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B1 noun #3,500 most common 9 min read

직무

jikmu Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 직무 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 직무 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '직무' (jik-mu) yet. It is a very formal word. Instead, you use '일' (il), which means 'work' or 'job'. For example, '저는 일이 많아요' (I have a lot of work). You might see '직무' in a form if you are applying for a visa or a job in Korea, but for now, just remember that it is a fancy word for 'job tasks'. It is made of two parts: 'jik' (office) and 'mu' (duty). Imagine a person sitting in a big office chair doing important tasks—that is 'jik-mu'.

At the A2 level, you should recognize '직무' as a professional term for 'job duties'. You will see it in job advertisements or on company websites. While you still use '일' for daily talk, you can start using '직무' when talking about your specific role in a company. For example, '제 직무는 마케팅입니다' (My job duty is marketing). It sounds more professional than just saying '저는 마케팅을 해요'. Remember, '직무' is a noun, so you usually use it with the verb '수행하다' (to perform) or just with '이다' (to be).

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '직무' in professional contexts like job interviews or writing a simple cover letter. You should understand the difference between '직무' (the role/duty) and '업무' (the actual work tasks). '직무' is the 'what' of your job—your responsibilities. You will often hear phrases like '직무 수행' (performing duties) or '직무 교육' (job training). It is important to use this word to show that you are a serious professional. If you use '일' in an interview, you sound like a student; if you use '직무', you sound like a professional.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the collocations and legal nuances of '직무'. You should know '직무 유기' (neglect of duty) and '직무 정지' (suspension of duties), which are common in news and legal contexts. You should also be able to discuss '직무 역량' (job competencies) and how they apply to your career. At this level, you are expected to understand that '직무' is not just about tasks, but about the authority and mandate that comes with a position. You can use it to describe complex organizational structures and professional ethics.

At the C1 level, you understand the deep systemic implications of '직무'. You can discuss '직무 분석' (job analysis) and '직무 설계' (job design) in a management context. You are aware of the '직무급제' (job-based pay system) debate in Korean society and can express nuanced opinions on it. You use '직무' naturally in formal reports, using high-level verbs like '관장하다' (to manage/be in charge of) or '해태하다' (to neglect - legal term). You recognize that '직무' carries a sense of public or organizational trust.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '직무' across all domains—legal, corporate, and philosophical. You can interpret legal precedents regarding '직무상 행위' (acts in the course of duty) and understand how this term defines the limits of state or corporate liability. You can use the word in literary or rhetorical contexts to discuss the 'calling' or 'providential duty' of a person. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, correctly applying the term in everything from a supreme court brief to a complex organizational reform proposal.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

직무 in 30 Seconds

Formal term for job duties and professional responsibilities.
Commonly used in corporate, legal, and governmental contexts.
Distinguished from '업무' (daily tasks) by focusing on the role itself.
Often paired with verbs like '수행하다' (perform) or '유기하다' (neglect).

The Korean word 직무 (Jikmu) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'duty,' 'job function,' or 'professional responsibilities.' Derived from the Hanja characters 職 (office/job) and 務 (task/affair), it refers specifically to the set of tasks and obligations assigned to a specific position within an organization. Unlike the general term '일' (work), which can refer to anything from washing dishes to writing a novel, 직무 carries a weight of formal obligation and systemic structure. It is the 'job description' in essence—the blueprint of what a person is expected to do in their professional capacity.

Professional Context: In a corporate environment, this word is used to define the boundaries of one's role. When an HR manager talks about '직무 분석' (job analysis), they are looking at the specific skills and actions required for a role. It is not about the person, but about the 'seat' they occupy.
Legal and Ethical Nuance: In legal terms, '직무 유기' (neglect of duty) is a serious charge often applied to public officials or soldiers. Here, the word implies a sacred trust or a legal mandate that has been ignored. It transcends mere 'tasks' and enters the realm of 'vocation' or 'official mandate'.
Organizational Hierarchy: The word is frequently paired with verbs like '수행하다' (to perform/execute) or '대행하다' (to act as a proxy). It suggests that the tasks are part of a larger machine, where each individual's 직무 must be completed for the organization to function correctly.

신입 사원은 자신의 직무 범위를 명확히 파악해야 합니다. (The new employee must clearly understand the scope of their duties.)

