이 페이지를 내 언어로

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #371 가장 일반적인 13분 분량

career

상위 371

At the A1 level, 'career' is a word you might not use often, but it is important to understand. It means the work you do for a long time. Think of it like this: a 'job' is what you do today to get money. A 'career' is all the jobs you have in your life in one area, like being a teacher or a doctor. For example, if you say 'I want a career in music,' it means you want to work with music for many years. You can say 'My father had a long career as a pilot.' It is a more 'serious' word than 'job.' At this level, just remember that a career is a long-term plan for work. You might hear it when people talk about what they want to be when they grow up. It is usually a positive word because it shows you are working hard and getting better at something. You don't need to worry about the difficult grammar yet, just use it as a noun for 'long-term work.'

At the A2 level, you should start to distinguish between 'job' and 'career.' A job is a specific position, like 'waiter' or 'clerk.' A career is the professional path you follow over many years. For example, you might have a job at a bank, but your career is in 'finance.' You will see this word in basic talk about the future. Phrases like 'career goals' or 'choosing a career' are common. You might also hear about 'career advice.' This is when someone helps you decide what work is best for you. Remember that 'career' is a countable noun, so you can say 'a career' or 'careers.' It is also important to know that in English, 'career' is about work, not about your university studies. If you are a student, you are preparing for a career, but you are not 'in' a career yet. Use it when you want to sound more professional or when talking about your long-term dreams for work.

At the B1 level, you can use 'career' in more complex ways. You should know common collocations like 'career path,' 'career ladder,' and 'career break.' A 'career path' is the direction your work life takes. A 'career ladder' is the idea of moving up to higher positions in a company. A 'career break' is when you stop working for a while, maybe to travel or look after children. You can also use adjectives to describe a career, such as 'successful,' 'promising,' or 'challenging.' For example, 'She made a major career move by joining a startup.' This means she changed her job in a way that affects her long-term path. You might also talk about 'career development,' which is learning new skills to get better at your work. At this level, you should be able to discuss your own career aspirations in an interview or a professional meeting. You understand that a career involves planning and progression, not just showing up for work every day.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'career' in professional and academic contexts. You understand the nuances between 'career,' 'profession,' and 'vocation.' You can talk about 'career prospects,' which are the chances of being successful or promoted in the future. You might also use the word to describe someone's reputation, like 'a distinguished career.' You can discuss 'career-ending injuries' in sports or 'career-defining moments' in politics. At this level, you should also be aware of the verb form of 'career' (mostly in US English), which means to move fast and out of control, though the noun is much more common. You can use phrases like 'at the peak of one's career' or 'to carve out a career.' You are also able to talk about modern trends, such as 'career changes' or 'portfolio careers.' Your vocabulary should include terms like 'career counselor' and 'career advancement.' You can explain why someone might choose one career over another based on values, salary, or work-life balance.

At the C1 level, you use 'career' with precision and stylistic variety. You can discuss the sociological and psychological aspects of a career, such as 'career identity' or 'career plateauing' (when you can't move any higher). You understand idiomatic expressions like 'to make a career out of something' (turning a hobby into a profession) or 'a checkered career' (one with many changes and perhaps some problems). You can use 'career' as an adjective in compound nouns like 'career diplomat' or 'career criminal,' which describes someone whose entire life is defined by that role. You can write sophisticated cover letters that describe how a specific role fits into your 'overarching career trajectory.' You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word and how the concept of a 'career' differs across cultures and economic systems. You can engage in deep debates about the 'death of the traditional career' in the age of the gig economy and artificial intelligence. Your use of the word is natural, nuanced, and contextually appropriate.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'career' is complete. You can use it in highly formal, literary, or technical contexts without hesitation. You might explore the philosophical implications of a 'career' versus 'labor' or 'work.' You can use the word in complex metaphors and understand its most obscure uses. You are familiar with the etymology of the word—from the Latin 'carrus' (chariot), implying a racecourse or a path—and you can use this knowledge to enrich your writing. You can critique 'careerism' (the obsession with professional advancement at the expense of ethics or personal life). You can discuss the 'stagnation of careers' in specific economic sectors with high-level vocabulary. Whether you are writing a keynote speech, a legal brief, or a piece of literary criticism, you use 'career' and its related terms with absolute precision. You can effortlessly switch between the professional noun and the rare verb form to create specific rhetorical effects. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic, but also deeply cultural and historical.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

