Common)
"저는 공항에서 근무합니다." (I work at the airport. - Formal/Professional)
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
-(으)로 (Capacity/Role)
-에서 (Location of Action)
-고 있다 (Progressive)
-(으)ㄴ 지 얼마나 됐다 (Duration since start)
-기 위해 (Purpose)
Exemples par niveau
저는 병원에서 근무해요.
I work at a hospital.
-에서 (at) + 근무해요 (work/present polite)
어디에서 근무하세요?
Where do you work?
Honorific -세요 ending for a question.
제 친구는 은행에서 근무합니다.
My friend works at a bank.
-합니다 (formal polite ending).
아버지는 사무실에서 근무해요.
My father works in an office.
Basic S-P structure.
저는 오늘 근무해요.
I work today / I am on duty today.
Using time adverb '오늘'.
언니는 학교에서 근무해요.
My older sister works at a school.
Family member + workplace.
저는 경찰서에서 근무하고 싶어요.
I want to work at a police station.
-고 싶다 (want to).
여기에서 근무하세요?
Do you work here?
Demonstrative '여기' (here).
근무 시간이 몇 시부터예요?
What time do your working hours start?
근무 시간 (working hours) as a noun phrase.
저는 9시부터 6시까지 근무합니다.
I work from 9 to 6.
-부터... -까지 (from... to).
주말에는 근무하지 않아요.
I don't work on weekends.
-지 않다 (negation).
작년에는 다른 지사에서 근무했어요.
Last year, I worked at a different branch.
Past tense -었/았습니다.
근무 환경이 아주 좋아요.
The work environment is very good.
근무 환경 (work environment).
내일은 야간 근무를 해야 해요.
I have to do a night shift tomorrow.
야간 근무 (night shift) + -해야 하다 (must).
그는 성실하게 근무하는 사람이에요.
He is a person who works sincerely.
Adverbial -게 + noun modifying -는.
여기서 근무한 지 얼마나 됐어요?
How long has it been since you started working here?
-(으)ㄴ 지 얼마나 됐다 (time since...).
저는 마케팅 팀에서 팀장으로 근무하고 있습니다.
I am working as a team leader in the marketing team.
-(으)로 (as/capacity) + -고 있다 (progressive).
저희 회사는 유연 근무제를 시행하고 있어요.
Our company is implementing a flexible work system.
유연 근무제 (flexible work system).
근무 중에 개인적인 전화를 하면 안 됩니다.
You should not make personal calls while on duty.
근무 중 (while on duty) + -(으)면 안 되다 (must not).
해외 지사에서 근무할 기회가 생겼어요.
I got an opportunity to work at an overseas branch.
-(으)ㄹ 기회 (opportunity to...).
근무 조건에 대해 자세히 알고 싶습니다.
I would like to know more about the working conditions.
-에 대해 (about).
그는 20년 동안 공무원으로 근무했습니다.
He worked as a civil servant for 20 years.
공무원 (civil servant) + -(으)로.
갑작스러운 연장 근무 때문에 약속을 취소했어요.
I canceled the appointment because of sudden overtime work.
연장 근무 (overtime work) + -때문에 (because of).
재택 근무를 하니까 출퇴근 시간이 절약돼요.
Since I work from home, I save commuting time.
재택 근무 (work from home) + -(으)니까 (since/because).
근무 평정 결과에 따라 보너스가 지급됩니다.
Bonuses are paid according to the results of the performance evaluation.
근무 평정 (performance evaluation) + -에 따라 (according to).
효율적인 근무 환경 조성을 위해 노력하고 있습니다.
We are striving to create an efficient work environment.
-기 위해 (in order to).
그는 부당한 근무 지시에 대해 항의했습니다.
He protested against the unfair work instructions.
부당한 (unfair) + 근무 지시 (work instruction).
근무 시간 외에는 업무 연락을 자제해 주세요.
Please refrain from work-related contact outside of working hours.
근무 시간 외 (outside working hours) + 자제하다 (refrain).
회사는 직원들의 근무 만족도를 높이기 위해 설문 조사를 실시했다.
The company conducted a survey to increase employee work satisfaction.
근무 만족도 (work satisfaction).
그는 현재 국방부에서 전문 연구 요원으로 근무 중이다.
He is currently working as a technical research personnel at the Ministry of National Defense.
근무 중 (currently on duty/working).
근무지 이탈은 심각한 징계 사유가 될 수 있습니다.
Leaving the workplace without permission can be a reason for serious disciplinary action.
근무지 이탈 (leaving the post/workplace).
탄력 근무제를 도입한 이후 직원들의 이직률이 감소했다.
Since the introduction of the flexible work system, the employee turnover rate has decreased.
탄력 근무제 (flexible/elastic work system).
격오지 근무자들을 위한 복지 혜택을 확대해야 합니다.
Welfare benefits for those working in remote areas should be expanded.
격오지 (remote/isolated area) + 근무자 (worker).
그는 평생을 교육 현장에서 근무하며 후학 양성에 힘썼다.
He spent his whole life working in the field of education, striving to nurture younger students.
-하며 (while doing/and).
근무 형태의 다변화가 현대 사회의 노동 구조를 변화시키고 있다.
The diversification of work forms is changing the labor structure of modern society.
근무 형태 (form of work) + 다변화 (diversification).
해당 직무는 고도의 집중력과 장시간 근무를 요합니다.
The position requires a high level of concentration and long working hours.
요하다 (to require/demand).
그는 공직에 근무하는 동안 청렴결백함을 유지했다.
He maintained integrity and innocence while serving in public office.
공직 (public office) + 청렴결백 (integrity/purity).
근무 기강 확립을 위해 새로운 복무 규정을 발표했다.
New service regulations were announced to establish work discipline.
