This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B2 noun #15,000 most common 11 min read

명예퇴직

myeongyetoejik
Examples
Explanation 명예퇴직 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '명예퇴직' often, but it is good to know it relates to 'work' and 'stopping work.' Think of it as a special way to say 'bye-bye' to a company. In Korea, when people work for a long time at a big company, they sometimes leave before they are very old. The company gives them a lot of money (a gift) to say thank you. This is called '명예퇴직.' At this level, just remember: 명예 (Honor) + 퇴직 (Retirement). It means leaving a job early with honor and money. You might hear a father in a storybook or a simple drama say this. For now, you can just think of it as 'Special Retirement.' You don't need to worry about the difficult grammar yet. Just remember that '퇴직' means leaving a job. If you see this word, it means someone is finishing their long career at a big company. It is a very important word for adults in Korea. You can practice by saying '저는 퇴직해요' (I am retiring), but '명예퇴직' is only for a specific type of retirement. Most A1 learners will just use '회사를 그만둬요' (I quit the company), which is easier. But if you know '명예퇴직,' you will sound very smart! It shows you understand a little bit about Korean office culture. Just imagine a man in a suit getting a big check and leaving his office for the last time—that is the image of 명예퇴직.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific nouns for life events. '명예퇴직' is a noun that describes 'voluntary early retirement.' In Korea, many people work at one company for 20 or 30 years. Sometimes, the company asks, 'Who wants to leave early and get extra money?' If an employee says 'Yes,' that is '명예퇴직.' You can use it in simple sentences like '우리 아버지는 명예퇴직을 하셨어요' (My father took early retirement). It is different from being fired (해고). Being fired is bad, but 명예퇴직 is usually seen as a choice, even if it's a difficult one. You will see this word in basic news articles or hear it in conversations about family. It's often associated with '퇴직금' (severance pay). When you learn the verb '퇴직하다' (to retire), you can add '명예' to make it '명예퇴직하다.' At this level, try to recognize the word when you hear it in dramas. Usually, the character will look a bit sad but also relieved. They might talk about starting a '치킨집' (chicken shop) after their 명예퇴직. This is a very common cultural trope in Korea. Remember that the word '명예' means 'honor,' so it's a polite and 'honorable' way to leave a company before you are officially 'old.' It's a key part of understanding the 'salaryman' life in Korea.
Sign up free to read full explanation
As a B1 learner, you should understand the social context of '명예퇴직.' It is not just about leaving a job; it is a significant economic phenomenon in Korea. You should be able to distinguish it from '정년퇴직' (retirement at the age limit). While '정년퇴직' happens when you reach age 60, '명예퇴직' can happen in your 40s or 50s. Companies often offer this during '구조조정' (restructuring). You should be able to use the word with appropriate particles and verbs, such as '명예퇴직을 신청하다' (to apply for early retirement) or '명예퇴직을 권고받다' (to be recommended for early retirement). At this level, you might encounter this word in reading passages about the Korean economy or labor market. You should also understand the nuance that while it is called 'honorable,' it often carries a sense of anxiety about the future. For example, '명예퇴직 후에 무엇을 할지 고민이에요' (I am worried about what to do after early retirement). You can also start using the shortened form '명퇴' in casual settings, but keep '명예퇴직' for formal writing. Understanding this word helps you engage in deeper conversations with Korean adults about their careers and the pressures of working in large corporations. It is also a frequent topic in intermediate-level listening exercises involving news reports or office-themed dialogues.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '명예퇴직' and its implications in Korean society. You should be able to discuss the 'pros and cons' of this system. For instance, you can talk about how it provides a financial safety net for those who want to start a second career, but also how it can be used as a tool for 'de facto' layoffs of older, higher-paid workers. You should be familiar with related terms like '희망퇴직' (voluntary retirement) and '권고사직' (resignation by recommendation) and be able to explain the subtle differences between them. In terms of grammar, you should be comfortable using the word in complex sentences: '회사가 경영난에 처하자 수백 명의 직원들이 명예퇴직을 선택할 수밖에 없었다' (As the company faced management difficulties, hundreds of employees had no choice but to choose early retirement). You should also recognize the word's appearance in editorials and business news, where it is often discussed alongside '고용 불안' (employment instability) and '노후 준비' (preparation for old age). At this level, you should understand the cultural weight of the 'honor' (명예) prefix—how it serves as a linguistic tool to preserve social harmony and individual dignity in a culture where professional identity is deeply tied to social status. You should be able to use the word accurately in a professional setting or in a formal essay about labor trends in Korea.
For C1 learners, '명예퇴직' should be a word you can analyze within the broader context of Korean socio-economic history. You should be able to discuss its origins during the 1997 IMF crisis and how it changed the 'lifetime employment' (종신고용) culture of Korea. You should be able to use the word in sophisticated academic or professional discourse, perhaps discussing the 'legal validity of pressured early retirement' or the 'psychological impact of 명예퇴직 on the middle-aged population.' You should be able to navigate the euphemistic nature of the word—how 'honor' is used to mask the harsh reality of corporate downsizing. Your vocabulary should include advanced collocations like '명예퇴직을 단행하다' (to decisively implement early retirement) or '명예퇴직 수당' (early retirement allowance). You should also be able to understand and use the word in creative writing or high-level debate, perhaps critiquing the '치킨집 syndrome' (where retirees all open similar small businesses). At this level, you should also be aware of the 'honorary' status in the public sector vs. the private sector, as the rules and social perceptions differ slightly. You should be able to read complex legal or economic texts that use this term and understand the implications for labor law and social policy. Your understanding of the word should reflect a deep empathy for the 'Generation 586' and others who have navigated the volatile Korean labor market.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, your mastery of '명예퇴직' involves a near-native grasp of its socio-linguistic nuances. You can effortlessly switch between the formal '명예퇴직' and the colloquial '명퇴,' understanding exactly when the latter might sound too cynical or lighthearted. You can engage in high-level sociological discussions about the 'commodification of honor' in the Korean labor market—how the term '명예' has been co-opted by corporate structures to facilitate easier workforce reduction. You should be able to interpret the word's use in literature or cinema, where it often serves as a metaphor for the loss of masculinity or social utility in a neo-liberal economy. You can analyze the irony in the term, perhaps in a satirical essay or a complex business presentation. You should be aware of the most recent trends, such as '명예퇴직' age limits dropping into the 30s in certain industries (like tech or finance), and how this challenges the traditional definition of the word. Your usage should be flawless, including the ability to use it in highly formal administrative contexts or in the most nuanced interpersonal situations where a friend's parent might have 'taken 명퇴.' You understand that '명예퇴직' is a pillar of the 'Korean Dream's' dark side—the point where the promise of stability meets the reality of economic volatility. Your command of the word is not just about definition, but about the decades of cultural baggage, economic pain, and social negotiation that it carries.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