career 30초 만에

A career is a long-term professional journey, not just a single job.
It involves growth, experience, and increasing responsibility over many years.
Commonly used with verbs like 'build,' 'pursue,' and 'change.'
Essential for discussing professional goals and identity in English.

The word career is much more than just a synonym for a job. While a job is often seen as a specific role you perform in exchange for money, a career represents the totality of your professional life. It is the long-term journey of learning, working, and progressing in a specific field or across several related industries. When people talk about their career, they are usually referring to their ambitions, their history of employment, and their future goals. It implies a sense of continuity and growth. For example, if you work as a waiter to pay for university, that is a job. If you study hotel management, work as a receptionist, then a floor manager, and eventually a hotel director, that entire sequence is your career in hospitality.

Professional Identity: A career often defines how a person sees themselves in society. It is the answer to the question, 'What do you do for a living?' over a twenty or thirty-year period.

She spent her entire career fighting for environmental justice and policy reform.

In modern English, we use 'career' to describe the path of doctors, teachers, engineers, and artists alike. It suggests that the person is invested in their work beyond the daily tasks. We often use it when discussing major life decisions, such as 'choosing a career' or 'changing careers.' This transition from one career to another is becoming increasingly common in the 21st century, as the traditional 'job for life' model fades away. People now often have 'portfolio careers,' where they balance multiple roles or shift focus every decade.

Growth and Progression: The term implies that you are moving forward, gaining more responsibility, earning a higher salary, or developing deeper expertise as time goes on.

After ten years in marketing, he decided to start a new career in software development.

Furthermore, the word is used in academic and counseling contexts. Schools have 'career counselors' who help students identify their strengths and match them with potential professional paths. In business, 'career development' programs are designed to help employees move up the 'career ladder' within a company. This metaphorical ladder represents the hierarchical structure of many organizations, where entry-level positions are at the bottom and executive roles are at the top.

The Global Context: In many cultures, a successful career is a primary indicator of social status and personal achievement, though this is changing as people prioritize work-life balance.

Many young professionals are now prioritizing flexibility over traditional career advancement.

He is at the peak of his career, having just been appointed as the CEO.

The scandal unfortunately ended his political career prematurely.

Using 'career' correctly requires understanding the verbs and adjectives that typically accompany it. Because a career is a journey, we often use verbs of movement and construction. You don't just 'have' a career; you 'build' it, 'pursue' it, 'carve out' a career, or 'embark on' a career. These verbs emphasize the active role the individual plays in shaping their professional life. For example, 'She is looking to embark on a career in journalism' suggests she is just starting a long and intentional path.

Verbs of Action: Common verbs include: advance, boost, damage, derail, launch, and restart. Each describes a different stage or impact on one's professional journey.

Taking this certification will definitely boost your career prospects in the tech industry.

Adjectives also play a crucial role in describing the nature of a career. A career can be 'promising,' 'distinguished,' 'varied,' 'checkered,' or 'lucrative.' A 'checkered career' suggests one with many ups and downs or changes in fortune, while a 'lucrative career' is one that pays very well. When describing the duration, we use terms like 'lifelong career' or 'short-lived career.' We also categorize careers by field: a 'legal career,' a 'medical career,' or a 'military career.'

Compound Nouns: Career path, career ladder, career break, career move, career goals, and career advice are essential phrases for professional communication.

He took a mid-life career break to travel around the world and volunteer.

