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졸업생

A2 noun #10,000 most common 10 min read

졸업생

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 졸업생 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 졸업생 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '졸업생' as a basic noun to describe a person's status. Since A1 focuses on basic self-introductions and everyday vocabulary, you will likely encounter this word when talking about schools. You don't need to know complex grammar; just focus on the phrase '저는 졸업생입니다' (I am a graduate). Think of it as a label, like 'student' (학생) or 'teacher' (선생님). At this stage, it's helpful to recognize that '졸업' means graduation and the '생' at the end refers to a person. You might hear this word in very simple stories about finishing school or seeing it on a sign at a school gate. Your goal is to recognize the word and understand that it refers to someone who has finished their studies. You can practice by saying which school you graduated from using the simple pattern: '[School Name] 졸업생입니다.' This helps you build your identity in Korean conversations right from the start. Don't worry about the plural form or complex particles yet; just focus on the basic identification.

At the A2 level, you can start using '졸업생' in slightly more descriptive sentences. You should be able to understand the difference between a 'current student' (재학생) and a 'graduate' (졸업생). You will likely encounter this word when discussing your past education or when hearing about school events. You can start using basic adjectives to describe graduates, such as '많은 졸업생' (many graduates) or '새로운 졸업생' (new graduates). At this level, you should also be comfortable using the word with the past tense, for example, '그는 작년에 졸업생이 되었다' (He became a graduate last year). You should also begin to recognize the word in the context of '졸업식' (graduation ceremony). Practice using the word in short paragraphs about your education history. For instance, '저는 2020년에 고등학교 졸업생이 되었습니다. 지금은 대학생입니다.' (I became a high school graduate in 2020. Now I am a college student.) This helps you connect the word to a timeline of events, which is a key skill at the A2 level. You should also be aware that Koreans value their alumni status, so using this word correctly can help you make friends.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '졸업생' in more complex social and professional contexts. This includes understanding its role in the job market and social networking. You should be familiar with related terms like '동문' (alumnus) and understand when to use '졸업생' instead. At this level, you can discuss the achievements of graduates or the importance of alumni networks. You should be able to understand sentences like '우리 학교 졸업생들은 다양한 분야에서 일하고 있습니다' (Our school's graduates are working in various fields). You will also start to see the word in news articles or longer reading passages about education and employment. You should practice using '졸업생' with more advanced grammar patterns, such as '-기 위해' (in order to) or '-면서' (while). For example, '졸업생들을 축하하기 위해 파티를 열었어요' (We held a party to celebrate the graduates). You should also be aware of the cultural significance of school ties (학연) and how being a 졸업생 of a certain school can influence one's life in Korea. This level requires you to move beyond simple identification to discussing the implications of being a graduate.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '졸업생' and its synonyms. You should be able to distinguish between '졸업생', '수료생', and '대졸자' and use them correctly in formal writing and speaking. This level requires you to understand the word in the context of social issues, such as the 'graduate employment rate' (졸업생 취업률) or the 'brain drain' of talented graduates. You should be able to participate in discussions about the Korean education system and the pressure faced by graduates. You can use '졸업생' in hypothetical or conditional sentences, such as '만약 내가 그 학교 졸업생이었다면, 더 쉽게 취업했을 것이다' (If I had been a graduate of that school, I would have found a job more easily). Your vocabulary should also include compound words and idiomatic expressions involving graduates. You should be able to read and summarize articles that use '졸업생' in a statistical or sociological sense. At this stage, your focus should be on accuracy in formal registers, such as writing a cover letter or a formal report where you might need to specify your status as a graduate.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use '졸업생' with full professional and academic fluency. This includes understanding the subtle connotations the word carries in different social strata in Korea. You should be able to discuss the historical role of alumni in Korean politics and business using sophisticated vocabulary. You will encounter '졸업생' in high-level academic papers, literary works, and complex legal or administrative documents. You should be able to use the word in rhetorical contexts, such as in a speech at an alumni association meeting. Your understanding should extend to how the term is used in the context of 'lifelong learning' or 'continuing education,' where the boundary of being a 'graduate' might be fluid. You should also be able to navigate the complexities of Korean honorifics when referring to esteemed graduates or older alumni. At this level, you are expected to understand the word not just as a noun, but as a symbol of institutional identity and social capital. You should be able to explain these cultural nuances to others in Korean, demonstrating a deep grasp of both the language and the culture.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native mastery of '졸업생' and all its associated cultural and linguistic nuances. You can use the word with absolute precision in any context, from a casual chat to a formal academic lecture or a legal deposition. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its related Hanja components. You can identify and use rare or archaic terms related to graduation and alumni in literary contexts. You are fully aware of the socio-economic implications of being a 졸업생 of specific institutions and can critique these structures in fluent, high-level Korean. You can write eloquent speeches or articles about the responsibility of graduates to their society and their alma mater. At this level, you can also play with the language, perhaps using the word in a satirical or metaphorical way in creative writing. You are not just a user of the word; you are a master of the cultural narrative that the word '졸업생' represents in the Korean-speaking world. Your ability to use this word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

졸업생 in 30 Seconds

A noun meaning graduate or alumnus, used for anyone who has finished a course of study at any educational level in Korea.
Formed from Hanja: 卒 (finish) + 業 (study) + 生 (person), highlighting the completion of an academic journey.
Culturally significant in South Korea as it connects individuals to powerful alumni networks (학연) that influence social and professional life.
Used in both formal (ceremonies, resumes) and informal (reunions, casual talk) settings to identify one's educational background.

