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B1 noun 10 min read

주택

jutaek

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 주택 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 주택 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of '주택' as a synonym for '집' (house). While '집' is the word you will use most of the time to say 'my house' or 'I go home,' '주택' is introduced as a way to describe a specific type of building. Imagine you are looking at a picture book of different buildings. A school is '학교,' a hospital is '병원,' and a house is '주택.' At this level, you don't need to worry about the complex real estate terms. Just remember that '주택' is a formal way to say 'house building.' You might see this word on a sign or in a very simple textbook. For example, '이것은 주택입니다' (This is a house). You can use it to distinguish a house from an apartment. If someone asks 'Where do you live?', and you live in a stand-alone house with a small garden, you could say '주택에 살아요.' It is a good word to start building your vocabulary about the city and different types of buildings. Keep your sentences short and focus on identifying the object. You should also learn the word '주택가' (residential area) because it helps you describe where you are. '여기는 주택가예요' (This is a residential area). This is a useful phrase if you are lost or describing your neighborhood to a friend. Overall, at A1, treat '주택' as a simple noun that identifies a residential building in a formal or descriptive way.

At the A2 level, you can start using '주택' to describe your living environment in more detail. You should be able to differentiate between '집' (the emotional home) and '주택' (the physical building type). For example, you can say '우리 집은 주택이에요' (My home is a [detached] house). This is useful when you are comparing your life with others who might live in an '아파트' (apartment). You can also start using simple adjectives with '주택.' Words like '큰 주택' (big house), '작은 주택' (small house), or '예쁜 주택' (pretty house) are common. At this stage, you might also encounter '단독 주택' (detached house) in basic conversations about moving or housing types. You should also be able to understand '주택가' in the context of directions or neighborhood descriptions. For instance, '주택가라서 조용해요' (It's quiet because it's a residential area). This shows you understand the relationship between the building type and the atmosphere of a place. You might also see '주택' in simple advertisements for rooms or houses for rent. Learning this word helps you navigate basic social situations where you describe your daily life and your surroundings. You are moving beyond just naming objects and starting to describe the characteristics of those objects. Try to use '주택' when you are speaking in a slightly more polite or descriptive manner, while keeping '집' for your close friends and family.

At the B1 level, '주택' becomes a key vocabulary word for discussing lifestyle, social issues, and more formal situations. You should understand that '주택' is the standard term in real estate and official contexts. You will encounter it when discussing '주택 문제' (housing problems) or '주택 가격' (housing prices), which are very common topics in Korean conversation. You should be able to use compound words like '전원주택' (a house in the countryside) to express your future dreams or preferences. For example, '저는 나중에 공기 좋은 곳에서 전원주택을 짓고 싶어요' (I want to build a country house in a place with clean air later). This level requires you to understand the nuance of '주택' as a professional term. If you are looking for a place to live in Korea, you will need this word to talk to a '부동산' (real estate agent). You should be able to ask, '이 근처에 괜찮은 주택이 있나요?' (Is there a decent house around here?). You will also hear this word on the news frequently. Understanding phrases like '주택 공급' (housing supply) will help you follow basic news reports about the economy. You are now expected to use the word in sentences that have more complex grammar, such as using it with the '-기 때문에' (because) or '-려고' (in order to) structures. For instance, '주택을 구입하려고 돈을 모으고 있어요' (I am saving money in order to purchase a house). This shows a transition from simple description to discussing goals and social realities.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of '주택' in various professional and academic contexts. You should be able to discuss the pros and cons of different housing types using terms like '공동주택' (communal housing) versus '단독주택' (detached house). This involves understanding the sociological implications of housing in Korea, such as why apartments are so popular despite the high cost. You will encounter '주택' in more complex economic discussions, such as '주택 담보 대출' (mortgages) and '주택 시장의 변동' (fluctuations in the housing market). You should be able to use the word in argumentative or descriptive essays about urban development or social welfare. For example, '정부는 저소득층을 위한 공공 주택 정책을 강화해야 한다' (The government should strengthen public housing policies for low-income groups). At this level, you should also be familiar with the Hanja roots (住 and 宅) to help you understand related words like '주거' (dwelling), '택지' (housing site), and '주택난' (housing shortage). You are expected to use '주택' naturally in formal presentations or discussions about urban life. You should also understand the cultural nuance of '주택'—how it represents a specific lifestyle choice in a country dominated by high-rise apartments. Your ability to use '주택' correctly in these contexts demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence and cultural understanding, allowing you to participate in sophisticated conversations about Korean society.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use '주택' with the precision of a native speaker in specialized fields like law, economics, or architecture. You will encounter the word in legal documents, such as the '주택임대차보호법' (Housing Lease Protection Act), and you should understand the specific rights and obligations it entails. Your vocabulary should include highly specific terms like '다세대주택' (multi-household house), '다가구주택' (multi-family house), and '도시형 생활주택' (urban-life housing). You should be able to analyze and discuss the impact of '주택 정책' (housing policy) on the national economy or social structure. In academic settings, you might use '주택' to discuss '주택 보급률' (housing supply rate) or '주택 유형의 다양화' (diversification of housing types). You should be able to appreciate the literary or philosophical use of the word in essays or high-level journalism, where '주택' might be used to discuss the alienation of modern urban dwellers or the changing meaning of 'residence' in the digital age. Your usage of the word should be flawless in terms of register, and you should be able to code-switch between the technical '주택' and the more evocative '집' or '거처' depending on your audience and purpose. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are manipulating it to express complex, nuanced ideas about the human environment and social organization.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '주택' is comprehensive, encompassing its historical evolution, legal intricacies, and cultural symbolism. You can engage in high-level debates about '주택 정의' (housing justice) and the ethics of real estate speculation. You are familiar with historical terms like '영단주택' (government-built housing from the 1940s) and how they shaped modern Korean urbanism. You can critique '주택 디자인' from an aesthetic and functional perspective, discussing how architectural forms influence social interaction. In the realm of policy, you can compare Korean '주택' laws with those of other countries in a sophisticated manner. You understand the deep psychological connection between '주택' ownership and social status in Korea, and you can discuss this in a critical, sociolinguistic context. Whether you are reading a Supreme Court ruling on housing disputes or a poetic meditation on the concept of 'dwelling,' the word '주택' and its various forms are tools you use with total mastery. You can use the word to construct complex metaphors or to provide precise technical explanations. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker who specializes in urban studies or social policy. You recognize '주택' not just as a word for a building, but as a fundamental unit of social analysis and a cornerstone of the Korean economic and cultural identity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