In formal writing, such as a cover letter or a CV, 'career' is used to show long-term commitment. Instead of saying 'I want this job,' you might say 'I am eager to contribute to your company as part of my long-term career goals.' This signals to the employer that you are not just looking for a paycheck, but are interested in growing within the organization or the industry. Conversely, in casual conversation, you might ask a friend, 'How is your career going?' to get a general update on their professional satisfaction and progress.

Prepositional Use: We say someone is 'at the height of their career' or 'in the early stages of their career.' We also talk about a career 'in' a field (e.g., a career in law).

Making the move to a smaller firm was a strategic career move for her.

The athlete's career was cut short by a series of unfortunate injuries.

She is currently weighing her career options before accepting the new offer.

You will encounter the word 'career' in a variety of settings, ranging from high-stakes professional environments to casual family dinners. In the workplace, it is a staple of Human Resources (HR) terminology. During annual performance reviews, managers often ask employees about their 'career aspirations' or discuss 'career pathing.' This is the process of mapping out how an employee can move from their current role to a more senior one. If you are attending a networking event, the most common question you'll hear (or ask) is related to someone's career history or their future career plans.

Educational Settings: Universities host 'career fairs' where companies set up booths to recruit students. 'Career centers' provide resources for resume building and interview practice.

The university's career fair attracted over fifty international companies this year.

In the media, 'career' is frequently used in biographies and news reports about famous individuals. When a famous actor retires, headlines might read, 'A Look Back at a Legendary Career.' In sports commentary, analysts often discuss how a specific game or injury might affect a player's 'professional career.' The word carries a weight of legacy and achievement in these contexts. You might also hear it in political speeches, where candidates talk about 'creating career opportunities' for the youth or 'protecting the careers' of working-class citizens.

Pop Culture and Self-Help: Podcasts and books on 'career coaching' are incredibly popular, focusing on how to find 'career satisfaction' and avoid 'career burnout.'

He decided to prioritize his family over his career after the birth of his daughter.

Finally, you'll see 'career' all over job search platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed. Phrases like 'Career Opportunities,' 'Early Career Programs,' and 'Mid-Career Professionals' help users filter jobs that match their level of experience. Even in literature and film, the 'career' of a character often serves as a central plot point, representing their struggle for identity, success, or moral integrity. Whether it's a detective's career-long pursuit of a criminal or a scientist's career-defining discovery, the word encapsulates a life's work.

Recruitment and Hiring: Recruiters look for 'career stability' on a resume, which means not changing jobs too frequently without a clear reason.

The recruiter asked me where I saw my career heading in the next five years.

She has had a very successful career in the fashion industry.

The film explores the career of a jazz musician in 1950s New York.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'career' with 'job.' While they are related, they are not interchangeable. A job is a specific position (e.g., 'I have a job as a teacher at Lincoln High School'). A career is the general profession or the series of jobs (e.g., 'I have a career in education'). If you say 'I am looking for a new career' when you just want a different company to work for in the same role, it sounds like you want to change your entire professional field. Use 'job' for the specific role and 'career' for the long-term path.

Career vs. Degree: In Spanish (carrera) or Portuguese (carreira), the word can mean a university degree or major. In English, we use 'degree,' 'major,' or 'course.' Saying 'I am studying a career in medicine' is incorrect; say 'I am studying medicine' or 'I am pursuing a degree in medicine.'

Incorrect: I finished my career at university last year.
Correct: I finished my degree at university last year.

Another common error involves the pronunciation and spelling. 'Career' /kəˈrɪə/ is often confused with 'carrier' /ˈkæriə/. A 'carrier' is something that carries things (like an aircraft carrier or a mail carrier). Mispronouncing 'career' as 'carrier' can lead to significant confusion in professional settings. Additionally, some learners confuse 'career' with 'careen.' While 'careen' (to tilt or move uncontrollably) is related to the secondary verb meaning of 'career' in US English, it is almost never what you mean when talking about work.

