Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
'Work out' is a versatile phrasal verb meaning to exercise, solve a problem, or have a successful result.
- Use it for physical exercise: 'I work out every morning.'
- Use it for solving or calculating: 'Can you work out this math problem?'
- Use it for situations ending well: 'Don't worry, everything will work out.'
Overview
work라는 단어 뒤에 out이 붙은 work out이라는 표현을 정말 자주 보게 됩니다. 한국어에서는 단순히 '운동하다'라고 번역하는 경우가 많지만, 영어에서 work out은 상황에 따라 '문제를 풀다', '계획을 짜다', '결과가 좋게 나오다' 등 훨씬 다양한 의미로 사용됩니다. 한국어의 동사 체계는 어미 변화를 통해 의미를 확장하지만, 영어의 구동사(Phrasal Verb)는 전치사나 부사(여기서는 out)를 결합하여 의미를 완전히 새롭게 창조합니다.work(일하다/노력하다)와 out(밖으로/완전히)이라는 두 단어가 합쳐져 '내 안의 에너지를 밖으로 쏟아내어 결과를 만든다'는 논리적 흐름을 가집니다. 이 논리를 이해하면 단순히 암기하는 것보다 훨씬 자연스럽게 영어를 구사할 수 있습니다.work out의 다양한 얼굴을 완벽히 마스터해 봅시다.work out은 work(노력, 활동, 기능)와 out(완성, 외부로의 드러남, 해결)이 결합한 형태입니다. 한국어의 '하다'나 '되다'처럼 범용적인 동사에 접사를 붙이는 것과 유사한 원리라고 생각하면 쉽습니다. 핵심은 '과정(work)'을 거쳐 '결과(out)'를 도출한다는 논리입니다.- 1운동하다: 신체적인 노력(
work)을 통해 에너지를 밖으로(out) 발산하여 몸을 단련하는 과정입니다. 한국어의 '운동하다'와 대응하지만, 영어에서는 '신체 단련'이라는 구체적인 뉘앙스가 강합니다. - 2문제를 해결하다/계산하다: 복잡한 상황이나 숫자(
work)를 머릿속에서 돌려 답을 밖으로(out) 끄집어내는 과정입니다. 한국어의 '풀다', '계산하다', '해결하다'에 해당합니다. - 3상황이 잘 풀리다: 어떤 일의 과정(
work)이 결국 좋은 결과(out)로 나타나는 상태입니다. 한국어의 '잘 되다', '해결되다'와 같습니다.
work out은 그 자체로 자동사(운동하다, 결과가 나오다)와 타동사(문제를 풀다, 계획을 짜다)의 역할을 모두 수행합니다. 한국어 학습자들이 가장 혼란스러워하는 부분은 '왜 out이 붙어서 해결한다는 뜻이 되는가?' 하는 점인데, 이는 영어에서 out이 '완전히(thoroughly)'라는 의미를 내포하기 때문입니다.work out은 '철저하게 작업하여 답을 낸다'는 그림을 머릿속에 그리면 이해가 빠릅니다.work out의 가장 중요한 문법적 특징은 '분리 가능성(Separability)'입니다. 목적어가 명사인지 대명사인지에 따라 위치가 달라집니다.I need to work out the schedule.(명사 목적어, 뒤에 위치)I need to work the schedule out.(명사 목적어, 사이에 위치)I need to work it out.(대명사 목적어, 반드시 사이에 위치)
work out은 일상생활의 다양한 장면에서 활용됩니다.- 1헬스장/건강 관리:
I try to work out three times a week.
(운동하다) - 2수학 문제/논리적 해결: "I can't work out this math problem." (풀어내다)
- 3인간관계/상황의 해결:
I hope everything works out for you.
(잘 해결되다) - 4계획 수립:
We need to work out a new strategy for the project.
