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A2 noun #3,500 most common 8 min read

통역

tongyeog Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 통역 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 통역 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize '통역' as a word related to language help. You might see it on signs or in simple travel phrases. Focus on the basic idea: someone speaking for you. You don't need to know the complex grammar yet, just that '통역' means 'interpretation' and '통역사' is the person who helps. Think of it as a 'language bridge'. A1 learners might use it in very simple sentences like 'Interpretation, please' or 'I need interpretation'. The goal at this stage is to associate the sound 'tong-yeok' with the concept of oral translation.

At the A2 level, you can start using '통역' in basic survival sentences. You should be able to ask for an interpreter at a hospital or a police station. You can also use the verb form '통역하다' in the present and past tense. You are beginning to distinguish between '통역' (speaking) and '번역' (writing), although you might still make mistakes. You can describe simple actions like 'My friend interpreted for me'. This level focuses on practical utility in everyday situations where communication might break down without help.

B1 learners should be comfortable using '통역' in a variety of common contexts, including travel, work, and social life. You can use compound nouns like '동시통역' (simultaneous) and '순차통역' (consecutive) and understand the difference. You can also use the word with more complex grammar patterns, such as '-기 위해' (in order to) or '-ㄹ 수 있다' (can). At this level, you should be able to explain why interpretation is necessary in a specific situation, such as 'The speaker is too fast, so interpretation is difficult'. You are also more aware of the professional status of interpreters in Korea.

At the B2 level, you can use '통역' to discuss more abstract or professional topics. You might talk about the challenges of 'cultural interpretation' or the ethics of being an interpreter. You can use the word in more formal registers and understand its role in international relations or specialized fields like law and medicine. You should be able to distinguish '통역' from '해석' (analysis) accurately. Your sentences will be more nuanced, using adverbs like '유창하게' (fluently) or '정확하게' (accurately) to describe the quality of the interpretation.

C1 learners possess a deep understanding of '통역' as both a professional field and a linguistic process. You can discuss the nuances of different interpretation styles and the cognitive load required for simultaneous interpretation. You are likely familiar with the Korean education system for interpreters (통번역대학원) and can use industry-specific terminology. You can use '통역' in complex sentence structures and in rhetorical contexts. You might also explore how '통역' is changing with the advent of AI and machine learning, using the word in sophisticated debates or essays.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word '통역'. You can use it to discuss the finest nuances of linguistic mediation, including the philosophical implications of 'lost in translation' in an oral context. You can navigate the most formal diplomatic or academic settings where '통역' is used. You might even be able to perform high-level interpretation yourself or critique the work of others with professional-grade vocabulary. Your understanding of the word includes its historical development in the Korean language and its varied applications across all sectors of society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

통역 in 30 Seconds

Tong-yeok means oral interpretation between languages.
It is different from beon-yeok, which is written translation.
Used in business, medical, and diplomatic settings.
Can be simultaneous (dong-si) or consecutive (sun-cha).

The Korean word 통역 (tong-yeok) refers specifically to the act of oral interpretation. While many beginners often confuse it with written translation, it is crucial to understand that in a professional and linguistic context, 통역 is the bridge between spoken words across different languages. It is the real-time or near real-time conversion of speech, requiring not just linguistic proficiency but also high cognitive processing and cultural awareness. In South Korea, a country deeply integrated into the global economy, the role of interpretation is omnipresent, from high-stakes diplomatic summits to medical consultations for expatriates. When you use this word, you are highlighting the auditory and verbal nature of the exchange. It is a noun that frequently combines with the verb 하다 (to do) to form 통역하다, meaning 'to interpret'.

Core Concept: The verbal translation of spoken language in real-time or consecutively.
Usage Context: Business meetings, international conferences, hospitals, and tourism.
Professional Title: A person who interprets is called a 통역사 (tong-yeok-sa).

회의에서 영어 통역이 필요합니다. (English interpretation is needed at the meeting.)

The nuances of 통역 extend into several specialized modes. For instance, 'simultaneous interpretation' is known as 동시통역 (dong-si-tong-yeok), which you often see at the UN or large tech conferences where the interpreter speaks while the original speaker is still talking. On the other hand, 'consecutive interpretation' is 순차통역 (sun-cha-tong-yeok), where the interpreter waits for the speaker to finish a sentence or thought before translating. Understanding these sub-categories helps learners use the word more accurately in professional settings. Furthermore, the word captures the essence of 'connection'—the syllable '통' (通) means to pass through or connect, while '역' (譯) means to translate. Thus, it literally means 'translating to connect' or 'translating to pass through'.