The Korean word 졸업생 (Jol-eop-saeng) is a noun that primarily translates to 'graduate' or 'alumnus' in English. It is a compound word derived from Hanja (Chinese characters), where 졸 (卒) means to finish or end, 업 (業) refers to a task, profession, or course of study, and 생 (生) denotes a person or student. Together, it literally describes a 'person who has finished their studies.' This term is used across all levels of education, from kindergarten to doctoral programs, and carries a sense of completion and transition into a new phase of life.

Educational Context: In South Korea, being a 졸업생 of a specific institution is not just a past status; it often defines one's social network and professional opportunities. The concept of 'school ties' (학연, hag-yeon) is deeply rooted in Korean society. When you identify as a 졸업생 of a prestigious university, you are immediately linked to a vast network of seniors (선배) and juniors (후배) who may provide mentorship or career advantages.

우리 학교 졸업생들은 사회 각계각층에서 활약하고 있습니다. (The graduates of our school are active in all walks of life.)

The term is most frequently heard during the month of February, which is the traditional graduation season in South Korea. Unlike the Western academic calendar that often ends in May or June, the Korean school year concludes in mid-winter. During this time, the word 졸업생 is plastered on banners, mentioned in speeches by principals, and used in news reports discussing the job market for new graduates. It is a word that evokes both the nostalgia of leaving one's youth behind and the anxiety of entering the professional world.

Social Identity: Koreans often use this term when introducing themselves in formal settings or during reunions. Saying 'I am a graduate of X University' (저는 X대학교 졸업생입니다) is a standard way to establish one's background and credibility.

이번 행사는 졸업생과 재학생이 소통하는 자리입니다. (This event is a place for graduates and current students to communicate.)

Furthermore, the word is often paired with specific years or batches. For example, 'the 50th graduating class' would be '제50회 졸업생'. This numbering is very important for alumni associations (동창회), which are highly organized in Korea. These associations often host 'Alumni Night' (졸업생의 밤) events, where successful graduates return to their alma mater to donate funds or provide career counseling to current students, reinforcing the cycle of the 졸업생 identity.

Professional Usage: In the corporate world, recruiters often look for 'new graduates' (신입 졸업생) or 'expected graduates' (졸업 예정자). Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone looking to work in Korea or navigate its academic landscape.

그 회사는 특정 대학 졸업생을 선호한다는 소문이 있다. (There is a rumor that the company prefers graduates from certain universities.)

In summary, 졸업생 is a versatile and essential noun for describing one's educational history and social standing in Korea. Whether you are attending a graduation ceremony, filling out a resume, or attending a networking event, this word will be a cornerstone of your vocabulary. It represents the successful completion of a rigorous academic journey and the beginning of a lifelong connection to an institution.

Using 졸업생 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it interacts with various particles and verbs. Since it refers to a person or a group of people, it often takes the subject markers -이/가 or the topic markers -은/는. When indicating a graduate *of* a specific place, the location usually precedes the word directly without a possessive marker, or with the marker -의 for emphasis.

Identifying as a Graduate: To say 'I am a graduate,' you use the copula '이다' (to be). In formal settings, this becomes '졸업생입니다.' In polite but less formal settings, it is '졸업생이에요.'

저는 한국대학교 졸업생입니다. (I am a graduate of Hankuk University.)

When discussing a group of graduates, you can add the plural suffix -들 to make 졸업생들. This is common when talking about the collective achievements of a class or the attendees of an event. For example, '졸업생들이 모였다' (The graduates gathered).

Modified by Adjectives: 졸업생 is frequently modified by adjectives like '우수한' (excellent), '성공한' (successful), or '자랑스러운' (proud). These adjectives help describe the quality or reputation of the alumni.

우리 학교는 많은 우수한 졸업생을 배출했습니다. (Our school has produced many excellent graduates.)

In recruitment contexts, you will see '졸업생' used with verbs like '채용하다' (to hire) or '모집하다' (to recruit). Companies often specifically target '대졸자' (college graduates), which is a more specific term, but '대학교 졸업생' is equally common in natural speech.

The 'Expected' Graduate: If someone is about to graduate, they are called a '졸업 예정자'. While not yet a full 졸업생, this term is used on resumes for students in their final semester.

이번 공채는 졸업생뿐만 아니라 졸업 예정자도 지원 가능합니다. (This open recruitment is available for not only graduates but also those expected to graduate.)

