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전기세

A2 noun #5,500 most common 8 min read

전기세

jeongise Top 5,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 전기세 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 전기세 in your Level:

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

전기세 in 30 Seconds

Electricity bill: the cost of power used.
Monthly payment for electricity consumption.
The charge for electricity usage.
The amount due for your power.

Definition: The Korean word '전기세' (jeon-gi-se) directly translates to 'electricity bill' or 'charge for electricity consumption'. It's the cost you have to pay to your electricity provider for the power you've used in your home or at your workplace. This is a very common and practical term used in everyday life in Korea, just like 'utility bill' or 'electricity cost' in English.
Usage: You'll hear '전기세' used in various situations related to household expenses and managing your budget. For instance, when discussing monthly bills, paying for utilities, or even when considering ways to save money on household expenses. It's a term that's part of the essential vocabulary for anyone living in or managing a household in Korea. People often talk about whether the '전기세' is high or low, especially during seasons with extreme temperatures when air conditioning or heating use significantly increases electricity consumption. It's also a common topic when people move into a new place, as they need to understand the typical '전기세' for that location and how to set up billing. Furthermore, discussions about energy conservation often revolve around reducing the '전기세' by adopting more efficient habits or using energy-saving appliances. The term is straightforward and universally understood by Korean speakers in the context of paying for power.

이번 달 전기세가 너무 많이 나왔어요.

This month's electricity bill came out too high.

여름철에는 에어컨 때문에 전기세가 많이 나와요.

In the summer, the electricity bill is high because of the air conditioner.

Breakdown: '전기' (jeon-gi) means 'electricity'. '세' (se) is a Sino-Korean character that means 'tax', 'fee', or 'bill'. Together, they form '전기세', the cost of electricity.

Basic Structure: The most common way to use '전기세' is as a noun in a sentence, often as the subject or object. You might talk about paying it, receiving it, or its amount.

매달 전기세를 내야 해요.

I have to pay the electricity bill every month.

Asking about the Bill: You can ask questions about the electricity bill's amount or due date.

이번 달 전기세는 얼마예요?

How much is this month's electricity bill?

Discussing High Bills: It's common to complain or comment when the electricity bill is unexpectedly high.

날씨가 더워서 전기세 폭탄 맞았어요.

The weather was hot, so I got hit with an electricity bill bomb (a very high bill).

Saving Money: People often talk about ways to reduce their electricity costs.

대기전력을 차단해서 전기세를 아껴야겠어요.

I should save on the electricity bill by blocking standby power.

Household Conversations: This is a word that frequently comes up in everyday conversations within families or among roommates. When the monthly bills arrive, discussions about the '전기세' are almost inevitable. For example, a parent might ask their child, "이번 달 전기세 얼마나 나왔니?" (How much was this month's electricity bill?). Or roommates might discuss how to split the cost: "우리 전기세 어떻게 나눌까?" (How should we divide the electricity bill?).

엄마, 이번 달 전기세 영수증 어디 있어요?

Mom, where is this month's electricity bill receipt?

Financial Discussions: When people are budgeting or discussing their monthly expenses, '전기세' is a standard item. You might hear someone say, "이번 달 고정 지출이 많아서 전기세라도 아껴야겠어요." (This month, fixed expenses are high, so I need to save on the electricity bill at least.) This highlights its role as a controllable variable expense that people try to manage.

예산을 초과하지 않으려면 전기세를 줄이는 것이 중요해요.

To avoid exceeding the budget, it's important to reduce the electricity bill.

News and Media: News reports about energy prices, government policies on electricity, or seasonal energy consumption trends will often use '전기세'. For example, a news headline might read, "정부, 전기세 인상 가능성 시사" (Government hints at possibility of electricity bill increase). This shows its relevance in broader economic discussions.

올해 여름은 폭염으로 인해 전기세 부담이 클 것으로 예상됩니다.

This summer, the burden of electricity bills is expected to be large due to heatwaves.

Confusing with '전기료' (Jeon-gi-ryo): While '전기세' and '전기료' are very similar and often used interchangeably, '전기료' is slightly more formal and literally means 'electricity charge' or 'electricity fee'. '전기세' is more colloquial and directly implies the 'bill' you have to pay. In most everyday situations, using either is fine, but '전기세' is more common in casual conversation about household expenses. A learner might mistakenly use '전기세' in a very formal financial report where '전기료' would be more appropriate, or vice versa.

Mistake: 이번 달 전기세가 얼마나 나왔어요? (Too informal for a written report)
Correct: 이번 달 전기료는 얼마가 나왔습니까? (More formal)

Using it for 'electricity' itself: '전기세' specifically refers to the cost or bill, not the electricity itself. A beginner might mistakenly say something like, "이것은 전기세예요." (This is electricity bill.) when they mean to say "이것은 전기예요." (This is electricity.). The word for electricity is simply '전기' (jeon-gi).

