Explanation at your level:
입대 means joining the army. You go to the base to be a soldier. It is a very important event for many people in Korea.
When you finish school, you might need to do 입대. This means you join the military for a few years to serve your country.
In Korea, 입대 is the formal term for starting military service. Most young men prepare for this day for a long time, often spending time with family before they leave.
The term 입대 is deeply embedded in the social fabric of South Korea. It signifies a rite of passage where individuals transition from civilian life to the structured environment of the military.
Beyond the literal meaning of enlistment, 입대 carries significant cultural nuance. It represents a period of duty and personal growth, often discussed with a mix of solemnity and anticipation.
Etymologically derived from Sino-Korean roots, 입대 encapsulates the intersection of civic duty and social obligation. It is a cornerstone of the national discourse regarding defense and the maturation of young citizens.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Joining the military
- Sino-Korean origin
- Mandatory process
- Commonly used
Hey there! 입대 (ip-dae) is a super important word if you are learning about Korean culture. It literally means enlistment or joining the army.
Think of it as the big day when someone leaves their normal life to serve in the military. In Korea, this is a huge milestone for young men, and you will hear this word used all the time in movies, songs, and daily conversations.
The word 입대 is a Sino-Korean word. It comes from the Hanja 入 (to enter) and 隊 (a unit or troop).
Historically, this reflects the formal process of being registered into a military unit. As Korea developed its modern conscription system, this term became the standard way to describe the start of that journey.
You use 입대 when talking about the act of going to the military base. You often hear it with verbs like 하다 (to do) or 앞두다 (to have something ahead of you).
It is a neutral term, but it carries a lot of emotional weight because it implies a temporary separation from family and friends.
1. 입대 영장: A draft notice. 2. 입대 전: Before enlistment. 3. 입대 예정: Scheduled to enlist. 4. 입대를 앞두다: To be facing enlistment. 5. 군 입대: Military enlistment (often used interchangeably).
입대 is a noun. You can attach particles like -가 or -를 to it. Pronunciation-wise, it sounds like 'ip-dae' with a sharp 'p' sound.
It doesn't have a plural form because it represents an abstract event or process rather than a physical object.
Fun Fact
It is a foundational term in Korean society.
Pronunciation Guide
Standard Korean pronunciation
Standard Korean pronunciation
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'p' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb conjugation
입대하다 -> 입대해요
Examples by Level
그는 입대합니다.
He is enlisting.
Simple present action.
입대 날짜가 정해졌어요.
입대 준비를 해요.
그는 입대하기 싫어해요.
입대하면 힘들까요?
입대하는 친구를 배웅했어요.
입대 후에는 연락이 어려워요.
입대를 앞두고 있어요.
입대 축하해요.
입대 영장을 받았습니다.
입대하기 전 마지막 여행을 갔어요.
입대 후 첫 휴가를 기다려요.
입대 시기는 신중하게 결정해야 합니다.
입대하는 날 가족들이 많이 울었어요.
입대 동기들을 만났습니다.
입대 전 건강검진을 받아요.
입대와 제대는 인생의 큰 전환점입니다.
입대를 앞두고 많은 고민을 했습니다.
그는 자원입대를 선택했습니다.
입대 후 군 생활에 잘 적응하고 있습니다.
입대 절차는 매우 엄격합니다.
입대 소식을 듣고 깜짝 놀랐어요.
입대 전 머리를 짧게 깎았습니다.
입대하는 장병들의 모습이 늠름합니다.
입대 연기를 신청했습니다.
입대라는 관문은 한국 남성들에게 피할 수 없는 의무입니다.
그는 입대 후 훌륭한 군인으로 성장했습니다.
입대와 관련된 사회적 논의가 활발합니다.
입대 전후의 심리적 변화를 연구했습니다.
입대 후에도 자기 계발을 멈추지 마세요.
입대 통지서를 받는 순간 기분이 묘했습니다.
입대 후 겪는 향수병은 자연스러운 일입니다.
입대하는 아들의 뒷모습을 보며 눈물을 훔쳤습니다.
입대는 단순한 행정적 절차를 넘어, 한 개인의 생애 주기에서 중대한 전환점을 의미한다.
자원입대라는 결단은 그의 애국심을 잘 보여줍니다.
입대 전야의 긴장감은 말로 표현하기 어렵습니다.
입대 후의 엄격한 규율은 많은 이들에게 새로운 경험이 됩니다.
입대와 제대 사이의 시간은 성장의 시간이기도 합니다.
입대 절차의 투명성을 강화해야 한다는 목소리가 높습니다.
입대 후 군대 내 문화적 적응도 중요한 과제입니다.
입대를 앞둔 청년들에게 따뜻한 격려가 필요합니다.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"자원입대"
Voluntary enlistment
그는 자원입대를 선택했다.
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to military.
Entry vs Exit
입대 is start, 제대 is end.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 입대하다
나는 입대한다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
입대 already contains the meaning of going.
Tips
Context
Associate it with the military uniform.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
IP (Internet Protocol) + DAE (Day). Think: 'On my IP-DAE, I join the army!'
Visual Association
A young man cutting his hair short.
Word Web
Challenge
Use the word in a sentence today.
Word Origin
Sino-Korean
Original meaning: Entering a unit
Cultural Context
It is a sensitive topic due to mandatory service.
Equivalent to 'enlistment' or 'draft'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Family conversation
- 입대 잘 다녀와
Conversation Starters
"언제 입대해요?"
Journal Prompts
Write about what you would do before 입대.
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIn Korea, it is mandatory for men, but women can also volunteer.
No, it is specific to the military.
Test Yourself
그는 내년에 ___ 합니다.
Context of joining the army.
Score: /1
Summary
입대 means to enlist in the military.
- Joining the military
- Sino-Korean origin
- Mandatory process
- Commonly used
Context
Associate it with the military uniform.
Related Content
More military words
전쟁터
B1A place where a battle is fought; battlefield.
재난
B1A sudden event causing great damage or loss of life; disaster.
보급품
B1Items necessary for an army, such as food, equipment, and ammunition; supplies.
피하다
A1To keep away from or prevent; to avoid, dodge.
해방하다
A1To set free from oppression or captivity; to liberate.
경고하다
A1To inform someone of a possible danger or problem; to warn.
철수하다
A1To remove troops from an area; to withdraw.
점령하다
A1To take control of a place, especially by military force; to occupy.
고통스럽다
B1To be painful or agonizing.
비상하다
B1To be urgent or in an emergency state.