Finally, when addressing a group of graduates at a ceremony, the term '졸업생 여러분' (Dear graduates) is the standard honorific address. It shows respect and acknowledges their collective hard work. Whether you are speaking formally or writing a simple letter of recommendation, mastering the use of 졸업생 will allow you to navigate Korean educational and professional settings with ease.

To truly understand 졸업생, one must look at its prevalence in daily life, media, and social structures in Korea. It is not a word confined to textbooks; it is a living part of the Korean social fabric. You will hear it most intensely during the graduation season (February), but its echoes are felt year-round in various spheres.

The Graduation Ceremony (졸업식): During the ceremony, the principal or a guest speaker will repeatedly use the word to address the students. You'll hear phrases like '졸업생의 앞날에 축복이 있기를' (May there be blessings on the future of the graduates). It is the central term of the entire event.

식장에는 수많은 졸업생과 가족들이 모여 있었습니다. (Countless graduates and families were gathered at the ceremony hall.)

In Korean dramas and movies, particularly those centered around school life or legal/medical professions, the concept of being a '졸업생' of a specific school is a frequent plot point. Characters might clash or bond based on being alumni of the same high school or university. This reflects the real-world importance of 'alumni networks' in Korea, where a senior graduate (선배) is expected to look after a junior graduate (후배).

News and Economy: Economic news often reports on '졸업생 취업률' (graduate employment rate). This is a major social metric in Korea, used to judge the quality of universities and the health of the economy. You will hear news anchors discussing how 'this year's graduates' are facing a tough job market.

최근 청년 실업난으로 인해 졸업생들의 고민이 깊어지고 있습니다. (Due to the recent youth unemployment crisis, the worries of graduates are deepening.)

You will also encounter the word in administrative settings. If you need to prove your education, you ask for a '졸업 증명서' (graduation certificate). The person the certificate identifies is the 졸업생. On social media platforms like LinkedIn or Korean equivalents like Saramin, users list their '졸업' status, and alumni groups are often organized under the name of the school followed by '졸업생 모임' (Graduate Gathering).

Reunions and Nostalgia: Finally, in casual conversations with friends, you might hear someone say '우리 고등학교 졸업생 중에 유명한 사람이 있어' (There is a famous person among our high school graduates). Here, the word is used to express pride in one's shared background.

In conclusion, 졸업생 is everywhere—from the formal halls of academia to the high-stakes world of corporate hiring and the sentimental world of school reunions. It is a word that marks an end but also a permanent membership in a community.

While 졸업생 is a relatively straightforward noun, learners often make specific errors in its usage, particularly regarding its distinction from related terms and its grammatical placement. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing 졸업생 with 졸업: A common mistake is using the noun '졸업' (graduation) when you mean the person '졸업생' (graduate). Remember: '졸업' is the event or the act, while '졸업생' is the human being.

Incorrect: 저는 대학교 졸업입니다. (I am university graduation.)
Correct: 저는 대학교 졸업생입니다. (I am a university graduate.)

Another frequent error involves the term 동문 (dong-mun). While both mean 'alumnus,' 동문 is specifically used to highlight a *shared* school connection between two or more people. If you are talking about yourself in isolation, '졸업생' is better. If you are saying 'We went to the same school,' then '동문' is the correct choice.

Overusing -들 (Plural Marker): In English, we almost always use the plural 'graduates' for a group. In Korean, the plural marker '-들' is often optional if the context makes it clear. Beginners sometimes force '-들' into every sentence, which can sound slightly repetitive.

많은 졸업생이 참석했다. (Many graduates attended.) - Perfectly natural without '들'.

Learners also struggle with the difference between 졸업생 and 수료생 (su-ryo-saeng). A 졸업생 has completed all requirements *and* received a degree. A 수료생 has completed the coursework but might not have finished a thesis or met other graduation requirements. Using '졸업생' for someone who only 'completed' (수료) their studies can be a factual error in formal contexts like job applications.

Incorrect Particle Usage: When saying 'graduate of [School],' don't use '에서' (at/in). Use either nothing or the possessive '의'.

Incorrect: 서울대학교에서 졸업생 (Graduate at SNU)
Correct: 서울대학교 졸업생 (SNU graduate)

By keeping these distinctions in mind—person vs. act, shared vs. individual, and graduated vs. completed—you will use 졸업생 accurately and professionally in any situation.

In Korean, there are several words that are related to 졸업생 but carry different nuances. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific relationship you want to emphasize.

동문 (Dong-mun) - Fellow Alumnus: This is perhaps the most common alternative. While '졸업생' is a general term for a graduate, '동문' literally means 'same gate,' referring to people who entered the same school gates. It is used to emphasize the bond between graduates of the same institution.

우리는 대학교 동문입니다. (We are alumni of the same university.)

Another related term is 선배 (seon-bae) and 후배 (hu-bae). While these are usually used for current students (senior/junior), they are also used among graduates. A '졸업생 선배' is a graduate who finished school before you did. This terminology is vital for understanding Korean social hierarchy.