그는 뛰어난 통역 실력을 갖추고 있습니다. (He possesses excellent interpretation skills.)

병원에 통역 서비스가 있나요? (Is there an interpretation service at the hospital?)

관광객들을 위한 무료 통역 안내가 제공됩니다. (Free interpretation guidance is provided for tourists.)

정부 간의 회담은 전문적인 통역이 필수적입니다. (Professional interpretation is essential for inter-governmental talks.)

Using 통역 correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of how it functions as a noun and how it transforms into a verb. As a noun, it often serves as the object of a sentence or as part of a compound noun. For example, when you want to say 'I need interpretation,' you would say 통역이 필요해요. Here, the subject marker '-이' is attached to 통역. If you are describing the quality of interpretation, you might say 통역이 정확해요 (The interpretation is accurate). This flexibility allows learners to describe both the service and the act itself. It is also common to see it paired with specific languages, such as 영어 통역 (English interpretation) or 중국어 통역 (Chinese interpretation).

Verb Formation: 통역 + 하다 = 통역하다 (To interpret). Used when someone is actively performing the task.
Passive/Service Form: 통역을 받다 (To receive interpretation). Used by the person who needs the help.
Professional Assignment: 통역을 맡다 (To take charge of interpretation). Often used in business or official settings.

그녀는 국제 회의에서 동시 통역을 하고 있습니다. (She is doing simultaneous interpretation at an international conference.)

When constructing more complex sentences, pay attention to the particles. If you are interpreting *for* someone, you use -를 위해 or -에게. For example, 친구를 위해 통역해 주었어요 (I interpreted for my friend). The auxiliary verb -어 주다 is frequently added to 통역하다 to express that the act is being done as a favor or service for someone else. This is a very common pattern in daily Korean speech. Additionally, you can describe the difficulty or ease of the task using adjectives like 힘들다 (to be hard) or 쉽다 (to be easy). For example, 전문 용어가 많아서 통역하기가 힘들어요 (It is hard to interpret because there are many technical terms).

제 말을 한국어로 통역해 주실 수 있나요? (Could you interpret my words into Korean?)

그는 통역 없이도 의사소통이 가능합니다. (He is capable of communication even without interpretation.)

기술적인 부분은 통역이 조금 까다롭습니다. (Interpretation is a bit tricky for the technical parts.)

이번 행사를 위해 전문 통역 팀을 구성했습니다. (We have formed a professional interpretation team for this event.)

In South Korea, you will encounter the word 통역 in a variety of real-world scenarios. One of the most common places is at Incheon International Airport or major tourist hubs like Myeong-dong. You will often see signs for 관광 통역 안내소 (Tourist Interpretation Information Center). These centers are vital for foreign visitors who need help navigating the city or understanding local customs. If you are a fan of Korean dramas or movies, you will see 통역 featured in scenes involving international business deals or legal proceedings. In these contexts, the word carries a weight of formality and precision.

News & Media: During interviews with foreign athletes or celebrities, the person standing next to them with a microphone is providing 통역.
Healthcare: Large university hospitals in Korea often have 'International Healthcare Centers' that offer 의료 통역 (medical interpretation).
Technology: With the rise of AI, you will hear terms like AI 통역 (AI interpretation) or 통역 앱 (interpretation app) frequently in tech news.

오늘 뉴스에 대통령의 해외 순방 통역사가 나왔어요. (The President's overseas trip interpreter appeared on the news today.)

Another fascinating place to hear this word is in the context of 'sign language interpretation', which is 수어 통역 (su-eo tong-yeok). During national emergency broadcasts or major government announcements, you will see a sign language interpreter in a small circle at the corner of the screen. This highlights the word's broad application to all forms of real-time communication bridging. In educational settings, specifically at 'Interpretation and Translation' graduate schools (통번역대학원), students spend years mastering the art of 통역. These institutions are highly competitive and are the primary source of the country's top-tier linguistic professionals. If you ever attend a K-pop concert abroad, the person translating the idols' messages to the fans is performing 통역, often in a very lively and informal way.

스마트폰의 통역 기능을 사용하면 여행이 편리합니다. (Using the interpretation function of a smartphone makes traveling convenient.)