주택 in 30 Seconds

주택 refers to a residential building or structure. It is the formal, technical equivalent of the common word '집' (house/home) and is used in professional contexts.
Derived from Hanja (住 - live, 宅 - house), it appears in terms like '단독주택' (detached house) and '주택가' (residential area). It is essential for real estate.
While '집' carries emotional warmth, '주택' is objective and structural. It is the standard term for official documents, news reports, and urban planning discussions in Korea.
Learners should use '주택' when describing building types or in formal settings, but stick to '집' for daily conversations about going home or visiting friends.

The Korean word 주택 (Jutaek) is a formal and technical noun that translates most accurately to 'housing,' 'residence,' or 'residential building' in English. While the common word for 'home' or 'house' is 집 (jip), 주택 specifically refers to the physical structure designed for human habitation. It is a Sino-Korean word derived from the Hanja characters 住 (주) meaning 'to live' or 'reside' and 宅 (택) meaning 'house' or 'residence.' Understanding the nuances of this word requires looking at how Koreans categorize their living spaces. In everyday conversation, you might say "집에 가요" (I'm going home), but in a real estate office or on the news, you will hear "주택 공급" (housing supply) or "단독 주택" (detached house). The term encompasses various forms of buildings, from the traditional Korean house to modern multi-unit villas, excluding large-scale apartment complexes which are usually categorized separately as 아파트 (apateu).

Structural Nuance: Unlike '집', which carries an emotional and personal connotation of 'home,' 주택 is often used to describe the architectural type or the legal status of a building. It is the term used in urban planning, architecture, and law.
Common Classifications: Koreans distinguish between 단독주택 (dandok-jutaek), which refers to a single-family detached house, and 공동주택 (gongdong-jutaek), which refers to multi-unit housing like villas or row houses.

이 동네는 조용한 주택가라서 살기 아주 좋습니다. (This neighborhood is a quiet residential area, so it is very good to live in.)

In modern Korean society, the word 주택 often evokes a sense of nostalgia or a specific lifestyle choice. Because the vast majority of Koreans live in high-rise apartments, choosing to live in a 단독 주택 (detached house) is often seen as a desire for more privacy, a garden, or a break from the uniform city life. Therefore, when people talk about their 'dream house,' they often use the phrase "마당이 있는 주택" (a house with a yard). Additionally, you will encounter this word frequently in the context of economics and government policy. Terms like 주택 시장 (housing market), 주택 청약 (housing subscription/application), and 주택 담보 대출 (mortgage loan) are essential for anyone living or doing business in Korea.

정부는 서민들을 위한 공공 주택을 더 많이 건설하겠다고 발표했습니다. (The government announced that it would build more public housing for low-income citizens.)

Cultural Evolution: Historically, '주택' referred to traditional Hanok structures. However, during the rapid industrialization of the 1970s and 80s, 'Western-style' houses (양옥) became the standard '주택.' Today, the term is evolving again to include eco-friendly and smart housing technologies.

Finally, it is worth noting the emotional distance the word creates. While '집' feels warm and welcoming, '주택' feels concrete and objective. If a friend invites you over, they will say "우리 집으로 와" (Come to my house). If a real estate agent shows you a property, they will say "이 주택은 위치가 좋습니다" (This residence has a good location). This distinction is vital for intermediate learners to master, as it demonstrates a grasp of register and social context in the Korean language.

Using 주택 (Jutaek) correctly involves understanding its role as a formal noun that often anchors compound words or descriptive phrases. Because it is a Sino-Korean word, it pairs naturally with other Hanja-based terms to create specific meanings. For instance, adding 가 (ga) meaning 'street' or 'area' creates 주택가 (residential area). Adding 난 (nan) meaning 'difficulty' creates 주택난 (housing shortage). When constructing sentences, you should consider the level of formality and the specific type of housing you are discussing.

Grammatical Placement: As a noun, 주택 usually functions as the subject or object of a sentence. It is frequently modified by adjectives like '크다' (big), '작다' (small), '오래되다' (old), or '현대적이다' (modern). Example: "오래된 주택을 개조해서 카페를 만들었어요." (They renovated an old house and made it into a cafe.)

서울의 주택 가격이 작년에 비해 크게 올랐습니다. (Housing prices in Seoul have risen significantly compared to last year.)

When discussing personal living preferences, learners often compare 주택 with 아파트 (apartment). In this context, the sentence structure often uses comparison markers like 보다 (than). For example: "저는 아파트보다 마당이 있는 주택에서 사는 것을 더 선호합니다." (I prefer living in a house with a yard over an apartment.) This demonstrates an advanced ability to discuss lifestyle choices using appropriate vocabulary. Furthermore, in professional settings like architecture or urban design, you might use the term 주택 설계 (housing design) or 주택 단지 (housing complex/estate).

새로 지은 주택은 태양광 패널을 설치하여 에너지를 절약합니다. (The newly built house saves energy by installing solar panels.)

Compound Word Usage: 1. 전원주택 (Jeonwon-jutaek): A country house or villa. 2. 상가주택 (Sangga-jutaek): A building with shops on the lower floors and a residence on the upper floors.