Mistake: 벽에 있는 전기세는 뭐예요? (Asking about the electricity itself)
Correct: 벽에 있는 전기는 뭐예요? (Asking about the electricity)

Overusing '세' (Se): While '세' means tax or fee and is part of '전기세', it's not a standalone word that can be attached to any noun to create a bill. For example, you cannot say '물세' (mul-se) for water bill; the correct term is '수도세' (su-do-se) or '수도 요금' (su-do yo-geum). Beginners might try to generalize the pattern too broadly. '세' is commonly used in '세금' (se-geum - tax), '건강보험료' (geon-gang-bo-heom-ryo - health insurance premium), and other specific terms, but not as a general suffix for all bills.

전기료 (Jeon-gi-ryo): Meaning: Electricity charge, electricity fee. This is a very close synonym to '전기세' and is often used interchangeably. '료' (ryo) is another Sino-Korean character that means 'fee' or 'charge'.; Usage Comparison: '전기세' is generally more colloquial and frequently used in everyday conversation when referring to the actual bill amount. '전기료' can sound slightly more formal and is often used in official documents, price lists, or when discussing electricity rates in a more technical sense. For example, you might see '전기료 누진제' (jeon-gi-ryo nu-jin-je - progressive electricity rate system) in official documents, while at home you'd say "이번 달 전기세가 너무 많이 나왔어." (This month's electricity bill came out too high.)

공과금 (Gong-gwa-geum): Meaning: Utility charges, public utility fees. This is a broader term that encompasses all household utility bills.; Usage Comparison: '공과금' is a collective noun. '전기세' is a specific type of '공과금'. So, your electricity bill ('전기세') is a part of your total utility charges ('공과금'). You would use '공과금' when referring to all your bills together, like '공과금 납부' (gong-gwa-geum nap-bu - paying utility bills). If you're specifically talking about electricity, you would use '전기세' or '전기료'.

생활비 (Saeng-hwal-bi): Meaning: Living expenses, cost of living.; Usage Comparison: '생활비' is a very general term for all the money spent on daily necessities and living. '전기세' is a component of '생활비'. When discussing your overall budget or how much money you need to live, you might mention '생활비'. But if you're itemizing expenses, you'd break down '생활비' into categories like '월세' (rent), '식비' (food expenses), and '전기세' (electricity bill).

요금 (Yo-geum): Meaning: Fee, charge, fare. This is a general term for any kind of charge for a service.; Usage Comparison: '요금' is a very general suffix used in many contexts. For electricity, '전기 요금' (jeon-gi yo-geum) is another correct and formal term, similar to '전기료'. You'll also hear it for other services, like '통신 요금' (tong-sin yo-geum - communication fee/bill, e.g., phone bill), '교통 요금' (gyo-tong yo-geum - transportation fare). So, '전기세' is a specific instance of a '요금'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '세' (se) is used in many words related to taxes and fees, such as '세금' (se-geum - tax), '재산세' (jae-san-se - property tax), and '소득세' (so-deuk-se - income tax). Its presence in '전기세' clearly indicates it's a charge or a form of tax for using electricity.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d͡ʑʌn.ɡi.se/

US /d͡ʑʌn.ɡi.se/

Evenly stressed, or slight emphasis on the first syllable '전'.

Rhymes With

돈세 (don-se - money tax/fee) 간세 (gan-se - tax on goods/services) 인세 (in-se - royalties) 원세 (won-se - rent, though more commonly '월세') 세금세 (se-geum-se - tax on tax, not a real word but for rhyme) 구세 (gu-se - old tax) 신세 (sin-se - one's lot/situation, rhymes) 지세 (ji-se - land tax)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '기' (gi) too hard, making it sound like 'key'.
Adding an extra 'g' sound to '세' (se), making it sound like 'gse'.
Not clearly distinguishing the vowel sounds in '전' (jeon).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word '전기세' is a common noun related to everyday life. Understanding its meaning is straightforward for learners at the A2 level. Reading it in sentences related to household expenses or bills is generally easy.

Writing 2/5

Speaking 2/5

Listening 2/5

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

전기 (electricity) 세금 (tax) 내다 (to pay) 많다 (to be many/much) 적다 (to be few/little) 계산하다 (to calculate)

Learn Next

공과금 (utility charges) 수도세 (water bill) 가스비 (gas bill) 절약하다 (to save) 누진세 (progressive tax)

Advanced

에너지 효율 (energy efficiency) 지속 가능한 에너지 (sustainable energy) 탄소 배출권 (carbon emission rights) 전력 시장 (electricity market)

Grammar to Know

Using particles 은/는 and 이/가 with nouns.

