담당 in 30 Seconds
- 담당 (Dam-dang) means being in charge of a specific duty or task within an organization, school, or professional setting.
- It is most commonly used as '담당자' (the person in charge) or '담당하다' (to be in charge of something).
- While similar to '책임' (responsibility), '담당' focuses more on the assigned task rather than the moral or legal consequences.
- In Korea, every task usually has a designated '담당자', making it a crucial word for navigating professional and administrative systems.
The Korean word 담당 (擔當) is a foundational noun in the Korean language, particularly within professional, academic, and administrative contexts. At its core, it refers to the act of taking charge of, being responsible for, or presiding over a specific task, duty, or department. The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 擔 (멜 담), meaning 'to carry on one's shoulders' or 'to bear,' and 當 (마땅 당), meaning 'to match,' 'to be appropriate,' or 'to face.' Together, they evoke the image of someone 'bearing the weight of a specific duty that has been assigned to them.'
- Etymological Root
- The character 擔 suggests a physical burden, implying that '담당' is not just a title but a weight of responsibility that one carries. In modern usage, this 'burden' is metaphorical, representing professional accountability.
- Scope of Responsibility
- Unlike general responsibility (책임), '담당' specifically refers to the *assignment* or *scope* of one's work. It defines the boundaries of what a person is expected to handle daily.
- Functional Application
- It is most commonly used in the form of '담당자' (the person in charge) or '담당하다' (to be in charge of). It is the standard term used when asking for a specific representative in a company.
"저는 이번 프로젝트의 마케팅 담당입니다." (I am in charge of marketing for this project.)
In a broader sense, '담당' implies a formal allocation of labor. In a Korean office, every task has a '담당자'. If you call a customer service center, you might be transferred to the '관련 담당 부서' (the relevant department in charge). This word is essential for navigating any hierarchical or organized structure in Korea, from schools where students have '청소 담당' (cleaning duty) to government offices where officials have '민원 담당' (civil petition duty).
"각자 담당 구역을 깨끗이 청소합시다." (Let's all clean our assigned areas thoroughly.)
To understand '담당' is to understand the mechanics of Korean social and professional life. It is less about the moral weight of 'responsibility' and more about the practical 'assignment' of duties. Whether you are a student, an employee, or a tourist dealing with an agency, you will encounter this word as the primary way to define who does what.
Using 담당 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. While it is a noun, its most frequent appearances are in compound nouns or as part of the verb 담당하다. Here is a breakdown of how to integrate it into your Korean speech and writing.
1. As a Noun with '자' (Person)
The most common suffix added to '담당' is '-자' (者), meaning person. 담당자 (the person in charge) is a ubiquitous term. You use this when you don't know someone's specific title but know they are the one handling a matter.
- Example
- "담당자분과 연결해 주시겠어요?" (Could you connect me with the person in charge?)
2. As a Verb: 담당하다
To say "I am in charge of [X]," you use the structure [Noun] + 을/를 담당하다. This is the standard way to describe your job description or a temporary assignment.
"저는 신입 사원 교육을 담당하고 있습니다."
(I am in charge of training new employees.)
3. Compound Nouns for Specific Roles
'담당' often acts as a modifier for other nouns to create specific titles or locations:
- 담당 교수 (Advisor/Professor in charge): The professor responsible for a specific student or course.
- 담당 구역 (Assigned area): A specific zone someone is responsible for patrolling or cleaning.
- 담당 업무 (Assigned tasks): The specific list of duties in a job description.
- 담당 부서 (Department in charge): The specific office that handles a certain type of request.
In formal settings, such as writing a resume or a business email, '담당' is preferred over more casual words like '맡은 일'. It sounds professional and precise. For example, instead of saying "내가 하는 일은..." (The work I do is...), you would say "저의 담당 업무는..." (My assigned duties are...).
You will encounter 담당 in almost every corner of Korean society. It is not limited to corporate boardrooms; it is part of the daily vocabulary of students, parents, and citizens.
1. In the Office (The Corporate World)
This is the primary habitat for the word. From the moment you enter a building, you might see signs like '안내 담당' (Information Desk). In emails, you will see signatures like '영업 담당 김철수' (Kim Cheol-su, Sales Representative). When a project is split among team members, the manager will say, "김 대리는 회계를 담당하세요" (Mr. Kim, please take charge of the accounting).