근무 기강 (work discipline) + 확립 (establishment).
그는 파견 근무를 나간 지 3년 만에 본사로 복귀했다.
He returned to the headquarters three years after going out on a dispatch assignment.
파견 근무 (dispatch work/assignment).
근무 시간의 단축이 반드시 생산성의 저하로 이어지는 것은 아니다.
A reduction in working hours does not necessarily lead to a decrease in productivity.
단축 (shortening) + 반드시 ... 것은 아니다 (not necessarily).
노동의 가치가 근무 형태에 의해 규정되어서는 안 된다.
The value of labor should not be defined by the form of work.
Passive form 규정되다 (to be defined).
그는 평생을 공직에 봉직하며 국가 발전에 헌신적으로 근무했다.
He served in public office all his life, working devotedly for the development of the nation.
헌신적으로 (devotedly).
근무 환경의 인간공학적 설계는 직원의 건강과 직결된다.
The ergonomic design of the work environment is directly linked to employee health.
인간공학적 (ergonomic) + 직결되다 (to be directly linked).
포스트 팬데믹 시대의 근무 패러다임은 근본적인 변화를 맞이하고 있다.
The work paradigm of the post-pandemic era is facing fundamental changes.
패러다임 (paradigm) + 맞이하다 (to face/greet).
근무 태만으로 인한 해고 처분은 정당하다는 판결이 내려졌다.
A ruling was handed down that the dismissal due to negligence of duty was justified.
근무 태만 (negligence of duty) + 정당하다 (to be justified).
그는 탁월한 업무 수행 능력으로 최단기간 내에 관리직으로 근무하게 되었다.
He came to work in a management position within the shortest period due to his excellent task performance ability.
최단기간 (shortest period).
근무지의 지리적 여건이 인재 채용의 핵심 변수로 부상했다.
The geographical conditions of the workplace have emerged as a key variable in talent recruitment.
부상하다 (to emerge/rise).
상명하복의 경직된 근무 문화가 창의성을 저해한다는 지적이 있다.
There are points that the rigid work culture of 'orders from above, obedience from below' hinders creativity.
상명하복 (orders from above, obedience from below).
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
Never use it for housework.
Always choose '근무하다' for formal settings.
It implies being 'stationed' somewhere.
- Using '근무하다' for casual favors.
- Using the wrong particle (e.g., '회사를 근무하다' instead of '회사에서').
- Confusing '근무' (duty) with '업무' (task).
- Using it for machines or animals.
- Forgetting the honorific '-시-' when talking about a boss.
Astuces
Role Particle
When saying your job title, use '-(으)로'. For example, '교사로 근무해요'.
Noun Form
Remember '근무' is a noun. '근무 시간' is very common.
Respect
Use '근무하시다' for people older than you to show respect.
Office Talk
Use this word in interviews to sound more professional.
Resume Tip
Always use '근무' when listing past jobs on a CV.
Smooth Flow
The 'ㄴ' and 'ㅁ' sounds blend; don't pause between '근' and '무'.
No Chores
Don't use it for cleaning your room or doing laundry.
Formal vs Casual
Switch to '다니다' in casual social settings.
Duty Focus
Think of '근무' as 'Duty' to remember its formal nuance.
Remote Work
Learn '재택 근무' as it is a very popular term now.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'GEUN' as 'Green' and 'MU' as 'Museum'. Imagine you are a security guard working (근무) at a Green Museum.
Origine du mot
Sino-Korean (Hanja)
Contexte culturel
It is the standard term for all military duties.
The word is used more formally when addressing superiors.
Terms like '거점 오피스' (satellite office) are modernizing the concept of '근무지'.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"어디에서 근무하세요?"
"근무 환경은 어때요?"
"재택 근무를 자주 하시나요?"
"야간 근무를 해본 적이 있어요?"
"근무 시간이 유연한 편인가요?"
Sujets d'écriture
내가 꿈꾸는 근무 환경에 대해 써보세요.
오늘 나의 근무는 어땠나요?
재택 근무와 사무실 근무 중 무엇을 더 선호하나요?
첫 근무 날의 기억을 떠올려 보세요.
한국의 근무 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very formal. Usually, people say '알바하다' or '일하다' for part-time work.
'근무' refers to the state of being at work or on duty. '업무' refers to the specific tasks or business you handle while working.
No, students '공부하다' (study). Only people with formal jobs '근무하다'.
You say '재택 근무를 하고 있어요'.
No, that sounds like you have a formal office job at home. For chores, use '집안일을 해요'.
It means 'On Duty' or 'Currently Working'.
Yes, it comes from 勤 (diligence) and 務 (duty).
You can say '연장 근무' or '야근' (night work).
Yes, it is very common in the military for guard duty or administrative roles.
Use the particle '-에서'.
Teste-toi 180 questions
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use <strong class='text-violet-700'>근무하다</strong> when you want to sound professional or describe the official aspects of your job (where, when, and in what role). Reserve '일하다' for general tasks or casual conversations about working.
- 근무하다 is the formal Korean verb for 'to work', specifically used for office jobs, professional roles, and official shifts.
- Unlike the general '일하다', it emphasizes your institutional affiliation and your presence at a designated workplace.
- It is commonly used in professional contexts like resumes, news reports, and formal introductions to describe employment status.
- Key collocations include '재택 근무' (work from home), '야간 근무' (night shift), and '근무 시간' (working hours).
Role Particle
When saying your job title, use '-(으)로'. For example, '교사로 근무해요'.
Noun Form
Remember '근무' is a noun. '근무 시간' is very common.
Respect
Use '근무하시다' for people older than you to show respect.
Office Talk
Use this word in interviews to sound more professional.
Exemple
그는 대기업 마케팅 부서에서 10년째 근무하고 있다.
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