법원 통역인은 공정한 재판을 위해 중요합니다. (Court interpreters are important for a fair trial.)

The single most common mistake English speakers make when learning Korean is using 통역 (interpretation) and 번역 (translation) interchangeably. In English, we often use the word 'translation' as a catch-all term for both written and spoken language conversion. However, in Korean, these are strictly separated. If you are talking about a book, a movie script, or a document, you must use 번역. If you use 통역 in these cases, native speakers will understand you, but it will sound technically incorrect. For example, saying 'I am interpreting a book' (책을 통역하고 있어요) is a major error; it should be 책을 번역하고 있어요.

Mistake #1: Swapping with 번역: Using 통역 for written texts. Correct: Use 번역 for documents/books.
Mistake #2: Confusion with 해석: Using 통역 when you mean 'analysis' or 'personal interpretation' of a meaning. Use 해석 (hae-seok) for deciphering meaning.
Mistake #3: Particle Errors: Saying '통역을 말하다' instead of '통역을 하다'. You 'do' interpretation, you don't 'speak' it.

틀린 예: 이 편지를 통역해 주세요. (Wrong: Please interpret this letter.)

Another common point of confusion is the word 해석 (hae-seok). While 'interpretation' in English can mean 'an explanation of the meaning of something' (like interpreting a dream or a poem), 통역 does *not* carry this meaning in Korean. If you want to say 'I interpreted his silence as anger,' you would use 해석, not 통역. 통역 is strictly for linguistic conversion between two speakers. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that 통역 is a noun. To use it as a verb, you must attach 하다. Simply saying '저는 통역 영어를' is incomplete; it must be '저는 영어를 통역해요'.

맞는 예: 이 서류를 번역해 주세요. (Correct: Please translate this document.)

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 통역 can greatly enhance your linguistic precision. While 통역 is the standard term for oral interpretation, there are other words that overlap in meaning depending on the context. For instance, 번역 (beon-yeok) is its closest relative, focusing on written texts. In academic settings, you might hear 통번역 (tong-beon-yeok), which is a compound word covering both interpretation and translation. This is often used to describe the entire field of study or a professional's dual capability.

통역 (Interpretation): Spoken language, real-time, auditory focus.
번역 (Translation): Written language, documents, books, visual focus.
해석 (Analysis/Deciphering): Explaining meaning, decoding a difficult sentence, or interpreting a work of art.
중계 (Relay/Broadcasting): Relaying information, often used in sports broadcasting or relay interpretation (language A to B to C).

어려운 문장을 한국어로 해석해 보았습니다. (I tried to decipher/analyze the difficult sentence into Korean.)

Another word to consider is 설명 (seol-myeong), which means 'explanation'. While not a direct synonym, in casual settings, an interpreter might 'explain' what someone said rather than providing a literal 통역. For example, 무슨 뜻인지 설명해 줄게 (I'll explain what it means). However, in any professional or formal context, 통역 remains the most appropriate and respectful term. For learners, knowing when to switch between these words is a sign of advancing proficiency. If you are helping a friend at a restaurant, you might say 메뉴를 통역해 줄게 (I'll interpret the menu for you—meaning the spoken interaction with the waiter), but if you are helping them read the menu, you would say 메뉴를 번역해 줄게.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Historically, in the Joseon Dynasty, interpreters were known as 'yeok-gwan' (譯官) and were part of the 'jung-in' (middle) social class, often becoming very wealthy due to international trade.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʰoŋ.jʌk̚/

US /tʰoŋ.jʌk̚/

The stress is balanced on both syllables, though the first syllable '통' often carries a slightly higher pitch in standard Seoul dialect.

Rhymes With

번역 (beon-yeok) 지역 (ji-yeok) 영역 (yeong-yeok) 기억 (gi-eok) 사역 (sa-yeok) 탄역 (tan-yeok) 무역 (mu-yeok) 공역 (gong-yeok)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tong' like 'tongue' (wrong vowel).
Pronouncing 'yeok' like 'yoke' (wrong vowel).
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end of 'yeok' (like 'yeo-ku').
Not aspirating the initial 't'.
Confusing the 'eo' sound in 'yeok' with 'o'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once the two Hanja characters are learned.

Writing 3/5

The 'yeok' character requires attention to the 'eo' vowel and 'k' batchim.

