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Vocabulary
상여금

B1 noun #5,000 most common 10 min read

상여금

sangyeogeum Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 상여금 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 상여금 in your Level:

상여금 (Sang-yeo-geum) is a word for extra money at work. In English, we call this a 'bonus.' Imagine you work hard at your job. At the end of the year or during a big holiday like Christmas or Chuseok, your boss gives you more money than usual. That extra money is 상여금. At the A1 level, you just need to know that it is a noun and it is related to money and jobs. You can think of it as 'Job Gift Money.' Usually, you use it with the verb '받다,' which means 'to receive.' So, '상여금을 받아요' means 'I receive a bonus.' It is a happy word for workers! You might see this word in simple stories about people working in offices. Even though it is a bit of a long word, if you remember '상' (reward) and '금' (money), it is easy to understand. Most Korean workers look forward to this money to buy gifts for their parents or to go on a vacation. It is different from '월급' (monthly salary), which is the money you get every single month. 상여금 is special and doesn't happen every month.

At the A2 level, you should understand that 상여금 is a formal term for a bonus. While you might use '보너스' (bonus) when talking to friends, 상여금 is the word you will see on your pay stub or in a company announcement. In Korea, companies often pay this extra money during the two biggest holidays: Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). You can use it in sentences like '회사가 상여금을 줬어요' (The company gave a bonus). You should also know some simple adjectives to describe it, such as '많다' (to be a lot) or '적다' (to be a little). For example, '상여금이 많아요' (The bonus is large). This word is very important if you want to work in Korea or understand Korean dramas about office life. It is a noun that often takes the object particle '-을' because it is something you receive or give. Learning this word helps you talk about your work life and your financial situation in a more specific way than just saying '돈' (money). It shows you understand the specific culture of 'extra' rewards in the workplace.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 상여금 in more complex workplace contexts. You should understand that it is often calculated as a percentage of the base salary (기본급). For instance, if someone says '상여금이 200%예요,' it means they receive twice their monthly salary as a bonus. You should be able to use verbs like '지급하다' (to pay out/disburse) which is more formal than '주다' (to give). A typical B1 sentence would be: '우리 회사는 매년 연말에 상여금을 지급합니다' (Our company pays out bonuses every year at the end of the year). You should also be able to distinguish between a '정기 상여금' (regular bonus) and a '특별 상여금' (special bonus). This level involves understanding the social expectations surrounding the bonus, such as using it to pay for family gatherings. You might also encounter it in news headlines about economic trends. Understanding the Hanja roots (賞 reward, 與 give, 金 money) can help you remember the word and distinguish it from similar-sounding words like '상금' (prize money from a contest). It is a key term for anyone navigating a professional environment in Korea.

For B2 learners, 상여금 is a term that appears frequently in business discussions, labor negotiations, and economic news. You should understand the nuances of how bonuses are structured in Korean contracts. For example, some companies include the 상여금 as part of the total annual salary (연봉), while others treat it as a separate incentive. You should be familiar with related terms like '통상임금' (ordinary wage), as the inclusion of bonuses in ordinary wage calculations is a significant legal and social issue in Korea. At this level, you can use the word in passive constructions, such as '상여금이 삭감될 위기에 처했다' (The bonus is at risk of being cut). You should also be able to discuss the motivational aspects of bonuses: '상여금은 직원들의 사기를 높이는 데 중요한 역할을 한다' (Bonuses play an important role in boosting employee morale). You are expected to handle more sophisticated grammar around the word, including using it in conditional sentences about company performance and profit sharing. It's not just a word for 'extra money' anymore; it's a financial and legal concept.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 상여금 should include its legal, fiscal, and societal implications. You should be able to discuss the 'Ordinary Wage' (통상임금) lawsuits that have shaped how Korean companies calculate bonuses and overtime pay. You should understand the difference between '상여금' and '성과이익공유제' (profit-sharing systems) and be able to explain these concepts in a professional debate or presentation. You should be comfortable using the word in highly formal contexts, such as '상여금 지급 규정' (bonus payment regulations) or '상여금의 소득세 산출 방식' (the method of calculating income tax on bonuses). You can use the term to analyze corporate governance and labor-management relations. For example, '상여금의 유연한 운영을 통해 기업은 인건비 부담을 조절하려 한다' (Through the flexible operation of bonuses, companies try to manage the burden of labor costs). Your vocabulary should also include idiomatic and historical terms like '명절 떡값' and you should be able to explain their cultural evolution into the modern bonus system. At this level, you are expected to have a native-like grasp of when to use this formal term versus more specific or colloquial alternatives.