Overusing 'Career': Don't use 'career' for short-term or casual work. If you work at a fast-food restaurant for three months during the summer, that is a summer job, not a career (unless you plan to become a regional manager or executive in the food industry).

He is not looking for a career right now; he just needs a part-time job to pay the bills.

Finally, watch out for preposition errors. You have a career 'in' a field, not 'of' a field. You make a career 'out of' something if you turn a hobby into a profession. For example, 'He made a career out of his love for gardening.' However, you wouldn't say 'My career of engineering is good.' Instead, say 'My career in engineering is going well.' Understanding these subtle nuances will make your English sound much more natural and professional.

Countability: Remember that 'career' is countable. You can say 'She has had three different careers,' but you cannot use it as an uncountable noun like 'work' or 'employment.'

Many people today will have at least two or three distinct careers during their lifetime.

Choosing the right career path is one of the most important decisions a young person can make.

She is a career woman who has successfully balanced work and family life.

While 'career' is a very common word, there are several alternatives that might be more appropriate depending on the context. 'Profession' is often used for careers that require specialized training and formal qualifications, such as law, medicine, or teaching. 'Occupation' is a more formal and neutral term for the work a person does to earn a living, often used on official forms. 'Vocation' carries a stronger sense of a 'calling' or a deep personal commitment, often used for religious or artistic paths where the work is seen as a primary purpose in life.

Profession vs. Career: A profession is a type of work (e.g., the legal profession). A career is your personal journey within or across professions (e.g., my career as a lawyer).

He felt that nursing was more than just a career; it was his true vocation.

'Trade' is used for skilled manual work, such as being a plumber, electrician, or carpenter. While these can certainly be careers, they are specifically referred to as trades. 'Livelihood' refers to the means of supporting oneself, focusing on the financial aspect of work. For example, 'Fishing is the main livelihood for the people in this village.' 'Calling' is a more poetic or spiritual synonym for vocation, suggesting that the person was 'meant' to do this work. 'Life's work' is a powerful phrase used to describe a career that has spanned decades and resulted in a significant contribution to a field.

Work vs. Career: 'Work' is the most general term. It can be a noun or a verb. 'Career' is always a noun (in the professional sense) and is much more specific about the long-term path.

After years of hard work, she finally achieved her career goal of becoming a partner at the firm.

In the context of modern employment, you might also hear 'gig' or 'stint.' A 'gig' is a short-term, often freelance, job. A 'stint' is a period of time spent doing a particular job or activity (e.g., 'a two-year stint in the Peace Corps'). These are the opposite of a career in terms of duration and commitment, although many gigs can add up to a successful freelance career. 'Employment' is the state of having a paid job, and 'labor' is a more formal or economic term for work, especially physical work.

Synonym Summary: Use 'career' for the journey, 'profession' for the field, 'job' for the role, and 'vocation' for the passion.

Her career path has been anything but traditional, moving from dance to data science.

The professor dedicated his life's work to the study of ancient civilizations, a truly remarkable career.

He is looking for a career that offers both financial security and personal fulfillment.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

중립

비격식체

Child friendly

속어

재미있는 사실

Because the original meaning was a 'racecourse,' the word implies that a career is a fast-paced journey with a specific direction, much like a horse race!

발음 가이드

UK /kəˈrɪə(r)/

US /kəˈrɪr/

The stress is on the second syllable: ka-REER.

라임이 맞는 단어

clear near fear gear here pier steer year

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it like 'carrier' (/ˈkæriər/).
Stressing the first syllable (KAY-reer).
Confusing the 'ee' sound with a short 'e' sound.
Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'ch' sound.
Dropping the 'r' sound completely in US English.

난이도

독해 2/5

The word itself is easy to recognize in texts about work or biographies.

쓰기 3/5

Learners often confuse it with 'job' or 'degree' in their writing.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation can be tricky, often confused with 'carrier'.