The term 명예퇴직 (Myeong-ye-toejik) is a compound noun that holds significant weight in the Korean corporate world and broader society. To understand its essence, one must look at the two components: 명예 (Myeong-ye) meaning 'honor' or 'prestige,' and 퇴직 (Toejik) meaning 'retirement' or 'leaving a job.' Literally translated as 'honorable retirement,' it refers to a system where an employee voluntarily leaves their position before reaching the official retirement age (정년), usually in exchange for a substantial severance package or financial incentives. While the name suggests a choice made with dignity, the reality is often more complex, frequently occurring during periods of corporate restructuring, economic downturns, or when a company needs to reduce its workforce size quickly.

The Semantic Layer
The use of the word 'honor' is a linguistic cushion. In Korean culture, 'saving face' (체면) is paramount. By labeling a layoff or early exit as 'honorable,' the company allows the employee to maintain a degree of social standing among family and peers, even if the departure was not entirely desired.

Historically, this term became deeply embedded in the Korean lexicon following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis (often called the 'IMF Crisis' in Korea). Before this, 'lifetime employment' was the standard. When mass layoffs became necessary, the government and corporations popularized 명예퇴직 as a way to soften the blow. Today, it is a common headline in financial news when large conglomerates (Chaebols) or banks announce their annual voluntary retirement windows. It is often shortened to 명퇴 (Myeong-toe) in casual conversation and news headlines.

우리 회사는 이번 달부터 40대 이상 직원을 대상으로 명예퇴직을 실시하기로 했다.

(Our company decided to implement voluntary early retirement for employees in their 40s and older starting this month.)