At the C2 level, 상여금 is a tool for deep sociopolitical and economic analysis. You should be able to critique the Korean bonus system's impact on wealth inequality and labor market dualism (the gap between large conglomerates and small businesses). You can discuss the historical transition from discretionary 'gifts' to contractual 'deferred wages' and how this reflects the evolution of Korean labor law. You should be able to read and interpret complex legal documents and Supreme Court precedents regarding whether a specific 상여금 constitutes 'ordinary wage' (통상임금) based on its regularity, fixedness, and uniformity. In a high-level business environment, you might discuss the 'incentive-compatibility' of bonus structures or the 'moral hazard' associated with guaranteed bonuses. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between '고정 상여금' (fixed bonus), '변동 상여금' (variable bonus), and '특별 공로금' (special merit payment). You should also be able to use the word in literary or academic writing to describe the psychological and social contract between the state, the corporation, and the individual in the context of East Asian developmental capitalism. Your mastery of the word is complete, encompassing all its legal, cultural, and economic dimensions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

상여금 in 30 Seconds

상여금 is the formal Korean word for a workplace bonus, commonly paid during major holidays or at year-end.
It is derived from Hanja meaning 'rewarding-giving-money' and is a key part of Korean corporate compensation.
Unlike '성과급' (performance pay), it is often a regular, scheduled part of an employment contract.
Commonly used with verbs like '받다' (receive) and '지급하다' (pay), it is essential for professional Korean communication.

The Korean word 상여금 (Sang-yeo-geum) is a formal and essential term in the Korean professional landscape, translating directly to 'bonus' or 'extra allowance.' At its linguistic core, it is derived from Hanja (Chinese characters): 賞 (Sang) meaning 'reward' or 'prize,' 與 (Yeo) meaning 'to give' or 'to bestow,' and 金 (Geum) meaning 'money.' Together, they describe money bestowed as a reward. In South Korea, this isn't just a random tip; it is a significant component of the compensation structure. Unlike a basic monthly salary (월급), a 상여금 is typically paid out on a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis, or specifically during major traditional holidays like Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Seollal (Lunar New Year). For many Korean workers, the anticipation of the 'holiday bonus' is a cultural cornerstone, as it helps cover the high costs of gifts, travel, and ceremonial food preparation during these festive seasons. Understanding this word requires more than just knowing it means 'bonus'; it requires understanding the 'jeong' (social bond) between an employer and employee, where the company shares its success with its staff. In modern corporate contexts, you will often hear it discussed during collective bargaining sessions between labor unions and management, where the percentage of the 'annual base salary' to be paid as a bonus is fiercely negotiated. For instance, a company might promise a '600% 상여금,' which implies that throughout the year, the employee receives the equivalent of six extra monthly paychecks. This term is distinct from '성과급' (performance-based pay), although in casual conversation, people might use '보너스' (the loanword 'bonus') interchangeably. However, in legal contracts and official payroll stubs, 상여금 remains the standard designation. It carries a sense of formal recognition for one's service and belonging to the organization.

Etymological Root: The Hanja 賞 (Reward) + 與 (Give) + 金 (Money) signifies a formal bestowal of financial reward for merit or service.
Cultural Significance: Crucial for holiday spending in Korea, often referred to as '떡값' (rice cake money) in a more colloquial, traditional sense.

이번 추석에는 상여금이 넉넉히 나와서 고향에 갈 때 마음이 가볍다.

Beyond the simple definition, 상여금 reflects the economic health of a company. When the news reports that major conglomerates like Samsung or Hyundai are paying out massive bonuses, it serves as a public indicator of national economic prosperity. Conversely, when bonuses are cut or frozen, it is a sign of austerity. For an English speaker learning Korean, mastering this word is a gateway into understanding the Korean work-life balance and the specific stresses and joys associated with the corporate 'Salaryman' (샐러리맨) lifestyle. It is used in formal announcements, news articles, and personal financial planning discussions. When you receive your 상여금, it is common to treat your family or close colleagues to a nice meal, reinforcing the social harmony that the word implicitly supports. It is not just about the money; it is about the acknowledgement of hard work throughout the year.

Using 상여금 correctly involves pairing it with specific verbs and understanding its role as a noun in various grammatical structures. The most common verb used with this word is 받다 (to receive). For example, '상여금을 받다' (to receive a bonus). In a more formal or corporate setting, the verb 지급하다 (to pay/disburse) is used by the employer: '회사는 직원들에게 상여금을 지급했다' (The company paid bonuses to the employees). If you are talking about the calculation of the bonus, you might use 산정하다 (to calculate/estimate). Because it is a formal noun, it often appears in 'Object + Verb' constructions. When discussing expectations, you might say '상여금을 기대하다' (to expect a bonus). In negative contexts, such as when a bonus is cancelled, the term 삭감되다 (to be cut/slashed) or 미지급되다 (to not be paid) is frequently used. For example, '경기가 안 좋아서 상여금이 삭감되었다' (The bonus was cut because the economy is bad).

Common Verb Pairings: - 상여금을 지급하다 (To pay a bonus)
- 상여금을 수령하다 (To receive/collect a bonus)
- 상여금이 포함되다 (Bonus is included)

계약서에 명시된 대로 연말에 상여금을 받을 수 있나요?