To use 직무 correctly, one must understand that it is rarely used in casual, personal settings. You wouldn't use it to describe your chores at home or a small favor for a friend. It belongs to the world of contracts, performance reviews, and official announcements. For example, when a president or a CEO is suspended, the news reports will use the term '직무 정지' (suspension of duties). This highlights the formal nature of the term, as it concerns the authority and responsibility granted by a specific title.

그는 공무원으로서 직무를 성실히 수행했습니다. (As a public official, he faithfully performed his duties.)

Furthermore, the concept of 직무 is central to modern HR practices in Korea, such as '직무급제' (job-based pay system), which contrasts with the traditional seniority-based pay system. This shows how the word is tied to the evolution of the Korean workplace from a hierarchical, age-based system to a more task-oriented, meritocratic one. By focusing on 직무, companies emphasize what the person actually does rather than how long they have been with the company.

이번 채용은 직무 역량을 중심으로 평가할 예정입니다. (This recruitment will evaluate based on job-related competencies.)

경찰은 직무상 비밀을 엄수해야 합니다. (Police officers must strictly keep professional secrets.)

당신의 주요 직무는 무엇입니까? (What are your primary job duties?)

Using 직무 correctly requires pairing it with the appropriate formal verbs. Because the word itself is formal, the surrounding grammar usually follows suit. The most common verb associated with this noun is 수행하다 (to perform). You don't 'do' (하다) a 직무 in professional writing; you 'perform' (수행하다) it. This distinction is crucial for reaching an intermediate to advanced level of Korean proficiency.

Common Verb Pairings: 직무를 수행하다: To carry out duties. Used in performance reviews and job descriptions.
직무를 유기하다: To neglect duties. A legal term for failing to do what is required by law or contract.
직무를 대행하다: To act on behalf of someone else's duties. Common when a leader is absent.

부장님의 부재로 인해 과장님이 직무를 대행하고 있습니다. (Due to the manager's absence, the deputy manager is acting in his stead.)

Another important grammatical structure involves using 직무 as a modifier for other nouns. In this case, it often appears as 직무상 (on/in the course of duty) or 직무 관련 (duty-related). These compounds are ubiquitous in legal documents and workplace policies. For instance, '직무상 재해' refers to an occupational accident that occurred while the person was performing their specific job tasks.

직무상의 이유로 출장을 가게 되었습니다. (I am going on a business trip for reasons related to my duties.)

In a recruitment context, you will often see '직무 기술서' (Job Description). This is a formal document detailing the 직무. If you are applying for a job, you might say, '제 직무 경험이 이 자리에 적합하다고 생각합니다' (I believe my duty-related experience is suitable for this position). This sounds much more impressive than saying 'I worked a lot'. It shows you understand the structural requirements of the role.

효율적인 직무 수행을 위해 새로운 소프트웨어를 도입했습니다. (We introduced new software for the efficient performance of duties.)

Finally, consider the negative context. '직무 정지' (suspension of duty) is a term often heard in the news regarding high-ranking officials. It implies a temporary removal of the authority to perform one's 직무. This differs from '해고' (firing) because the person might still hold the title, but they cannot perform the actions associated with it. This nuance is key to understanding formal Korean news and legal proceedings.

그는 비리 혐의로 직무가 정지되었습니다. (His duties were suspended due to allegations of corruption.)

적절한 직무 교육이 필요합니다. (Proper duty training is necessary.)

You will encounter 직무 in four primary environments: the corporate office, the legal/governmental sphere, academic/educational settings regarding career development, and the news. Understanding these contexts helps you realize that while you might not say 직무 at a dinner party, you will certainly need it when discussing anything official or professional.

In the Corporate Office: When HR departments conduct '직무 교육' (job training) or '직무 평가' (job evaluation), they are looking at the specific outputs of your role. During an interview, an interviewer might ask, '본인의 직무 역량에 대해 말씀해 주세요' (Please tell us about your job competencies). This is a standard question in the 'Spec' (specifications) heavy Korean job market.
In Legal and Government News: News reports regarding the National Assembly or the Blue House frequently use '직무'. If a minister is under investigation, the phrase '직무 수행 능력' (ability to perform duties) will be debated. Legal cases involving '직무 유기' (neglect of duty) by police or medical staff are common headlines.