Speaking 4/5

The transition from 'ng' to 'y' can be tricky for beginners to pronounce smoothly.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

말 (word/speech) 하다 (to do) 한국어 (Korean) 영어 (English) 사람 (person)

Learn Next

번역 (translation) 설명 (explanation) 이해 (understanding) 사전 (dictionary) 대화 (conversation)

Advanced

동시통역 (simultaneous) 의역 (liberal translation) 직역 (literal translation) 오역 (mistranslation)

Grammar to Know

-어 주다 (to do something as a favor)

통역해 주었어요.

-기 위해 (in order to)

통역하기 위해 공부해요.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can do)

통역할 수 있어요.

-ㄴ/은 것 (gerund/noun clause)

통역하는 것은 어려워요.

-(으)면서 (while doing)

들으면서 통역해요.

Examples by Level

통역이 필요해요.

I need interpretation.

Noun + 이 (subject marker) + 필요해요 (need).

통역해 주세요.

Please interpret.

통역하다 (to interpret) + -어 주세요 (please do).

여기 통역 있어요?

Is there interpretation here?

Noun + 있어요 (is there/have).

영어 통역 부탁합니다.

English interpretation, please.

Noun + 부탁합니다 (I request).

그는 통역사예요.

He is an interpreter.

통역사 (interpreter) + -예요 (is).

통역이 쉬워요.

Interpretation is easy.

Noun + 이 + 쉬워요 (is easy).

통역이 안 돼요.

Interpretation is not working (or not possible).

Noun + 이 + 안 돼요 (not work/cannot).

한국어 통역을 원해요.

I want Korean interpretation.

Noun + 을 (object marker) + 원해요 (want).

병원이 통역 서비스를 제공해요.

The hospital provides interpretation services.

Subject + Object + Verb (제공하다).

친구가 제 말을 통역해 줬어요.

My friend interpreted my words for me.

Past tense with -어 주다 (favor).

통역사 한 명을 불러 주세요.

Please call an interpreter.

Counter word '명' for people.

이 회의는 통역이 중요합니다.

Interpretation is important for this meeting.

Topic marker -는 and adjective 중요하다.

그녀는 통역을 공부하고 있어요.

She is studying interpretation.

Present progressive -고 있다.

통역 없이 여행하는 것은 힘들어요.

Traveling without interpretation is hard.

Gerund form -는 것.

어제 통역 아르바이트를 했어요.

I did a part-time interpretation job yesterday.

Compound noun: 통역 + 아르바이트.

제 동생은 통역사가 되고 싶어 해요.

My younger sibling wants to become an interpreter.

Wanting to become: -가 되고 싶어 하다.

통역을 통해서 의사소통을 했습니다.

We communicated through interpretation.

-를 통해서 (through/via).

동시 통역 장비를 준비해야 합니다.

We need to prepare simultaneous interpretation equipment.

Must do: -해야 하다.

그의 통역은 항상 정확하고 빠릅니다.

His interpretation is always accurate and fast.

Adjective connectors -고.

통역할 때 가장 어려운 점이 뭐예요?

What is the hardest part when interpreting?

When doing: -(으)ㄹ 때.

외국인 환자를 위해 통역을 지원합니다.

We support interpretation for foreign patients.

For someone: -를 위해.

그는 3개 국어 통역이 가능합니다.

He is capable of interpreting in three languages.

Possible: -이 가능하다.

통역사가 실수하면 큰 문제가 생겨요.

If the interpreter makes a mistake, a big problem arises.

If: -(으)면.

이번 행사에 통역 자원봉사자로 참여했어요.

I participated as an interpretation volunteer for this event.

As: -(으)로서/로.

전문적인 통역을 맡기려면 비용이 많이 듭니다.

It costs a lot to hire professional interpretation.

If you intend to: -(으)려면.

통역 과정에서 문화적 차이를 고려해야 합니다.

Cultural differences must be considered during the interpretation process.

During: -는 과정에서.

그녀는 순차 통역보다 동시 통역을 선호합니다.

She prefers simultaneous interpretation over consecutive interpretation.

Comparison: A보다 B를 선호하다.

통역의 질은 회담의 성공을 좌우합니다.

The quality of interpretation determines the success of the talks.

Determines: 좌우하다.

기술 통역은 전문 용어에 대한 지식이 필수입니다.

Knowledge of technical terms is essential for technical interpretation.

About: -에 대한.

통역사는 화자의 의도를 정확히 파악해야 합니다.