In summary, 주택 is a versatile word that moves beyond the simple concept of 'home.' It allows speakers to categorize space, discuss economic realities, and express specific architectural preferences. Whether you are describing a cozy cottage in the countryside or a modern multi-unit building in the city, 주택 provides the structural foundation for your description. Practice using it in sentences that involve buying, selling, or building to master its professional and descriptive nuances.

In South Korea, you will encounter the word 주택 (Jutaek) in a variety of real-world environments, ranging from media broadcasts to daily errands. One of the most common places is the Real Estate Office (부동산). When walking down a Korean street, you will see signs in the windows of real estate agencies listing "주택 매매" (house for sale) or "주택 전세" (house for lease). Agents will use this term to distinguish detached houses or villas from high-rise apartments. If you are looking for a place to live, mastering this word is essential for communicating your needs clearly.

News and Media: Economic news segments frequently discuss the 주택 시장 (housing market). You will hear anchors reporting on '주택 가격 지수' (housing price index) or government measures to stabilize the housing market. This is a staple topic in Korean society due to the high importance placed on property ownership.

뉴스 속보: 정부가 수도권 주택 공급을 대폭 늘리겠다고 발표했습니다. (Breaking News: The government announced it will significantly increase housing supply in the metropolitan area.)

Another frequent location is Public Administration Offices (동주민센터). When you move to a new house, you must report your new address. The forms will often ask for your '주택 유형' (housing type), where you must specify if you live in a '단독주택' (single house), '다세대주택' (multi-household house), or '아파트' (apartment). Using the term 주택 in these official settings ensures that your documentation is processed correctly. It is also the standard term used in insurance policies and utility bills (e.g., '주택용 전기' - residential electricity).

은행에서 주택 담보 대출 상담을 받으러 왔습니다. (I came to the bank to get a consultation for a mortgage loan.)

Daily Conversations: While '집' is more common between friends, '주택' is used when discussing the specific characteristics of a neighborhood. For example, "이 근처는 주택가라서 밤에 아주 조용해요." (This area is a residential neighborhood, so it's very quiet at night.)

Finally, you will see this word on Street Signs and Maps. Maps will often label areas as '주택 단지' (housing complex) or '주택 재개발 구역' (housing redevelopment zone). If you are navigating a city or reading about urban development, 주택 is the key term that identifies where people live versus where they work or shop. Its presence in the physical landscape of Korea—on signs, in banks, and on the news—makes it one of the most practical words for an intermediate learner to recognize and understand.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 주택 (Jutaek) is using it as a direct replacement for the English word 'home.' In English, 'home' carries an emotional weight that 'house' does not. In Korean, 집 (jip) serves both the emotional 'home' and the physical 'house' in casual speech. Using 주택 in a casual context like "주택에 가고 싶어요" (I want to go to my residence) sounds unnaturally stiff and robotic, almost like saying "I wish to return to my domicile" in English. Always use 집 for personal, emotional, or casual references to where you live.

The 'Apartment' Confusion: In many Western countries, the word 'house' can be a broad term for any dwelling. However, in Korea, 주택 and 아파트 are strictly categorized. If you live in a 20-story apartment building and call it a 주택, Koreans might be confused. While an apartment is technically a type of 공동주택 (communal housing), in common parlance, '주택' usually refers to detached houses or smaller villas.

Wrong: 어제 친구 주택에서 잤어요. (I slept at my friend's residence yesterday.)
Right: 어제 친구 집에서 잤어요. (I slept at my friend's house/home yesterday.)

Another error involves the misuse of 주택 in compound words. For example, learners might try to invent words like '주택일' for 'housework.' The correct term is 집안일. The Sino-Korean 주택 does not combine with native Korean words like 일 (work) in that way. Similarly, 'housewife' is 주부 (jubu), not '주택여자.' Understanding which words are Sino-Korean and which are native Korean will help you avoid these 'Konglish' or unnatural constructions.

비교: 이 건물은 주택용입니다. (This building is for residential use - Correct formal usage.)

Particle Errors: Learners sometimes forget that 주택 is a noun that needs appropriate particles. Don't say "주택 살아요." Say "주택에 살아요" (I live in a house) or "주택에서 살아요" (I live [and do activities] in a house).

Lastly, be careful with the word 저택 (jeotaek). While it sounds similar to 주택, 저택 means 'mansion' or 'manor.' If you describe your modest single-story house as a 저택, people will think you are either very wealthy or being sarcastic. Stick to 주택 for standard residential buildings and 집 for your personal home to ensure your Korean sounds natural and context-appropriate.

To truly master the concept of 'housing' in Korean, it is important to compare 주택 (Jutaek) with its synonyms and related terms. Each word carries a different weight, formality, and specific meaning. The most common alternative is 집 (jip), which we have already discussed as the general, more emotional term for home. However, there are several others that are used in specific contexts such as law, literature, or real estate.

주거 (Jugeo): This term means 'dwelling' or 'residing.' It is even more formal than 주택. It is often used in the context of human rights ("주거권" - right to housing) or living conditions ("주거 환경" - living environment). While 주택 is the building, 주거 is the act or state of living there.
가옥 (Gaok): An older, more traditional term for a house. You will often see this in historical contexts or when referring to traditional architecture, such as "전통 가옥" (traditional house). It sounds more academic or historical than 주택.

그는 도심을 떠나 조용한 거처를 마련했습니다. (He left the city center and prepared a quiet place to stay/residence.)

Another interesting alternative is 거처 (geocheo). This means 'a place to stay' or 'lodging.' It is often used when someone's living situation is temporary or when they are looking for any place to rest their head. For example, a traveler might look for a 거처. In contrast, 주택 implies a permanent, solid structure. For very large, expensive houses, you would use 저택 (jeotaek), which translates to 'mansion.' This word is used to describe the homes of the ultra-rich or historical figures.

한국의 아파트는 대표적인 공동 주택 양식입니다. (Korean apartments are a representative form of communal housing.)