(짜다/마련하다)
- 1대명사 위치 오류:
Work out it.이라고 말하는 경우입니다. 이는 한국어의 목적어 위치가 자유로운 점 때문에 발생하는 간섭입니다. 영어에서는it,them같은 대명사는 반드시work와out사이에 넣어야 합니다. - 2
Workout과work out혼동: 명사workout과 동사구work out을 구분하지 못하는 경우입니다.I want to do a work out
은 틀리고I want to do a workout
이 맞습니다. 한국어에는 명사와 동사를 구분하는 접사가 없어서 생기는 습관입니다. - 3만능 동사로 사용: 모든 '일하다'를
work out으로 바꾸는 경우입니다.I work out at the office
라고 하면 '사무실에서 운동한다'는 뜻이 되어버립니다. 단순히 '일하다'는work를 써야 합니다.
work out과 혼동하기 쉬운 표현들을 비교해 보세요.work out | 문제를 해결하다/운동하다 | 풀다/운동하다 | 과정 후 결과 도출 |figure out | 이해하다/알아내다 | 깨닫다/알아내다 | 정보 처리 후 이해 |exercise | 운동하다 | 운동하다 | 보다 격식 있는 표현 |work out은 물리적인 노력이나 결과 도출에 초점이 있고, figure out은 정보나 상황을 머리로 이해하는 것에 초점이 있습니다.- 1Q:
work out은 항상 '운동하다'라는 뜻인가요?
- 1Q: 왜
Work it out이라고 하나요?Work out it은 안 되나요?
- 1Q:
workout은 언제 쓰나요?
My workout was intense와 같이 사용합니다.
- 1Q:
work out을 쓰면 더 원어민 같나요?
solve나 exercise만 사용하는 것보다 훨씬 자연스럽고 유연한 영어를 구사한다는 인상을 줍니다.2. Negative Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction |
|---|---|
|
do not work out
|
don't work out
|
|
does not work out
|
doesn't work out
|
|
did not work out
|
didn't work out
|
Conjugation of 'Work Out'
| Tense | Subject | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
I/You/We/They
|
work out
|
I work out daily.
|
|
Present Simple
|
He/She/It
|
works out
|
She works out often.
|
|
Past Simple
|
All
|
worked out
|
It worked out well.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
All
|
am/is/are working out
|
I am working out now.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
All
|
have/has worked out
|
We have worked it out.
|
|
Future
|
All
|
will work out
|
It will work out.
|
Meanings
A multi-use phrasal verb primarily describing physical training, the process of solving a puzzle or calculation, or the way a situation develops over time.
Physical Exercise
To engage in physical activity to improve health or fitness.
“He works out at the local gym three times a week.”
“I'm too tired to work out today.”
Solve or Calculate
To find a solution to a problem or to calculate an amount.
“We need to work out the total cost of the trip.”
“I can't work out how to open this box.”
Result or Success
To develop in a successful way or to have a particular result.
“My new job is working out really well.”
“Things didn't work out between them, so they broke up.”
Understand Someone
To understand someone's character or behavior.
“I've known him for years, but I still can't work him out.”
“She's a complex person; hard to work out.”
Reference Table
| 의미 | Example Sentence | 분리 가능? | 상황 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
운동하다
|
She `works out` at the gym.
|
아니요 (분리 불가능)
|
건강, 일상
|
|
문제 해결
|
We need to `work out` the issue.
|
네 (선택 사항)
|
비즈니스, 일상
|
|
계산하다
|
Can you `work out` the total?
|
네 (선택 사항)
|
수학, 금융
|
|
성공적으로 진행
|
I hope it `works out` for you.
|
아니요 (분리 불가능)
|
관계, 계획
|
|
이해/파악하다
|
He couldn't `work out` her motive.
|
네 (선택 사항)
|
미스터리, 복잡한 아이디어
|
|
계획/정리하다
|
Let's `work out` a schedule.
|
네 (선택 사항)
|
프로젝트, 행사
|
|
발달시키다 (예: 근육)
|
He `worked out` strong abs.
|
아니요 (분리 불가능)
|
보디빌딩, 신체 발달
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
We must formulate a solution to this discrepancy. (Workplace conflict)
We need to work out this problem. (Workplace conflict)
Let's work it out. (Workplace conflict)
Let's fix this mess. (Workplace conflict)
'Work Out'의 의미
신체 활동
- 운동하다 She works out every morning.
- 헬스장 They work out at the gym.
문제 해결
- 해결하다 Can you work out this puzzle?
- 알아내다 I'll work out how to do it.
해결/성공
- 성공하다 I hope it works out for her.
- 잘 끝나다 Everything will work out.
계획/계산
- 계획하다 Let's work out the details.
- 계산하다 Work out the total cost.
