At the A1 level, you don't need to use '기업' (gieop) very often. Instead, you will mostly use '회사' (hoesa) to mean 'company.' However, it's good to recognize '기업' when you see it in signs or simple news. It simply means a business organization. Think of it as a formal way to say 'company.' You might see it in words like '대기업' (big company like Samsung). Just remember that '회사' is for everyday talk, and '기업' is for more formal things. For example, if you see a big building, it might belong to a '기업.' You can practice by saying '이 기업은 커요' (This enterprise is big). It's a noun, so it follows the same rules as '책' (book) or '사과' (apple). You add '-이에요' or '-입니다' to the end. Since you are just starting, don't worry too much about the deep meaning. Just know that it is a 'business.' If you want to sound a bit more professional even at A1, you can use this word when talking about famous brands.
At the A2 level, you can start using '기업' (gieop) to describe different types of businesses. You should learn the basic compound words like '대기업' (large enterprise) and '중소기업' (small/medium enterprise). In Korea, people talk about these two types a lot because it's a big part of the culture and economy. You might hear someone ask, '대기업에 다니고 싶어요?' (Do you want to work at a large corporation?). You can use '기업' in simple sentences with adjectives like '유명하다' (to be famous) or '좋다' (to be good). For example, '이 기업은 아주 유명해요' (This enterprise is very famous). You should also notice that '기업' is used in more formal writing. If you read a simple news article for learners, you will see this word. It's important to start distinguishing it from '회사.' Use '회사' when you talk about your office, but use '기업' when you talk about the whole business as an organization. This will make your Korean sound more natural and structured.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '기업' (gieop) in discussions about the economy, jobs, and society. This is the level where the word becomes very common. You should understand terms like '기업가' (entrepreneur), '기업 문화' (corporate culture), and '기업 윤리' (business ethics). You will often see '기업' in intermediate reading passages about social issues. For instance, you might discuss '기업의 사회적 책임' (Corporate Social Responsibility - CSR). You should also be comfortable using it with various particles and in complex sentences. For example, '기업들이 환경 보호를 위해 노력하고 있습니다' (Corporations are making efforts for environmental protection). At this stage, you should also understand how '기업' functions in the job market. When you look for work in Korea, you will see '기업 정보' (company information) and '기업 분석' (company analysis). Using '기업' instead of '회사' in these contexts shows that you understand the professional nuance of the language. It is a key word for anyone interested in business Korean.
At the B2 level, '기업' (gieop) is a word you will use frequently in debates, presentations, and professional writing. You should understand the nuances between '기업,' '업체,' and '법인.' You will encounter it in advanced economic contexts, such as '기업 지배구조' (corporate governance) or '기업 합병' (M&A - mergers and acquisitions). You should be able to analyze the impact of '기업' on the national economy. For example, you might write an essay on '대기업과 중소기업의 상생' (The coexistence of large and small/medium enterprises). At this level, you should also be familiar with idiomatic or semi-formal expressions like '기업 이미지를 제고하다' (to enhance corporate image). You will hear this word constantly in news programs like 'KBS News 9' or in business podcasts. Your ability to use '기업' in the correct register—usually formal—is a sign of your linguistic maturity. You should also be able to discuss '글로벌 기업' (global enterprises) and their strategies in the Korean market. This word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it's a concept you use to build complex arguments.
At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of the socio-economic implications of the word '기업' (gieop). You can use it to discuss highly technical topics such as '기업의 회계 투명성' (corporate accounting transparency) or '기업의 혁신 역량' (corporate innovation capability). You understand how '기업' is used in legal and academic literature, often appearing in phrases like '기업의 본질' (the essence of an enterprise) or '기업 시민 의식' (corporate citizenship). You are likely familiar with the historical context of '기업' in Korea, including the development of the 'Chaebol' system and its role in the 'Miracle on the Han River.' You can use the word in sophisticated rhetorical ways, such as discussing the tension between '기업의 이윤 추구' (enterprise's pursuit of profit) and '공공의 이익' (public interest). Your usage of '기업' should be precise, choosing it over '회사' or '업체' to convey exactly the right level of abstraction and formality. You can also handle complex compound words like '강소기업' (small but strong enterprises) and '사회적 기업' (social enterprises) with ease in professional settings.
At the C2 level, your command of '기업' (gieop) is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can navigate the most complex business environments, from boardrooms to academic symposiums, using this term with absolute precision. You understand the philosophical debates surrounding '기업의 목적' (the purpose of an enterprise) and can articulate these in high-level discussions. You are familiar with specialized legal terms involving '기업,' such as '기업 분할' (corporate spin-off) or '기업 회생 절차' (corporate restructuring/rehabilitation procedures). You can read and critique '기업 보고서' (corporate reports) and '기업 분석 자료' (company analysis data) without difficulty. In your speech, '기업' is used to frame the business world in a structural, systemic way. You might use it in literary or highly formal rhetorical contexts to discuss the evolution of modern society. Your understanding includes the subtle connotations the word carries in different political and economic ideologies within Korea. At this level, '기업' is a fundamental building block of your advanced conceptual vocabulary in Korean.