듣기 2/5

Usually clear in context, though the 'r' sounds vary by accent.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

Job Work Study Future Life

다음에 배울 것

Profession Vocation Promotion Retirement Salary

고급

Trajectory Plateau Meteoric Checkered Careerism

알아야 할 문법

Career as a Countable Noun

She has had two successful careers.

Preposition 'In' for Fields

He wants a career in engineering.

Preposition 'As' for Roles

Her career as a nurse lasted thirty years.

Gerunds as Subjects with Career

Changing careers can be very stressful.

Compound Adjectives with Career

He is a career-oriented individual.

수준별 예문

I want a career in music.

Quiero una carrera en la música.

Use 'in' before the field of work.

My mother has a long career.

Mi madre tiene una carrera larga.

'Career' is a noun.

Is teaching a good career?

¿Es la enseñanza una buena carrera?

Question form with 'is'.

He started his career last year.

Él empezó su carrera el año pasado.

Past simple of 'start'.

She loves her career as a doctor.

Ella ama su carrera como doctora.

Use 'as a' to name the job.

What is your dream career?

¿Cuál es la carrera de tus sueños?

Possessive 'your'.

He has a career in sports.

Él tiene una carrera en los deportes.

Preposition 'in'.

A career takes many years.

Una carrera toma muchos años.

Third person singular 'takes'.

She is looking for career advice.

Ella está buscando consejos profesionales.

'Career advice' is a common compound noun.

He wants to change his career path.

Él quiere cambiar su trayectoria profesional.

'Career path' means the direction of work.

They offer great career opportunities.

Ellos ofrecen grandes oportunidades profesionales.

Plural 'opportunities'.

I need to build my career.

Necesito construir mi carrera.

Verb 'build' shows effort.

Her career is very important to her.

Su carrera es muy importante para ella.

Subject-verb agreement.

He had a successful career in law.

Él tuvo una carrera exitosa en derecho.

Adjective 'successful' modifies 'career'.

Choosing a career is difficult.

Elegir una carrera es difícil.

Gerund 'choosing' as a subject.

She is a career-oriented person.

Ella es una persona orientada a su carrera.

Hyphenated adjective 'career-oriented'.

He took a career break to travel.

Se tomó un descanso profesional para viajar.

'Career break' is a temporary stop in work.

She is climbing the career ladder quickly.

Ella está subiendo la escalera profesional rápidamente.

Metaphor for promotion.

This course will help your career development.

Este curso ayudará a tu desarrollo profesional.

'Career development' refers to learning.

He made a strategic career move.

Él hizo un movimiento profesional estratégico.

Adjective 'strategic' implies planning.

The company supports career growth.

La empresa apoya el crecimiento profesional.

'Career growth' means getting better roles.

She has a varied career history.

Ella tiene un historial profesional variado.

'Varied' means many different kinds.

What are your long-term career goals?

¿Cuáles son tus metas profesionales a largo plazo?

Compound adjective 'long-term'.

He is at a crossroads in his career.

Él está en una encrucijada en su carrera.

Idiom for a difficult decision.

She has had a distinguished career in science.

Ha tenido una carrera distinguida en la ciencia.

'Distinguished' means respected and successful.

The scandal could jeopardize his political career.

El escándalo podría poner en peligro su carrera política.

Verb 'jeopardize' means to put at risk.

He is a career diplomat with years of experience.

Es un diplomático de carrera con años de experiencia.

'Career' used as an adjective here.

She decided to carve out a career in digital art.

Decidió forjarse una carrera en el arte digital.

Idiom 'carve out' means to create with effort.

The athlete's career was cut short by injury.

La carrera del atleta se vio truncada por una lesión.

Phrasal verb 'cut short'.

He is currently weighing his career options.

Actualmente está sopesando sus opciones profesionales.

Verb 'weighing' means considering carefully.

Career prospects in tech remain very strong.

Las perspectivas de carrera en tecnología siguen siendo muy sólidas.

'Prospects' means future chances.

She felt her career had reached a plateau.

Sintió que su carrera había llegado a un estancamiento.