The interpreter must accurately grasp the speaker's intention.

Grasp intention: 의도를 파악하다.

실시간 통역 앱의 성능이 몰라보게 좋아졌습니다.

The performance of real-time interpretation apps has improved remarkably.

Remarkably: 몰라보게.

그는 통역 업무를 수행하는 도중 실수를 저질렀다.

He made a mistake while performing interpretation duties.

While doing: -는 도중.

통역은 단순히 언어를 바꾸는 것이 아니라 문화를 전달하는 것입니다.

Interpretation is not just changing languages but conveying culture.

Not A but B: A가 아니라 B이다.

고도의 집중력을 요하는 동시 통역은 체력 소모가 큽니다.

Simultaneous interpretation, which requires high concentration, is physically draining.

Requiring: -를 요하는.

통역사는 중립적인 입장을 견지하며 정확하게 전달해야 한다.

The interpreter must maintain a neutral position and convey accurately.

Maintain position: 입장을 견지하다.

법률 통역에서의 사소한 오역은 치명적인 결과를 초래할 수 있다.

A minor mistranslation in legal interpretation can lead to fatal consequences.

Lead to: 결과를 초래하다.

그는 통역 분야에서 독보적인 존재감을 드러내고 있다.

He is showing an unrivaled presence in the field of interpretation.

Unrivaled presence: 독보적인 존재감.

통역 교육 과정에서는 노트 테이킹 기술이 매우 중요하게 다뤄진다.

Note-taking skills are treated as very important in interpretation training courses.

Is treated/dealt with: 다뤄지다.

수어 통역은 농인들의 정보 접근성을 높이는 데 기여합니다.

Sign language interpretation contributes to increasing information accessibility for the deaf.

Contribute to: -에 기여하다.

인공지능이 통역사를 대체할 수 있을지에 대한 논의가 활발하다.

Discussions about whether AI can replace interpreters are active.

Whether it can: -ㄹ 수 있을지.

통역의 미학은 화자의 숨은 뉘앙스까지 포착하여 전달하는 데 있다.

The aesthetics of interpretation lie in capturing and conveying even the speaker's hidden nuances.

Lies in: -에 있다.

외교적 수사가 가득한 발언을 통역하는 것은 극도의 정교함을 필요로 한다.

Interpreting remarks full of diplomatic rhetoric requires extreme sophistication.

Full of: -이 가득한.

통역사는 언어의 장벽을 허무는 보이지 않는 가교 역할을 수행한다.

Interpreters perform the role of invisible bridges that break down language barriers.

Bridge role: 가교 역할.

문학적 감수성이 요구되는 통역에서는 창의적인 언어 선택이 관건이다.

In interpretation requiring literary sensitivity, creative language choice is key.

Key/Crucial point: 관건이다.

그녀는 통역의 한계를 극복하기 위해 끊임없이 자기 계발에 힘쓴다.

She constantly strives for self-development to overcome the limitations of interpretation.

Strive for: -에 힘쓰다.

국제 사회에서 통역의 공공성과 윤리성은 그 어느 때보다 강조되고 있다.

The public nature and ethics of interpretation are being emphasized more than ever in the international community.

More than ever: 그 어느 때보다.

통역 현장에서 발생하는 돌발 상황에 유연하게 대처하는 능력이 필수적이다.

The ability to flexibly cope with unexpected situations occurring at the interpretation site is essential.

Unexpected situation: 돌발 상황.

심리적 부담감이 큰 통역 업무는 고도의 정신적 회복탄력성을 요구한다.

Interpretation work with high psychological pressure requires high mental resilience.

Resilience: 회복탄력성.

Common Collocations

동시 통역

순차 통역

통역 서비스

통역 가이드

통역 앱

의료 통역

법률 통역

통역 대학원

통역 요청

통역 오류

Common Phrases

통역을 맡다

— To take charge of interpretation.

제가 오늘 통역을 맡았습니다.

통역을 거치다

— To go through interpretation.

대화는 통역을 거쳐 진행되었다.

통역을 부탁하다

— To request interpretation.

선생님께 통역을 부탁했어요.

통역이 원활하다

— Interpretation is smooth.

통역이 원활해서 회의가 잘 끝났다.

통역을 서다

— To act as an interpreter (informal).

친구가 통역을 서 주기로 했어.

통역에 능숙하다

— To be skilled at interpretation.

그는 통역에 매우 능숙하다.