뉴스: "검찰은 해당 공무원을 직무 유기 혐의로 기소했습니다." (News: "The prosecution indicted the official on charges of neglect of duty.")

In universities and career centers, students are taught about '직무 매칭' (job matching). This refers to finding a career that matches one's major or skills. Since the Korean job market is highly competitive, there is a massive industry built around '직무 특강' (special lectures on job functions) where experts explain what it's actually like to work in marketing, finance, or engineering.

취업 박람회에서 직무 상담을 받았습니다. (I received job counseling at the career fair.)

Another place you'll hear this is in '직무 윤리' (professional ethics). Every profession in Korea, from doctors to accountants, has a code of ethics called '직무 윤리 강령'. This highlights that 직무 is not just about doing tasks, but about the moral and ethical responsibilities that come with a professional title. If someone says, '그것은 직무 윤리에 어긋납니다' (That goes against professional ethics), they are making a very strong moral judgment.

회사는 임직원들에게 직무 윤리 교육을 실시했습니다. (The company conducted professional ethics training for its employees.)

그는 직무에 대한 자부심이 강합니다. (He has a strong sense of pride in his duties.)

The most common mistake learners make with 직무 is using it in overly casual situations. Because English often uses 'job' or 'duty' in both formal and informal contexts, it's easy to misapply the Korean equivalent. Understanding the 'social weight' of 직무 is key to avoiding these errors.

Mistake 1: Using it for Chores: Incorrect: "오늘 제 직무는 설거지입니다." (Today my duty is washing dishes.)
Correct: "오늘 제 담당은 설거지입니다." or "오늘 제가 설거지할 차례예요."
Explanation: 직무 implies a professional or official role. Household chores are not '직무' unless you are a professional housekeeper working under a contract.
Mistake 2: Confusing it with '업무' (Business Tasks): While related, '업무' (Eop-mu) refers to the ongoing work or operations, while 직무 refers to the defined role. You 'do' (하다) 업무 throughout the day, but you 'fulfill' (수행하다) your 직무. If you say '직무가 많아요' (I have many duties), it sounds like you have many different job titles. If you mean you have a lot of work to do today, say '업무가 많아요' or '할 일이 많아요'.

틀린 예: 이번 주말에 직무가 너무 많아서 못 가요. (Wrong: I can't go because I have too many 'duties' this weekend.)

Another mistake is using the wrong verbs. As mentioned before, 직무 is almost always paired with formal verbs. Using it with '하다' or '만들다' in a professional report can make the writing feel disjointed—the noun is high-register, but the verb is low-register. Always aim for '수행하다', '이행하다' (to fulfill), or '완수하다' (to complete/accomplish).

교정: 직무를 완수하기 위해 최선을 다하겠습니다. (Correction: I will do my best to complete my duties.)

틀린 예: 저는 직무가 선생님입니다. (Wrong: My 'duty' is a teacher.) -> Correct: 제 직업은 선생님입니다. (My profession is a teacher.)

Korean has several words for 'work' and 'duty,' each with its own nuance. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. Here is a comparison of 직무 with its closest synonyms.

직무 vs. 업무 (Eop-mu): 직무: Focuses on the role and the responsibilities inherent to a position. (Static/Structural)
업무: Focuses on the actual tasks and operations being carried out. (Dynamic/Operational)
Example: Your '직무' is Marketing Manager. Your '업무' today is writing an ad copy.
직무 vs. 임무 (Im-mu): 직무: Ongoing, regular duties of a job.
임무: A specific 'mission' or assignment, often temporary or goal-oriented.
Example: A soldier's '직무' is to defend the base. His '임무' tonight is to scout the perimeter.
직무 vs. 본분 (Bon-bun): 본분: One's natural duty or moral obligation based on their status (student, parent, citizen).
Example: '학생의 본분' (a student's duty to study). This is more about social expectation than a professional contract.

비교: 직무 (Job Role) vs 임무 (Mission) vs 본분 (Moral Duty)

In a casual setting, you will almost always use 일 (work/matter). If you are talking to a friend about your day, saying '직무가 힘들었어' sounds like you are reading from a legal deposition. Instead, say '오늘 일이 너무 힘들었어' (Work was really hard today). Only use 직무 when you want to sound clinical, professional, or when discussing the formal aspects of a career.