대졸자 (Dae-jol-ja) - College Graduate: This is a more clinical and administrative term. It stands for '대학교 졸업자' (University graduation person). It is used frequently in statistics, news reports, and job postings. It sounds more formal and less personal than '졸업생'.

이번 채용은 대졸자 전형입니다. (This recruitment is a track for college graduates.)

For those who have completed a specific course but not a full degree program (like a short-term language program or a certificate course), the term 수료생 (su-ryo-saeng) is used. It is important not to use '졸업생' in these cases to avoid misrepresentation.

학부생 (Hak-bu-saeng) vs. 졸업생: An '학부생' is an undergraduate student still in school. Once they graduate, they become a '졸업생'. In university settings, you will often hear these two terms compared when discussing campus events or alumni donations.

Finally, the term OB (Old Boy) is sometimes used in Korean sports or club contexts to refer to graduates, while YB (Young Boy) refers to current members. This is an example of Konglish (Korean-style English) that you might hear in university clubs (동아리).

Understanding these synonyms and alternatives allows you to tailor your speech to the specific social context, whether you are being formal, statistical, or building a personal connection with a fellow alumnus.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 卒 (Jol) is the same one used in 'byeong-jol' (soldier) and 'jol-ji-e' (suddenly/all of a sudden), but here it specifically denotes completion.

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ɕo.ɾʌp̚.s͈ɛŋ

US t͡ʃoʊ.rʌp̚.seɪŋ

The stress is relatively even across the syllables, but a slight emphasis is often felt on the first and last syllables.

Rhymes With

학생 (Hak-saeng) 신입생 (Sin-ip-saeng) 재학생 (Jae-hak-saeng) 유학생 (Yu-hak-saeng) 복학생 (Bok-hak-saeng) 연습생 (Yeon-seup-saeng) 야학생 (Ya-hak-saeng) 남학생 (Nam-hak-saeng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'p' in 'eop' too strongly like 'eoppa'. It should be a silent, unreleased stop.
Failing to tense the 's' in 'saeng'. It should sound like 'ss'.
Pronouncing 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a light Korean flap.
Mixing up 'o' and 'u' sounds in the first syllable.
Shortening the final 'ng' sound too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common and easy to recognize once the Hanja components are understood.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is straightforward, but correct particle usage requires practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is clear, though the tensed 'ss' sound in 'saeng' needs attention.

Listening 2/5

Very common in educational and news contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

학교 학생 졸업 공부 사람

Learn Next

동문 학위 취업 경력 전문가

Advanced

학연 배출하다 수렴하다 정평 근간

Grammar to Know

Noun + 입니다/예요 (To be)

저는 졸업생입니다.

Noun + 들 (Plural marker)

졸업생들이 모였습니다.

Noun + 의 (Possessive)

졸업생의 이름

Modifier form -은/는 (Adjectives)

성공한 졸업생

Noun + 로서 (As a/In the capacity of)

졸업생으로서 말합니다.

Examples by Level

저는 고등학교 졸업생입니다.

I am a high school graduate.

Noun + 입니다 (to be, formal).

졸업생이 많아요.

There are many graduates.

Subject marker -이 used with the adjective 많다.

그는 대학교 졸업생이에요.

He is a university graduate.

Noun + 이에요 (to be, polite).

졸업생은 어디에 있어요?

Where is the graduate?

Topic marker -은 used for focus.

우리 언니는 졸업생입니다.

My older sister is a graduate.

Possessive '우리' (our/my) used with a family member.

졸업생들이 사진을 찍어요.

The graduates are taking pictures.

Plural marker -들 and object marker -를 (omitted in casual speech but implied).

축하합니다, 졸업생 여러분!

Congratulations, graduates!

여러분 (everyone/you all) used to address a group.

오늘 졸업생이 왔어요.

A graduate came today.

Past tense verb 왔어요.

졸업생 대표가 인사를 했습니다.

The graduate representative gave a greeting.

졸업생 대표 (valedictorian/representative).

학교에서 졸업생 명부를 확인했어요.

I checked the alumni list at the school.

졸업생 명부 (alumni registry/list).

많은 졸업생들이 꽃을 들고 있어요.

Many graduates are holding flowers.

Present progressive -고 있다.

졸업생은 도서관을 이용할 수 있나요?

Can graduates use the library?

Potential form -ㄹ 수 있다.

그 회사는 우리 학교 졸업생을 좋아해요.

That company likes our school's graduates.

Object marker -을.

졸업생들이 모여서 파티를 했어요.

The graduates gathered and had a party.

Sequential connector -어서.

선생님께서 졸업생들에게 선물을 주셨어요.

The teacher gave gifts to the graduates.

Dative marker -에게 and honorific -시-.

졸업생 카드를 만들고 싶어요.

I want to make an alumni card.

Desire form -고 싶다.

졸업생들이 모교를 위해 기부금을 모았습니다.

The graduates collected donations for their alma mater.