기업 in 30 Seconds

  • 기업 (gieop) means 'enterprise' or 'corporation' and is used as a formal noun for business entities.
  • It differs from '회사' (hoesa) by being more formal and economic-focused rather than workplace-focused.
  • Commonly seen in terms like 대기업 (large corporation) and 중소기업 (small/medium enterprise).
  • Essential for discussing the Korean economy, job market, and professional corporate culture.

The Korean word 기업 (gieop) is a fundamental term in the realms of economics, business, and professional life. At its core, it translates to 'enterprise,' 'corporation,' or 'business entity.' While many beginners learn the word 회사 (hoesa) for 'company,' 기업 carries a more formal, structural, and economic weight. It refers specifically to an organization that combines capital, labor, and technology to produce goods or services with the primary goal of generating profit and sustaining growth. Understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to navigate the Korean professional landscape or understand news reports regarding the economy.

Economic Definition
An organized entity that engages in commercial, industrial, or professional activities to earn profit through the exchange of value.
Institutional Context
Used when discussing legal structures, corporate governance, and the role of businesses within a national or global economy.

In daily conversation, you might say you work at a '회사,' but when discussing the 'corporate culture' or 'large conglomerates' like Samsung or Hyundai, the term 기업 is almost always preferred. It encompasses various scales, from 대기업 (daegieop)—the massive conglomerates—to 중소기업 (jung sogieop)—small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The nuances of this word reflect the Confucian and modern capitalist history of South Korea, where the success of the 'enterprise' was often tied to national identity and development.

한국의 대기업들은 세계 시장에서 중요한 역할을 합니다. (Korea's large corporations play a significant role in the global market.)

Furthermore, 기업 is used in compound terms that define modern social values. For instance, 사회적 기업 (sahoejeok gieop) refers to a social enterprise that prioritizes social impact alongside profit. The word is ubiquitous in financial news, job hunting platforms, and academic discussions about industrialization. It evokes a sense of organized, professional endeavor rather than just a place of work.

Hanja Roots
企 (기 - to plan/scheme) and 業 (업 - business/work). Literally, a planned business or undertaking.

그는 기업가 정신이 투철한 사람입니다. (He is a person with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.)

Using 기업 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun. It is frequently the subject of verbs related to growth, management, and social responsibility. Because it is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja-based), it pairs naturally with other formal Sino-Korean verbs ending in -하다 or -되다.

As a Subject
Used with particles -이/가 or -은/는 to describe actions or states of the business. Example: '기업이 파산했다' (The enterprise went bankrupt).
As an Object
Used with particles -을/를 when someone is managing or creating a business. Example: '기업을 경영하다' (To manage an enterprise).

When you want to describe the scale of a company, 기업 is the base noun. You add prefixes like 대- (large), 중- (medium), or 소- (small). You can also describe the nature of the business, such as 공기업 (gong-gieop) for public/state-owned enterprises or 외국인 기업 (oegugin gieop) for foreign-invested companies. The word is versatile in formal writing, such as in business proposals, news articles, and academic essays.

많은 기업들이 친환경 정책을 도입하고 있습니다. (Many corporations are adopting eco-friendly policies.)