"이번 프로젝트의 총괄 담당은 누구입니까?" (Who is the general manager in charge of this project?)
2. In Schools (Education)
Students hear this word from a young age. Every class has a '담임 선생님' (homeroom teacher), but they also have students assigned to specific duties: '우유 담당' (milk delivery duty), '주번 담당' (weekly monitor), or '청소 담당' (cleaning duty). In universities, you have a '담당 교수' (assigned professor) for your major or specific labs.
3. In Customer Service and Public Offices
When you call a bank or a government office (like a Gu-cheong), the first person you speak to is often a generalist. They will say, "담당 부서로 연결해 드리겠습니다" (I will connect you to the department in charge). If you are looking for a specific service, you ask, "비자 업무 담당자가 누구예요?" (Who is the person in charge of visa affairs?).
- Media and News
- News anchors often say, "현장에 나가 있는 담당 기자를 연결합니다" (We are connecting to our reporter in charge at the scene). It establishes the authority of the person speaking.
- Hospital Settings
- Patients are assigned a '담당 의사' (attending physician) and a '담당 간호사' (assigned nurse). This ensures that the patient knows exactly who is managing their care.
While 담당 is a common word, learners often confuse it with other terms related to responsibility or use it in contexts where a different word would be more natural.
1. 담당 vs. 책임 (Chaek-im)
This is the most frequent confusion. 담당 refers to the *assignment* or *task* you are given. 책임 refers to the *moral or legal responsibility* and the *consequences* of that task.
- Correct: "저는 마케팅 담당입니다." (I am the person assigned to marketing.)
- Correct: "이 사고에 대한 책임은 저에게 있습니다." (The responsibility for this accident lies with me.)
- Mistake: Using '담당' when you mean you are 'to blame' for something.
2. Overusing '담당' for Personal Hobbies
'담당' is a formal, organizational word. Using it for casual personal preferences can sound robotic or overly formal unless you are joking.
"나는 우리 집에서 설거지 담당이야." (I'm the one in charge of dishes at home.)
3. Confusion with '맡다' (Mat-da)
'맡다' is a verb that means 'to take on' or 'to handle.' While '담당하다' and '맡다' are often interchangeable, '맡다' is more active and can be used for temporary, informal favors. '담당하다' is for official roles.
- Natural
- "가방 좀 맡아 줄래?" (Can you watch my bag?)
- Unnatural
- "가방 좀 담당해 줄래?" (This sounds like you are assigning them the official 'Bag Management' position.)
To truly master 담당, you should understand the words that surround it in the semantic field of 'work' and 'responsibility.'
1. 책임 (Responsibility/Accountability)
As mentioned, 책임 is broader. It includes the idea of being 'answerable' for something. A '담당자' does the work; a '책임자' (the person in charge/manager) is the one who gets in trouble if the work goes wrong.
2. 역할 (Role/Part)
역할 is more about the *function* or *part* you play in a group. It is often used in creative or social contexts (e.g., an actor's role, or your role in a family).
"팀에서 제 역할은 아이디어를 내는 것입니다." (My role in the team is to come up with ideas.)
3. 임무 (Mission/Duty)
임무 is a more heavy, formal word, often used in military or high-stakes contexts. It implies a specific 'mission' that must be completed.
4. 전담 (Exclusive Charge)
If you add '전' (全 - whole/exclusive) to '담당', you get 전담. This means you are the *only* one doing that task, or you are doing it full-time. A '전담팀' is a task force dedicated solely to one issue.
- Comparison Table
- 담당: Routine assignment/duty.
- 책임: Accountability/Moral duty.
- 소임: A formal, often noble duty or calling.
- 분담: Sharing the load (분 - divide + 담당).
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
-(으)ㄹ게요 (Future intention for taking charge)
-고 있다 (Progressive for current duties)
-(이)라 (Reasoning for being the person in charge)
-(으)세요 (Requesting the person in charge)
-아/어 주다 (Doing a task for someone else)
Examples by Level
이 일은 제 담당이에요.
This work is my charge.
Noun + 이에요 (to be)
누가 청소 담당이에요?
Who is the cleaning person in charge?
Interrogative '누가' (who)
저는 우유 담당입니다.
I am in charge of the milk.
Formal '입니다' ending
담당 선생님이 어디 계세요?