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the particles. Use '-을/를' when the bonus is the direct object of an action, and '-이/가' when it is the subject of a state or an automatic action. For instance, '상여금이 통장에 입금되었습니다' (The bonus has been deposited into the bank account). You can also use it to describe a type of person or company policy: '상여금이 높은 회사' (A company with high bonuses). In terms of sentence endings, using the formal -습니다 or -어요 is most appropriate as the topic of money and work usually dictates a polite or formal register. If you are a manager announcing the bonus to your team, you would say, '이번 달에는 특별 상여금이 지급될 예정입니다' (A special bonus is scheduled to be paid this month). This sentence structure demonstrates professional clarity and respect. Additionally, when comparing your bonus to your base salary, you can use the structure '기본급의 [Number]%' like '기본급의 200%를 상여금으로 받았습니다' (I received 200% of my base salary as a bonus). This is the standard way to quantify bonuses in South Korea.

You will encounter 상여금 in a variety of real-world scenarios in Korea, ranging from the highly formal to the semi-casual. The most common place is the workplace. During 'Salary Day' or the weeks leading up to major holidays, the word dominates office chatter. Employees might whisper about whether the 'Sang-yeo-geum' will be as high as last year. In corporate meetings, HR departments use this term in presentations regarding employee benefits and compensation packages. News broadcasts are another major source. Every January and February, news anchors report on the 'Record-breaking 상여금' of major semiconductor or automotive companies, often sparking envy or debate among the general public about income inequality. You will also see it in employment contracts (근로계약서), where the specific terms of bonus payments are legally defined. If you are job hunting on sites like Saramin or JobKorea, the 'Benefits' section will frequently list '상여금 별도' (Bonus separate) or '상여금 400% 지급' (400% bonus paid).

뉴스: "대기업들의 올해 상여금 규모가 역대 최대를 기록할 것으로 보입니다."

In television dramas (K-Dramas), specifically 'Office Dramas' like Misaeng or Chief Kim, the 상여금 is often a plot point. It might represent the hard-won victory of a team that met its targets, or the unfairness of a boss who withholds it. At home, you will hear it during family discussions about finances. A spouse might ask, '이번에 상여금 얼마 나와?' (How much is the bonus this time?). It is a word that carries weight because it directly impacts a household's disposable income for that month. Even in bank advertisements, you might see promotions for '상여금 우대 통장' (Bonus preferential savings accounts), targeting workers who want to save their extra income. Understanding this word helps you navigate the social cues of Korean society—knowing that when someone mentions their bonus, it’s a moment of shared success, and if they mention it's missing, it's a moment for sympathy. It is deeply embedded in the 'Salaryman' culture of South Korea, symbolizing both the toil of the daily grind and the sweet reward that makes it endurable.

Daily Contexts: - Banking apps and salary notifications.
- Corporate annual reports.
- Discussions with tax accountants (세무사) regarding year-end tax adjustments.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 상여금 with 성과급 (Seong-gwa-geup). While both are types of bonuses, they have distinct meanings in a professional context. 상여금 is generally more 'fixed' or 'regular'—it is often a predetermined part of the salary structure (e.g., a holiday bonus everyone gets). 성과급, on the other hand, is 'performance-based pay' or 'incentive pay' that varies wildly based on individual or company performance. Using 상여금 to describe a commission for a single sale might sound slightly off; in that case, '인센티브' (incentive) or '수당' (allowance) is better. Another common error is using the word in a context that is too casual. While you can use it with friends, using the loanword 보너스 (Bonus) is much more natural in everyday speech. If you say '상여금 받았어' to a close friend, it sounds a bit like you are reading from a contract. Use '보너스 받았어' for a more natural, conversational vibe.

Confusion with '수당' (Sudang): 수당 refers to specific allowances like 'overtime pay' (야근 수당) or 'meal allowance' (식대 수당), whereas 상여금 is a broader reward payment.

Incorrect: 이번에 월급으로 상여금을 받았어요. (I received a bonus as a salary.)
Correct: 이번에 상여금을 별도로 받았어요. (I received a bonus separately.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particles. Since 상여금 is money, it is a non-count concept in English, but in Korean, it is a discrete noun. You don't say '많은 상여금' (much bonus) as often as you say '상여금을 많이 받다' (receive much bonus). Also, be careful not to confuse 상금 (Sang-geum) with 상여금. 상금 is 'prize money' you win in a contest or lottery, while 상여금 is specifically related to employment. If you win a marathon, you get a 상금; if you work hard at the office, you get a 상여금. Finally, in writing, ensure you don't misspell the Hanja-derived syllables. Some beginners write '상요금' or '상여급'—the latter being a common mistake because '급' (Geup) often appears in money terms like '월급' (monthly pay) or '성과급' (performance pay). Remember that for this specific word, it ends in '금' (Geum), signifying 'gold' or 'money'.

To enrich your Korean vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that occupy the same semantic space as 상여금. The most immediate synonym is the loanword 보너스 (Bonus). This is used in almost every informal situation. If you are talking to a colleague over coffee, '보너스' is the way to go. However, if you are writing an email to HR, 상여금 is required. Another related term is 성과급 (Performance-based pay). This is specifically tied to achieving targets. If your company had a great year and gave everyone extra money, that's 상여금. If you personally exceeded your sales quota and got extra money, that's 성과급 or 인센티브.