Grammatically, 기업 is a countable noun, but in Korean, counters are often omitted unless specific numbers are needed. If counting, the counter 곳 (got - place) or 개 (gae - item) is used, though is more common in casual contexts and 개사 (gaesa - company units) in very formal ones. For example, '세 개의 기업' (three enterprises).

기업은 혁신적인 기술로 유명합니다. (This enterprise is famous for its innovative technology.)

In South Korea, the word 기업 is a daily staple of the media. If you turn on the evening news, specifically the 'Economic (경제)' section, you will hear it repeatedly. News anchors use it to discuss market trends, quarterly earnings, and the influence of the 'Chaebol' (the large family-owned conglomerates). In these contexts, 기업 sounds professional and objective. It is also the standard term used in job advertisements on sites like Saramin or JobKorea, where companies are categorized by '기업 형태' (enterprise type).

In the Office
Heard during strategic meetings, HR briefings, and when discussing '기업 문화' (corporate culture).
In University
Business administration (경영학) students spend their entire degree studying '기업'—from finance to marketing.

You will also encounter this word in government announcements. The Korean government often discusses policies to support 벤처 기업 (venture gieop)—startups—or 강소기업 (gangsogieop)—small but strong companies. If you are applying for a visa, such as the D-8 (Corporate Investment), the paperwork will focus on the '기업' you are investing in or managing.

뉴스: '정부는 중소기업을 위한 새로운 지원책을 발표했습니다.' (News: 'The government announced new support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises.')

In popular culture, particularly in 'K-Dramas' focused on business (like Itaewon Class or Start-Up), characters frequently debate '기업 윤리' (business ethics) or the '기업 가치' (enterprise value). These dramas highlight the high stakes and the social prestige or pressure associated with working for a top-tier 기업.

그 영화는 부패한 기업의 뒷이야기를 다루고 있습니다. (That movie deals with the behind-the-scenes story of a corrupt enterprise.)

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Korean is the over-reliance on 기업 in casual conversation. While it means 'company,' using it when you mean 'I'm going to work' makes you sound like a textbook or a news reporter. In casual settings, 회사 (hoesa) is the natural choice. For example, saying '내일 기업에 가요' (I'm going to the enterprise tomorrow) sounds very strange; you should say '내일 회사에 가요.'

Confusion with '사업' (Saeop)
'사업' refers to the 'business' or 'project' itself, while '기업' refers to the organization. You 'do business' (사업을 하다), but you 'manage an enterprise' (기업을 경영하다).
Confusion with '직업' (Jigeop)
Because they sound similar, students sometimes swap '기업' (enterprise) with '직업' (occupation/job). Remember: '기업' is the place/entity, '직업' is what you do.

Another mistake is failing to use the correct honorifics or formal tone when discussing 기업. Since the word itself is formal, the sentence ending should usually be in the -ㅂ니다/-습니다 style or the polite -아요/어요 style, rather than informal 반말, unless you are a senior executive talking about a company in a very specific context.

Mistake: 제 기업은 선생님이에요. (My enterprise is a teacher.) -> Correct: 제 직업은 선생님이에요. (My job is a teacher.)

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the nuances of '대기업' (large company) vs '중견기업' (mid-sized company) vs '중소기업' (small company). In Korea, these are legal and economic classifications, not just descriptive adjectives. Calling a massive corporation a '중소기업' would be a factual error in a business context.

Mistake: 저는 기업을 해요. (I do enterprise.) -> Correct: 저는 사업을 해요. (I run a business/I am doing business.)

Understanding the subtle differences between 기업 and its synonyms is key to reaching an advanced level of Korean fluency. While they all relate to 'business' or 'company,' their registers and specific meanings vary significantly.

회사 (Hoesa)
The most common word for 'company.' It is used in everyday conversation ('I'm going to the company') and refers to the workplace. 기업 is more about the economic entity.
법인 (Beobin)
A 'legal person' or 'juridical person.' This is a purely legal term used in contracts and law. All '기업' are usually '법인,' but not all '법인' (like NGOs) are '기업.'
업체 (Eopche)
Often translated as 'firm' or 'vendor.' It is used when referring to a company in a specific industry or as a business partner. Example: '협력 업체' (partner firm).