이번 달 전기세는 얼마예요? (This month's electricity bill - '는' marks the topic). 전기세가 많이 나왔어요. (The electricity bill came out high - '가' marks the subject).

Expressing cause and effect with '-때문에' (because of).

날씨가 더워서 전기세가 많이 나왔어요. (Because the weather is hot, the electricity bill came out high.)

Using '-기 위해' or '-려고' to express purpose (in order to).

전기세를 아끼기 위해 노력해요. (I try in order to save on the electricity bill.)

Using '-면 안 돼요' (must not / should not).

전기세 납부일을 놓치면 안 돼요. (You must not miss the electricity bill due date.)

Using '-게 하다' or '-도록 하다' to indicate causing something to happen or making an effort.

에어컨 사용 시간을 줄이도록 노력해요. (I try to reduce air conditioner usage time.) - This indirectly relates to managing '전기세'.

Examples by Level

이번 달 전기세는 얼마예요?

This month's electricity bill is how much?

Basic question structure asking for the amount of the bill.

전기세 내는 날을 잊지 마세요.

Electricity bill paying day don't forget.

Imperative sentence using '잊지 마세요' (don't forget).

전기세가 너무 많이 나왔어요.

Electricity bill too much came out.

Expressing a high amount using '너무 많이 나왔어요'.

겨울에는 전기세가 더 많이 나와요.

In winter, electricity bill comes out more.

Comparing amounts across seasons.

전기세를 아끼기 위해 노력해요.

Electricity bill to save effort.

Using '-기 위해' (in order to) to express purpose.

전기세 고지서가 도착했어요.

Electricity bill notice arrived.

Using '고지서' (notice/bill) and '도착했어요' (arrived).

전기세 연체하면 안 돼요.

Electricity bill if overdue must not do.

Expressing prohibition using '-면 안 돼요' (must not).

우리 집 전기세는 보통 얼마 정도 나와요?

Our house's electricity bill usually how much comes out?

Asking about a typical amount for a household.

전기세를 절약하기 위해 사용하지 않는 플러그는 뽑아두는 습관을 들였습니다.

Electricity bill to save, not using plugs pull out habit made.

Using '-기 위해' (in order to) and '-는 습관을 들이다' (to form a habit).

이번 달 전기세가 예상보다 훨씬 많이 나와서 당황스러웠습니다.

This month's electricity bill, from expectation much came out, so was bewildered.

Using '예상보다' (than expected) and '훨씬' (much) to emphasize the difference.

정부에서 전기세 인하 정책을 발표했습니다.

Government electricity bill reduction policy announced.

Using '인하 정책' (reduction policy) and '발표했습니다' (announced).

에어컨을 너무 많이 사용하면 전기세 폭탄을 맞을 수 있습니다.

Air conditioner too much if use, electricity bill bomb can be hit.

Using the idiom '전기세 폭탄을 맞다' (to get hit with an electricity bill bomb).

전기세를 자동이체로 설정하면 편리합니다.

Electricity bill automatic transfer set if convenient.

Using '자동이체' (automatic transfer) and '-로 설정하다' (to set as).

누진세 때문에 여름철 전기세 부담이 큽니다.

Due to progressive tax, summer electricity bill burden is big.

Mentioning '누진세' (progressive tax) which affects electricity bills.

전기세 절감을 위해 LED 조명으로 교체했습니다.

Electricity bill reduction for LED lights with replaced.

Using '절감' (reduction) and '교체하다' (to replace).

전기세 영수증은 잘 보관해야 합니다.

Electricity bill receipt must keep well.

Using '영수증' (receipt) and '잘 보관하다' (to keep well).

에너지 효율 등급이 높은 가전제품을 사용하면 장기적으로 전기세 절감 효과를 볼 수 있습니다.

Energy efficiency rating high home appliances if use, long-term electricity bill saving effect can see.

Using '에너지 효율 등급' (energy efficiency rating), '가전제품' (home appliances), and '장기적으로' (in the long term).

전기세 납부 마감일을 놓치지 않도록 미리 알림 설정을 해두는 것이 좋습니다.

Electricity bill payment deadline not to miss, beforehand reminder setting doing is good.

Using '납부 마감일' (payment deadline) and '알림 설정' (reminder setting).

최근 국제 유가 상승으로 인해 전기세 인상 가능성이 제기되고 있습니다.

Recently international oil price rise due to, electricity bill increase possibility is being raised.

Using '국제 유가 상승' (international oil price rise) and '인상 가능성' (possibility of increase).

친환경 에너지 사용을 장려하기 위한 전기세 감면 혜택에 대한 논의가 활발합니다.

Eco-friendly energy usage to encourage, electricity bill reduction benefits about discussion is active.