The financial package offered, known as 명퇴금, can range from six months to several years of salary. This money is often used by retirees to start small businesses, like fried chicken shops or cafes—a phenomenon so common it has its own cultural tropes in Korea. However, the psychological impact of leaving the 'identity' of a company man (직장인) is profound, as the workplace is often the primary social circle for Korean adults. Therefore, when you hear someone mention 명예퇴직, it usually carries a mixture of financial relief and existential anxiety.

Cultural Nuance
In Western contexts, this is similar to a 'voluntary buyout' or 'early retirement package.' However, the Korean term emphasizes the 'honor' aspect to protect the individual's reputation, reflecting the high value placed on social hierarchy and professional longevity.

그는 명예퇴직을 하고 받은 퇴직금으로 작은 카페를 차렸다.

(He took early retirement and opened a small cafe with the severance pay he received.)

The word is predominantly used in professional, formal, and news-related contexts. You wouldn't typically use it for a part-time job or a small startup unless it has a structured HR policy. It belongs to the vocabulary of 'Office Life' (직장 생활) and 'Social Issues' (사회 문제). When discussing the economy, the frequency of 명예퇴직 announcements is often cited as a barometer for the health of the corporate sector.

In summary, 명예퇴직 is not just a HR term; it is a mirror reflecting Korea's economic history, the changing nature of loyalty in the workplace, and the cultural priority of maintaining dignity during career transitions. Understanding this word gives you deep insight into the pressures and structures of the Korean middle class.

Using 명예퇴직 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and the verbs it typically pairs with. Since it describes a process or a status, it is most frequently used with verbs of action, implementation, or decision-making. The most common verb is 신청하다 (to apply), as the process is technically voluntary. When a company offers it, we use 실시하다 (to implement/conduct) or 공고하다 (to announce/post a notice).

Common Verb Pairings
1. 명예퇴직을 신청하다: To apply for voluntary early retirement.
2. 명예퇴직을 실시하다: To carry out/implement early retirement programs.
3. 명예퇴직을 당하다: To be forced into 'voluntary' retirement (passive/negative nuance).
4. 명예퇴직을 권고하다: To recommend/suggest early retirement to an employee.

When an employee makes the choice, they might say, '고민 끝에 명예퇴직을 결심했습니다' (After much thought, I decided on voluntary retirement). Here, 결심하다 (to decide/resolve) shows the weight of the decision. Because it involves a significant life change, the sentences often include reasons or future plans, such as '제2의 인생을 위해' (for a second life) or '건강상의 이유로' (for health reasons).

많은 은행원들이 명예퇴직 조건이 좋아지자 대거 신청에 나섰다.

(As the conditions for early retirement improved, many bank employees started applying in large numbers.)

In a corporate setting, the word is often used in the objective third person. For example, '회사는 경영 악화로 인해 명예퇴직 인원을 확정했다' (The company finalized the number of people for early retirement due to worsening management). Notice how the word acts as the object of the sentence. It can also be used as a modifier: 명예퇴직금 (early retirement pay), 명예퇴직자 (early retiree), 명예퇴직제 (early retirement system).

Another important aspect is the social context of the sentence. If someone says '그분은 명예퇴직하셨어요,' it is a polite way to explain why a senior person is no longer at a company. It sounds much more respectful than saying they were fired (해고당하다) or just quit (그만두다). The 'honor' prefix helps maintain the person's dignity in the eyes of the listener.

Sentence Patterns
[Subject] + [명예퇴직] + [을/를] + [Verb: 신청하다/결심하다/수용하다]
[Company] + [명예퇴직] + [을/를] + [Verb: 실시하다/단행하다/유도하다]

정부는 공공기관의 비효율을 줄이기 위해 명예퇴직 제도를 손질하기로 했다.

(The government decided to revamp the early retirement system to reduce inefficiency in public institutions.)

Finally, consider the emotional tone. Sentences about 명예퇴직 can be neutral (business reports), hopeful (starting a new business), or somber (economic crisis). Choosing the right surrounding words like 기회 (opportunity) vs. 압박 (pressure) will define the sentence's true meaning.

If you live in Korea or consume Korean media, 명예퇴직 is a word you will encounter frequently, though in specific environments. It is not a 'daily life' word in the sense of 'coffee' or 'bus,' but it is a 'life stage' word that defines the middle-aged experience. Here are the primary places where this word resonates most strongly.