When choosing between these, consider the context. If you are discussing the macro-economy or corporate strategy, use 기업. If you are talking about where you work or meeting a friend after work, use 회사. If you are dealing with legal documents, use 법인. If you are talking about a specific contractor or service provider, use 업체.

비교: '우리 기업의 비전' (Our enterprise's vision - formal) vs '우리 회사의 분위기' (Our company's atmosphere - natural).

Additionally, 사업체 (saeopche) is another term often used in statistics or government reports to mean 'business establishment.' It is even more technical than 기업 and refers to the physical location where business is conducted. Understanding these distinctions will prevent you from sounding repetitive and help you grasp the precise meaning of Korean business news.

기업은 다국적 기업으로 성장했습니다. (That enterprise has grown into a multinational corporation.)

Examples by Level

1

이 기업은 아주 커요.

This enterprise is very big.

이 (this) + 기업 (enterprise) + -은 (topic particle) + 아주 (very) + 커요 (is big).

2

그는 기업에서 일해요.

He works at an enterprise.

그는 (he) + 기업 (enterprise) + -에서 (at/in) + 일해요 (works).

3

삼성은 큰 기업이에요.

Samsung is a big enterprise.

삼성은 (Samsung) + 큰 (big - adjective form) + 기업이에요 (is an enterprise).

4

우리 아버지는 기업가입니다.

My father is an entrepreneur.

우리 아버지는 (my father) + 기업가 (entrepreneur) + -입니다 (is - formal).

5

이 기업은 우유를 만들어요.

This enterprise makes milk.

이 기업은 (this enterprise) + 우유를 (milk - object) + 만들어요 (makes).

6

기업이 많아요.

There are many enterprises.

기업이 (enterprises - subject) + 많아요 (are many).

7

저는 기업에 가고 싶어요.

I want to go to the enterprise (company).

저는 (I) + 기업에 (to the enterprise) + 가고 싶어요 (want to go).

8

그 기업은 이름이 뭐예요?

What is the name of that enterprise?

그 기업은 (that enterprise) + 이름이 (name - subject) + 뭐예요? (what is it?)

1

한국에는 대기업이 많습니다.

There are many large enterprises in Korea.

한국에는 (in Korea) + 대기업이 (large enterprises) + 많습니다 (are many - formal).

2

중소기업에서 일하는 것은 어때요?

How is working at a small/medium enterprise?

중소기업에서 (at an SME) + 일하는 것 (working - noun phrase) + -은 어때요? (how is it?)

3

이 기업은 좋은 서비스를 제공합니다.

This enterprise provides good service.

이 기업은 (this enterprise) + 좋은 서비스를 (good service) + 제공합니다 (provides).

4

그는 새로운 기업을 세웠어요.

He founded a new enterprise.

그는 (he) + 새로운 (new) + 기업을 (enterprise) + 세웠어요 (founded/built).

5

기업의 이름이 아주 멋져요.

The enterprise's name is very cool.

기업의 (enterprise's) + 이름이 (name) + 아주 멋져요 (is very cool).

6

많은 사람들이 대기업에 취직하고 싶어 해요.

Many people want to get a job at a large enterprise.

취직하고 싶어 해요 (want to get a job - third person).

7

이 기업은 자동차를 수출합니다.

This enterprise exports cars.

자동차를 (cars) + 수출합니다 (exports).

8

우리 동네에는 작은 기업들이 많아요.

There are many small enterprises in our neighborhood.

우리 동네에는 (in our neighborhood) + 작은 기업들이 (small enterprises) + 많아요.

1

기업의 사회적 책임이 중요해지고 있습니다.

The social responsibility of enterprises is becoming important.

기업의 사회적 책임 (CSR) + -이 (subject) + 중요해지고 있습니다 (is becoming important).

2

이 기업은 혁신적인 기술을 보유하고 있습니다.

This enterprise possesses innovative technology.

혁신적인 기술 (innovative technology) + -을 보유하고 있습니다 (possesses).

3

기업 문화를 바꾸는 것은 쉽지 않습니다.

Changing corporate culture is not easy.

기업 문화를 (corporate culture) + 바꾸는 것 (changing) + -은 쉽지 않습니다 (is not easy).

4

그 기업은 매년 큰 이윤을 남깁니다.

That enterprise makes a large profit every year.