Where is the teacher in charge?
Honorific '계세요' (is/stay)
이것은 영희 담당입니다.
This is Young-hee's task.
Possessive implied by context
담당자가 누구예요?
Who is the person in charge?
Standard polite '누구예요'
제 담당 구역이에요.
It's my assigned area.
Compound noun '담당 구역'
오늘 담당은 저예요.
Today's person in charge is me.
Topic marker '은'
저는 마케팅을 담당하고 있어요.
I am in charge of marketing.
-고 있다 (progressive form)
담당자에게 물어볼게요.
I will ask the person in charge.
-(으)ㄹ게요 (future intention)
이 서류를 담당자에게 주세요.
Please give this document to the person in charge.
-(으)세요 (polite command)
누가 이 프로젝트를 담당해요?
Who handles this project?
담당하다 (verb form)
저는 고객 상담을 담당합니다.
I handle customer consultations.
Formal declarative
담당 부서가 어디입니까?
Where is the department in charge?
Formal question '어디입니까'
제 담당 업무가 너무 많아요.
My assigned tasks are too many.
Adjective '많다' (to be many)
담당 교수님을 만나러 가요.
I'm going to meet my advisor professor.
-(으)러 가다 (go to do something)
업무를 공평하게 담당하기로 했어요.
We decided to handle the tasks fairly.
-기로 하다 (decide to)
담당자가 자리에 없어서 메모를 남겼어요.
The person in charge wasn't at their desk, so I left a note.
-아서/어서 (reason/cause)
이 일은 제가 전담해서 처리하겠습니다.
I will take exclusive charge of this and handle it.
전담 (exclusive charge)
담당 부서와 협의한 후에 연락드릴게요.
I'll contact you after consulting with the department in charge.
-(으)ㄴ 후에 (after doing)
누가 회계를 담당하는지 아세요?
Do you know who is in charge of accounting?
-는지 알다 (know whether/who)
각자 담당한 일을 끝내고 퇴근합시다.
Let's finish our assigned work and go home.
-(으)ㄴ (past noun modifier)
담당자분 성함이 어떻게 되시죠?
What is the name of the person in charge?
Honorific '성함' and '되시다'
저는 이번 행사의 안내를 담당하게 되었습니다.
I have come to be in charge of guidance for this event.
-게 되다 (come to be/become)
담당 업무의 범위를 명확히 설정해야 합니다.
We must clearly set the scope of the assigned duties.
-아야/어야 하다 (must)
실무 담당자와 직접 소통하는 것이 빠릅니다.
It's faster to communicate directly with the person in charge of practical work.
-는 것 (nominalization)
그는 이번 프로젝트에서 기술적인 부분을 담당했다.
He was in charge of the technical part of this project.
Plain style past tense
담당자의 실수로 인해 큰 손해가 발생했습니다.
A large loss occurred due to the mistake of the person in charge.
-로 인해 (due to)
정부의 담당 부처가 이 문제를 조사하고 있습니다.
The government department in charge is investigating this issue.
담당 부처 (government department)
각 부서의 담당자들이 모여 회의를 열었습니다.
The people in charge of each department gathered and held a meeting.
Plural marker '-들'
저는 해외 영업 담당이라 출장이 잦아요.
Since I'm in charge of overseas sales, I travel often.
-(이)라 (because it is)
새로운 담당자가 오면 인수인계를 해야 해요.
When the new person in charge comes, we have to do a handover.
인수인계 (handover)
담당자의 재량에 따라 결과가 달라질 수 있습니다.
Results may vary depending on the discretion of the person in charge.
재량 (discretion)
이번 사안은 법무팀 담당이라 제가 관여할 수 없습니다.
This matter is handled by the legal team, so I cannot intervene.
관여하다 (intervene/be involved)
그는 조직 내에서 핵심적인 역할을 담당하고 있다.
He is in charge of a core role within the organization.
핵심적인 (core/key)
담당 구역 내에서 발생한 사고에 대해 책임을 물었다.
They held him accountable for the accident that occurred within his assigned area.
책임을 묻다 (hold accountable)
전문적인 지식을 갖춘 담당자가 배치되어야 합니다.
A person in charge equipped with professional knowledge must be deployed.
배치되다 (be deployed/assigned)
담당 부서 간의 긴밀한 협조가 절실히 필요합니다.
