숙제를 하다
sukje-reul hada
To do homework
Literally: 숙제 (homework) + 를 (object marker) + 하다 (to do)
In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say 'doing homework' in Korean.
- Combines the noun 'homework' with the verb 'to do'.
- Used by students of all ages in daily conversation.
Meaning
This phrase is the bread and butter of student life in Korea. It simply means you are sitting down to tackle your school assignments or projects.
Key Examples
3 of 6Telling a friend why you can't hang out
미안, 나 지금 숙제 해야 돼.
Sorry, I have to do my homework now.
A mother asking her child
숙제 다 했니?
Did you finish your homework?
In a classroom setting
선생님, 숙제를 다 했습니다.
Teacher, I have finished my homework.
Cultural Background
Homework is often seen as a primary duty for children, sometimes taking priority over family time.
Drop the Particle
In real-life conversations, Koreans almost always drop the `를`. Just say `숙제 했어?` instead of `숙제를 했어?` to sound more like a native.
The 'Hagwon' Factor
If someone says they have a lot of homework, they might be referring to their private academy work, which is often harder than regular school work!
In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say 'doing homework' in Korean.
- Combines the noun 'homework' with the verb 'to do'.
- Used by students of all ages in daily conversation.
What It Means
숙제를 하다 is the standard way to say you are doing your homework. It is a simple, direct collocation. In Korea, this phrase is part of the daily rhythm for almost everyone under the age of 25. It covers everything from math problems to writing essays. If you are a student, you will use this every single day. If you are an adult, you might still use it when talking about your language classes!
How To Use It
You just take the noun 숙제 and add the verb 하다. In casual speech, people often drop the particle 를 and just say 숙제 하다. To make it polite, you say 숙제 해요. If you are talking to a teacher or someone much older, use 숙제를 합니다. It is very flexible. You can also add words like 다 (all) to say 숙제 다 했어? which means "Did you finish all your homework?"
When To Use It
Use this when you are actually in the process of studying. If a friend calls you to go get fried chicken but you are stuck at your desk, this is your excuse. You can use it in a library, at a cafe, or while texting. It is also common to use it when asking a classmate if they have finished the work for tomorrow's class. It is a very safe, neutral phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 숙제 for office work or professional tasks. If you are at a company, use 업무 (work/task) or just 일 (work). Also, if you are a university student working on a big research paper, you might prefer the word 과제 (assignment/project) instead of 숙제. 숙제 can sometimes feel a bit like "school kid" homework. Don't use it for chores like dishes either; that is 집안일.
Cultural Background
Korea is famous for its "Education Fever." Most kids go to private academies called 학원 (hagwons) after their regular school ends. This means they often have two sets of homework! Because of this, 숙제를 하다 isn't just a task; it's a lifestyle. You will see students doing homework in 24-hour cafes or "Study Cafes" late into the night. It is a shared struggle that every Korean person understands deeply.
Common Variations
숙제 중(Doing homework/In the middle of homework) - Great for text statuses.숙제 덩어리(A pile of homework) - When you feel overwhelmed.과제(Assignment) - The more "sophisticated" version used by college students.열공(Hard study) - Not exactly homework, but the vibe you have when doing it!
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile across all formality levels. Just remember to use `과제` in university settings for a more mature tone.
Drop the Particle
In real-life conversations, Koreans almost always drop the `를`. Just say `숙제 했어?` instead of `숙제를 했어?` to sound more like a native.
The 'Hagwon' Factor
If someone says they have a lot of homework, they might be referring to their private academy work, which is often harder than regular school work!
Not for the Office
Never tell your boss you are doing `숙제`. They will think you are doing school work instead of your job. Use `업무` (eom-mu) for professional tasks.
Examples
6미안, 나 지금 숙제 해야 돼.
Sorry, I have to do my homework now.
A very common excuse among Korean friends.
숙제 다 했니?
Did you finish your homework?
The question every Korean child hears daily.
선생님, 숙제를 다 했습니다.
Teacher, I have finished my homework.
Using formal '니다' ending for a teacher.
우리 같이 숙제 할래?
Do you want to do homework together?
A classic way to suggest a study date.
숙제가 너무 많아서 죽겠어!
I have so much homework I'm going to die!
A common hyperbolic expression of stress.
아직도 숙제를 하고 있어요.
I am still doing my homework.
Shows a sense of exhaustion or long hours.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
저는 지금 ____를 해요.
The phrase is '숙제를 하다'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises저는 지금 ____를 해요.
The phrase is '숙제를 하다'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions숙제 is the general word for homework used by all ages. 과제 is more formal and usually refers to university assignments or specific projects.
Not really. For self-study, use 공부하다 (to study). 숙제 implies an assignment given to you by a teacher.
You can say 숙제를 깜빡했어요 (I forgot/it slipped my mind) or 숙제를 안 가져왔어요 (I didn't bring it).
Yes, if they are taking a class (like a language or hobby class). Otherwise, they use 일하다 for work.
Use the verb 내다. For example, 숙제를 냈어요 means 'I submitted my homework'.
No, in spoken Korean, it is very common to omit the object marker and just say 숙제 해요.
You can say 숙제 다 했어요 (I did all the homework).
No, chores are called 집안일. You would say 집안일을 해요.
The most formal/polite version is 숙제를 합니다 or 숙제를 하였습니다 (past tense).
There isn't a direct slang for 'homework,' but 열공 (yeol-gong) is short for 'studying hard' and is often used in the same context.
Simply ask 숙제 했어? to a friend or someone younger.
No, it can include reading, practicing an instrument, or any task assigned by a teacher.
Related Phrases
공부를 하다
similarTo study
숙제를 내다
builds onTo assign homework