빌라 (Villa): In Korea, a 'villa' is not a luxury mansion but a low-rise multi-unit building (usually 3-5 floors). These are categorized as 다세대 주택 or 연립 주택. When people want to avoid the high cost of apartments, they often look for a 빌라.

By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the word that fits your exact situation. If you are writing a poem, 집 or 가옥 might be better. If you are signing a lease, 주택 or 주거 will be the terms you see. This linguistic variety allows for precise communication in Korean's highly contextual social landscape. Practice identifying these words in news articles or real estate listings to see how they are used in action.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, the character 宅 (taek) was also used to refer to a person's grave, as it was considered the 'eternal residence' of the deceased. Today, however, it is strictly used for the living.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕu.tʰɛk̚/

US /dʒuː.tɛk/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal length and stress, but the first syllable '주' may feel slightly more prominent.

Rhymes With

세택 (setaek) 선택 (seontaek) 혜택 (hyetaek) 주택 (jutaek) 대택 (daetaek) 산택 (santaek) 은택 (euntaek) 덕택 (deoktaek)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '택' as 'take' with a long 'a' sound.
Making the final 'k' sound too audible (it should be a stop).
Confusing the 'u' sound in 'ju' with 'eo'.
Pronouncing it like 'joo-teck' with an English 'ck' sound.
Failing to aspirate the 't' in 'taek'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and signs, easy to recognize once the Hanja is known.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific compound words and formal particles.

Speaking 3/5

Simple pronunciation, but requires understanding register to not sound too stiff.

Listening 3/5

Frequently heard in news and dramas, usually clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

집 (home) 살다 (to live) 건물 (building) 방 (room) 동네 (neighborhood)

Learn Next

부동산 (real estate) 아파트 (apartment) 이사 (moving) 월세/전세 (rent types) 건축 (architecture)

Advanced

임대차보호법 (Lease protection law) 분양 (parceling out/sale of lots) 재개발 (redevelopment) 용적률 (floor area ratio)

Grammar to Know

Noun + -에서 살다 (Living in...)

저는 주택에서 살아요.

Noun + -보다 (Comparison)

아파트보다 주택이 더 좋아요.

Adjective (Noun-modifying form) + 주택

오래된 주택을 샀어요.

Noun + -을/를 마련하다 (To prepare/get)

드디어 주택을 마련했습니다.

Noun + -가/이 되다 (To become)

이곳은 곧 주택가가 될 거예요.

Examples by Level

이것은 주택입니다.

This is a house.

이것 (This) + -은 (topic marker) + 주택 (house) + -입니다 (is - formal).

주택이 커요.

The house is big.

주택 (house) + -이 (subject marker) + 커요 (is big - from 크다).

우리 집은 주택이에요.

My home is a house.

우리 (our/my) + 집 (home) + -은 (topic marker) + 주택 (house) + -이에요 (is - polite).

주택에 살아요.

I live in a house.

주택 (house) + -에 (location marker) + 살아요 (live - from 살다).

예쁜 주택이 많아요.

There are many pretty houses.

예쁜 (pretty) + 주택 (house) + -이 (subject marker) + 많아요 (are many).

여기는 주택가예요.

This is a residential area.

여기 (here) + -는 (topic marker) + 주택가 (residential area) + -예요 (is).

주택 뒤에 산이 있어요.

There is a mountain behind the house.

주택 (house) + 뒤 (behind) + -에 (location marker) + 산 (mountain) + -이 (subject marker) + 있어요 (there is).

작은 주택을 좋아해요.

I like small houses.

작은 (small) + 주택 (house) + -을 (object marker) + 좋아해요 (like).

조용한 주택을 찾고 있어요.

I am looking for a quiet house.

조용한 (quiet) + 주택 (house) + -을 (object marker) + 찾고 있어요 (am looking for).

주택 마당에서 꽃을 심어요.

I plant flowers in the house yard.

주택 (house) + 마당 (yard) + -에서 (location of action marker) + 꽃 (flower) + 심어요 (plant).

이 주택은 아주 오래되었습니다.

This house is very old.

이 (this) + 주택 (house) + -은 (topic marker) + 아주 (very) + 오래되었습니다 (is old - formal).

주택가에는 주차하기가 힘들어요.

It is hard to park in residential areas.

주택가 (residential area) + -에는 (in the...) + 주차하기 (parking) + -가 (subject marker) + 힘들어요 (is hard).

우리는 단독 주택으로 이사했어요.

We moved to a detached house.

우리 (we) + -는 (topic marker) + 단독 주택 (detached house) + -으로 (direction marker) + 이사했어요 (moved).

주택 2층에 방이 두 개 있어요.

There are two rooms on the second floor of the house.

주택 (house) + 2층 (2nd floor) + -에 (location marker) + 방 (room) + -이 (subject marker) + 두 개 (two items) + 있어요 (there are).

이 주택은 부엌이 넓어서 좋아요.

I like this house because the kitchen is spacious.

이 (this) + 주택 (house) + -은 (topic marker) + 부엌 (kitchen) + -이 (subject marker) + 넓어서 (because it is wide/spacious) + 좋아요 (is good/I like).

친구들과 주택에서 파티를 했어요.

I had a party at a house with my friends.

친구들 (friends) + -과 (with) + 주택 (house) + -에서 (at) + 파티 (party) + -를 (object marker) + 했어요 (did/had).

요즘은 아파트보다 주택을 선호하는 사람들이 늘고 있습니다.

These days, the number of people who prefer houses over apartments is increasing.

아파트보다 (than apartments) + 주택 (house) + -을 (object marker) + 선호하는 (preferring) + 사람들 (people) + -이 (subject marker) + 늘고 있습니다 (are increasing).

주택 담보 대출 금리가 낮아졌어요.

The mortgage loan interest rates have decreased.

주택 담보 대출 (mortgage loan) + 금리 (interest rate) + -가 (subject marker) + 낮아졌어요 (became lower).

이 지역은 주택 재개발 사업이 진행 중입니다.