모교 (alma mater) and 기부금 (donation).

이번 행사는 졸업생과 재학생의 만남입니다.

This event is a meeting between graduates and current students.

졸업생 vs 재학생 contrast.

졸업생들은 사회에서 서로를 돕고 살아요.

Graduates live helping each other in society.

Reciprocal expression '서로를 돕다'.

그 배우는 우리 학교 졸업생으로 유명해요.

That actor is famous for being a graduate of our school.

-으로 (as/for being).

졸업생 명단에서 제 이름을 찾을 수 없었어요.

I couldn't find my name on the graduate list.

명단 (list) and negative form -을 수 없다.

졸업생의 밤 행사에 꼭 참석하고 싶습니다.

I really want to attend the Alumni Night event.

졸업생의 밤 (Alumni Night).

성공한 졸업생들이 후배들에게 강연을 했어요.

Successful graduates gave a lecture to the juniors.

Adjective 성공한 (successful).

졸업생 인증을 하면 할인을 받을 수 있습니다.

You can get a discount if you verify you are a graduate.

인증 (verification) and conditional -면.

졸업생 취업률이 작년에 비해 크게 상승했습니다.

The graduate employment rate has risen significantly compared to last year.

취업률 (employment rate) and -에 비해 (compared to).

학교 측은 졸업생들의 의견을 적극적으로 수렴하기로 했습니다.

The school decided to actively collect the opinions of the graduates.

수렴하다 (to collect/gather opinions).

그 대학은 우수한 졸업생을 많이 배출하기로 유명하다.

That university is famous for producing many excellent graduates.

배출하다 (to produce/turn out).

졸업생들 사이의 끈끈한 유대감이 이 학교의 장점입니다.

The strong bond among graduates is the strength of this school.

유대감 (sense of bond/solidarity).

졸업생 증명서를 발급받으려면 신분증이 필요합니다.

You need an ID card to be issued a graduation certificate.

발급받다 (to be issued) and -으려면 (in order to).

많은 졸업생들이 장학금을 기탁하여 훈훈함을 더했습니다.

Many graduates warmed hearts by donating scholarships.

기탁하다 (to donate) and 훈훈함 (warmth/heartwarming feeling).

해외에 거주하는 졸업생들도 온라인으로 행사에 참여했다.

Graduates living abroad also participated in the event online.

거주하는 (residing) and -도 (also).

졸업생들의 진로를 돕기 위한 멘토링 프로그램이 운영 중이다.

A mentoring program to help graduates' career paths is in operation.

진로 (career path) and 운영 중 (in operation).

졸업생들의 사회적 영향력은 학교의 위상을 결정짓는 중요한 요소이다.

The social influence of graduates is an important factor that determines the school's prestige.

위상 (status/prestige) and 결정짓다 (to determine).

모교의 발전을 위해 졸업생들이 한자리에 모여 지혜를 모았다.

Graduates gathered in one place to pool their wisdom for the development of their alma mater.

지혜를 모으다 (to pool wisdom).

특정 대학 졸업생들이 정계와 재계를 장악하고 있다는 비판이 있다.

There is criticism that graduates of certain universities dominate politics and business.

정계 (politics), 재계 (business world), and 장악하다 (to dominate).

졸업생들은 급변하는 사회 속에서도 모교의 정신을 잊지 않고 있다.

Graduates do not forget the spirit of their alma mater even in a rapidly changing society.

급변하는 (rapidly changing).

이번 학술대회에는 세계적인 석학이 된 졸업생들이 초청되었습니다.

Graduates who have become world-renowned scholars were invited to this symposium.

석학 (great scholar) and 초청되다 (to be invited).

졸업생들의 네트워크는 단순한 친목 도모를 넘어 정보 공유의 장이 된다.

The alumni network goes beyond simple socializing to become a venue for information sharing.

-을 넘어 (beyond) and 장 (venue/place).

그 학교는 졸업생들의 자부심이 대단하기로 정평이 나 있습니다.

That school is well-known for the immense pride of its graduates.

정평이 나다 (to be well-known/reputed).

졸업생들이 기증한 도서들로 도서관의 한 섹션이 채워졌다.

A section of the library was filled with books donated by graduates.

기증하다 (to donate/present).

졸업생들이 체득한 학문적 깊이는 국가 경쟁력의 근간이 된다.

The academic depth acquired by graduates becomes the foundation of national competitiveness.

체득하다 (to learn through experience/internalize) and 근간 (foundation/root).

역대 졸업생들의 발자취를 돌아보는 전시회가 성황리에 개최되었다.

An exhibition looking back at the footsteps of past graduates was held with great success.

발자취 (footsteps/traces) and 성황리에 (with great success).

졸업생들의 유대 관계가 고착화된 학벌주의를 조장한다는 우려도 적지 않다.

There are significant concerns that the ties between graduates promote entrenched academic elitism.

고착화되다 (to become entrenched) and 조장하다 (to promote/encourage - usually negative).