그는 자신의 소임을 다했습니다. (He fulfilled his 'so-im' - a more poetic/personal way to say 'assigned task' or 'calling'.)

각자의 역할을 충실히 합시다. (Let's faithfully do our respective 'roles' - '역할' is a common, slightly less formal alternative to 직무.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 職 (직) originally depicted a person listening to instructions at an office, while 務 (무) contains the radical for 'strength' (力), implying that duties require effort and labor.

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ɕik.mu

US t͡ɕik.mu

The stress is equal on both syllables, though the first syllable '직' may feel slightly more emphasized due to the final consonant.

Rhymes With

업무 (Eop-mu) 의무 (Ui-mu) 실무 (Sil-mu) 사무 (Sa-mu) 법무 (Beop-mu) 세무 (Se-mu) 병무 (Byeong-mu) 학무 (Hak-mu)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jik' with a long 'ee' like 'jeek'.
Over-aspirating the 'k' in 'jik' before the 'm'. It should be an unreleased stop.
Pronouncing 'mu' like 'myu'.
Adding an extra vowel between 'jik' and 'mu'.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and formal texts, but requires knowing Hanja-based vocabulary.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal verb pairings like '수행하다'.

Speaking 4/5

Natural usage requires understanding the formality level; easy to sound too stiff.

Listening 3/5

Frequent in professional dramas and news reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

일 직업 하다 회사 사람

Learn Next

업무 임무 수행하다 유기하다 역량

Advanced

직무급제 권한 책임 강령 해태

Grammar to Know

Noun + 상 (Suffix)

직무상 (on duty), 관계상 (in terms of relationship)

Object + 수행하다 (Formal 'do')

직무를 수행하다, 임무를 수행하다

Noun + 에 대한 (About/For)

직무에 대한 책임감, 미래에 대한 희망

Noun + 관련 (Related)

직무 관련 교육, 건강 관련 정보

Noun + 급 (Suffix for system/rank)

직무급 (job-based pay), 월급 (monthly pay)

Examples by Level

이것은 제 직무입니다.

This is my duty.

Noun + 입니다 (to be)

그의 직무는 무엇입니까?

What is his duty?

Interrogative form

직무가 많아요.

There are many duties.

Noun + 이/가 많다

새로운 직무를 받았습니다.

I received a new duty.

Object marker -를

직무가 재미있어요.

The duty is fun.

Adjective usage

제 직무는 요리입니다.

My duty is cooking.

Simple identification

직무를 시작해요.

I start the duty.

Present tense

이 직무는 어려워요.

This duty is hard.

Demonstrative 이

직무 교육을 받으러 가요.

I am going to receive job training.

-러 가다 (go to do something)

그녀는 직무에 충실합니다.

She is faithful to her duties.

Noun + 에 충실하다

직무 내용을 확인하세요.

Please check the duty details.

Imperative -세요

이 직무는 경험이 필요해요.

This duty requires experience.

Noun + 이/가 필요하다

직무가 바뀌어서 힘들어요.

It's hard because my duty changed.

Reasoning -어서

제 직무는 운전입니다.

My duty is driving.

Noun identification

직무를 잘 수행하고 싶어요.

I want to perform my duties well.

-고 싶다 (want to)

회사가 직무를 정해 주었습니다.

The company decided the duties for me.

-어 주다 (do for someone)

직무 기술서를 꼼꼼히 읽어보세요.

Read the job description carefully.

Compound noun: 직무 기술서

본인의 직무 역량을 강조하세요.

Emphasize your own job competencies.

Honorific -세요

직무 수행 능력이 뛰어납니다.

The duty performance ability is excellent.

Subject-predicate structure

효율적인 직무 수행을 위해 노력합시다.

Let's strive for efficient duty performance.

-기 위해 (for the sake of)

직무와 관련된 자격증이 있습니까?

Do you have any duty-related certifications?

-와 관련된 (related to)

그는 직무상 비밀을 유지했습니다.

He maintained professional secrets.

Suffix -상 (in terms of)

직무 환경이 매우 좋습니다.

The duty environment is very good.