Using '친환경 에너지' (eco-friendly energy), '감면 혜택' (reduction benefits), and '논의가 활발합니다' (discussion is active).

전기세를 절약하기 위한 시민들의 자발적인 참여가 중요합니다.

Electricity bill to save for citizens' voluntary participation is important.

Using '시민들의 자발적인 참여' (citizens' voluntary participation).

전기세 납부 방식에 대한 고객들의 문의가 증가하고 있습니다.

Electricity bill payment methods about customers' inquiries are increasing.

Using '납부 방식' (payment method) and '문의가 증가하고 있습니다' (inquiries are increasing).

전기 사용량에 따라 전기세가 누진적으로 부과되는 구조에 대한 이해가 필요합니다.

Electricity usage amount according to, electricity bill progressively imposed structure about understanding is needed.

Using '누진적으로 부과되다' (to be imposed progressively) and '구조' (structure).

전기세 절감을 위해 스마트 그리드 기술 도입을 검토 중입니다.

Electricity bill reduction for smart grid technology introduction is under review.

Using '스마트 그리드 기술' (smart grid technology) and '검토 중입니다' (is under review).

지속 가능한 에너지 소비를 위해서는 전기세 산정 방식의 투명성과 공정성이 확보되어야 합니다.

Sustainable energy consumption for, electricity bill calculation method's transparency and fairness must be secured.

Using '지속 가능한' (sustainable), '산정 방식' (calculation method), '투명성' (transparency), '공정성' (fairness), and '확보되어야 합니다' (must be secured).

전기세 누진 구간 조정에 대한 사회적 합의 도출이 시급한 과제로 대두되고 있습니다.

Electricity bill progressive bracket adjustment about social consensus derivation urgent task as is emerging.

Using '누진 구간 조정' (progressive bracket adjustment), '사회적 합의 도출' (derivation of social consensus), and '시급한 과제' (urgent task).

신재생 에너지 발전 비율이 증가함에 따라 기존의 전기세 체계에 대한 재검토가 필요하다는 주장이 제기되고 있습니다.

New renewable energy generation ratio increasing as, existing electricity bill system about re-examination is needed argument is being raised.

Using '신재생 에너지' (new renewable energy), '발전 비율' (generation ratio), '체계' (system), and '재검토' (re-examination).

전기세 절감을 위한 개인의 노력만으로는 한계가 있으며, 정부의 적극적인 정책 지원이 병행되어야 합니다.

Electricity bill reduction for individual efforts alone has limits, government's active policy support must be done in parallel.

Using '개인의 노력만으로는 한계가 있다' (there are limits with only individual efforts) and '병행되어야 합니다' (must be done in parallel).

국제 에너지 시장 변동성이 전기세에 미치는 영향을 분석하는 연구가 진행 중입니다.

International energy market volatility electricity bill on impacting effect analyzing research is underway.

Using '국제 에너지 시장 변동성' (international energy market volatility) and '영향을 분석하다' (to analyze the impact).

전기세 부과 기준의 합리성을 높이기 위한 제도 개선이 요구되고 있습니다.

Electricity bill imposition standard's rationality to increase, system improvement is being demanded.

Using '부과 기준' (imposition standard), '합리성' (rationality), and '제도 개선' (system improvement).

미래 사회의 에너지 수요 증가에 대비하여 전기세 정책의 장기적인 로드맵 수립이 필요합니다.

Future society's energy demand increase in preparation for, electricity bill policy's long-term roadmap establishment is needed.

Using '미래 사회' (future society), '에너지 수요 증가' (energy demand increase), and '로드맵 수립' (roadmap establishment).

전기세 부담 완화를 위해 에너지 바우처 제도의 확대 적용 방안을 검토하고 있습니다.

Electricity bill burden easing for, energy voucher system's expanded application methods are being reviewed.

Using '부담 완화' (burden easing) and '확대 적용 방안' (expanded application methods).

전기세 체계 개편은 단순히 요금 조정에 그치는 것이 아니라, 에너지 전환 정책의 성공을 좌우하는 핵심적인 요소입니다.

Electricity bill system reform simply fee adjustment not just stopping at, energy transition policy's success hinges on key element.

Using '체계 개편' (system reform), '요금 조정' (fee adjustment), '에너지 전환 정책' (energy transition policy), and '좌우하는 핵심적인 요소' (a key element that determines/influences).

전기세 부과에 있어 형평성과 효율성을 동시에 달성하기 위한 다각적인 접근이 요구됩니다.

Electricity bill imposition in, equity and efficiency simultaneously achieving for multifaceted approach is required.

Using '형평성' (equity/fairness), '효율성' (efficiency), and '다각적인 접근' (multifaceted approach).

전기세 관련 법규의 복잡성과 해석의 다양성은 정책 집행에 있어 상당한 난맥상을 야기할 수 있습니다.