Close cooperation between the departments in charge is desperately needed.
긴밀한 (close/intimate)
총괄 담당자로서 프로젝트의 모든 과정을 감독합니다.
As the general manager, I supervise every process of the project.
-로서 (as a/in the capacity of)
해당 업무는 외부 업체에 담당시키기로 결정되었습니다.
It was decided to have an outside company handle that task.
-시키다 (causative)
담당자의 주관적 판단이 개입될 여지가 큽니다.
There is a high possibility that the subjective judgment of the person in charge will intervene.
개입될 여지 (room for intervention)
그는 평생을 교육 발전에 헌신하며 소임을 담당해 왔다.
He has dedicated his life to educational development, fulfilling his calling.
소임 (calling/noble duty)
업무 담당의 불명확성이 조직의 효율성을 저해하고 있다.
The lack of clarity in task assignment is hindering organizational efficiency.
저해하다 (hinder/impede)
담당자 한 명의 일탈이 전체 시스템의 붕괴를 초래했다.
The deviation of a single person in charge brought about the collapse of the entire system.
초래하다 (bring about/cause)
법적 분쟁 시 담당자의 고의성 여부가 쟁점이 될 것이다.
In a legal dispute, whether the person in charge acted intentionally will be the point of contention.
고의성 여부 (whether there was intent)
그는 정권의 핵심 요직을 담당하며 막강한 권력을 행사했다.
He held key positions in the administration and exercised immense power.
요직 (key position)
담당 업무에 대한 전문성 제고를 위해 끊임없이 노력해야 한다.
One must constantly strive to enhance expertise in their assigned duties.
제고 (enhancement/improvement)
역사적 사명을 담당한 이들의 희생을 잊어서는 안 된다.
We must not forget the sacrifices of those who bore the weight of a historical mission.
사명 (mission/calling)
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Responsibility/Blame vs. Task Assignment
Social/Creative Role vs. Official Duty
High-stakes Mission vs. Routine Duty
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Use '담당' for official tasks. Use '맡다' for casual favors.
Always use '담당자님' in formal settings to be polite.
- Confusing '담당' (task) with '책임' (accountability/blame).
- Using '담당' for very casual, one-time favors (use '맡다' instead).
- Forgetting the '하다' when trying to use it as a verb.
- Using '담당' to mean 'interested in' (use '관심' instead).
- Mispronouncing '담당' as '담담' (which means calm/serene).
Tips
Verb vs. Noun
Remember that '담당' is a noun. To use it as a verb, you must add '하다'. Don't just say '저는 마케팅 담당요'—it must be '담당이에요' or '담당해요'.
The Power of the Title
In Korea, knowing someone's '담당' is often more important than knowing their name. It helps you navigate the hierarchy and get things done efficiently.
Hanja Help
The 'Dam' (擔) in 담당 is the same 'Dam' in 'Budam' (burden). Thinking of it as a 'burden you carry' helps you remember the meaning of responsibility.
Polite Inquiries
When calling an office, start with '안녕하세요, [Topic] 담당자분 계신가요?' This is the most standard and polite way to start a professional inquiry.
Email Signatures
In a professional Korean email, it's common to put your role before your name: '마케팅 담당 김철수' (Marketing In-charge, Kim Cheol-su).
Identify the 'Ja'
When you hear '-자' at the end of '담당', know that the speaker is referring to a *person*. Without the '-자', they are referring to the *task* itself.
Job Interviews
Use '담당' to describe your previous roles. It sounds much more 'ready for the workplace' than using general verbs like 'did' or 'worked'.
Don't Blame the 담당
If something goes wrong, the '담당자' might have made the mistake, but the '책임자' (manager) is the one who answers for it. Keep this distinction in mind.
Dividing the Bill
When out with friends, you might jokingly assign a '계산 담당' (the one in charge of paying/calculating the bill) to keep things organized.
Handover Importance
If you are leaving a '담당' role, always prepare a 'manual' for the next person. This '인수인계' is a vital part of Korean professional etiquette.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Sino-Korean (Hanja)
Cultural Context
Students are often assigned 'cleaning 담당' to foster a sense of ownership over their environment.
Handing over '담당' duties (인수인계) is a major event when someone leaves a job in Korea.
When calling a company, always ask for the '담당자' to show you respect the company's structure.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"이 프로젝트의 담당자가 누구신가요? (Who is the person in charge of this project?)"