그는 졸업생으로서 모교에 대한 무한한 애정과 책임감을 동시에 느낀다.

As a graduate, he feels both infinite affection and a sense of responsibility toward his alma mater.

무한한 (infinite) and 책임감 (sense of responsibility).

졸업생들의 자발적인 참여로 이루어진 이 프로젝트는 큰 반향을 일으켰다.

This project, made possible by the voluntary participation of graduates, caused a great sensation.

자발적인 (voluntary) and 반향을 일으키다 (to cause a sensation/echo).

성공의 가도를 달리는 졸업생들이 늘어날수록 학교의 명성은 공고해진다.

As more graduates run the path of success, the school's reputation becomes more solid.

가도 (path/road) and 공고해지다 (to become solid/firm).

졸업생들이 기탁한 발전기금은 후학 양성을 위해 소중히 쓰일 것이다.

The development fund donated by graduates will be used carefully to nurture future scholars.

발전기금 (development fund) and 후학 (future scholars/juniors).

졸업생 개개인의 성취가 모여 학교의 역사를 찬란하게 수놓고 있다.

The achievements of individual graduates gather to brilliantly embroider the history of the school.

수놓다 (to embroider/decorate).

Common Collocations

졸업생 대표

졸업생 명부

졸업생 취업률

졸업생 전형

우수 졸업생

졸업생의 밤

졸업생 모임

초대 졸업생

졸업생 사은회

졸업생 네트워크

Common Phrases

졸업생 여러분

— A formal way to address a group of graduates during a speech or event.

졸업생 여러분, 여러분의 앞날을 응원합니다.

자랑스러운 졸업생

— A phrase used to express pride in the achievements of graduates.

우리 학교의 자랑스러운 졸업생이 되어 주세요.

졸업생 일동

— Used in formal letters or plaques to mean 'from all the graduates'.

학교에 나무를 기증합니다. - 졸업생 일동.

졸업생 명단

— A list containing the names of all individuals who have graduated.

졸업생 명단을 다시 확인해 보세요.

졸업생 주소록

— An address book or directory of alumni contact information.

졸업생 주소록이 최신화되지 않았어요.

졸업생 환송회

— A farewell party specifically for those who are graduating.

어제 졸업생 환송회가 아주 즐거웠어요.

졸업생 할인

— A discount provided specifically to former students of an institution.

이 카페는 우리 학교 졸업생 할인이 돼요.

졸업생 동창회

— An alumni association or a meeting of former classmates.

졸업생 동창회에 나가본 적이 있나요?

졸업생 배출

— The act of a school producing or turning out graduates.

우리 학교는 매년 수천 명의 졸업생을 배출합니다.

졸업생 설문조사

— A survey conducted among graduates to gather feedback or data.

졸업생 설문조사에 참여해 주시기 바랍니다.

Often Confused With

졸업생 vs 졸업

졸업 is the act of graduating, while 졸업생 is the person who graduated.

졸업생 vs 수료생

A 수료생 finished the classes but might not have a full degree; a 졸업생 has the degree.

졸업생 vs 재학생

A 재학생 is still in school; a 졸업생 has already left.

Idioms & Expressions

"졸업생의 꼬리표"

— The 'tag' or reputation that follows a graduate based on their school.

그는 명문대 졸업생의 꼬리표 덕분에 쉽게 취업했다.

Informal/Neutral

"모교의 얼굴"

— Referring to graduates as the 'face' or representatives of their school's reputation.

여러분은 이제 사회에서 모교의 얼굴입니다.

Formal

"학연의 힘"

— The 'power of school ties', often referring to the influence of alumni networks.

한국 사회에서는 여전히 학연의 힘이 크다.

Neutral/Critical

"금배지를 단 졸업생"

— Referring to graduates who have become successful or influential (like politicians).

우리 학교 졸업생 중에 금배지를 단 사람이 많다.

Informal

"졸업생의 품격"

— The dignity or class expected of a graduate from a certain school.

그는 행동 하나하나에서 졸업생의 품격이 느껴진다.

Formal

"팔은 안으로 굽는다"

— An idiom meaning people favor those close to them (often used when alumni help each other).

졸업생 선배가 나를 도와준 걸 보니 팔은 안으로 굽나 보다.

Colloquial

"개천에서 용 난 졸업생"

— A graduate who succeeded greatly despite coming from a humble background.

그는 우리 동네에서 개천에서 용 난 졸업생으로 유명하다.

Colloquial

"졸업생의 도리"

— The duty or expected behavior of a graduate toward their alma mater.

학교를 돕는 것은 졸업생의 도리라고 생각합니다.

Formal

"한솥밥을 먹던 사이"

— People who shared meals/lived together (often used for fellow graduates).

우리는 대학교에서 한솥밥을 먹던 졸업생 동기들이다.

Warm/Colloquial

"졸업생의 이름으로"

— Doing something 'in the name of the graduates'.

졸업생의 이름으로 장학금을 전달했습니다.