Electricity bill related laws' complexity and interpretation's diversity, policy implementation in significant complications can cause.

Using '관련 법규' (related laws), '복잡성' (complexity), '해석의 다양성' (diversity of interpretation), and '난맥상' (complications/tangle).

탈탄소 사회로의 이행 과정에서 전기세는 에너지 소비 행태를 유도하는 중요한 정책 수단으로 기능할 것입니다.

De-carbonized society towards transition process in, electricity bill energy consumption behavior guiding important policy instrument as will function.

Using '탈탄소 사회' (de-carbonized society), '이행 과정' (transition process), '에너지 소비 행태' (energy consumption behavior), and '정책 수단' (policy instrument).

전기세 산정의 투명성을 제고하고 이해관계자들의 참여를 확대하는 거버넌스 구축이 시급합니다.

Electricity bill calculation's transparency improving and stakeholders' participation expanding governance establishment is urgent.

Using '투명성 제고' (enhancing transparency), '이해관계자' (stakeholder), and '거버넌스 구축' (governance establishment).

전기세의 사회경제적 파급 효과를 고려한 균형 잡힌 정책 설계가 필수적입니다.

Electricity bill's socio-economic ripple effects considering balanced policy design is essential.

Using '사회경제적 파급 효과' (socio-economic ripple effect) and '균형 잡힌 정책 설계' (balanced policy design).

전기세 제도의 지속 가능성과 공공성을 담보하기 위한 중장기적 관점에서의 접근이 요구됩니다.

Electricity bill system's sustainability and publicness to guarantee, medium-to-long-term perspective from approach is required.

Using '지속 가능성' (sustainability), '공공성' (publicness), '담보하다' (to guarantee), and '중장기적 관점' (medium-to-long-term perspective).

전기세 정책이 에너지 빈곤층에게 미치는 영향을 최소화하기 위한 보완책 마련이 시급합니다.

Electricity bill policy energy poor class to impacts minimizing for, supplementary measures preparation is urgent.

Using '에너지 빈곤층' (energy poor class), '최소화하다' (to minimize), and '보완책 마련' (preparation of supplementary measures).

Common Collocations

전기세 내다

전기세가 나오다

전기세가 많다/적다

전기세 고지서

전기세 폭탄

전기세 절약

전기세 부담

전기세 카드 결제

전기세 할인

전기세 인상

Common Phrases

이번 달 전기세가 얼마나 나왔어요?

— How much was this month's electricity bill?

This is a common question asked when discussing household expenses at the end of the billing cycle.

전기세를 아껴야 해요.

— We need to save on the electricity bill.

This phrase is used when discussing ways to reduce electricity consumption and, consequently, the cost.

전기세 폭탄 맞았어요.

— I got hit with a huge electricity bill.

This is an informal and common idiom used to express shock at a surprisingly high electricity bill.

전기세 납부일이 언제예요?

— When is the electricity bill due date?

This question is asked to ensure timely payment and avoid late fees.

전기세가 너무 비싸요.

— The electricity bill is too expensive.

This is a common complaint or observation when the cost of electricity is perceived as high.

전기세 절약 방법 좀 알려주세요.

— Please tell me some ways to save on electricity bills.

This is a request for advice on energy-saving tips.

전기세 때문에 난방을 줄였어요.

— I reduced heating because of the electricity bill.

This shows a direct correlation between the cost of electricity and behavioral changes.

전기세 영수증 있어요?

— Do you have the electricity bill receipt?

This is a practical question when needing proof of payment or for record-keeping.

전기세 자동이체 신청했어요.

— I applied for automatic payment of the electricity bill.

This indicates a decision to simplify bill payments.

전기세 누진제가 너무 부담스러워요.

— The progressive electricity rate system is too burdensome.

This refers to a common concern about tiered pricing structures for electricity.

Often Confused With

전기세 vs 전기료

'전기료' (jeon-gi-ryo) is a very close synonym meaning 'electricity charge' or 'electricity fee'. While often used interchangeably, '전기세' is slightly more colloquial and implies the bill one has to pay, whereas '전기료' can be more formal and technical, referring to the rate or charge itself.

전기세 vs 전기

'전기' (jeon-gi) simply means 'electricity'. '전기세' specifically refers to the bill or cost associated with using electricity, not electricity itself.

전기세 vs 공과금

'공과금' (gong-gwa-geum) is a broader term for 'utility charges', encompassing electricity, water, gas, etc. '전기세' is a specific type of '공과금'.

Idioms & Expressions

"전기세 폭탄을 맞다"

— To receive an unexpectedly very high electricity bill, often due to excessive usage or seasonal factors.