'Plateau' means no more progress is being made.

The book chronicles the meteoric rise of her career.

El libro relata el ascenso meteórico de su carrera.

'Meteoric rise' means very fast success.

He has a somewhat checkered career history.

Tiene un historial profesional algo irregular.

'Checkered' implies both success and failure.

She made a career out of her passion for vintage cars.

Hizo de su pasión por los coches antiguos su profesión.

Idiom 'make a career out of'.

His career trajectory has been truly impressive.

Su trayectoria profesional ha sido verdaderamente impresionante.

'Trajectory' describes the path and speed of growth.

She is a staunch advocate for career flexibility.

Ella es una firme defensora de la flexibilidad profesional.

'Staunch advocate' is a high-level collocation.

The merger had a profound impact on his career.

La fusión tuvo un impacto profundo en su carrera.

Adjective 'profound' means deep and significant.

He is a career criminal who has spent years in prison.

Es un delincuente habitual que ha pasado años en prisión.

Specific use of 'career' for illegal paths.

She is at the absolute pinnacle of her career.

Ella está en la cima absoluta de su carrera.

'Pinnacle' is a synonym for peak or height.

The gig economy has fundamentally disrupted traditional career structures.

La economía de los trabajos temporales ha alterado fundamentalmente las estructuras profesionales tradicionales.

Complex subject and verb 'disrupted'.

Her career was characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Su carrera se caracterizó por una búsqueda implacable de la excelencia.

Passive voice with 'characterized by'.

He critiqued the soul-crushing nature of modern careerism.

Criticó la naturaleza agobiante del profesionalismo moderno extremo.

'Careerism' is the noun for the obsession with career.

The artist's late-career works are his most profound.

Las obras de la etapa final de la carrera del artista son las más profundas.

'Late-career' as a compound adjective.

She navigated the complexities of a dual-career household.

Navegó por las complejidades de un hogar con dos carreras profesionales.

'Dual-career' refers to both partners having careers.

His career spanned five decades and three continents.

Su carrera abarcó cinco décadas y tres continentes.

Verb 'span' shows duration and scope.

The policy aims to mitigate the career penalties faced by mothers.

La política pretende mitigar las penalizaciones profesionales que sufren las madres.

'Career penalty' is a sociological term.

The sudden collapse of the industry left many mid-career professionals stranded.

El repentino colapso de la industria dejó a muchos profesionales a mitad de su carrera desamparados.

'Mid-career' describes the stage of professional life.

동의어

profession occupation vocation calling employment work life

반의어

unemployment hobby pastime

자주 쓰는 조합

career path

career ladder

career break

career goals

career move

career prospects

successful career

promising career

change careers

pursue a career

자주 쓰는 구문

career advice

career development

career fair

career counselor

career-oriented

mid-career

career advancement

career history

career choice

career satisfaction

자주 혼동되는 단어

career vs carrier

A carrier is a person or thing that carries something (e.g., a mail carrier). Career is your professional life.

career vs degree

A degree is what you get from university. A career is the work you do after university.

career vs careen

To careen means to tilt or move fast and out of control. It sounds similar to the verb 'career' in US English.

관용어 및 표현

"climb the career ladder"

To move up to higher and better-paid positions in a company or profession. It implies effort and competition.

She spent fifteen years climbing the career ladder to become CEO.

neutral

"make a career out of (something)"

To turn a hobby, interest, or specific skill into a full-time professional job. It suggests success in a niche area.

He managed to make a career out of his love for video games.

informal

"career-defining moment"

An event or achievement that determines the future success or reputation of a person's career. It is a turning point.

Winning the Oscar was a career-defining moment for the young actress.

neutral

"at the peak of one's career"

To be at the highest point of success, influence, or skill in one's professional life. It is the most productive time.

The scientist made his greatest discovery while at the peak of his career.

neutral

"career-ending (injury/scandal)"

Something so serious that it forces a person to stop working in their profession forever. It is often tragic.