Formal

Easily Confused

졸업생 vs 동문 (Dong-mun)

Both mean 'alumnus'.

졸업생 is a general term for a graduate. 동문 emphasizes the shared bond between graduates of the same school and is often used in the context of 'fellow alumni'.

그는 내 대학 동문이다. (He is my university alumnus.)

졸업생 vs 대졸자 (Dae-jol-ja)

Both refer to university graduates.

대졸자 is a more administrative and statistical term used in employment and news. 졸업생 is more common in natural conversation and ceremonies.

대졸자 취업이 어렵다. (It is hard for college graduates to get jobs.)

졸업생 vs 학우 (Hak-u)

Both are used in school contexts.

학우 means 'schoolmate' or 'fellow student'. It is often used in speeches to create a sense of friendship among graduates.

친애하는 학우 여러분! (Dear fellow students/graduates!)

졸업생 vs 수료생 (Su-ryo-saeng)

Both involve finishing a course.

A 수료생 has finished the required hours of study but may not have met all requirements for a degree (like a thesis). A 졸업생 has fully graduated.

그는 과정을 수료했지만 졸업생은 아니다. (He completed the course but is not a graduate.)

졸업생 vs 선배 (Seon-bae)

Graduates are often called 선배.

선배 is a relational term for someone who started school before you. A graduate is a 선배 to current students, but not all 선배 are necessarily graduates yet.

졸업생 선배님이 학교를 방문했다. (A graduate senior visited the school.)

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Place] 졸업생입니다.

저는 서울대학교 졸업생입니다.

[Place] 졸업생이 [Number]명이에요.

우리 학교 졸업생이 500명이에요.

[Place] 졸업생들은 [Activity]를 해요.

졸업생들은 매년 모임을 해요.

졸업생으로서 [Duty/Feeling].

졸업생으로서 자부심을 느낍니다.

졸업생들의 [Noun]이/가 학교의 [Noun]을/를 결정한다.

졸업생들의 활약이 학교의 명성을 결정한다.

[Noun]은/는 졸업생들의 [Noun]에 기인한다.

학교의 성장은 졸업생들의 헌신에 기인한다.

[Adjective] 졸업생이 되고 싶어요.

성공한 졸업생이 되고 싶어요.

졸업생 [Name] 씨를 아세요?

졸업생 김철수 씨를 아세요?

Word Family

Nouns

졸업 (Graduation)

졸업식 (Graduation ceremony)

졸업장 (Diploma)

졸업생 (Graduate)

졸업자 (Graduated person)

Verbs

졸업하다 (To graduate)

동문 (Alumnus)

선배 (Senior)

후배 (Junior)

모교 (Alma mater)

학위 (Degree)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high, especially in February and in professional networking contexts.

Common Mistakes

저는 대학교 졸업입니다. → 저는 대학교 졸업생입니다.
You are a person (graduate), not the event (graduation). Use '졸업생' for the person.
졸업생에서 왔어요. → 졸업생들이 왔어요.
You cannot use '에서' (from/at) with a person noun like '졸업생' to mean 'they came'. Use the subject marker '이/가' or plural '들'.
많은 졸업생들을 축하해요. → 졸업생 여러분, 축하합니다.
While grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural to 'congratulate many graduates' in a direct address. Use '여러분' (everyone) instead.
그는 우리 학교 동문생이다. → 그는 우리 학교 동문이다.
There is no word '동문생'. It is either '동문' or '졸업생'.
졸업생 증명을 주세요. → 졸업 증명서를 주세요.
The document is a 'graduation certificate' (졸업 증명서), not a 'graduate proof'.

Tips

Don't confuse with '졸업'

Remember that '졸업' is the event. If you say '저는 졸업입니다', it sounds like 'I am graduation'. Always use '졸업생' to refer to yourself as the person.

Alumni Networking

In Korea, being a '졸업생' of a famous school is a big deal. Mentioning your school can help you build '학연' (school ties) which is very important in business.

Shortened Versions

In job ads, you might see '대졸' or '대졸자' instead of '대학교 졸업생'. These all refer to the same thing but in a more concise, formal way.

Honorifics

When talking about an older graduate, always use '졸업생 선배님' to show proper respect. Age and seniority are very important in these relationships.

Resume Tip

On a Korean resume, list your status as '졸업' or '졸업생'. If you haven't graduated yet but are about to, use '졸업 예정'.

The 'SS' sound

The 's' in 'saeng' becomes a double 'ss' sound [쌩] because it follows the 'p' sound in 'eop'. Practice saying 'Jol-eop-ssaeng' for a more natural sound.

February Rush

If you are in Korea in February, look for banners saying '졸업생 여러분의 앞날을 축하합니다'. It's a great way to see the word in a real-world context.

Using '동문'

If you meet someone from your school, say '우리는 동문이네요!' (We are fellow alumni!). It sounds much warmer and more friendly than using '졸업생'.

Hanja Power

Learning the Hanja 卒 (finish), 業 (work/study), and 生 (person) will help you understand dozens of other words like 학생, 선생, and 취업.