매년 (every year) + 큰 이윤을 (large profit) + 남깁니다 (leaves/makes).

5

정부는 벤처 기업을 적극적으로 지원합니다.

The government actively supports venture enterprises (startups).

벤처 기업 (venture enterprise) + -을 적극적으로 (actively) + 지원합니다 (supports).

6

이 보고서는 기업의 재무 상태를 분석합니다.

This report analyzes the financial status of the enterprise.

기업의 재무 상태 (enterprise's financial status) + -를 분석합니다 (analyzes).

7

기업 경영에는 많은 전략이 필요합니다.

Enterprise management requires many strategies.

기업 경영 (enterprise management) + -에는 (in/for) + 전략이 (strategies) + 필요합니다 (are needed).

8

그 기업은 직원들의 복지에 신경을 많이 씁니다.

That enterprise pays a lot of attention to employee welfare.

직원들의 복지 (employees' welfare) + -에 신경을 쓰다 (to pay attention to).

1

기업 지배구조의 투명성이 강조되고 있습니다.

Transparency in corporate governance is being emphasized.

기업 지배구조 (corporate governance) + 투명성 (transparency).

2

글로벌 기업으로 도약하기 위해 해외 시장을 공략하고 있습니다.

To leap forward as a global enterprise, they are targeting overseas markets.

도약하기 위해 (in order to leap) + 공략하고 있습니다 (are targeting/attacking).

3

기업의 이미지를 제고하기 위해 대대적인 광고를 시작했습니다.

They started a large-scale advertisement to enhance the enterprise's image.

이미지를 제고하다 (to enhance image) + 대대적인 (large-scale).

4

다국적 기업들은 각국의 법률을 준수해야 합니다.

Multinational enterprises must comply with the laws of each country.

다국적 기업 (multinational enterprise) + 법률을 준수하다 (comply with laws).

5

이 기업은 윤리 경영을 최우선 가치로 삼고 있습니다.

This enterprise takes ethical management as its top priority value.

윤리 경영 (ethical management) + 가치로 삼다 (to take as a value).

6

기업 간의 경쟁이 치열해지면서 혁신이 필수가 되었습니다.

As competition between enterprises intensifies, innovation has become essential.

기업 간의 경쟁 (competition between enterprises) + 치열해지다 (to become fierce).

7

공기업의 민영화 문제는 사회적으로 큰 이슈입니다.

The issue of privatizing public enterprises is a big social issue.

공기업 (public enterprise) + 민영화 (privatization).

8

기업은 이윤 추구뿐만 아니라 지속 가능한 성장을 목표로 해야 합니다.

Enterprises should aim for sustainable growth as well as profit pursuit.

이윤 추구 (profit pursuit) + 지속 가능한 성장 (sustainable growth).

1

기업의 부채 비율이 급격히 상승하여 위기감이 고조되고 있습니다.

The sense of crisis is heightening as the enterprise's debt ratio rises sharply.

부채 비율 (debt ratio) + 위기감이 고조되다 (sense of crisis heightens).

2

그 기업은 공격적인 M&A를 통해 사업 영역을 확장했습니다.

The enterprise expanded its business scope through aggressive M&A.

공격적인 (aggressive) + 사업 영역 (business scope) + 확장하다 (expand).

3

기업의 회계 부정 사건은 시장의 신뢰를 무너뜨렸습니다.

The enterprise's accounting fraud case destroyed market trust.

회계 부정 (accounting fraud) + 신뢰를 무너뜨리다 (destroy trust).

4

4차 산업혁명 시대에 기업의 유연한 대응이 생존의 열쇠입니다.

In the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution, an enterprise's flexible response is the key to survival.

유연한 대응 (flexible response) + 생존의 열쇠 (key to survival).

5

중견기업들이 글로벌 강소기업으로 거듭나기 위한 노력이 계속되고 있습니다.

Efforts by mid-sized enterprises to be reborn as global 'hidden champions' continue.

중견기업 (mid-sized enterprise) + 거듭나다 (to be reborn/transformed).

6

기업 시민으로서의 역할을 다하기 위해 지역 사회 공헌 활동을 펼치고 있습니다.

To fulfill its role as a corporate citizen, they are carrying out community contribution activities.