통역을 지원하다

— To support/provide interpretation.

정부는 통역을 지원하고 있다.

통역이 필요 없다

— No interpretation is needed.

모두 영어를 잘해서 통역이 필요 없다.

통역을 대동하다

— To be accompanied by an interpreter.

회장님은 통역을 대동하고 오셨다.

통역의 한계

— The limits of interpretation.

통역의 한계를 느낄 때가 있다.

Often Confused With

통역 vs 번역

Beon-yeok is for written documents; Tong-yeok is for spoken words.

통역 vs 해석

Hae-seok is for analyzing meaning or deciphering; Tong-yeok is for linguistic interpretation.

통역 vs 설명

Seol-myeong is just explaining; Tong-yeok is specifically translating from one language to another.

Idioms & Expressions

"입을 빌리다"

— To borrow someone's mouth (to use an interpreter).

통역사의 입을 빌려 의사를 전달했다.

Metaphorical

"귀가 되어 주다"

— To be someone's ears (to interpret and listen for them).

그는 나의 귀가 되어 통역해 주었다.

Warm/Casual

"다리를 놓다"

— To build a bridge (to facilitate communication).

통역은 두 나라 사이에 다리를 놓는 일이다.

Positive

"말문이 막히다"

— To be at a loss for words (often when an interpreter fails).

통역이 안 되니 말문이 막혔다.

Common

"눈치껏 통역하다"

— To interpret using one's wit/intuition.

분위기를 보고 눈치껏 통역했어요.

Colloquial

"앵무새처럼 통역하다"

— To interpret like a parrot (mechanically without heart).

그는 앵무새처럼 통역할 뿐이었다.

Critical

"찰떡같이 통역하다"

— To interpret perfectly and fittingly.

내 마음을 찰떡같이 통역해 주셨다.

Very Casual

"사이다 통역"

— Refreshing and clear interpretation.

그 통역사의 사이다 통역 덕분에 속이 시원했다.

Slang

"발 통역"

— Terrible interpretation (done with 'feet').

그의 발 통역 때문에 회의를 망쳤다.

Slang/Insult

"통역의 신"

— God of interpretation (someone incredibly skilled).

그녀는 업계에서 통역의 신으로 불린다.

Hyperbole

Easily Confused

통역 vs 번역

Both involve changing languages.

Written vs. Spoken.

책은 번역하고, 대화는 통역해요.

통역 vs 해석

In English, 'interpretation' can mean both.

Deciphering meaning vs. Oral translation.

문장을 해석하고, 말을 통역해요.

통역 vs 중계

Both involve relaying information.

Broadcasting/Relaying vs. Language conversion.

축구 중계 vs. 영어 통역.

통역 vs 안내

Both help people in new places.

Guiding/Information vs. Language interpretation.

길 안내 vs. 통역 안내.

통역 vs 번안

Related to translation.

Adaptation (e.g., a song) vs. Interpretation.

팝송을 한국어로 번안하다.

Sentence Patterns

N + 통역

영어 통역.

통역 + 이/가 + 필요하다

통역이 필요해요.

통역 + 을 + 하다/해주다

통역을 해 주세요.

통역 + 을 + 맡다

통역을 맡았습니다.

통역 + 을 + 통해(서)

통역을 통해서 대화해요.

통역 + 에 + 능숙하다

그는 통역에 능숙해요.

통역 + 의 + 묘미

통역의 묘미를 알다.

통역 + 을 + 수행하다

업무를 수행하다.

Word Family

Nouns

통역 (interpretation)

통역사 (interpreter)

통역기 (interpretation device)

통역관 (official interpreter)

Verbs

통역하다 (to interpret)

통역시키다 (to have someone interpret)

Adjectives

통역적 (interpretative)

번역 (translation)

언어 (language)

소통 (communication)

외국어 (foreign language)

회담 (talks/summit)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in professional, travel, and international contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 통역 for a book. → 번역
Books are written, so they require beon-yeok.
Saying '통역 말해요'. → 통역해요
You don't 'speak' interpretation; you 'do' it (하다).
Confusing 통역 with 해석 for analysis. → 해석
Interpretation of meaning or analysis is hae-seok.
Forgetting the 'sa' in 통역사. → 통역사
When referring to the person, you must use the title suffix.
Using 통역 for subtitles. → 번역
Subtitles are text, so they are a form of translation.