"어떤 업무를 담당하고 계세요? (What duties are you in charge of?)"
"제가 이 일을 담당해도 될까요? (May I take charge of this task?)"
"담당 부서가 어디인지 아세요? (Do you know where the department in charge is?)"
"담당 선생님께 여쭤봤어요? (Did you ask the teacher in charge?)"
Journal Prompts
오늘 내가 담당한 일 중에서 가장 힘들었던 것은 무엇인가요? (What was the hardest task I was in charge of today?)
미래에 어떤 업무를 담당하고 싶은가요? (What kind of duties do you want to be in charge of in the future?)
우리 가족에서 나의 담당은 무엇인가요? (What is my 'charge' in my family?)
담당자가 자리에 없을 때 어떻게 대처했나요? (How did you handle it when the person in charge was not at their desk?)
일을 분담하는 것이 왜 중요한가요? (Why is it important to divide work?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions담당 refers to the specific task or department you are assigned to work in. 책임 refers to the moral or legal responsibility for the results of that work. You can be the '담당자' (worker) without being the '책임자' (the boss who takes the blame).
It sounds a bit too formal for hobbies. Instead of saying 'I am the fishing 담당,' just say 'I like fishing.' However, you can use it jokingly with friends if you always do a specific thing, like 'I'm the meat-grilling 담당' at a BBQ.
You should say '담당자분이 누구세요?' or more formally, '담당자분이 어느 분이신가요?'. Adding '분' (honorific for person) makes it much more polite.
Yes, '담당자' is completely gender-neutral and can be used for anyone regardless of their gender.
It refers to the professor who is specifically assigned to you as an advisor, or the professor who is in charge of a particular course or lab.
Yes, it is common to use it when dividing chores among family members or roommates, like '설거지 담당' (dishes) or '분리수거 담당' (recycling).
There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but '회피' (avoidance of duty) or '방관' (standing by without doing anything) are conceptually opposite.
Under your work experience, create a section called '주요 담당 업무' (Main Assigned Duties) and list your responsibilities using bullet points.
Yes, it can be used for both long-term roles and short-term assignments, like being in charge of a specific meeting's minutes.
'전담' (Jeon-dam) means being *exclusively* in charge of something. It implies that no one else is doing that task or that it is your sole focus.
Test Yourself 31 questions
/ 31 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '담당' is the essential Korean term for defining 'who does what.' Whether you are identifying a customer service rep, describing your job, or assigning chores, '담당' provides the formal structure for organizational roles and individual duties.
- 담당 (Dam-dang) means being in charge of a specific duty or task within an organization, school, or professional setting.
- It is most commonly used as '담당자' (the person in charge) or '담당하다' (to be in charge of something).
- While similar to '책임' (responsibility), '담당' focuses more on the assigned task rather than the moral or legal consequences.
- In Korea, every task usually has a designated '담당자', making it a crucial word for navigating professional and administrative systems.
Verb vs. Noun
Remember that '담당' is a noun. To use it as a verb, you must add '하다'. Don't just say '저는 마케팅 담당요'—it must be '담당이에요' or '담당해요'.
The Power of the Title
In Korea, knowing someone's '담당' is often more important than knowing their name. It helps you navigate the hierarchy and get things done efficiently.
Hanja Help
The 'Dam' (擔) in 담당 is the same 'Dam' in 'Budam' (burden). Thinking of it as a 'burden you carry' helps you remember the meaning of responsibility.
Polite Inquiries
When calling an office, start with '안녕하세요, [Topic] 담당자분 계신가요?' This is the most standard and polite way to start a professional inquiry.
Example
이 프로젝트는 제가 담당하고 있습니다.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More business words
에 대한
A2Concerning or relating to; about, regarding.
~대하여
A2About, concerning, regarding.
대해서
A2Concerning or with regard to; about, regarding.
에 대해
A2About; regarding.
풍요롭다
A2To be abundant, prosperous, or rich.
관철하다
B2To carry through, achieve, or persist in one's will or goal until it is accomplished, despite difficulties.
~에 따라
B1According to, depending on; as stated by or determined by.
에 따라
A2According to; in accordance with.
에 의하면
B1According to; as stated by or reported by.
계좌번호
A2A unique identifier for a bank account.