1. News and Financial Reports
Every year, particularly at the end of the fiscal year or during economic slumps, news anchors will report on '명퇴 바람' (the early retirement wind). You will hear phrases like '금융권 명예퇴직 신청 시작' (Banks begin accepting early retirement applications). It is a standard term in economic journalism to describe labor market shifts.

In K-dramas, especially those focused on office life (like Misaeng, Chief Kim, or On the Verge of Insanity), 명예퇴직 is often used as a major plot device. It represents the ultimate fear of the 'salaryman'—the moment their years of loyalty are traded for a one-time payment. You'll see scenes where a manager is quietly called into a director's office and handed a document, or colleagues whispering in the breakroom about who might be on the 'list.'

드라마에서 부장님이 명예퇴직 통보를 받고 고뇌하는 장면이 나왔다.

(In the drama, there was a scene where the department manager agonized after receiving a notice of early retirement.)

You will also hear this word in family settings, particularly among the 'Baby Boomer' or 'Gen X' generations in Korea. A father might tell his family, '이번에 회사에서 명예퇴직을 받기로 했어' (I've decided to take early retirement from the company this time). In this context, it's a heavy announcement that signals a transition into 'life after work.' It's often followed by discussions about what to do with the severance pay.

In the classroom or academic settings, it is used when discussing labor laws and social welfare. Professors might lecture on the '명예퇴직제도의 명과 암' (The light and dark sides of the early retirement system), debating whether it's a fair exit strategy or a tool for age discrimination. It is a key vocabulary word for anyone studying the Korean economy or sociology.

2. Professional Networking
When people meet after a long time, they might ask, '아직 그 회사 다니세요?' (Are you still at that company?). If the answer is no, the follow-up might be, '혹시 명퇴하셨나요?' (Did you happen to take early retirement?). It is a tactful way to ask about someone's employment status without using harsher terms.

명퇴 후 치킨집을 차리는 것은 한국 사회의 흔한 풍경이 되었다.

(Opening a fried chicken shop after early retirement has become a common sight in Korean society.)

In summary, 명예퇴직 is heard in the intersections of business, family duty, and economic reality. It is a word that vibrates with the anxiety of the middle class and the changing landscape of Korean labor.

For English speakers learning Korean, 명예퇴직 can be tricky because of its specific cultural and legal definitions. The most common mistakes involve confusing it with other types of leaving a job, or misinterpreting the 'honor' (명예) part of the word.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 정년퇴직 (Jeongnyeon-toejik)
This is the most frequent error. 정년퇴직 is retirement because you reached the age limit (usually 60 in Korea). 명예퇴직 is always *before* that age. If you say a 65-year-old '명예퇴직했다,' it sounds strange because they are already past the standard retirement age.

Mistake 2: Thinking it's always truly 'voluntary.' While the dictionary says 'voluntary,' in many cases, companies apply pressure. If you translate 'I was fired' as '나는 명예퇴직했다,' you are technically using a euphemism. However, if there was no severance package and you were just let go for poor performance, you cannot use 명예퇴직. That would be 해고 (haego - firing).

❌ 저는 명예퇴직을 당해서 돈을 하나도 못 받았어요.
✅ 저는 해고를 당해서 돈을 하나도 못 받았어요.

(Correction: 명예퇴직 almost always implies receiving a package. If you got nothing, it's a layoff or firing.)

Mistake 3: Overlooking the 'Honor' (명예) nuance. Some learners think this word means 'retirement with many awards.' While 'honor' is in the name, it's a fixed term. You don't need to have done anything particularly heroic to get it. It's just the name of the HR category. Don't use it to mean 'retired with glory' in a literal sense unless it's within this specific early-exit framework.

Mistake 4: Verb Usage Confusion
Learners often forget that 명예퇴직 is a noun. You must use it with '하다' or '당하다' or '신청하다.' You cannot say '그는 명예퇴직이다' to mean 'He retired early.' You should say '그는 명예퇴직을 했다' or '그는 명예퇴직자이다' (He is an early retiree).

❌ 우리 아버지는 작년에 명예퇴직이었어요.
✅ 우리 아버지는 작년에 명예퇴직을 하셨어요.

(Correct verb usage is essential for natural sounding Korean.)

Mistake 5: Misusing the abbreviation '명퇴.' While common, '명퇴' is informal and slightly blunt. In a formal report or a respectful conversation with a superior, use the full four-syllable word 명예퇴직. Using the abbreviation in a serious context can seem insensitive to the gravity of the situation.

