견적

§ What does 견적 mean?

DEFINITION

The Korean word 견적 (gyeonjeok) means 'estimate' or 'quote'. It's a statement that tells you the approximate cost of something, like work or goods. Think of it as a preliminary price you get before you commit to buying a service or product. This word is very common in everyday business and service interactions.

When you're dealing with services or products where the price isn't fixed, like getting your car repaired, hiring a contractor, or buying custom-made furniture, you'll often hear or use the word 견적. It's crucial for understanding how much something will cost before you agree to anything. Without a 견적, you might end up paying more than you expected.

For example, if you want to get your house painted, you wouldn't just tell a painter to start working. You'd ask them for a 견적. This estimate would include things like the cost of paint, labor, and any other materials needed. This way, you can compare prices from different painters and choose the best option for your budget.

It's also used when you're buying something where the final price depends on specific requirements. Let's say you're planning a big event and need catering. You'd ask a catering company for a 견적 based on the number of guests, type of food, and other services. This helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises.

§ When do people use it?

You'll encounter 견적 in various situations, mainly when dealing with services or custom products. Here are some common scenarios:

• Car repairs: When your car needs fixing, the mechanic will usually give you a 견적 before starting work. This details the cost of parts and labor.
• Home renovations or repairs: If you're remodeling your kitchen or fixing a leaky roof, contractors will provide a 견적 for the entire project.
• Moving services: Moving companies often give a 견적 based on the volume of items, distance, and additional services like packing.
• Custom orders: If you're ordering custom-made furniture, a special cake, or tailor-made clothing, the vendor will give you a 견적 based on your specifications.
• Business proposals: In business, when one company offers services or products to another, they often send a 견적 as part of their proposal.

Understanding 견적 is important not just for receiving one, but also for asking for one. If you're in Korea and need a service, knowing how to ask for a 견적 will save you a lot of hassle and potential misunderstandings.

The term can also be used in slightly more informal contexts, but its core meaning of an 'approximate cost' remains. For instance, if you're planning a trip with friends, you might ask, "여행 견적 좀 내볼까?" (Shall we try to get an estimate for the trip?). Here, it's about figuring out the approximate cost for the trip. It’s a very practical word that helps people plan and make informed decisions.

You'll often hear it in phrases like 견적을 받다 (to receive an estimate) or 견적을 내다 (to give/make an estimate). These are common verbs used with 견적 and are important to remember.

In summary, 견적 is a fundamental word for anyone dealing with costs that aren't readily apparent. It empowers you to understand and control your spending, whether you're fixing something, buying something custom, or planning an event. Make sure to add it to your vocabulary!

§ What is 견적?

The Korean word 견적 (gyeonjeok) is a very useful noun to know, especially if you plan on doing business, getting services, or even just buying things in Korea. At its core, 견적 means an 'estimate' or a 'quote'. Think of it as a preliminary assessment of the cost, time, or resources needed for a particular task or item. It's not a final price, but rather an informed guess or a proposal.

Korean Word

견적

Pronunciation

gyeonjeok (approximately "gyun-jok")

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Estimate or quote; a statement of the approximate cost of work or goods.

§ How to use 견적 in a sentence

The most common way to use 견적 is with verbs like 'to receive' (받다), 'to give/provide' (주다/내다), or 'to ask for' (요청하다/문의하다).

• 견적을 받다 (gyeonjeogeul batda): to receive an estimate

  This is what you'll say when you want to get an estimate from someone. You're the one receiving it.

  새 차 수리 비용 견적을 받았어요. (I received an estimate for the new car repair cost.)

• 견적을 내다/주다 (gyeonjeogeul naeda/juda): to give/provide an estimate

  This is what someone providing a service or product would say. '내다' often implies drawing up or creating the estimate, while '주다' means simply giving it.

  저희가 견적을 내 드릴게요. (We will provide you with an estimate.)

  혹시 견적을 주실 수 있나요? (Could you possibly give me an estimate?)

• 견적을 요청하다/문의하다 (gyeonjeogeul yojeonghada/munuihada): to request/inquire about an estimate

  These phrases are used when you are actively asking for an estimate.

  저는 세탁기 수리 견적을 요청했습니다. (I requested an estimate for washing machine repair.)

  이 프로젝트의 견적에 대해 문의하고 싶습니다. (I'd like to inquire about the estimate for this project.)

§ More Examples and Contexts

Let's look at more situations where 견적 comes in handy.

As you can see, 견적 is a versatile word that is essential for practical communication in various situations where you need to understand or convey approximate costs or timelines. Practice using it, and you'll sound much more natural when discussing practical matters in Korean!

§ What is 견적?

When you need to know the cost of something before committing, you ask for a quote or an estimate. In Korean, the most common word for this is 견적 (gyeon-jeok). It's a versatile word you'll hear in many situations, from getting a repair done to planning a large project.

Korean Word

견적

Pronunciation

gyeon-jeok

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Estimate or quote; a statement of the approximate cost of work or goods.

CEFR Level

A2

§ Examples of 견적 in Use

Can I get an estimate for car repairs?

What's the quote for new furniture delivery?

I received moving estimates from several places.

§ Similar Words and When to Use 견적 vs. Alternatives

견적 is your go-to word for general estimates or quotes for services and goods. However, Korean has a few other words that might seem similar but are used in slightly different contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural.

• 예상 (ye-sang) - Expectation, Prediction, Forecast:

  While 견적 specifically deals with costs or work, 예상 is a broader term for 'expectation' or 'prediction' about anything. It can be about weather, outcomes, or even general ideas about costs, but it's not a formal quote from a business.

  내일 날씨 예상은 맑음입니다.

  Tomorrow's weather forecast is clear.

  시험 결과는 예상보다 좋았어요.

  The test results were better than expected.

• 추정 (chu-jeong) - Estimation, Conjecture:

  추정 is also 'estimation,' but it often carries a more formal or scientific connotation, used when making a calculated guess based on data or specific criteria, often without a direct quote from a service provider. Think 'population estimation' or 'data analysis estimation.'

  현재 인구 추정치는 5천만 명입니다.

  The current population estimate is 50 million people.

  손실액 추정은 아직 어렵습니다.

  Loss amount estimation is still difficult.

• 계산 (gye-san) - Calculation, Arithmetic:

  계산 is the act of calculating or doing arithmetic. While an estimate involves some calculation, 계산 refers to the process of figuring out an exact amount, not necessarily an approximate one or a formal quote from a vendor.

  총 비용을 계산해주세요.

  Please calculate the total cost.

  수학 계산은 어려워요.

  Math calculations are difficult.