Environmental context

직무에 대한 책임감이 필요합니다.

A sense of responsibility for the duty is needed.

Noun + 에 대한 (about/for)

그는 직무 유기 혐의로 조사를 받고 있습니다.

He is under investigation on charges of neglect of duty.

Legal term: 직무 유기

회사는 직무급제 도입을 검토 중입니다.

The company is considering introducing a job-based pay system.

Middle of doing: -중

직무 정지 처분이 내려졌습니다.

A duty suspension order was issued.

Passive context

직무 분석을 통해 조직을 개편했습니다.

The organization was restructured through job analysis.

-를 통해 (through)

공무원은 직무상 알게 된 비밀을 누설해서는 안 됩니다.

Public officials must not leak secrets learned in the course of their duties.

-해서는 안 된다 (must not)

직무의 범위가 어디까지인지 명확히 해야 합니다.

It must be clarified how far the scope of the duty extends.

Indirect question: -인지

직무 만족도가 생산성에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

Job satisfaction has a significant impact on productivity.

Influence: -에 영향을 미치다

그는 직무 대행자로서 회의를 주재했습니다.

He presided over the meeting as an acting duty-holder.

-로서 (as a/in the capacity of)

직무의 전문성을 강화하기 위해 교육을 확대해야 합니다.

Education should be expanded to strengthen the professionalism of the duties.

C1 level vocabulary: 전문성, 강화

해당 사안은 직무 권한 밖의 일입니다.

That matter is outside the scope of my duty's authority.

Authority: 권한

직무상 과실로 인해 큰 손실이 발생했습니다.

A significant loss occurred due to negligence in the course of duty.

Negligence: 과실

그는 직무에 매몰되어 사생활을 돌보지 못했습니다.

He was so buried in his duties that he couldn't take care of his private life.

Buried/Immersed: 매몰되어

직무 기술의 고도화가 절실히 요구되는 시점입니다.

This is a time when the advancement of job skills is urgently required.

Advancement: 고도화

직무상 지위를 이용하여 부당한 이득을 취했습니다.

He took unfair advantage by using his professional position.

Unfair gain: 부당한 이득

직무 윤리 강령을 준수하는 것은 모든 임직원의 의무입니다.

Abiding by the code of professional ethics is the duty of all employees.

Observance: 준수

직무의 난이도와 중요도에 따라 보상을 차등화합니다.

Rewards are differentiated according to the difficulty and importance of the duty.

Differentiation: 차등화

공권력의 집행은 엄격한 직무 규범 내에서 이루어져야 합니다.

The execution of public power must be carried out within strict professional norms.

Public power: 공권력

그의 행위는 정당한 직무 수행의 범위를 일탈한 것으로 간주됩니다.

His actions are considered to have deviated from the scope of legitimate duty performance.

Deviation: 일탈

직무의 본질적 가치를 성찰하는 자세가 필요합니다.

An attitude of reflecting on the intrinsic value of one's duty is necessary.

Reflection: 성찰

직무상 비밀 누설은 국가 안보에 치명적인 위협이 될 수 있습니다.

The disclosure of professional secrets can be a fatal threat to national security.

Fatal threat: 치명적인 위협

법원은 피고인의 행위가 직무와 밀접한 관련이 있다고 판결했습니다.

The court ruled that the defendant's actions were closely related to their duties.

Legal ruling: 판결

직무의 공정성을 담보하기 위해 독립적인 감사가 필요합니다.

An independent audit is necessary to guarantee the fairness of the duties.

Guarantee: 담보

그는 직무에 대한 소명의식을 바탕으로 평생을 헌신했습니다.

He dedicated his whole life based on a sense of calling toward his duties.

Sense of calling: 소명의식

직무 체계의 유연성을 확보하는 것이 미래 경쟁력의 핵심입니다.

Securing the flexibility of the duty system is the key to future competitiveness.

Flexibility: 유연성

Synonyms

업무 임무 책임 본분 일

Antonyms

사생활 취미

Common Collocations

직무 수행

직무 유기

직무 분석

직무 정지

직무 기술서

직무 역량

직무 만족도

직무 대행

직무 윤리

직무 교육

Common Phrases

직무에 충실하다

— To be faithful and dedicated to one's duties.