A housing redevelopment project is underway in this area.

이 (this) + 지역 (area) + -은 (topic marker) + 주택 재개발 사업 (housing redevelopment project) + -이 (subject marker) + 진행 중입니다 (is in progress).

전원주택에서의 삶은 도시보다 여유로워요.

Life in a country house is more relaxed than in the city.

전원주택 (country house) + -에서의 (in the...) + 삶 (life) + -은 (topic marker) + 도시보다 (than city) + 여유로워요 (is relaxed).

정부는 주택난을 해결하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

The government is making efforts to solve the housing shortage.

주택난 (housing shortage) + -을 (object marker) + 해결하기 위해 (in order to solve) + 노력하고 있습니다 (are making efforts).

주택을 구입할 때 세금을 확인해야 합니다.

You must check the taxes when purchasing a house.

주택 (house) + -을 (object marker) + 구입할 때 (when purchasing) + 세금 (tax) + -을 (object marker) + 확인해야 합니다 (must check).

이 주택은 에너지 효율이 매우 높습니다.

This house has very high energy efficiency.

이 (this) + 주택 (house) + -은 (topic marker) + 에너지 효율 (energy efficiency) + -이 (subject marker) + 매우 (very) + 높습니다 (is high).

주택가 골목길이 좁아서 운전하기 불편해요.

The residential alleyways are narrow, so driving is inconvenient.

주택가 (residential area) + 골목길 (alley) + -이 (subject marker) + 좁아서 (because it is narrow) + 운전하기 (driving) + 불편해요 (is inconvenient).

주택 가격의 급등은 청년들의 내 집 마련을 어렵게 합니다.

The surge in housing prices makes it difficult for young people to buy their own homes.

주택 가격 (housing price) + -의 (possessive) + 급등 (surge) + -은 (topic) + 청년들 (young people) + -의 (possessive) + 내 집 마련 (owning one's home) + -을 (object) + 어렵게 합니다 (makes difficult).

공동주택에서는 층간 소음 문제가 자주 발생합니다.

In communal housing, inter-floor noise issues often occur.

공동주택 (communal housing) + -에서는 (in...) + 층간 소음 (inter-floor noise) + 문제 (problem) + -가 (subject) + 자주 (often) + 발생합니다 (occurs).

그는 낡은 주택을 개조하여 자신만의 작업실을 만들었습니다.

He renovated an old house to create his own studio.

낡은 (worn out/old) + 주택 (house) + -을 (object) + 개조하여 (renovating and...) + 자신만의 (his own) + 작업실 (studio) + -을 (object) + 만들었습니다 (made).

주택 시장의 안정을 위해 새로운 규제가 도입되었습니다.

New regulations have been introduced to stabilize the housing market.

주택 시장 (housing market) + -의 (possessive) + 안정 (stability) + -을 위해 (for...) + 새로운 (new) + 규제 (regulation) + -가 (subject) + 도입되었습니다 (was introduced).

이 주택은 전통미와 현대적 편의성을 동시에 갖추고 있습니다.

This house has both traditional beauty and modern convenience.

이 (this) + 주택 (house) + -은 (topic) + 전통미 (traditional beauty) + -와 (and) + 현대적 (modern) + 편의성 (convenience) + -을 (object) + 동시에 (at the same time) + 갖추고 있습니다 (possesses).

주택 청약 저축은 한국에서 내 집을 마련하는 중요한 방법입니다.

Housing subscription savings is an important way to get a home in Korea.

주택 청약 저축 (housing subscription savings) + -은 (topic) + 내 집을 마련하는 (getting one's home) + 중요한 (important) + 방법 (method) + -입니다 (is).

도시형 생활주택은 1인 가구의 증가에 맞춘 주거 형태입니다.

Urban-life housing is a residential form tailored to the increase in single-person households.

도시형 생활주택 (urban-life housing) + -은 (topic) + 1인 가구 (single-person household) + -의 (possessive) + 증가 (increase) + -에 맞춘 (tailored to) + 주거 형태 (residential form) + -입니다 (is).

주택의 설계 단계부터 단열 성능을 고려해야 합니다.

Insulation performance must be considered from the design stage of the house.

주택 (house) + -의 (possessive) + 설계 단계 (design stage) + -부터 (from) + 단열 성능 (insulation performance) + -을 (object) + 고려해야 합니다 (must consider).

정부는 무주택 서민들을 위해 임대 주택 공급을 확대하고 있습니다.

The government is expanding the supply of rental housing for homeless low-income citizens.

무주택 (homeless/without house) + 서민 (common people) + -들을 위해 (for...) + 임대 주택 (rental housing) + 공급 (supply) + -을 (object) + 확대하고 있습니다 (is expanding).

주택임대차보호법의 개정으로 임차인의 권리가 강화되었습니다.

The rights of tenants have been strengthened with the revision of the Housing Lease Protection Act.

주택임대차보호법 (Housing Lease Protection Act) + -의 (possessive) + 개정 (revision) + -으로 (by/through) + 임차인 (tenant) + -의 (possessive) + 권리 (right) + -가 (subject) + 강화되었습니다 (was strengthened).

이 주택은 친환경 자재를 사용하여 탄소 배출을 최소화했습니다.

This house minimized carbon emissions by using eco-friendly materials.

친환경 자재 (eco-friendly materials) + -를 (object) + 사용하여 (using and...) + 탄소 배출 (carbon emission) + -을 (object) + 최소화했습니다 (minimized).

주택 보급률이 100%를 넘었음에도 불구하고 자가 보유율은 여전히 낮습니다.

Despite the housing supply rate exceeding 100%, the home ownership rate is still low.

주택 보급률 (housing supply rate) + -이 (subject) + 100%를 넘었음에도 불구하고 (despite exceeding 100%) + 자가 보유율 (home ownership rate) + -은 (topic) + 여전히 (still) + 낮습니다 (is low).