In the Korean professional vocabulary, there are several words related to leaving a job. Knowing the differences between 명예퇴직 and its alternatives is crucial for achieving a B2 or C1 level of proficiency.

명예퇴직 vs. 희망퇴직 (Hwimang-toejik)
In modern usage, these are almost identical. 희망퇴직 literally means 'voluntary retirement' (희망 = hope/desire). While '명예퇴직' sounds a bit more formal and traditional, '희망퇴직' is the term most often used in corporate HR announcements today. If a company is struggling, they 'open a window for 희망퇴직.'

Next, we have 조기퇴직 (Jogi-toejik). This simply means 'early retirement.' It is a more neutral, descriptive term. It doesn't necessarily imply a special severance package or a 'honorary' status. It's just the fact of retiring before the standard age. You might use this if you saved enough money to retire at 40 (like the FIRE movement).

그는 파이어족(FIRE)이 되어 마흔 살에 조기퇴직을 꿈꾼다.

(He dreams of early retirement at forty as a member of the FIRE movement.)

A more sensitive term is 권고사직 (Gwongo-sajik), which means 'resignation by recommendation.' This is a step closer to being fired. The company 'recommends' that you resign. Unlike 명예퇴직, which is often a broad program for many employees, 권고사직 is often directed at specific individuals. It carries a more negative social stigma.

Comparison Table
  • 명예퇴직: Early exit + Honor nuance + Severance package.
  • 정년퇴직: Natural exit at age limit (60+).
  • 해고 (Firing): Forced exit, usually due to performance or company crisis, often no extra package.
  • 사직 (Resignation): Quitting by one's own choice for any reason.

In some contexts, you might hear 의원면직 (Uiwon-myeonjik), which is a formal/legal term used in the civil service or military for 'resignation at one's own request.' It is very formal and rarely used in everyday conversation. For public officials, 명예퇴직 also exists but has very specific legal requirements regarding years of service (usually 20+ years).

Finally, consider the phrase 구조조정 (Gujo-jojeong), which means 'restructuring.' While not a synonym for retirement, it is the *cause* of most 명예퇴직. You will often hear them together: '구조조정의 일환으로 명예퇴직을 실시하다' (To implement early retirement as part of restructuring).

회사는 경영난을 타개하기 위해 구조조정과 명예퇴직을 동시에 진행했다.

(The company proceeded with restructuring and early retirement simultaneously to overcome management difficulties.)
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

아버지는 명예퇴직을 했어요.

Father took early retirement.

명예퇴직 (noun) + 을 (object particle) + 했어요 (did/took).

2

명예퇴직은 무엇입니까?

What is early retirement?

Noun + 은 (topic particle) + 무엇입니까 (what is it? - formal).

3

그는 명예퇴직을 신청해요.

He applies for early retirement.

신청해요 comes from 신청하다 (to apply).

4

회사가 명예퇴직을 해요.

The company does early retirement.

Simple Subject + Object + Verb structure.

5

돈을 많이 받아요.

They receive a lot of money.

Refers to the severance pay associated with 명예퇴직.

6

집에서 쉬어요.

They rest at home.

A common result after retiring.

7

슬퍼하지 마세요.

Please don't be sad.

Imperative negative form -지 마세요.

8

새로운 시작이에요.

It is a new beginning.

Noun + 이에요 (it is).

1

우리 삼촌은 작년에 명예퇴직을 하셨습니다.

My uncle took early retirement last year.

Use of honorific -시- in 하셨습니다 for an older relative.

2

명예퇴직을 하면 퇴직금을 받아요.

If you take early retirement, you get severance pay.

-(으)면 (if/when) conditional connector.

3

그는 명예퇴직 후에 카페를 열고 싶어 해요.

He wants to open a cafe after early retirement.

후에 (after) and -고 싶어 하다 (someone else wants to).

4

회사가 어려워서 명예퇴직을 실시해요.

The company is having a hard time, so they are implementing early retirement.

-아서/어서 (reason/cause) connector.

5

명예퇴직자가 아주 많아요.

There are many early retirees.

명예퇴직자 (early retiree) = noun + 자 (person).

6

그는 명예퇴직을 결정하기 힘들었어요.

It was hard for him to decide on early retirement.

-기 힘들다 (to be difficult to do something).

7

부장님이 명예퇴직을 하신대요.