상여금 vs. 성과급: 상여금 is often fixed/regular (e.g., 400% annually), while 성과급 is variable and based on profit sharing or individual merit.
장려금 (Jang-ryeo-geum): This means 'subsidy' or 'encouragement fund,' often provided by the government (e.g., 근로장려금 - Earned Income Tax Credit).

우리 회사는 정기 상여금 외에도 연말에 성과급을 따로 줍니다.

Other alternatives include 수당 (Allowance). This is a more technical term for specific additions to a salary, like 'holiday work allowance' (휴일 수당) or 'family allowance' (가족 수당). While 상여금 is a large, periodic payment, 수당 is often a smaller, monthly addition based on specific conditions. There is also 포상금 (Reward money), which is usually given for a specific one-time achievement, like winning an internal company award or reporting a safety violation. Finally, in a very traditional or slightly humorous context, you might hear 떡값 (Tteok-gap), literally 'rice cake money.' Historically, this was a small amount of money given by an employer so that workers could buy rice cakes for the holidays. Today, it is a slangy, sometimes slightly cynical way to refer to a holiday bonus. Using these words correctly will make you sound much more like a native speaker who understands the nuances of Korean corporate culture.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the past, bonuses were often literally given in the form of goods (like rice or cloth) before the monetary economy became standardized in workplaces.

Pronunciation Guide

UK sʰaŋ.jʌ.ɡɯm

US sɑŋ.jʌ.ɡʌm

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '상'.

Rhymes With

연금 (Pension) 세금 (Tax) 요금 (Fee) 입금 (Deposit) 출금 (Withdrawal) 모금 (Fundraising) 송금 (Remittance) 대금 (Payment)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yeo' as a simple 'yo'. It must have the 'eo' (open o) sound.
Confusing 'geum' with 'gim'. 'Eu' (ㅡ) is different from 'i' (ㅣ).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is simple, but it often appears in complex business texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of Hanja-based formal verbs like '지급하다'.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used and easy to pronounce.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with '상금' or '성과급' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

월급 (Monthly salary) 회사 (Company) 돈 (Money) 받다 (To receive) 주다 (To give)

Learn Next

성과급 (Performance pay) 수당 (Allowance) 연봉 (Annual salary) 세전/세후 (Before/After tax) 근로계약서 (Employment contract)

Advanced

통상임금 (Ordinary wage) 평균임금 (Average wage) 최저임금 (Minimum wage) 퇴직금 (Severance pay) 연말정산 (Year-end tax settlement)

Grammar to Know

Object particle -을/를

상여금을 받았습니다. (I received a bonus.)

Causal -아/어/여서

상여금을 받아서 기뻐요. (I'm happy because I received a bonus.)

Conditional -(으)면

상여금을 받으면 차를 살 거예요. (If I get a bonus, I will buy a car.)

Passive -되다

상여금이 지급되었습니다. (The bonus was paid.)

Particle -(으)로 (Means)

상여금으로 선물을 샀어요. (I bought a gift with the bonus.)

Examples by Level

저는 오늘 상여금을 받았어요.

I received a bonus today.

The object particle -을 is used with the verb 받다 (to receive).

상여금이 정말 많아요!

The bonus is really a lot!

The subject particle -이 is used with the adjective 많다 (to be many/much).

우리 아빠는 상여금으로 선물을 샀어요.

My dad bought a gift with the bonus.

The particle -(으)로 indicates the means or instrument (using the bonus).

상여금이 언제 나와요?

When does the bonus come out?

'나오다' is commonly used to mean money 'comes out' or is paid.

상여금은 좋은 선물이에요.

A bonus is a good gift.

The topic particle -은 is used to define or describe the bonus.

회사에서 상여금을 줬어요.

The company gave a bonus.

'에서' marks the location/organization where the action started.

상여금이 없어서 슬퍼요.

I'm sad because there's no bonus.

'없어서' (because there is none) uses the -아/어/여서 causal ending.

친구는 상여금을 많이 받았어요.

My friend received a large bonus.

'많이' is an adverb modifying the verb '받았어요'.

이번 추석에 상여금이 나올까요?

Will the bonus come out this Chuseok?

The ending -(으)ㄹ까요? expresses wondering or asking a question.

상여금을 받으면 여행을 가고 싶어요.

If I receive a bonus, I want to go on a trip.

The conditional -(으)면 means 'if' or 'when'.

작년보다 상여금이 조금 적어요.

The bonus is a bit smaller than last year.

'-보다' is used for comparison (than last year).

상여금을 받아서 부모님께 드렸어요.

I received a bonus and gave it to my parents.

'-아/어/여서' shows a sequence of actions.

은행에 상여금을 저금했어요.

I deposited the bonus into the bank.

'에' marks the destination of the deposit.