노후 주택 밀집 지역의 안전 대책 마련이 시급합니다.

It is urgent to prepare safety measures for areas crowded with old houses.

노후 주택 (old/aged housing) + 밀집 지역 (concentrated area) + -의 (possessive) + 안전 대책 (safety measures) + 마련 (preparation) + -이 (subject) + 시급합니다 (is urgent).

상가주택은 주거와 상업 활동이 결합된 독특한 건축 양식입니다.

Commercial-residential buildings are a unique architectural style combining residence and commercial activities.

상가주택 (commercial-residential building) + -은 (topic) + 주거 (residence) + -와 (and) + 상업 활동 (commercial activity) + -이 (subject) + 결합된 (combined) + 독특한 (unique) + 건축 양식 (architectural style) + -입니다 (is).

주택 가격 거품 붕괴에 대한 우려가 시장에 확산되고 있습니다.

Concerns about the collapse of the housing price bubble are spreading in the market.

주택 가격 거품 (housing price bubble) + 붕괴 (collapse) + -에 대한 (about) + 우려 (concern) + -가 (subject) + 시장에 (in the market) + 확산되고 있습니다 (is spreading).

이 주택은 대지 면적 대비 건축 면적의 비율인 건폐율이 낮아 쾌적합니다.

This house is pleasant because it has a low building-to-land ratio (gunpyeyul).

대지 면적 (land area) + 대비 (compared to) + 건축 면적 (building area) + -의 (possessive) + 비율 (ratio) + 건폐율 (building-to-land ratio) + -이 (subject) + 낮아 (is low and so...) + 쾌적합니다 (is pleasant).

현대 사회에서 주택은 단순한 거주 공간을 넘어 자산 증식의 수단으로 전락했습니다.

In modern society, housing has devolved beyond a simple living space into a means of asset accumulation.

단순한 (simple) + 거주 공간 (living space) + -을 (object) + 넘어 (beyond) + 자산 증식 (asset accumulation) + -의 (possessive) + 수단 (means) + -으로 (as) + 전락했습니다 (devolved).

주택 정책의 성패는 공급의 양뿐만 아니라 질적 수준과 위치 선정에 달려 있습니다.

The success or failure of housing policy depends not only on the quantity of supply but also on the quality level and location selection.

주택 정책 (housing policy) + -의 (possessive) + 성패 (success or failure) + -는 (topic) + 공급의 양 (quantity of supply) + -뿐만 아니라 (not only...) + 질적 수준 (quality level) + 위치 선정 (location selection) + -에 달려 있습니다 (depends on).

포스트 코로나 시대에는 주택 내 사무 공간의 중요성이 더욱 부각될 것입니다.

In the post-COVID era, the importance of office space within the house will become even more prominent.

포스트 코로나 시대 (post-COVID era) + -에는 (in...) + 주택 내 (within the house) + 사무 공간 (office space) + -의 (possessive) + 중요성 (importance) + -이 (subject) + 더욱 (more) + 부각될 것입니다 (will be highlighted).

주택 보급의 불균형은 지역 간 경제적 격차를 심화시키는 주요 요인입니다.

The imbalance in housing supply is a major factor deepening the economic gap between regions.

주택 보급 (housing supply) + -의 (possessive) + 불균형 (imbalance) + -은 (topic) + 지역 간 (between regions) + 경제적 격차 (economic gap) + -를 (object) + 심화시키는 (deepening) + 주요 요인 (major factor) + -입니다 (is).

생태 주택의 보급은 지속 가능한 도시 개발을 위한 필수적인 과제입니다.

The spread of eco-housing is an essential task for sustainable urban development.

생태 주택 (eco-housing) + -의 (possessive) + 보급 (distribution/spread) + -은 (topic) + 지속 가능한 (sustainable) + 도시 개발 (urban development) + -을 위한 (for...) + 필수적인 과제 (essential task) + -입니다 (is).

주택 금융 규제의 완화가 가계 부채 증가에 미치는 영향을 면밀히 분석해야 합니다.

The impact of easing housing finance regulations on the increase in household debt must be closely analyzed.

주택 금융 규제 (housing finance regulation) + -의 (possessive) + 완화 (easing) + -가 (subject) + 가계 부채 (household debt) + 증가 (increase) + -에 미치는 (impacting) + 영향 (influence) + -을 (object) + 면밀히 (closely) + 분석해야 합니다 (must analyze).

인구 구조의 변화에 따라 고령자 친화적인 주택 설계가 요구되고 있습니다.

With changes in population structure, elderly-friendly housing designs are being required.

인구 구조 (population structure) + -의 (possessive) + 변화 (change) + -에 따라 (according to) + 고령자 친화적인 (elderly-friendly) + 주택 설계 (housing design) + -가 (subject) + 요구되고 있습니다 (is being required).

주택은 인간의 존엄성을 유지하기 위한 가장 기본적인 물리적 토대입니다.

Housing is the most basic physical foundation for maintaining human dignity.

주택 (housing) + -은 (topic) + 인간의 존엄성 (human dignity) + -을 (object) + 유지하기 위한 (for maintaining) + 가장 (most) + 기본적인 (basic) + 물리적 토대 (physical foundation) + -입니다 (is).

Synonyms

집 거처 가옥 주거

Antonyms

상가 공장

Common Collocations

단독 주택

주택 담보 대출

주택 가격

주택가

공공 주택

임대 주택

주택 청약

노후 주택

전원 주택

주택 단지

Common Phrases

주택을 마련하다

— To secure or purchase a house. It implies the effort of getting a home.

결혼을 앞두고 작은 주택을 마련했다.

주택을 소유하다

— To own a house. Used in formal or economic contexts.

그는 여러 채의 주택을 소유하고 있다.

주택을 개조하다

— To renovate or remodel a house.

낡은 주택을 개조해서 카페로 만들었다.

주택이 밀집하다

— Houses are densely packed together in an area.