I heard the department manager is taking early retirement.

-ㄴ대요 (indirect quotation/hearsay).

8

명예퇴직은 좋은 기회일 수도 있어요.

Early retirement might be a good opportunity.

-ㄹ 수도 있다 (might/could be).

1

경제 위기 때문에 많은 사람들이 명예퇴직을 신청했습니다.

Many people applied for early retirement because of the economic crisis.

때문에 (because of) used with a noun.

2

명예퇴직을 할지 계속 다닐지 고민 중이에요.

I am debating whether to take early retirement or keep going.

-ㄹ지 ... -ㄹ지 (whether... or) structure.

3

그는 명예퇴직금으로 빚을 모두 갚았어요.

He paid off all his debts with the early retirement pay.

명예퇴직금 (early retirement allowance/pay).

4

요즘은 40대에도 명예퇴직을 하는 경우가 많습니다.

These days, there are many cases of taking early retirement even in one's 40s.

-는 경우 (cases of/instances where).

5

회사는 명예퇴직 조건으로 2년 치 연봉을 제시했다.

The company offered two years' salary as a condition for early retirement.

제시하다 (to suggest/propose/offer).

6

명예퇴직을 거부하면 다른 부서로 발령이 날 수도 있다.

If you refuse early retirement, you might be transferred to another department.

거부하다 (to refuse) and 발령이 나다 (to be transferred/assigned).

7

그녀는 명예퇴직을 제2의 인생을 시작하는 기회로 삼았다.

She took early retirement as an opportunity to start her second life.

A를 B로 삼다 (to take/regard A as B).

8

명예퇴직 바람이 금융권 전체로 확산되고 있다.

The 'wind' of early retirement is spreading through the entire financial sector.

바람 (wind/trend) and 확산되다 (to spread).

1

정부는 공공기관의 효율성을 높이기 위해 명예퇴직을 장려하고 있다.

The government is encouraging early retirement to increase the efficiency of public institutions.

-기 위해 (in order to) and 장려하다 (to encourage).

2

명예퇴직은 겉으로는 자발적이지만 실제로는 강요되는 경우가 허다하다.

Early retirement is voluntary on the surface, but in reality, it is often forced.

겉으로는 (on the surface) vs. 실제로는 (in reality).

3

그는 명예퇴직을 한 뒤에 전문 기술을 배우기 위해 학원에 등록했다.

After taking early retirement, he enrolled in an academy to learn professional skills.

-ㄴ 뒤에 (after doing) and 등록하다 (to register/enroll).

4

명예퇴직 제도가 도입된 이후 평생직장의 개념이 사라지기 시작했다.

Since the introduction of the early retirement system, the concept of a 'job for life' began to disappear.

도입되다 (to be introduced) and 평생직장 (lifetime workplace).

5

많은 중장년층이 명예퇴직 후의 생계 대책 마련에 부심하고 있다.

Many middle-aged people are struggling to prepare livelihood measures after early retirement.

중장년층 (middle-aged and elderly) and 부심하다 (to work hard/struggle with a problem).

6

회사는 명예퇴직 대상자를 선정하는 기준을 엄격하게 적용했다.

The company strictly applied the criteria for selecting candidates for early retirement.

대상자 (target person/candidate) and 선정하다 (to select).

7

명예퇴직을 택한 직원들에게는 전직 지원 프로그램이 제공되었다.

Job transition support programs were provided to employees who chose early retirement.

전직 (changing jobs) and 제공되다 (to be provided).

8

그는 명예퇴직을 당당하게 받아들이고 새로운 도전에 나섰다.

He accepted early retirement with dignity and embarked on a new challenge.

당당하게 (with dignity/confidently) and 나서다 (to step forward/embark).

1

명예퇴직은 기업 측면에서는 인건비 절감의 수단이지만, 노동자에게는 고용 불안의 상징이다.

From the company's perspective, early retirement is a means of reducing labor costs, but for workers, it is a symbol of job insecurity.

측면 (perspective/aspect) and 인건비 절감 (labor cost reduction).

2

최근 대기업들을 중심으로 명예퇴직의 연령대가 급격히 낮아지는 추세다.

Recently, there is a trend where the age range for early retirement is rapidly dropping, centered around large corporations.

중심으로 (centering on) and 추세 (trend).