상여금 덕분에 맛있는 것을 먹었어요.

Thanks to the bonus, I ate something delicious.

'덕분에' means 'thanks to' or 'owing to'.

상여금 지급 날짜를 확인하세요.

Please check the bonus payment date.

'지급' (payment) is a noun modifying '날짜' (date).

모든 직원이 상여금을 받았습니다.

All employees received bonuses.

'모든' (all) modifies the noun '직원' (employee).

우리 회사는 매년 400%의 상여금을 보장합니다.

Our company guarantees a 400% bonus every year.

'보장하다' (to guarantee) is a formal verb suited for B1 level.

상여금이 포함된 연봉 계약서를 작성했습니다.

I signed an annual salary contract that includes a bonus.

'포함된' is a past participle form meaning 'which is included'.

경영 실적이 좋아서 특별 상여금이 지급되었습니다.

Because business performance was good, a special bonus was paid.

'지급되다' is the passive form of '지급하다'.

상여금을 어떻게 쓸지 고민 중이에요.

I am thinking about how to spend the bonus.

'-(으)ㄹ지' is used for indirect questions or uncertainty.

정기 상여금은 기본급의 일부로 간주되기도 합니다.

Regular bonuses are sometimes considered part of the base salary.

'-기도 하다' means 'sometimes' or 'also'.

상여금 액수가 생각보다 적어서 실망했어요.

I was disappointed because the bonus amount was smaller than I thought.

'액수' means 'amount of money'.

이번 달 월급 명세서에 상여금이 찍혀 있네요.

The bonus is listed on this month's pay stub.

'찍혀 있다' literally means 'is stamped/printed' on a document.

회사가 어려워서 상여금을 반납하기로 결정했습니다.

We decided to return our bonuses because the company is in trouble.

'반납하다' means 'to return/hand back' something received.

상여금의 통상임금 포함 여부를 두고 논란이 일고 있습니다.

Controversy is arising over whether bonuses should be included in ordinary wages.

'- 여부' means 'whether or not'.

노사 합의를 통해 상여금 지급 비율을 조정했습니다.

The bonus payment ratio was adjusted through a labor-management agreement.

'노사' is a contraction of '노동자' (labor) and '사용자' (employer).

상여금은 근로 의욕을 고취시키는 중요한 수단입니다.

Bonuses are an important means of inspiring the will to work.

'고취시키다' means 'to inspire' or 'to instill'.

일부 대기업은 성과에 따라 차등 상여금을 지급합니다.

Some large corporations pay differential bonuses based on performance.

'차등' means 'differential' or 'graded'.

상여금 지급 규정이 변경되었으니 공고문을 확인하십시오.

The bonus payment regulations have changed, so please check the notice.

'-(으)니' is a formal causal connective.

그는 상여금을 받자마자 빚을 갚는 데 모두 썼다.

As soon as he received the bonus, he spent it all on paying back debts.

'-자마자' means 'as soon as'.

상여금이 지급되지 않을 경우 법적 대응을 검토하겠습니다.

In the event that the bonus is not paid, we will consider legal action.

'-(으)ㄹ 경우' means 'in the case of'.

회사는 경영난을 이유로 상여금 지급을 유예했다.

The company deferred the bonus payment citing management difficulties.

'유예하다' means 'to defer' or 'to postpone'.

상여금의 정기성과 고정성이 인정되어 통상임금에 해당한다는 판결이 나왔다.

A ruling was issued that the bonus corresponds to ordinary wages as its regularity and fixedness were recognized.

'정기성' (regularity) and '고정성' (fixedness) are legal terms.

기업들은 상여금 부담을 줄이기 위해 임금 체계 개편을 서두르고 있다.

Companies are rushing to restructure their wage systems to reduce the burden of bonuses.

'개편' means 'reorganization' or 'restructuring'.

상여금은 단순한 시혜적 금품이 아니라 근로의 대가인 임금의 성격을 갖는다.

A bonus is not merely a discretionary gift but has the character of wages as compensation for labor.

'시혜적' means 'discretionary' or 'charitable'.

이번 특별 상여금은 전 임직원의 노고를 치하하는 의미에서 마련되었습니다.

This special bonus was prepared in the sense of commending the hard work of all executives and employees.

'노고를 치하하다' is a formal expression for 'to commend hard work'.

상여금 지급 기준의 투명성을 확보하는 것이 노사 신뢰 회복의 핵심이다.

Securing transparency in bonus payment standards is key to restoring labor-management trust.

'투명성' means 'transparency'.

경기 침체로 인해 상여금 지급을 중단하는 중소기업들이 늘고 있다.

Due to the economic downturn, the number of small and medium-sized enterprises stopping bonus payments is increasing.

'중단하다' means 'to suspend' or 'to stop'.

상여금은 가계 소비를 진작시켜 내수 경기를 활성화하는 효과가 있다.

Bonuses have the effect of boosting household consumption and revitalizing the domestic economy.

'진작시키다' means 'to boost' or 'to stimulate'.