이곳은 노후 주택이 밀집한 지역이다.

주택난에 시달리다

— To suffer from a housing shortage.

많은 도시인들이 주택난에 시달리고 있다.

주택 복지

— Housing welfare, referring to government support for housing.

주택 복지 정책이 더 확대되어야 한다.

주택 시장

— The housing market.

주택 시장이 침체기에 빠졌다.

주택용 전기

— Residential electricity (as opposed to industrial).

주택용 전기는 누진세가 적용된다.

공동 주택

— Multi-unit housing like apartments or villas.

아파트는 대표적인 공동 주택이다.

무주택자

— A person who does not own a house.

무주택자들을 위한 우선 공급 제도가 있다.

Often Confused With

주택 vs 집

English speakers often use '주택' where '집' is needed. '집' is for 'home,' while '주택' is for 'housing building.'

주택 vs 저택

Sounds similar but '저택' means a mansion or a very large, expensive house.

주택 vs 주차

Sounds slightly similar but means 'parking.' Don't confuse '주택' (housing) with '주차' (parking).

Idioms & Expressions

"내 집 마련"

— Purchasing one's own home; a major life goal for many Koreans.

한국인들에게 내 집 마련은 평생의 꿈이다.

Common

"집 없는 서러움"

— The sorrow of not having one's own house (being a renter).

이사를 자주 다니다 보니 집 없는 서러움을 느꼈다.

Common/Emotional

"하우스 푸어"

— House poor; people who own a house but are struggling due to mortgage debt.

무리하게 대출을 받아 주택을 구입한 하우스 푸어가 늘고 있다.

Modern Slang/Economic

"금싸라기 땅"

— Extremely expensive and valuable land (often where housing is built).

이 주택이 위치한 곳은 서울에서도 금싸라기 땅이다.

Metaphorical

"복부인"

— A woman who engages in real estate speculation (dated but still understood).

예전에는 주택 투기를 하는 복부인들이 사회적 문제였다.

Informal/Derogatory

"영끌 (영혼까지 끌어모으다)"

— To gather every last bit of money (including loans) to buy a house.

영끌을 해서 겨우 주택을 구입했다.

Slang

"로또 청약"

— A housing subscription that is seen as winning the lottery due to high profit potential.

이번 주택 분양은 로또 청약으로 불린다.

Modern Slang

"직주근접"

— Living close to one's workplace.

주택을 고를 때 직주근접을 가장 중요하게 생각한다.

Formal/Real Estate

"역세권"

— An area near a subway station (highly desirable for housing).

이 주택은 역세권에 위치해 교통이 편리하다.

Common/Real Estate

"깡통 전세"

— A lease where the deposit is higher than the actual house value (risky for tenants).

깡통 전세 사기를 당하지 않도록 주의해야 한다.

Economic/Slang

Easily Confused

주택 vs 저택

Similar sound and both refer to houses.

주택 is a general term for any residential building; 저택 specifically refers to a large, luxurious mansion.

그는 평범한 주택이 아니라 거대한 저택에 산다.

주택 vs 주거

Both relate to living in a place.

주택 is the physical building; 주거 is the act of residing or the abstract concept of living somewhere.

주택을 구입하여 안정된 주거 생활을 시작했다.

주택 vs 가옥

Both mean 'house building.'

가옥 is an older, more traditional or academic term; 주택 is the modern, standard term used today.

이 한옥은 보존 가치가 높은 전통 가옥이다.

주택 vs 택지

Contains the same '택' character.

주택 is the house building itself; 택지 is the land or lot designated for building a house.

정부는 새로운 택지를 개발하여 주택을 공급할 계획이다.

주택 vs 숙소

Both are places where people stay.

주택 is a permanent residence; 숙소 is a temporary lodging like a hotel, dorm, or guesthouse.

여행 중에는 주택이 아니라 호텔을 숙소로 이용한다.

Sentence Patterns

이것은 [주택]입니다.

이것은 주택입니다.

[Adjective] [주택]에 살아요.

작은 주택에 살아요.

[주택]보다 [아파트]가 더 [Adjective]해요.

주택보다 아파트가 더 편리해요.

[주택]을 마련하기 위해 [Action].

주택을 마련하기 위해 저축을 해요.

[주택] 시장이 [Verb].

주택 시장이 얼어붙었습니다.

[주택] 담보 대출을 [Verb].

주택 담보 대출을 신청했어요.

[주택] 보급률이 [Verb]-음에도 불구하고...

주택 보급률이 높음에도 불구하고 집값이 비싸요.

[주택]은 [Abstract Concept]-의 토대이다.

주택은 인간다운 삶의 토대이다.

Word Family

Nouns

주거 (residence)

택지 (housing site)

가옥 (house)

저택 (mansion)

무주택 (homelessness/not owning a house)

Verbs

거주하다 (to reside)

입주하다 (to move in)

상주하다 (to reside permanently)

Adjectives

주거용의 (residential)

안락한 (cozy/comfortable)

부동산 (real estate)

건축 (architecture)

도시 (city)

가정 (household)

마당 (yard)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in formal contexts, media, and real estate; moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '주택' for 'home' in casual speech. → Using '집'.
Saying '주택에 가요' (I'm going to my residence) sounds like a robot. Say '집에 가요'.
Using '개' to count houses. → Using '채'.
Houses use the specific counter '채'. '주택 두 채' is correct; '주택 두 개' is unnatural.
Calling an apartment a '주택' in casual conversation. → Calling it an '아파트'.
While an apartment is a type of housing, Koreans always distinguish '아파트' from '주택' (detached houses).
Saying '주택일' for housework. → 집안일.
Sino-Korean words like '주택' don't combine with native words like '일' for daily chores.
Confusing '주택' with '저택'. → Use '주택' for a normal house.
'저택' means mansion. Don't tell people you live in a '저택' unless you are extremely wealthy.