그는 언제나 자신의 직무에 충실합니다.

직무를 완수하다

— To successfully complete or fulfill one's duties.

주어진 직무를 완수하는 것이 목표입니다.

직무상 비밀

— Professional secrets or confidential information obtained through work.

직무상 비밀을 누설해서는 안 됩니다.

직무 관련성

— The relevance or connection to one's job duties.

이 사건은 그의 직무와 관련성이 없습니다.

직무 범위를 벗어나다

— To go beyond the scope of one's assigned duties.

그의 행동은 직무 범위를 벗어난 것이었습니다.

직무를 방해하다

— To obstruct or interfere with someone's duties.

경찰의 직무를 방해하지 마십시오.

직무를 유기하다

— To neglect or fail to perform one's duties.

공무원이 직무를 유기하면 처벌을 받습니다.

직무에 적합하다

— To be suitable or fit for a specific job duty.

그는 이 직무에 가장 적합한 인물입니다.

직무를 대행하다

— To act as a proxy or perform duties on behalf of another.

그가 위원장의 직무를 대행하고 있습니다.

직무를 정지시키다

— To suspend someone from their duties.

징계 위원회는 그의 직무를 정지시켰습니다.

Often Confused With

직무 vs 업무

업무 is the daily work; 직무 is the professional role/duty.

직무 vs 직업

직업 is your general profession (e.g., Doctor); 직무 is your specific duty (e.g., Surgery).

직무 vs 임무

임무 is a specific mission; 직무 is an ongoing set of professional duties.

Idioms & Expressions

"직무 유기는 죄다"

— Neglecting one's duty is a sin/crime. Used to emphasize responsibility.

자신의 일을 미루는 것은 직무 유기나 다름없다.

Formal/Moral

"직무에 뼈를 묻다"

— To dedicate one's entire life to a professional role (literally, bury one's bones in the duty).

그는 이 직무에 뼈를 묻을 각오로 임했다.

Informal/Determined

"직무가 몸에 배다"

— To be so accustomed to one's duties that they become second nature.

오랜 경력 덕분에 직무가 몸에 뱄다.

Neutral

"직무를 헌신짝처럼 버리다"

— To discard one's duties like an old shoe (without care).

그는 자신의 직무를 헌신짝처럼 버리고 떠났다.

Informal/Critical

"직무의 화신"

— An embodiment of duty; someone who lives for their job.

그는 그야말로 직무의 화신이라고 불릴 만하다.

Literary

"직무에 눈이 멀다"

— To be so focused on professional duties that one ignores everything else.

그는 직무에 눈이 멀어 가족을 돌보지 않았다.

Neutral/Critical

"직무를 밥 먹듯이 하다"

— To perform duties as naturally and frequently as eating (showing high proficiency).

그는 어려운 직무를 밥 먹듯이 해치운다.

Informal

"직무의 굴레"

— The shackles of duty; feeling trapped by responsibilities.

그는 직무의 굴레에서 벗어나고 싶어 했다.

Literary

"직무를 손에 익히다"

— To get used to the tasks of a job.

신입 사원이 직무를 손에 익히는 데 시간이 걸린다.

Neutral

"직무에 목숨을 걸다"

— To risk one's life for one's duty.

소방관들은 매일 직무에 목숨을 건다.

Serious

Easily Confused

직무 vs 업무 (Eop-mu)

Both mean 'work' or 'duty'.

업무 refers to the actual tasks and operations handled on a daily basis. 직무 refers to the formal responsibilities and functions assigned to a specific position.

오늘 업무가 많아요 (I have a lot of tasks today) vs 제 직무는 회계입니다 (My job duty is accounting).

직무 vs 임무 (Im-mu)

Both imply a task that must be done.

임무 usually refers to a specific, often temporary mission or assignment. 직무 is the permanent, ongoing duty associated with a job.

비밀 임무를 수행 중이다 (Performing a secret mission) vs 직무를 성실히 수행하다 (Faithfully performing ongoing duties).

직무 vs 직위 (Jik-wi)

Both start with '직' and relate to jobs.

직위 is the rank or title (e.g., Manager, Director). 직무 is the actual work duties associated with that rank.

직위가 높다 (High rank) vs 직무가 복잡하다 (Complex duties).