The knee injury was career-ending for the star football player.

neutral

"carve out a career"

To create a professional path for oneself, especially in a difficult or competitive field. It implies hard work.

She managed to carve out a career in the competitive world of fashion.

neutral

"checkered career"

A professional history marked by many changes of fortune, including both successes and failures or scandals.

The politician had a checkered career before finally winning the election.

neutral/formal

"career criminal"

A person who makes a living through illegal activities over a long period. It is their 'profession.'

The police finally caught the career criminal after a decade of robberies.

neutral

"dead-end career"

A professional path that offers no opportunities for growth, promotion, or improvement. It is discouraging.

He felt he was stuck in a dead-end career with no future.

informal

"career diplomat"

A professional who has spent their entire working life in the foreign service, rather than being a political appointee.

The ambassador is a career diplomat who knows the region perfectly.

formal

혼동하기 쉬운

career vs Job

Both refer to work.

A job is a specific role you do for money. A career is the long-term path of many jobs in a field.

My job is a clerk, but my career is in banking.

career vs Profession

Both refer to long-term work.

A profession is a category of work requiring high training (like law). A career is your personal journey.

He entered the legal profession and had a long career as a judge.

career vs Occupation

Both refer to what you do.

Occupation is a formal term for your current job type. Career includes your past and future too.

His occupation is listed as 'teacher,' but his career has included writing books.

career vs Work

The most general term.

Work is the activity you do. Career is the professional story of that activity over time.

I have a lot of work today, but I am happy with my career.

career vs Vocation

Both refer to a life path.

Vocation implies a deep passion or 'calling.' Career is more about professional progression.

Nursing was her vocation, so she never regretted her career choice.

문장 패턴

I want a career in [Field].

I want a career in music.

She is looking for [Adjective] career.

She is looking for a stable career.

He decided to take a career [Noun].

He decided to take a career break.

[Verb] a career in [Field] is [Adjective].

Pursuing a career in law is challenging.

His career was [Verb-ed] by [Noun].

His career was derailed by the scandal.

The [Noun] of the career [Verb] [Noun].

The evolution of the career structure reflects social change.

It was a good career [Noun].

It was a good career move.

My career is [Adjective].

My career is exciting.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Very high in professional, educational, and media contexts.

자주 하는 실수

I am studying a career in engineering. → I am studying engineering / I am pursuing a degree in engineering.
In English, 'career' refers to the work life after or during studies, not the course itself.
He has a good carrier as a pilot. → He has a good career as a pilot.
A 'carrier' is something that carries things. 'Career' is the professional path.
I want to change my job to a new career. → I want to change careers.
If you are changing your whole field of work, use the plural 'change careers.'
She is at the top of her job. → She is at the peak of her career.
'Peak' and 'height' are collocations for 'career,' not usually for 'job.'
My career of teaching is long. → My career in teaching is long / My teaching career is long.
Use the preposition 'in' or use the field as an adjective before 'career.'

팁

Countable vs Uncountable

Remember that 'career' is countable. You can say 'She has had many careers.' Do not use it like 'work' (uncountable).

Use Strong Verbs

Instead of saying 'I have a career,' use 'I am pursuing a career' or 'I am building a career' to sound more dynamic.

Stress the Second Syllable

Always put the emphasis on 'REER.' Say: ka-REER. This helps distinguish it from 'carrier.'

CV Language

Use 'Career Objective' or 'Career Summary' to start your resume. It sounds much more professional than 'What I want.'

Career vs. Job

In English-speaking cultures, calling something a 'career' gives it more respect than calling it a 'job.'

Career Path

Use the phrase 'career path' when talking about the specific steps you plan to take to reach your professional goals.

Not for University

Never use 'career' to mean your university course. Use 'degree' or 'major' instead.

Career Break

If you stop working to travel, call it a 'career break.' It sounds intentional and professional.

Networking

When meeting new people, ask 'How did you get started in your career?' It's a great open-ended question.