News Keywords

When you hear '취업률' (employment rate) on the news, the word '졸업생' is almost always right before it. Use this to practice your listening skills.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jol' as 'Jolly' because you are happy to finish, 'Eop' as 'Up' because you are moving up in life, and 'Saeng' as 'Singing' because you are singing at graduation. Jolly-Up-Singing!

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a black graduation gown (졸업) holding a diploma (생) and throwing their cap into the air.

Word Web

졸업 (Graduation) 학생 (Student) 학교 (School) 선생님 (Teacher) 학위 (Degree) 동문 (Alumni) 취업 (Employment) 성공 (Success)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about what kind of 졸업생 you want to be in the future. Use at least one adjective like '성공한' (successful) or '자랑스러운' (proud).

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Korean compound. It is formed by three Hanja characters: 卒 (Jol), 業 (Eop), and 生 (Saeng).

Original meaning: 卒 originally meant a soldier or to finish/die. 業 meant a profession or task. 生 meant life or a person. Together, it meant 'a person who has finished their task/studies'.

Sino-Korean (derived from Chinese characters).

Cultural Context

Avoid assuming every '졸업생' has a high-paying job, as graduate unemployment is a sensitive topic in modern Korea.

In English, we often say 'alumni' for the group and 'graduate' for the individual. In Korean, '졸업생' covers both, but '동문' is preferred for the collective bond.

The movie 'The Graduate' (졸업) is famous in Korea. K-pop songs often mention graduation and being a graduate (e.g., BTS - Graduation Song). Famous university alumni lists (like SNU or Yonsei) are often discussed in the media.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Graduation Ceremony

졸업을 축하합니다!
졸업생 대표 연설
졸업생 명단 확인
졸업생 여러분

Job Search

신입 졸업생 채용
졸업생 취업 지원
졸업 증명서 제출
대졸자 우대

Alumni Meeting

졸업생 동창회
졸업생의 밤
학교 선배님
모교 방문

School Administration

졸업생 데이터베이스
졸업생 사후 관리
졸업생 설문
졸업생 카드 발급

Casual Conversation

너 어느 학교 졸업생이야?
나랑 같은 학교 졸업생이네!
유명한 졸업생 누구 있어?
졸업생이라서 좋아.

Conversation Starters

"어느 학교 졸업생이신가요? (Which school are you a graduate of?)"

"졸업생 동창회에 자주 가세요? (Do you go to alumni meetings often?)"

"우리 학교 졸업생 중에 유명한 사람이 있나요? (Are there any famous people among our school's graduates?)"

"졸업생이 되면 가장 하고 싶은 게 뭐예요? (What do you want to do most once you become a graduate?)"

"졸업생 선배님들로부터 도움을 받은 적이 있나요? (Have you ever received help from senior graduates?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 졸업생이 되었을 때의 기분을 써 보세요. (Write about how you felt when you became a graduate.)

미래에 어떤 자랑스러운 졸업생이 되고 싶은지 설명해 보세요. (Describe what kind of proud graduate you want to be in the future.)

모교의 졸업생으로서 학교를 위해 할 수 있는 일은 무엇일까요? (As a graduate of your alma mater, what can you do for the school?)

가장 기억에 남는 졸업생 선배나 후배에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the most memorable senior or junior graduate.)

졸업생들이 사회에 미치는 영향에 대해 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요. (Organize your thoughts on the impact graduates have on society.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

졸업생 is a general term for a graduate, focusing on the person's status. 동문 (literally 'same gate') is used to emphasize the shared connection between people who attended the same school. You would say 'I am a 졸업생' but 'We are 동문'.

Yes, 졸업생 is used for all levels of education, including kindergarten (유치원), elementary school (초등학교), high school (고등학교), and university (대학교).

Korean nouns do not have grammatical gender. 졸업생 can refer to both male and female graduates. If you need to specify, you can use 여졸업생 (female) or 남졸업생 (male), but this is rare.

You say '[University Name] 졸업생입니다'. For example, '서울대학교 졸업생입니다'. You can also use the particle '의' (서울대학교의 졸업생입니다), but it is often omitted in natural speech.

It means 'expected graduate'. This is used for students who are in their final semester and are scheduled to graduate soon. It is very common on Korean resumes.

Yes, you can add '들' to make '졸업생들'. However, in Korean, if the context or a number (like '많은' - many) makes it clear that there is more than one person, '들' is often omitted.

OB stands for 'Old Boy' and is a Konglish term used to refer to graduates or former members of a club or team. The opposite is 'YB' (Young Boy) for current members.

The main graduation season is in February. This is when you will hear the word '졸업생' most frequently in the media and in daily life.

Usually, for short-term language programs, the term '수료생' (completer) is more accurate. However, if the program considers it a 'graduation' (졸업), then '졸업생' is fine.

The most common and respectful way to address them is '졸업생 여러분' (Dear graduates/Everyone who is graduating).