'Work Out'과 유사한 구동사 비교
'Work Out'의 분리 가능성
목적어가 대명사(it, them, us)인가요?
'운동' 또는 '성공적인 진행'에 대한 내용인가요?
'계산', '해결', '계획', '이해'에 대한 내용인가요?
현대 생활 속 'Work Out'의 활용
일상생활
- • Gym sessions
- • Planning dinner
- • Organizing tasks
직장/학업
- • Solving project issues
- • Calculating expenses
- • Scheduling meetings
사회생활
- • Resolving misunderstandings
- • Making plans with friends
- • Hoping a date 'works out'
디지털 세상
- • Troubleshooting tech issues
- • Figuring out game strategies
- • Managing subscription costs
수준별 예문
I work out every day.
I exercise every day.
Do you work out at the gym?
Do you exercise at the gym?
He works out in the park.
He exercises in the park.
We don't work out on Sundays.
We don't exercise on Sundays.
I can't work out this math problem.
I can't solve this math problem.
Don't worry, it will work out.
Don't worry, it will end well.
We need to work out the price.
We need to calculate the price.
Did the plan work out?
Was the plan successful?
I have a difficult problem, but I will work it out.
I have a problem, but I will find a solution.
Things didn't work out between Sarah and Tom.
The relationship between Sarah and Tom wasn't successful.
You should work out the total before you pay.
You should calculate the total before paying.
I'm working out a new schedule for next week.
I am creating/solving a new schedule.
The lawyers are trying to work out a settlement.
The lawyers are negotiating a solution.
I've been trying to work him out for months, but he's a mystery.
I've been trying to understand his character.
It works out cheaper if you buy in bulk.
The result is a cheaper price if you buy many.
We haven't worked out the logistics of the move yet.
We haven't planned the details of the move.
The final cost works out to be much higher than anticipated.
The final calculation results in a higher price.
It's a complex situation, but we're working out the kinks.
We are fixing the small problems in the plan.
The details of the merger are currently being worked out by the board.
The board is currently finalizing the merger details.
I can't quite work out what she's implying in this letter.
I can't fully understand the hidden meaning.
Whether the strategy will work out in the long term remains to be seen.
It is uncertain if the strategy will be successful eventually.
He has a peculiar way of working out his frustrations through art.
He resolves his negative emotions using art.
The math works out, but the logic behind the theory is flawed.
The calculations are correct, but the reasoning is wrong.
They are working out the fine print of the contract as we speak.
They are finalizing the very specific details.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners use 'exercise' for everything. 'Work out' is more specific to a session of training.
They both mean 'solve' or 'understand'.
Spelling and spacing.
자주 하는 실수
I work out it.
I work it out.
He work out every day.
He works out every day.
I am exercise out.
I am working out.
I did a work out.
I did a workout.
I worked out the math problem very good.
I worked out the math problem very well.
The plan worked out itself.
The plan worked out.
I can't work out why is he late.
I can't work out why he is late.
We need to work out about the budget.
We need to work out the budget.
I've worked out him.
I've worked him out.
It's a hard work out.
It's a hard workout.
The math doesn't work out to.
The math doesn't work out.
문장 패턴
I work out ___ times a week.
I need to work out how to ___.
I hope everything works out with ___.
It works out cheaper to ___ than to ___.
Real World Usage
I'm going to work out for an hour.
Can you work out the area of this circle?
We are still working out the salary details.
Hope things work out with your move!
Let's work out how much everyone owes.
Morning workout done! #fitness
맥락이 중요해요!
I worked out yesterday.라고 했다면, 그 사람이 뭘 했는지 궁금하죠? 주변 상황을 잘 들어보면 그 뜻을 알 수 있어요.
Context is important to understand.
대명사는 *무조건* 분리해야 해요!
We need to work it out.처럼 대명사 'it'은 'work'와 'out' 사이에 꼭 들어가야 해요. "You must say 'work it out'."
명사 'Workout'을 기억하세요
흔히 쓰이는 미국 영어 표현
I work out every morning!이라고 말하는 걸 들을 거예요. 운동의 의미로 미국 영어에서 아주 흔하게 쓰여요.
I work out at the gym.
계획 및 세부 사항 조율할 때
We need to work out the details.
Smart Tips
Try using 'work out' instead. It sounds much more natural in spoken English.
Always put it in the middle. Never say 'work out it'.