성과급과 상여금의 경계가 모호해지면서 새로운 임금 모델이 필요해졌다.

As the boundary between performance pay and bonuses becomes blurred, a new wage model has become necessary.

'모호해지다' means 'to become vague/blurred'.

상여금의 법적 성격에 관한 대법원 전원합의체 판결은 노동 시장에 파급력이 컸다.

The Supreme Court en banc ruling on the legal nature of bonuses had a significant impact on the labor market.

'전원합의체' refers to an 'en banc' or 'full bench' ruling.

기업의 지불 능력과 연동된 유연한 상여금 체계는 고용 안정성을 제고할 수 있다.

A flexible bonus system linked to a company's ability to pay can enhance employment stability.

'제고하다' means 'to enhance' or 'to improve'.

상여금 지급의 일방적 중단은 근로 조건의 불이익 변경에 해당할 소지가 다분하다.

The unilateral suspension of bonus payments is highly likely to constitute a disadvantageous change in working conditions.

'소지가 다분하다' means 'there is a high possibility'.

상여금은 자본주의 생산 양식 하에서 노동력을 재생산하기 위한 유인 기제로 작동한다.

Bonuses function as an incentive mechanism for reproducing labor power under the capitalist mode of production.

'유인 기제' means 'incentive mechanism'.

임금 총액에서 상여금이 차지하는 비중이 높을수록 기본급의 과소 산정 문제가 불거진다.

The higher the proportion of bonuses in the total wage, the more the problem of underestimating the base salary arises.

'불거지다' means 'to protrude' or 'to come to the fore'.

상여금의 소급 적용 문제를 둘러싼 노사 간의 첨예한 갈등이 지속되고 있다.

Sharp conflicts between labor and management over the issue of retroactive application of bonuses continue.

'소급 적용' means 'retroactive application'.

상여금은 조직 내 형평성과 성과 중심 문화 사이의 절묘한 균형추 역할을 해야 한다.

Bonuses should serve as an exquisite balance between internal equity and a performance-oriented culture.

'균형추' means 'counterweight' or 'balance'.

현대 산업 사회에서 상여금은 단순한 보상을 넘어 사회적 지위의 척도로 기능하기도 한다.

In modern industrial society, bonuses function as a measure of social status beyond mere compensation.

'척도' means 'measure' or 'yardstick'.

Common Collocations

상여금을 지급하다

상여금을 받다

정기 상여금

특별 상여금

상여금 삭감

상여금 산정

상여금 포함

상여금 수령

연말 상여금

추석 상여금

Common Phrases

상여금이 두둑하다

— The bonus is generous or 'thick' (lots of money).

이번 상여금이 두둑해서 기분이 좋다.

상여금이 깎이다

— The bonus was cut or reduced.

실적이 안 좋아서 상여금이 깎였어.

상여금이 나오다

— The bonus is issued or 'comes out'.

내일 상여금이 나온대요.

상여금을 챙기다

— To take or secure one's bonus.

그는 퇴사하기 전에 상여금을 다 챙겼다.

상여금 파티

— A 'bonus party', referring to a time when many people receive large bonuses.

금융권은 지금 상여금 파티 중이다.

상여금이 없다

— There is no bonus.

올해는 상여금이 없어서 우울해요.

상여금을 기다리다

— To wait for a bonus.

모두가 상여금을 손꼽아 기다리고 있다.

상여금 명목으로

— Under the name of a bonus / In the guise of a bonus.

상여금 명목으로 돈을 더 줬다.

상여금을 반납하다

— To return a bonus (often during company crises).

임원들이 상여금을 전액 반납했다.

상여금 혜택

— Bonus benefits.

다양한 상여금 혜택을 누리세요.

Often Confused With

상여금 vs 상금

Prize money for a competition, not a job bonus.

상여금 vs 성과급

Performance-based pay, which is a specific type of bonus based on results.

상여금 vs 수당

Allowances for specific things like overtime or meals, usually smaller than a bonus.

Idioms & Expressions

"떡값"

— Literally 'rice cake money'. A slang term for a holiday bonus or sometimes a bribe.

이번 설에는 떡값이 얼마나 나올까?

Colloquial

"보너스 인생"

— A 'bonus life'. Living a life that feels like an extra gift after a near-death experience.

사고 이후로는 보너스 인생을 산다고 생각해요.

Metaphorical

"하늘에서 떨어진 상여금"

— A bonus that feels like it fell from the sky (unexpected).

생각지도 못한 상여금이 하늘에서 떨어진 기분이야.

Informal

"보너스 트랙"

— An extra track on a CD, but used metaphorically for extra benefits.

이 일은 보너스 트랙 같은 보상이 있어요.

Slang

"월급 도둑"

— A 'salary thief'. Someone who gets paid (including bonuses) but doesn't work hard.

그는 상여금까지 챙기는 월급 도둑이다.

Informal/Negative

"피 같은 상여금"

— 'Bonus like blood'. A bonus earned through extremely hard and painful work.

이 피 같은 상여금을 함부로 쓸 수 없지.