여름철 에어컨 사용으로 인해 전기세 폭탄을 맞았다는 사람들이 많아요. (Many people say they were hit with an electricity bill bomb due to using the air conditioner extensively in summer.)

Informal

"전기세가 줄줄이 나오다"

— To have multiple electricity bills arrive one after another, or to have a consistently high electricity bill over several periods.

이번 달은 물론 다음 달까지 전기세가 줄줄이 나올 것 같아 걱정이에요. (I'm worried because it seems like electricity bills will keep coming one after another, not just this month but also next month.)

Informal

"전기세 걱정"

— To worry about the cost of electricity or the upcoming bill.

겨울만 되면 전기세 걱정이 앞서요. (Every winter, worries about the electricity bill come first.)

Neutral

"전기세도 아껴야지"

— One should also save on the electricity bill (implies a general need for frugality).

외식비도 많이 들었으니, 전기세도 아껴야지. (Since dining out expenses were also high, we should also save on the electricity bill.)

Informal

"전기세 낼 돈이 없다"

— To not have the money to pay the electricity bill.

이번 달에는 월급이 늦어져서 전기세 낼 돈이 없어요. (My salary is late this month, so I don't have money to pay the electricity bill.)

Informal

"전기세 때문에 난방을 줄이다"

— To reduce heating usage specifically because of the high cost of electricity.

전기세 때문에 보일러를 거의 안 틀고 지냈어요. (Because of the electricity bill, I barely turned on the boiler.)

Neutral

"전기세 절약 운동"

— A campaign or movement focused on saving electricity.

아파트 단지에서 전기세 절약 운동을 벌이고 있습니다. (The apartment complex is running an electricity bill saving campaign.)

Neutral

"전기세 정산"

— To settle or pay off the electricity bill.

이사 갈 때까지 모든 전기세 정산을 마쳐야 합니다. (All electricity bills must be settled before moving out.)

Neutral

"전기세 누진 구간"

— The tiered brackets for electricity billing, where rates increase with higher consumption.

여름에는 전기세 누진 구간을 넘지 않도록 에어컨 사용 시간을 조절해야 해요. (In summer, you need to adjust air conditioner usage time so as not to exceed the progressive electricity bill bracket.)

Neutral

"전기세 영수증"

— The receipt for an electricity bill payment.

전기세 영수증을 잘 챙겨두세요. (Keep the electricity bill receipt safe.)

Neutral

Easily Confused

전기세 vs 전기료

Both words refer to the cost of electricity and are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation.

'전기세' is generally more colloquial and emphasizes the 'bill' or the amount to be paid. '전기료' is slightly more formal and can refer to the 'charge' or 'rate' itself. In most daily contexts, they are understood to mean the same thing, but '전기료' might be preferred in official documents or technical discussions.

Casual: 이번 달 전기세 얼마나 나왔어? Formal: 이번 달 전기료는 전월 대비 5% 상승했습니다.

전기세 vs 전기

The first part of '전기세' is '전기' (electricity), leading learners to sometimes use '전기세' when they simply mean 'electricity'.

'전기' refers to the actual power or energy. '전기세' refers to the monetary cost or bill for using that electricity. You use electricity, and you pay the electricity bill.

Mistake: 이 불은 전기세로 켜져요. (This light is turned on by the electricity bill.) Correct: 이 불은 전기로 켜져요. (This light is turned on by electricity.)

전기세 vs 공과금

'공과금' is a collective term for utility bills, and '전기세' is one of them, so they are related.

'공과금' is a general term for all utility bills (electricity, water, gas, etc.). '전기세' is specifically the bill for electricity. You pay your '공과금', which includes your '전기세'.

All utility bills are referred to as '공과금'. If you are talking only about the electricity bill, you use '전기세'.

전기세 vs 요금

'요금' is a general term for 'fee' or 'charge', and '전기 요금' is a formal alternative to '전기세'.

'요금' is a very general term for any fee or charge. '전기 요금' is the specific term for the electricity charge, similar to '전기세'. '전기세' is often more common in spoken, informal contexts, while '전기 요금' is more common in formal writing or official contexts.

You pay '전기세', which is a type of '전기 요금'.

전기세 vs 수도세

Both are terms for utility bills, following a similar structure (Utility + Fee).

'전기세' is the bill for electricity. '수도세' (su-do-se) is the bill for water. They are distinct utility bills for different services.

I pay both my '전기세' and my '수도세' every month.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + Noun + 은/는 + 얼마예요?

이번 달 전기세는 얼마예요?

Subject + Noun + 이/가 + 나오다.

전기세가 많이 나왔어요.

Subject + Noun + 을/를 + 내다.

매달 전기세를 내야 해요.

Purpose Clause + Action Verb.

전기세를 아끼려고 노력해요. (I try to save on the electricity bill.)

Cause + 때문에 + Effect.