직무 vs 본분 (Bon-bun)

Both mean 'duty'.

본분 is a moral or social duty based on status (student, parent). 직무 is a professional duty based on a contract or role.

학생의 본분 (Student's duty) vs 공무원의 직무 (Official's duty).

직무 vs 사무 (Sa-mu)

Both relate to office work.

사무 usually refers to clerical or administrative office work. 직무 is a broader term for any professional duty.

사무실 (Office) vs 직무 분석 (Job analysis).

Sentence Patterns

N은/는 [직무]를 수행하다

그는 성실히 직무를 수행합니다.

[직무]에 대한 N

직무에 대한 열정이 대단합니다.

[직무]상 N

직무상 비밀을 지켜야 합니다.

[직무]와/과 관련되다

이 일은 제 직무와 관련되어 있습니다.

[직무]를 유기하다/해태하다

그는 직무를 유기한 혐의를 받고 있다.

[직무] 역량을 강화하다

직원들의 직무 역량을 강화해야 합니다.

[직무]의 본질을 탐구하다

우리는 직무의 본질을 탐구해야 합니다.

[직무] 권한을 오남용하다

직무 권한을 오남용해서는 안 됩니다.

Word Family

Nouns

직무급

직무실

직무 권한

직무 태만

Verbs

직무하다 (rarely used alone)

직무를 수행하다

직무를 유기하다

Adjectives

직무상의

직무적인

직업

직장

직위

직책

업무

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional, news, and legal contexts; low in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '직무' for household chores. → 집안일 (jiban-il)
'직무' is strictly for professional or official roles. Using it for laundry sounds like you're treating your house like a corporation.
Saying '직무가 많아요' to mean 'I'm busy today'. → 업무가 많아요 / 일이 많아요
'직무' refers to the number of roles or responsibilities you have, not the volume of work tasks.
Pairing '직무' with '하다' in formal writing. → 직무를 수행하다
'하다' is too simple for the high-register noun '직무'. '수행하다' (perform) is the standard professional pairing.
Using '직무' to mean 'profession'. → 직업 (jigeop)
If someone asks what you do, you say your '직업' is a teacher. '직무' would be 'teaching math'.
Confusing '직무' with '직위'. → 직위 (rank/title)
'직위' is your title (e.g., Manager). '직무' is what you actually do in that position.

Tips

Resume Writing

Always use '직무' instead of '일' when listing your responsibilities. It frames your experience as a structured professional role.

Hanja Insight

Remembering 職 (Jik - office) helps you learn related words like 직업 (occupation), 직장 (workplace), and 직위 (rank).

Verb Pairing

Memorize the pair '직무를 수행하다'. Using '수행하다' with '직무' is the hallmark of a high-level Korean speaker.

Office Talk

In meetings, use '직무' when discussing long-term goals and '업무' when discussing today's to-do list.

Legal Terms

Pay attention to '직무 유기' in the news. It is a very common phrase used to criticize public officials.

TOPIK Prep

For TOPIK II, '직무' is a frequent word in the reading section's business and social issues articles.

Systemic Change

Understanding '직무급제' will give you deep insight into how the Korean economy is modernizing its labor market.

Interviews

When asked about your '직무 역량', don't just say you are hard-working. List specific technical skills related to the role.

Role vs Task

Think of '직무' as the container (the role) and '업무' as the contents (the tasks) inside the container.

Professionalism

Use '직무 윤리' to discuss the moral obligations of doctors, lawyers, and other professionals.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jik' as a 'Jig' (a tool that holds work) and 'Mu' as 'Move'. Your 'Jik-mu' is how you Move the work in your Jig.

Visual Association

Imagine a detailed 'Job Description' paper with a big official seal on it. That formal document represents your 직무.

Word Web

Career Duty Responsibility Office Task Contract HR Ethics

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your dream job using '직무' instead of '일' or '직업'.

Word Origin

Composed of the Hanja 職 (직 - Jik) meaning 'job, office, or duty' and 務 (무 - Mu) meaning 'affair, business, or task'. It entered the Korean language through the long history of using Chinese characters for official administration.

Original meaning: The tasks and affairs related to one's official position in a government or organizational hierarchy.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use '직무' when talking to a superior about their personal life; it can sound cold or overly robotic.