Emphatic

"쥐꼬리만 한 상여금"

— A bonus as small as a rat's tail (very tiny).

상여금이 쥐꼬리만 해서 실망이야.

Informal

"돈방석에 앉다"

— To sit on a cushion of money. Often used when someone gets a huge bonus.

상여금 덕분에 돈방석에 앉게 됐네.

Idiomatic

"밑 빠진 독에 상여금 붓기"

— Pouring a bonus into a bottomless pot (spending it all immediately on debts/expenses).

카드 값 갚으니 밑 빠진 독에 상여금 붓기네.

Metaphorical

"꿈의 상여금"

— A 'dream bonus' (an impossibly large amount).

삼성전자의 상여금은 우리에게 꿈의 상여금이다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

상여금 vs 상금

Both start with '상' (reward).

상금 is for winning something (prize); 상여금 is for working (bonus).

마라톤 대회에서 상금을 탔다 vs 회사에서 상여금을 받았다.

상여금 vs 성과급

Both are extra money from work.

성과급 is variable based on performance; 상여금 is often fixed/regular.

우리 회사는 성과급 제도가 없다. 단, 정기 상여금은 준다.

상여금 vs 장려금

Both end in '금' (money) and are incentives.

장려금 is usually a subsidy (often from government); 상여금 is from an employer.

정부의 청년 일자리 장려금.

상여금 vs 위로금

Both are extra payments from a company.

위로금 is 'consolation money' given during layoffs or accidents; 상여금 is a 'reward' for work.

퇴직할 때 위로금을 받았다.

상여금 vs 수당

Both are added to the base salary.

수당 is for specific costs or extra hours; 상여금 is a general bonus.

야간 수당을 포함하면 월급이 꽤 된다.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]은/는 상여금을 받아요.

저는 상여금을 받아요.

상여금으로 [Object]을/를 사요.

상여금으로 옷을 사요.

[Company]에서 상여금을 지급합니다.

우리 회사에서 상여금을 지급합니다.

상여금이 [Number]% 나옵니다.

상여금이 200% 나옵니다.

상여금이 [Reason] 때문에 삭감되었습니다.

상여금이 경영난 때문에 삭감되었습니다.

상여금을 [Action] 하는 데 썼습니다.

상여금을 빚을 갚는 데 썼습니다.

상여금의 [Legal Term]이 쟁점입니다.

상여금의 통상임금 포함 여부가 쟁점입니다.

상여금 체계의 [Abstract Concept]이 필요합니다.

상여금 체계의 유연성 제고가 필요합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

상여 (Award/Giving)

보너스 (Bonus)

성과급 (Performance Pay)

Verbs

상여하다 (To award/give - rare)

Adjectives

상여금이 많은 (Having a lot of bonus)

기본급 (Base salary)

수당 (Allowance)

임금 (Wage)

연봉 (Annual salary)

월급 (Monthly salary)

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in workplace and financial contexts, especially during January, February, September, and October.

Common Mistakes

Using '상여급' instead of '상여금'. → 상여금
The word ends in '금' (money), not '급' (level/class). This is a common typo because of words like '월급'.
Using '상여금' for a lottery win. → 상금
Lottery or contest wins are '상금'. '상여금' is only for employment bonuses.
Confusing '상여금' with '수당'. → 상여금
'수당' is a specific allowance (like for overtime), while '상여금' is a general bonus.
Saying '상여금을 먹다'. → 상여금을 받다
You don't 'eat' a bonus; you 'receive' it. '먹다' is only used slangily for bribes or 'eating up' money.
Using '상여금' in a very casual text to a friend. → 보너스
While not grammatically wrong, '상여금' sounds too stiff for a casual Kakaotalk message.

Tips

Holiday Etiquette

If you receive a holiday 상여금, it is a nice gesture to buy a small gift or treat your colleagues to coffee.

Tax Planning

Remember that a large bonus can push you into a higher tax bracket, so plan your year-end tax settlement carefully.

Formal Writing

Always use 상여금 in resumes or formal self-introductions when discussing your desired compensation.

Sharing the Joy

In Korea, receiving a bonus is often shared news. It's okay to be happy, but stay humble.

Check Your Contract

Ensure the bonus terms are clearly stated as 'regular' (정기) if you want legal protection for the payment.

Hanja Roots

Learning the Hanja 賞 (Sang) will help you understand other words like 상장 (award certificate) and 시상식 (award ceremony).

Negotiation

When negotiating salary, clarify if the amount includes or excludes the 상여금.

News Keywords

When you hear '역대급' (all-time high) in the news, '상여금' is likely to follow if the topic is the economy.

Polite Inquiry

To ask about a bonus politely, use: '상여금 지급 계획이 어떻게 되나요?'

The 'Gold' Connection

Always remember 'Geum' (금) means money/gold. Most Korean money words end in 'Geum'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

SANG (Sing) + YEO (You) + GEUM (Gold). Imagine you SING a song and the boss gives YOU GOLD as a reward.