3

명예퇴직을 둘러싼 노사 간의 갈등이 법정 싸움으로 번지는 경우도 적지 않다.

It is not uncommon for conflicts between labor and management surrounding early retirement to escalate into legal battles.

둘러싼 (surrounding) and 번지다 (to spread/escalate).

4

전문가들은 명예퇴직자들을 위한 체계적인 재취업 교육의 필요성을 강조한다.

Experts emphasize the need for systematic re-employment education for early retirees.

체계적인 (systematic) and 재취업 (re-employment).

5

명예퇴직이라는 미명 아래 사실상의 강제 해고가 이루어지고 있다는 비판이 거세다.

There is strong criticism that de facto forced layoffs are taking place under the pretext of early retirement.

미명 아래 (under the pretext/name of) and 거세다 (to be fierce/strong).

6

그는 명예퇴직을 통해 얻은 경제적 여유를 바탕으로 사회 공헌 활동에 전념하고 있다.

Based on the financial leeway gained through early retirement, he is devoting himself to social contribution activities.

바탕으로 (based on) and 전념하다 (to devote oneself to).

7

명예퇴직은 한국의 가부장적 사회 구조에서 가장의 권위가 흔들리는 계기가 되기도 한다.

In Korea's patriarchal social structure, early retirement sometimes serves as a catalyst for the shaking of the patriarch's authority.

가부장적 (patriarchal) and 계기 (opportunity/catalyst).

8

기업들은 명예퇴직을 단행하기에 앞서 충분한 보상과 전직 지원을 약속해야 한다.

Companies must promise sufficient compensation and job transition support before implementing early retirement.

-기에 앞서 (prior to doing) and 단행하다 (to carry out decisively).

1

명예퇴직이라는 완곡어법은 노동 시장의 유연화라는 미명 하에 자행되는 구조적 폭력을 은폐하는 기능을 수행한다.

The euphemism 'honorable retirement' functions to conceal the structural violence perpetrated under the guise of labor market flexibility.

완곡어법 (euphemism) and 은폐하다 (to conceal/cover up).

2

전후 고도성장기를 이끌었던 세대에게 명예퇴직은 단순한 실직 이상의 실존적 상실감을 안겨준다.

For the generation that led the post-war high-growth period, early retirement brings an existential sense of loss that goes beyond simple unemployment.

고도성장기 (high-growth period) and 실존적 (existential).

3

사측이 명예퇴직을 유도하기 위해 대상자에게 모멸감을 주는 행위는 법적으로 엄격히 금지되어야 마땅하다.

It is only right that acts by management to humiliate candidates to induce early retirement be strictly prohibited by law.

모멸감을 주다 (to humiliate) and -어야 마땅하다 (it is only right that...).

4

명예퇴직은 숙련된 노동력의 조기 퇴출이라는 측면에서 국가 경제적 손실로 이어질 개연성이 농후하다.

Early retirement is highly likely to lead to national economic losses in terms of the early exit of skilled labor.

개연성이 농후하다 (to be highly probable) and 퇴출 (exit/ouster).

5

현대 한국 사회에서 명예퇴직은 '평생 직장'이라는 환상이 종언을 고했음을 알리는 서글픈 신호탄이다.

In modern Korean society, early retirement is a sad signal announcing the end of the illusion of a 'lifetime workplace.'

종언을 고하다 (to announce the end) and 신호탄 (signal flare).

6

명예퇴직자들이 겪는 심리적 박탈감은 종종 우울증이나 사회적 고립으로 이어져 심각한 사회적 비용을 초래한다.

The psychological deprivation experienced by early retirees often leads to depression or social isolation, resulting in significant social costs.

박탈감 (sense of deprivation) and 초래하다 (to bring about/result in).

7

명예퇴직 제도의 오남용을 방지하기 위해서는 노동조합의 감시와 견제 기능이 그 어느 때보다 중요하다.

To prevent the misuse and abuse of the early retirement system, the monitoring and checking functions of labor unions are more important than ever.

오남용 (misuse and abuse) and 견제 (check/balance).

8

명예퇴직은 단순히 일자리를 잃는 것이 아니라, 사회적 관계망으로부터의 단절을 의미한다는 점을 간과해서는 안 된다.

We must not overlook the fact that early retirement does not just mean losing a job, but signifies a severance from social networks.

간과하다 (to overlook) and 관계망 (network).

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!