날씨가 추워서 전기세 걱정이 돼요. (Because the weather is cold, I worry about the electricity bill.)

Method + -으로/로 + Verb.

전기세를 카드로 결제했어요. (I paid the electricity bill by card.)

Noun + 부담 + 이/가 + 크다/적다.

최근 전기세 부담이 커졌어요. (Recently, the burden of the electricity bill has increased.)

Noun + 관련 + Noun + 의 + Adjective.

전기세 관련 정책의 효과에 대해 논의했습니다. (We discussed the effects of the electricity bill-related policy.)

Word Family

Nouns

전기 (electricity)

세금 (tax)

요금 (fee)

청구서 (bill)

Verbs

내다 (to pay)

받다 (to receive)

계산하다 (to calculate)

아끼다 (to save)

Adjectives

비싼 (expensive)

싼 (cheap)

많은 (many/much)

적은 (few/little)

전기료 (electricity charge)

공과금 (utility charges)

수도세 (water bill)

가스비 (gas bill)

통신비 (communication fee)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high. Used daily in households and discussions about finances.

Common Mistakes

Using '전기세' to mean 'electricity' itself. → Using '전기' for electricity and '전기세' for the bill.
The word '전기' means electricity. '전기세' specifically refers to the monetary charge or bill for using electricity. Saying 'This light runs on electricity bill' would be incorrect. It should be 'This light runs on electricity.'
Confusing '전기세' with '수도세' or '가스비'. → Using the correct term for each utility bill: '전기세' for electricity, '수도세' for water, and '가스비' for gas.
While all are utility bills, they refer to different services. Mixing them up would lead to misunderstandings. For example, asking about your '전기세' when you mean your water bill would be incorrect.
Using '전기세' in very formal writing. → Using '전기료' or '전기 요금' in formal writing.
'전기세' is generally more colloquial. In formal documents, reports, or official announcements, '전기료' or '전기 요금' are more appropriate.
Thinking '전기세' is a government tax. → Understanding '전기세' as a fee for a service provided by an electricity company.
Although '세' means tax, '전기세' is a charge for the electricity service itself, paid to the utility company, not a general tax paid to the government.
Using '전기세' as a plural. → '전기세' typically refers to a single bill. If referring to multiple bills over time, context or phrases like '여러 전기세' might be used, but the word itself is not usually pluralized.
The word '전기세' usually refers to the bill for a specific period. You pay 'the electricity bill', not 'electricity bills' as a plural form of the word itself. You might talk about 'many electricity bills' over a year, but not 'many 전기세'.

Tips

Particle Usage with '전기세'

Remember to use appropriate particles with '전기세'. For example, use '는/은' when it's the topic (e.g., 이번 달 전기세는) and '이/가' when it's the subject of a verb like '나오다' (e.g., 전기세가 나왔어요).

Distinguish from '전기'

Don't confuse '전기세' (electricity bill) with '전기' (electricity). '전기' is the power itself, while '전기세' is the cost associated with using that power.

Colloquial vs. Formal

While '전기세' is very common in everyday speech, consider using '전기료' or '전기 요금' in more formal writing or when discussing rates in a technical manner.

Seasonal Bills

Be aware that your '전기세' will likely be higher in summer due to air conditioning and in winter due to heating, especially if you use electric heaters. Plan your budget accordingly.

Break it Down

Remember '전기' (electricity) + '세' (fee/tax) = '전기세'. This breakdown helps in understanding and recalling the word's meaning.

Sentence Building

Practice creating sentences using '전기세' with different verbs like '내다' (to pay), '아끼다' (to save), and '나오다' (to come out/appear) to solidify your understanding.

Part of '공과금'

'전기세' is one component of '공과금' (utility charges). Understanding this broader term helps contextualize its meaning.

Informal Expressions

Familiarize yourself with informal expressions like '전기세 폭탄' (electricity bill bomb) to understand casual conversations about high bills.

Synonym Nuances

While '전기료' and '전기세' are often interchangeable, '전기세' is more common in casual chat, while '전기료' can be more formal or refer to the rate itself.

Budgeting Item

Treat '전기세' as a regular budgeting item. Knowing the typical range of your bill can help you plan your finances better.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'dragon' (전-geun sounds a bit like dragon) breathing 'ghee' (기) from its nose, and this 'ghee' is so expensive it costs a lot of 'say' money (세). So, '전기세' is the cost of dragon-ghee electricity!

Visual Association

Picture a large, ornate 'dragon' (전-gi) breathing out bright, crackling 'electricity' (기). Then, imagine a huge pile of 'say' (세) shaped coins falling from the sky onto the dragon, representing the bill.