Meteoric Rise

If someone becomes successful very quickly, describe it as a 'meteoric career rise.'

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Car' on a 'Rear' road. Your 'Career' is the long road you drive your 'Car' on for the 'Rear' (rest) of your life.

시각적 연상

Imagine a long, winding road going up a mountain. Each stop on the road is a job, but the whole road is the career.

Word Web

Job Success Path Money Skills Promotion Ambition Retirement

챌린지

Try to write three sentences about your dream career using the words 'path,' 'growth,' and 'skills.' Share them with a friend.

어원

The word 'career' entered English in the mid-16th century from the French word 'carrière.' This French word came from the Old Provençal 'carriera,' which meant 'road' or 'street.' Going further back, it is derived from the Latin 'carrus,' which means 'wheeled vehicle' or 'chariot.'

원래 의미: Originally, 'career' referred to a racecourse or a track for running or for horses. It described the path a chariot would take during a race.

Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> Romance -> English.

문화적 맥락

Be careful when asking about careers in social settings, as some people may be unemployed or unhappy with their professional life.

In the US and UK, it is very common to ask 'What do you do?' as a first question. This is asking about your career.

The movie 'The Devil Wears Prada' explores the sacrifices made for a high-fashion career. The song '9 to 5' by Dolly Parton is a famous anthem about the daily grind of a career. Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford commencement speech is a famous meditation on finding a career you love.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Job Interview

Where do you see your career in five years?
How does this role fit your career goals?
Tell me about your career history.
I am looking for career growth.

University Counseling

What career path are you interested in?
Have you visited the career center?
We have a career fair next week.
This degree leads to many careers.

Networking Event

What field is your career in?
How did you start your career?
I'm looking to make a career move.
That sounds like a fascinating career.

Performance Review

Let's discuss your career development.
You are moving up the career ladder.
What are your career aspirations?
We want to support your career.

Casual Conversation

Are you happy with your career?
He's having a great career.
I need a career change.
She's very career-focused.

대화 시작하기

"If you could start your career all over again, what would you choose to do differently?"

"Do you think it is better to have one career for life or to change careers every ten years?"

"What was the most important moment in your career so far and why did it matter?"

"How much does your career define who you are as a person in your culture?"

"What career advice would you give to a teenager who is graduating from high school today?"

일기 주제

Describe your dream career in detail. What does a typical day look like, and what impact do you have on the world?

Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge in your professional life. How did it affect your career path?

Write about someone you admire because of their career. What qualities do they have that you would like to emulate?

How has your idea of a 'successful career' changed since you were a child? What influenced this change?

If money were not an issue, would you still pursue the same career? Why or why not?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Usually, no. A career implies a long-term commitment and progression. A part-time job at a supermarket while you are a student is just a 'job.' However, if you plan to stay in retail and become a manager, you could say it's the start of your career.

A career break is a period of time (months or years) when you stop working in your professional field, often to travel, study, or take care of family. You intend to return to your career later.

In American English, 'career' can be a verb meaning to move fast and out of control (e.g., 'The car careered down the hill'). However, this is much less common than the noun meaning 'professional life.'

You should say 'degree,' 'major,' or 'course.' For example: 'I am doing a degree in Biology.' Do not say 'I am doing a career in Biology.'

It is a metaphor for getting promoted and moving to higher, more important positions within a company or a professional field.

This is a modern term for having several different jobs or roles at the same time, rather than one single full-time career path.

A career is about professional growth and history. A calling (or vocation) is about a deep, often emotional or spiritual, feeling that you were meant to do a certain type of work.

Yes. While we often use 'career' in a positive way, you can say someone had a 'failed career' or a 'difficult career' if they did not achieve their goals.

This is someone who works for the government in foreign relations as their permanent profession, rather than someone who is given the job for political reasons.

Not necessarily. A career is about the journey and the work. While many people want a 'lucrative career' (one that pays well), others choose a career for passion or to help others.