기업 시민 (corporate citizen) + 공헌 활동 (contribution activities).

7

기업의 연구 개발(R&D) 투자는 미래 경쟁력을 결정짓는 중요한 요소입니다.

An enterprise's R&D investment is a crucial factor that determines future competitiveness.

결정짓는 (determining) + 요소 (factor).

8

낙수 효과에 대한 회의론이 대두되면서 기업의 역할에 대한 재정의가 요구됩니다.

As skepticism about the trickle-down effect emerges, a redefinition of the enterprise's role is required.

낙수 효과 (trickle-down effect) + 회의론 (skepticism) + 대두되다 (to emerge).

1

기업의 영속성을 확보하기 위해서는 변화하는 패러다임에 선제적으로 대응해야 합니다.

To secure the continuity of an enterprise, it must proactively respond to changing paradigms.

영속성 (continuity/permanence) + 선제적으로 (proactively).

2

정경유착의 고리를 끊고 기업의 독립성을 강화하는 것이 시급한 과제입니다.

Breaking the link of collusive ties between politicians and businesses and strengthening corporate independence is an urgent task.

정경유착 (collusion between politics and business) + 시급한 과제 (urgent task).

3

기업의 가치 평가는 단순한 재무 제표 분석을 넘어 무형 자산의 가치를 포함해야 합니다.

Corporate valuation must go beyond simple financial statement analysis to include the value of intangible assets.

가치 평가 (valuation) + 재무 제표 (financial statements) + 무형 자산 (intangible assets).

4

플랫폼 기업의 독과점 문제는 공정 거래 질서를 위협하는 요소로 지목되고 있습니다.

The monopoly issue of platform enterprises is being pointed out as a factor threatening the order of fair trade.

독과점 (monopoly/oligopoly) + 공정 거래 질서 (fair trade order).

5

기업의 사회적 가치 창출은 이제 선택이 아닌 생존을 위한 필수 전략으로 자리 잡았습니다.

The creation of social value by enterprises has now established itself as an essential strategy for survival, not a choice.

사회적 가치 창출 (creating social value) + 자리 잡다 (to establish oneself).

6

지주 회사 체제로의 전환을 통해 기업의 지배 구조를 개선하려는 움직임이 활발합니다.

The movement to improve corporate governance through transition to a holding company system is active.

지주 회사 (holding company) + 지배 구조 (governance structure).

7

기업의 혁신 DNA는 조직 구성원들의 자율성과 창의성에서 비롯됩니다.

An enterprise's innovation DNA stems from the autonomy and creativity of its organizational members.

혁신 DNA (innovation DNA) + ~에서 비롯되다 (to stem from).

8

ESG 경영은 기업이 직면한 기후 위기와 불평등 문제를 해결하기 위한 고육지책이기도 합니다.

ESG management is also a desperate measure for enterprises to solve the climate crisis and inequality issues they face.

고육지책 (a desperate measure/last resort) + 직면하다 (to face).

Common Collocations

기업을 경영하다
기업을 설립하다
기업이 성장하다
기업 문화
기업 윤리
기업 가치
기업 이미지
기업 분석
기업 지원
기업가 정신

Common Phrases

다국적 기업

— A multinational corporation. It refers to businesses operating in multiple countries.

그는 다국적 기업의 한국 지사에서 근무합니다.

사회적 기업

— A social enterprise. A company that aims to solve social problems while making a profit.

이곳은 취약 계층을 돕는 사회적 기업입니다.

공기업

— A public enterprise or state-owned company.

공기업은 안정적인 직장으로 인기가 많습니다.

벤처 기업

— A venture enterprise or startup, usually focused on technology.

그는 대학 졸업 후 벤처 기업을 창업했습니다.

가족 기업

— A family-owned business or enterprise.

이 회사는 3대째 이어져 온 가족 기업입니다.

우량 기업

— A blue-chip company or a high-quality, stable enterprise.

투자자들은 주로 우량 기업의 주식을 선호합니다.

혁신 기업

— An innovative enterprise that leads market change.

테슬라는 대표적인 혁신 기업 중 하나입니다.

유령 기업

— A paper company or shell company (literally 'ghost enterprise').

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