Use 'workout' (one word) for your photo caption, but 'work out' (two words) if you are describing the action.
Use the phrase 'Everything will work out.' It's the perfect idiom for support.
발음
Linking
The 'k' at the end of 'work' links to the 'o' in 'out'. It sounds like 'wer-kout'.
Stress
In phrasal verbs, the particle (out) usually receives more stress than the verb (work).
Phrasal Verb Stress
I need to work OUT. (Stress on OUT)
Emphasizes the action of the phrasal verb.
암기하기
기억법
Work it OUT: When you have a problem, you put 'Work' in, and a solution comes 'Out'.
시각적 연상
Imagine a person lifting a giant math equation like a barbell. They are 'working out' the math while 'working out' their muscles.
Rhyme
To solve a doubt or sweat it out, the phrase you need is 'work it out'.
Story
Ben went to the gym to work out. While on the treadmill, he tried to work out his monthly budget. He realized that if he saved money, everything would work out for his summer vacation.
Word Web
챌린지
Write down three things you need to 'work out' this week (one physical, one mental, one situational).
문화 노트
'Working out' is a massive part of US culture. People often identify as 'gym-goers' and use 'workout' as a noun for their social identity.
In the UK, 'work out' is often used interchangeably with 'sort out' when solving problems.
In global business, 'working out the details' is a polite way to say that a deal is almost done but not yet finished.
From 'work' (Old English 'wyrcan') and 'out' (Old English 'ut').
대화 시작하기
How often do you work out?
Has a plan ever not worked out for you?
Can you work out how much we owe for dinner?
Is there someone you just can't work out?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
If we cooperate, I'm sure we can ___ the problem.
Find and fix the mistake:
It's a tricky puzzle, but I'll work out it eventually.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella hace ejercicio en el gimnasio.'
Answer starts with: ["S...
Score: /4
연습 문제
8 exercisesWhich sentence is grammatically correct?
She _______ at the gym every Tuesday.
Find and fix the mistake:
I did a great work out this morning.
We need to calculate the total cost.
1. Exercise, 2. Solve, 3. Succeed
You can say 'I worked out the problem' AND 'I worked the problem out'.
A: I'm so stressed about the move. B: Don't worry, _______.
Identify the verb usage.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesWe had a disagreement, but we managed to ___ things.
The meeting didn't work out as well I hoped.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Espero que todo salga bien.'
이 단어들을 문장으로 배열하세요:
상황과 'work out'의 올바른 의미를 짝지으세요:
I can't ___ the answer to this complex equation.
After much discussion, they finally worked them out.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Tenemos que elaborar un plan para el proyecto.'
이 단어들을 문장으로 배열하세요:
상황과 행동을 짝지으세요:
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
It is generally neutral. It is perfectly fine in business meetings (e.g., `working out the budget`), but in very formal academic writing, you might prefer `calculate` or `resolve`.
It's more natural to say `I'm working out` (intransitive) or `I'm training my muscles`. However, you can say `I'm working out my legs today` in a gym context.
They are very similar. `Work out` is often used for math, calculations, and physical results. `Figure out` is used more for understanding logic, reasons, or how something works.
This is an old idiom meaning that problems will disappear or be resolved over time, just like dirt comes out of clothes in the laundry.
Yes! It's very common. `Their marriage didn't work out` means they got divorced or separated.
Not usually. However, we have the adjective `overworked`. `Worked out` is almost always the past tense of the verb.
Yes. `I finally worked out the crossword puzzle` is a great use of the phrase.
Both are used. `Work out at the gym` is most common, but `work out in the park` is also fine.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Hacer ejercicio / Resolver
English uses one phrase; Spanish uses several specific verbs.
S'entraîner / Résoudre
French requires distinct verbs for exercise vs. solving.
Trainieren / Ausrechnen
German has a similar 'out' structure for math but not for fitness.
運動する (Undou suru) / 解決する (Kaiketsu suru)
Japanese uses completely unrelated kanji compounds for each sense.
يتمرن (Yatamarran) / يحل (Yahal)
Arabic verbs are root-based and don't use particles like 'out' to change meaning.
锻炼 (Duànliàn) / 解决 (Jiějué)
Chinese lacks the 'verb + direction' logic found in English phrasal verbs.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
관련 동영상
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