Visual Association

An envelope with the Hanja character 賞 (Sang) on it, overflowing with gold coins.

Word Web

Money Job Reward Holiday Contract Bank Smile Company

Challenge

Try to use '상여금' in a sentence explaining what you would do if you received $10,000 today from your boss.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Korean roots influenced by Hanja: 賞 (Sang - reward) + 與 (Yeo - give) + 金 (Geum - money).

Original meaning: Money given as a reward for merit.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Avoid bragging about your '상여금' in front of colleagues who might have received less, as it can cause 'sang-cheo' (emotional hurt).

In the US/UK, bonuses are often strictly performance-based or a small holiday gesture. In Korea, they are often a massive, structured part of the total compensation package.

Misaeng (Drama) - Depicts the struggle and joy of office workers waiting for bonuses. Parasite (Movie) - While not about office bonuses, it deals with the themes of wealth and 'tips' in service.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

상여금은 어떻게 지급되나요? (How are bonuses paid?)
정기 상여금이 있습니까? (Is there a regular bonus?)
상여금이 연봉에 포함되어 있나요? (Is the bonus included in the annual salary?)
성과에 따른 상여금이 있나요? (Is there a performance-based bonus?)

Office Gossip

이번 상여금 얼마래? (How much is the bonus this time?)
상여금이 작년보다 줄었대. (I heard the bonus decreased from last year.)
보너스(상여금) 받으면 뭐 할 거야? (What will you do when you get the bonus?)
우리 팀만 상여금 못 받는 거 아니야? (Are we the only team not getting a bonus?)

Family Conversation

상여금 받으면 부모님 여행 보내드리자. (Let's send our parents on a trip if we get a bonus.)
이번 상여금은 저축하자. (Let's save this bonus.)
상여금 덕분에 빚을 좀 갚았어. (Thanks to the bonus, I paid off some debt.)
상여금 나오면 맛있는 거 사줄게. (I'll buy you something delicious when the bonus comes out.)

News/Media

상여금 격차 심화 (Widening bonus gap)
역대급 상여금 지급 (Record-breaking bonus payment)
상여금 반납 행렬 (Queue of returning bonuses)
상여금의 통상임금 산입 (Inclusion of bonuses in ordinary wages)

Banking/Tax

상여금 세금이 너무 많아요. (The tax on the bonus is too high.)
상여금을 CMA 계좌에 넣었어요. (I put the bonus in a CMA account.)
상여금 포함 총소득 (Total income including bonuses)
상여금 비과세 항목 (Tax-exempt bonus items)

Conversation Starters

"이번 연말에 상여금이 얼마나 나올 것 같아요? (How much do you think the bonus will be at the end of this year?)"

"상여금을 받으면 가장 먼저 하고 싶은 일이 뭐예요? (What is the first thing you want to do if you receive a bonus?)"

"한국 회사들의 상여금 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about the bonus culture of Korean companies?)"

"상여금이 동기부여에 정말 도움이 된다고 생각하시나요? (Do you think bonuses really help with motivation?)"

"보너스(상여금)를 받으면 보통 저축하시나요, 아니면 소비하시나요? (Do you usually save or spend when you get a bonus?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 상여금을 받았다면 기분이 어땠을지 상상해서 써 보세요. (Imagine how you would feel if you received a bonus today and write about it.)

상여금을 현명하게 사용하는 방법에 대해 당신의 생각을 적어 보세요. (Write your thoughts on how to use a bonus wisely.)

내가 회사의 사장이라면 직원들에게 어떤 기준으로 상여금을 줄지 계획해 보세요. (If you were the CEO of a company, plan what criteria you would use to give bonuses to employees.)

한국의 명절 상여금 문화와 당신 나라의 보너스 문화를 비교해 보세요. (Compare Korea's holiday bonus culture with the bonus culture in your country.)

상여금이 삶의 질에 미치는 영향에 대해 논해 보세요. (Discuss the impact of bonuses on the quality of life.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

They mean the same thing, but 상여금 is formal (used in contracts and news), while 보너스 is informal (used in daily speech).

No, it varies by company. Some give 100%, some 800%, and some none at all. 400% or 600% is just a common benchmark in Korea.

Yes, in Korea, bonuses are considered earned income and are subject to income tax and social insurance deductions.

Typically during Seollal (Jan/Feb), Chuseok (Sep/Oct), and at the end of the year (Dec).

It means the bonus is paid separately from the listed annual or monthly salary.

If it's written in the contract as a fixed payment, they must pay. If it's discretionary, they can skip it during financial hardship.

Broadly yes, but technically they are different. 상여금 is often fixed, while 성과급 is based on profit or performance.

Historically, it was money given so workers could buy rice cakes (떡) for the holidays. Now it's a slang term for a bonus.

No, it depends on the company's policy. Large corporations usually do, but many small businesses or part-time jobs do not.

It is usually calculated as (Base Salary) x (Bonus Percentage). For example, if your base is 2 million won and the bonus is 200%, you get 4 million won.