Tips

Focus on the Mode

Always remember that 통역 is for the ears and tongue, not the eyes and pen.

Respect the Skill

In Korea, interpreting is a high-level skill. Using the term 통역사 shows you recognize their professional status.

Verb Pairing

Pair 통역 with 하다 for the action and 필요하다 for the need. It's the most common way to use it.

Learn the Roots

Knowing that 'Tong' (通) means 'connect' helps you remember its function as a bridge.

Look for Signs

In Korean airports, look for '통역' to find help if you are stuck with the language.

Simultaneous vs Consecutive

Learn 동시 (simultaneous) and 순차 (consecutive) to sound more professional in business settings.

App Usage

When using Google Translate or Papago for speech, you are using a 통역 앱.

Helping Friends

If you translate for a friend, say '통역해 줄게' to be helpful.

Media Recognition

Watch Korean news to see sign language interpreters (수어 통역사) in action.

Career Path

If you love languages, look up '통번역대학원' to see how Koreans train to be masters of this word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TONG' as a 'TONGue' (speaking) and 'YEOK' as 'Yoke' (connecting two things). You use your tongue to connect two languages.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge made of speech bubbles connecting two people standing on different cliffs.

Word Web

Speak Listen Change Bridge Professional Service Meeting Travel

Challenge

Try to say 'Please interpret' (통역해 주세요) five times fast without stumbling over the 'yeok' sound.

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). 通 (통) + 譯 (역).

Original meaning: 通 means 'to pass through', 'to communicate', or 'to connect'. 譯 means 'to translate'. Together, it means 'translating to connect'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Always respect the interpreter; do not speak too fast or in long monologues without pausing for interpretation.

In English, 'translator' is often used for both writing and speaking. In Korea, you must distinguish them.

The movie 'Parasite' and its famous interpreter Sharon Choi. The UN simultaneous interpreters. K-drama 'Run On' which features a subtitle translator and mentions interpretation.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Airport/Tourism

통역 안내소가 어디예요?
무료 통역이 있나요?
관광 통역을 원해요.
영어로 통역해 주세요.

Hospital/Clinic

의료 통역이 필요합니다.
통역사를 불러 주실 수 있나요?
증상을 통역해 주세요.
통역 서비스 비용은 얼마예요?

Business Meeting

통역을 준비했습니다.
동시 통역 장비가 있나요?
천천히 통역해 주세요.
통역 오류가 있었습니다.

Legal/Court

법정 통역인이 필요합니다.
진술을 통역해 주세요.
통역의 정확성이 중요합니다.
공정한 통역을 요청합니다.

Casual/Social

친구가 통역해 줬어.
내가 통역해 줄까?
통역 앱을 써 봐.
통역 없이도 다 알아들어.

Conversation Starters

"통역사라는 직업에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"외국 여행을 갈 때 통역 앱을 자주 사용하시나요?"

"통역 없이 한국어로만 대화하는 것이 목표인가요?"

"가장 기억에 남는 통역 경험이 있나요?"

"동시 통역사가 되는 것은 아주 어렵다고 들었는데, 알고 계셨나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 통역사가 되어 친구를 도와준다면 어떤 기분일지 써 보세요.

통역 앱이 완벽해진다면 우리는 더 이상 외국어를 배울 필요가 없을까요?

내가 가장 통역을 잘하고 싶은 언어는 무엇이며 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

통역 과정에서 생길 수 있는 가장 큰 오해는 무엇일지 상상해 보세요.

한국어와 영어 사이에서 통역하기 가장 어려운 단어는 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The main difference is the medium. 통역 (tong-yeok) is oral interpretation of spoken words, while 번역 (beon-yeok) is the translation of written text like books or documents.

You say 통역사 (tong-yeok-sa). The suffix '-사' indicates a professional or specialist.

It is a noun. To use it as a verb, you add '하다' to make 통역하다 (to interpret).

Yes, it is called 수어 통역 (su-eo tong-yeok).

It is called 동시 통역 (dong-si tong-yeok).

You can say '통역사가 필요해요' (I need an interpreter) or '통역 서비스 있어요?' (Is there an interpretation service?).

Yes, it is a highly respected and prestigious profession, often requiring advanced degrees.

No, for that you should use 해석 (hae-seok).

No, subtitles are written, so that is 번역 (beon-yeok).

Professional interpretation is very difficult as it requires fluency in two languages and quick thinking.