While English speakers often use 'job' or 'work' loosely, Korean speakers use '직무' to signal a transition into formal, high-stakes professional discussion.

The K-Drama 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) frequently uses '직무' to discuss the struggles of office workers. Legal dramas like 'Stranger' (Secret Forest) use '직무 유기' as a central plot point for corruption cases. The 'Job Description' (직무 기술서) is a common topic in Korean career YouTube channels like 'Insa-担当' (HR Manager).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

직무 역량
직무 경험
직무에 적합하다
직무를 수행하다

Legal/News

직무 유기
직무 정지
직무상 비밀
직무 권한

Office Communication

직무 분석
직무 교육
직무 기술서
직무 분담

Performance Review

직무 성과
직무 태도
직무 만족도
직무 완수

Ethics Training

직무 윤리
직무 규범
직무상 지위
직무 청렴

Conversation Starters

"현재 맡고 계신 직무는 무엇입니까? (What is the duty you are currently in charge of?)"

"이 직무를 수행하기 위해 가장 필요한 역량이 무엇이라고 생각하세요? (What competency do you think is most needed to perform this duty?)"

"직무 만족도를 높이기 위해 회사가 무엇을 해야 할까요? (What should the company do to increase job satisfaction?)"

"과거에 직무상 어려움을 겪었던 적이 있나요? (Have you ever experienced professional difficulties in your duties?)"

"본인의 직무와 전공이 잘 맞으시나요? (Does your duty match your major well?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 수행한 직무들 중에서 가장 보람찼던 일은 무엇인가? (What was the most rewarding among the duties I performed today?)

미래에 내가 꼭 맡고 싶은 직무에 대해 상세히 적어보자. (Let's write in detail about the duty I definitely want to take on in the future.)

직무 윤리를 지키는 것이 왜 중요한지 본인의 생각을 서술하시오. (Describe your thoughts on why it is important to observe professional ethics.)

현재 나의 직무 역량을 향상시키기 위해 어떤 노력이 필요한가? (What efforts are needed to improve my current job competencies?)

만약 내가 직무를 바꿀 수 있다면, 어떤 직무를 선택하고 싶은가? (If I could change my duty, what duty would I want to choose?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'직무'는 직책에 따른 근본적인 역할과 책임을 의미하며, '업무'는 그 역할을 수행하기 위해 실제로 하는 구체적인 일들을 의미합니다. 예를 들어, '인사 관리'는 직무이고, '채용 공고 올리기'는 업무입니다.

"지원하는 직무에 대한 역량을 키우기 위해 노력해왔습니다"와 같이 본인의 전문성을 강조할 때 사용하면 좋습니다. 단순히 '일'이라고 하는 것보다 훨씬 전문적으로 보입니다.

주로 공무원이나 책임 있는 위치에 있는 사람이 마땅히 해야 할 일을 하지 않았을 때 법적, 도덕적 비난의 의미로 사용합니다. 뉴스에서 자주 들을 수 있는 표현입니다.

친구 사이에는 너무 딱딱하게 들릴 수 있습니다. 대신 '일'이나 '하는 일'이라는 표현을 쓰는 것이 자연스럽습니다. 다만, 농담조로 격식을 차릴 때는 쓸 수 있습니다.

아닙니다. '직무 정지'는 신분은 유지하되 권한 행사만 일시적으로 막는 것이고, '해고'는 고용 관계 자체가 끝나는 것입니다.

"직무상 알게 된 비밀"처럼 어떤 일이 자신의 직무 때문에 발생했거나 직무 범위 내에 있을 때 사용합니다.

특정 직무를 수행하기 위해 어떤 지식, 기술, 능력이 필요한지 과학적으로 조사하고 정의하는 과정을 말합니다.

특정 직무를 성공적으로 수행하는 데 필요한 실질적인 능력(기술, 지식, 태도 등)을 의미합니다.

군대에서는 '직무'보다 '임무(Mission)'나 '보직(Assignment)'이라는 말을 더 자주 사용하지만, 공식적인 규정에서는 '직무'라는 표현도 사용합니다.

적절한 보상, 자율성 부여, 그리고 자신의 직무가 가치 있다고 느끼는 '의미 부여'가 중요하다고 전문가들은 말합니다.