Tips

Learn the Hanja

Learning 住 (live) and 宅 (house) will help you unlock dozens of other related words like 주소 (address) and 택배 (delivery).

Housing Types

In Korea, knowing the difference between 단독주택, 빌라, and 아파트 is crucial for understanding social status and urban geography.

Use the right counter

Always use '채' (chae) when counting houses. '주택 한 채, 두 채...' This is a common mistake for learners who use '개'.

News Keywords

If you hear '주택' on the news, listen for the next word. It's usually about money (가격), supply (공급), or rules (규제).

Formal vs Informal

Use '집' with friends. Use '주택' when talking to your boss, a banker, or a real estate agent about property.

Topic Sentences

When writing an essay about society, '주택 문제' (housing issues) is a great topic sentence starter for a paragraph on urban life.

Location

'주택가' implies a quiet, safe, and residential vibe. Use it when recommending a place to stay or live.

Jewel Tech

Remember 'Ju-Taek' as 'Jewel Tech'—the high-tech jewel of a building you live in.

Not for housework

Don't say '주택일'. Housework is always '집안일'. '주택' is only for the building itself.

Economic Terms

Master '주택 청약' (housing subscription). It's a uniquely Korean system and a very common conversation topic among adults.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ju' like 'Jewel' and 'Taek' like 'Tech.' A 'Jutaek' is a 'Jewel of Technology' where you live.

Visual Association

Imagine a classic Monopoly house. That physical, blocky shape is a '주택.' Now imagine the happy family inside; that feeling is '집.'

Word Web

주택가 (residential area) 단독주택 (detached house) 공동주택 (communal housing) 주택난 (housing shortage) 주택법 (housing law) 주택청약 (housing subscription) 전원주택 (country house) 상가주택 (shop-house)

Challenge

Try to describe your current residence using '주택' to a real estate agent. Then, describe it using '집' to your best friend. Notice the difference in feeling.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 住 (주 - ju) and 宅 (택 - taek). Both characters have deep roots in Classical Chinese and were adopted into the Korean language over a millennium ago.

Original meaning: 住 means 'to live, reside, or stop,' while 宅 means 'house, residence, or home.' Together, they literally mean 'a building for residing.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing '주택 가격' (housing prices) with Koreans, as it is a highly sensitive and stressful topic due to the extreme cost of living in major cities.

In English, 'house' and 'home' are often interchangeable. In Korean, '주택' is much more clinical and structural than 'home.'

The movie 'Parasite' (기생충) features a very famous '저택' (mansion) which is a specialized type of '주택'. The term '주택가' is often used in Korean thriller movies to set a quiet, eerie atmosphere. Traditional 'Hanok' are often referred to as '전통 주택' in cultural documentaries.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Real Estate (부동산)

주택 매매 (Buying/selling a house)
주택 전세 (Long-term lease)
주택 월세 (Monthly rent)
단독 주택을 찾고 있어요 (I'm looking for a detached house)

Daily Life / Neighborhoods

주택가 골목 (Residential alley)
조용한 주택 (Quiet house)
주택가 주차 (Parking in a residential area)
주택들이 예뻐요 (The houses are pretty)

News / Economics

주택 가격 상승 (Rising housing prices)
주택 공급 부족 (Lack of housing supply)
주택 대출 규제 (Housing loan regulations)
공공 주택 건설 (Public housing construction)

Architecture / Design

주택 설계 (House design)
주택 리모델링 (House remodeling)
목조 주택 (Wooden house)
현대식 주택 (Modern style house)

Legal / Official

주택 소유권 (House ownership)
주택 임대차 계약 (Housing lease contract)
주택용 건물 (Residential building)
다세대 주택 (Multi-household house)

Conversation Starters

"나중에 어떤 주택에서 살고 싶으세요? (What kind of house do you want to live in later?)"

"아파트와 주택 중에서 어디가 더 편할까요? (Between an apartment and a house, which would be more comfortable?)"

"요즘 한국의 주택 가격에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about housing prices in Korea these days?)"

"예쁜 주택이 많은 동네를 아세요? (Do you know a neighborhood with many pretty houses?)"

"주택에서 살면 마당을 어떻게 꾸미고 싶으세요? (If you live in a house, how would you want to decorate the yard?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 꿈꾸는 이상적인 주택의 모습에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the appearance of your ideal dream house.)

아파트 생활과 주택 생활의 장단점을 비교해 보세요. (Compare the pros and cons of apartment living and house living.)

우리 동네의 주택가 풍경을 묘사해 보세요. (Describe the scenery of the residential area in your neighborhood.)

만약 내가 주택을 직접 짓는다면 가장 중요하게 생각할 점은 무엇인가요? (If you were to build a house yourself, what would be the most important point?)

한국의 주택 문제와 해결 방안에 대한 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요. (Write your thoughts on Korea's housing problems and solutions.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very formal. If you say '우리 주택에 오세요' to a friend, it sounds like 'Please come to my residential structure.' Use '우리 집에 오세요' instead.

'단독주택' is a detached, single-family house. '아파트' is a unit within a large high-rise building complex. In Korea, these are distinct categories.

Yes, in legal terms, a villa is a type of '공동주택' (communal housing) or '다세대주택' (multi-household house).

Use '주택가' when you are describing a neighborhood that consists mostly of houses and is quiet, as opposed to a '상업 지구' (commercial district).

It is '주택 시장' (jutaek sijang). You will hear this constantly on the news regarding price changes.

It means a person who does not own a house. '무' (without) + '주택' (house) + '자' (person).

Yes, you can say '전통 주택' to refer to Hanok, although '한옥' or '전통 가옥' are more common for that specific type.

It refers to a house in the countryside, often with a garden and a nice view, used as a primary residence or a vacation home.

Yes, '주택' is a standard term in both North and South Korea, though the types of housing and ownership systems differ greatly.

Because a mortgage is specifically a loan secured by a residential property, hence '주택 담보 대출' (Housing Collateral Loan).