Word Web

Electricity Bill Cost Charge Payment Household Monthly Utility Usage Consumption Expense Fee Tax

Challenge

Try to explain to a friend what '전기세' is, using the mnemonic or visual association you created. See if they can guess the meaning correctly.

Word Origin

The word '전기세' is a compound word formed from Sino-Korean and Korean roots. '전기' (jeon-gi) means 'electricity', and '세' (se) is a Sino-Korean character meaning 'tax' or 'fee'. This combination directly translates to 'electricity tax' or 'electricity fee'.

Original meaning: 'Electricity tax' or 'fee for electricity'.

Korean (with Sino-Korean components)

Cultural Context

The term itself is neutral. However, discussions about high '전기세' can be sensitive for individuals or families experiencing financial hardship.

In English-speaking countries, the term is simply 'electricity bill' or 'power bill'. The structure is similar to '전기세' in that it's a compound word referring to the 'electricity' and the 'bill' or 'cost'.

News reports discussing energy price hikes often mention '전기세 인상' (electricity bill increase). TV dramas or movies might feature characters worrying about or discussing their '전기세' as part of their financial struggles. Online forums and social media are filled with discussions about saving money on '전기세', sharing tips and complaining about high bills.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Paying monthly household bills.

이번 달 전기세는 얼마예요?
전기세 납부일이 언제예요?
전기세 자동이체 신청했어요.

Discussing ways to save money on utilities.

전기세를 아껴야 해요.
전기세 절약 방법 좀 알려주세요.
불필요한 전기 사용을 줄여야 합니다.

Complaining about unexpectedly high bills.

전기세가 너무 많이 나왔어요.
전기세 폭탄 맞았어요!
전기세가 너무 비싸요.

Talking about seasonal changes in expenses.

여름에는 전기세가 많이 나와요.
겨울에는 난방비와 함께 전기세 부담도 커져요.

Budgeting and financial planning.

생활비에서 전기세가 차지하는 비중이 커요.
이번 달 예산에 전기세가 포함되어 있나요?

Conversation Starters

"How much was your electricity bill this month?"

"Do you have any tips for saving money on electricity bills?"

"My electricity bill was surprisingly high this month. Did yours increase too?"

"What's the best way to pay your electricity bill in Korea?"

"Do you think electricity prices are fair?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you received a surprisingly high electricity bill. What caused it, and how did you feel?

Describe your household's strategies for saving money on electricity. What practices do you follow regularly?

Imagine you have to explain the concept of '전기세' to someone who has never heard of it. How would you describe it?

Reflect on the importance of electricity in your daily life. How would your routine change if electricity were significantly more expensive?

Discuss the relationship between seasonal changes (like summer heat or winter cold) and your electricity bill. How do you manage these fluctuations?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'전기세' is composed of two parts: '전기' (jeon-gi) meaning 'electricity', and '세' (se) which is a Sino-Korean character meaning 'tax' or 'fee'. So, literally, it translates to 'electricity tax' or 'electricity fee'.

'전기세' is commonly used in informal and neutral situations, especially in everyday conversations about household expenses. For more formal contexts or official documents, '전기료' (jeon-gi-ryo) or '전기 요금' (jeon-gi yo-geum) might be preferred.

Yes, '전기료' (jeon-gi-ryo) and '전기 요금' (jeon-gi yo-geum) are very similar and often used interchangeably. '전기료' is slightly more formal, and '전기 요금' is quite formal. '공과금' (gong-gwa-geum) is a broader term for all utility charges.

'전기세' is typically paid monthly. The exact due date can vary depending on the provider and your contract, but it's usually around the middle or end of the month following the consumption period.

The amount of '전기세' is primarily determined by your electricity consumption. Factors like the use of air conditioning in summer, heating in winter, and the number of electrical appliances used significantly impact the bill. Korea also has a progressive tax system for electricity, meaning the cost per unit increases as consumption rises.

Yes, '전기세' can be paid online through various methods, including bank transfers, credit card payments via the electricity provider's website or app, or through mobile banking applications. Many people also set up automatic payments.

'전기세 폭탄을 맞다' (jeon-gi-se pok-tan-eul mat-da) is an informal idiom that means to receive an unexpectedly very high electricity bill. It's often used when the bill is much larger than usual due to excessive usage or seasonal factors.

You can save money on your '전기세' by reducing electricity consumption. Common methods include unplugging unused appliances, using energy-efficient lighting (like LED bulbs), optimizing air conditioner and heater usage, and being mindful of standby power.

While '세' (se) means 'tax' or 'fee', '전기세' specifically refers to the bill or charge for electricity consumption. It functions like a fee for a service rather than a general government tax. However, the character '세' implies a mandatory payment.

If you believe your electricity bill is incorrect, you should contact the electricity provider immediately. They usually have customer service lines or online portals where you can inquire about billing discrepancies and request an investigation.