초빙하다 in 30 Seconds
- A formal verb used to invite experts, scholars, or high-ranking officials to professional roles or special speaking engagements.
- Differs from '초대하다' (social invitation) by implying a professional context, high respect, and specific expertise of the invitee.
- Commonly follows the grammatical pattern: [Institution]이/가 [Expert]을/를 [Role]로 초빙하다.
- Frequently found in academic, corporate, and governmental contexts, especially in job announcements for professors or guest speakers.
The Korean verb 초빙하다 (chobing-hada) is a sophisticated and formal term that translates to 'to invite' or 'to call upon,' but it carries a specific weight that the common word '초대하다' (chodaehada) lacks. While you would use '초대하다' to invite a friend to a birthday party or a dinner, you use 초빙하다 when a professional organization, such as a university, a corporation, or a government body, formally invites an expert, a scholar, or a person of high status to fill a specific position or to deliver a lecture. It implies a high degree of respect and a recognition of the invitee's expertise or authority in a particular field.
- Formal Invitation
- This word is primarily used in professional and academic settings. It suggests that the invitation is not just a social gesture but a formal request for professional contribution.
- Expertise and Honor
- The use of this verb elevates the status of the person being invited. It acknowledges their mastery and suggests that the inviting party is honored to have them.
우리 대학교는 이번 학기에 노벨상 수상자를 석좌교수로 초빙했다.
In the context of Korean society, where hierarchy and professional titles are deeply respected, choosing between chodaehada and chobinghada is crucial. If a company 'invites' a new CEO, they are '초빙' (chobing) them, implying they sought out this specific leader for their unique skills. If a hospital brings in a world-renowned surgeon for a special operation or a seminar, they are '초빙' (chobing) that surgeon. It is essentially the 'VIP' version of an invitation. Historically, this term is rooted in Hanja (Chinese characters), where '초' (招) means to beckon or call, and '빙' (聘) means to inquire or engage someone with gifts/respect. Therefore, the etymological DNA of the word is about seeking out someone with great courtesy.
정부는 경제 위기 극복을 위해 해외 전문가들을 초빙하여 의견을 들었다.
Furthermore, 초빙하다 is frequently seen in job advertisements for high-level positions. Instead of simply saying 'we are hiring' (채용하다), an institution might say 'we are inviting/recruiting professors' (교수 초빙), which sounds much more prestigious. It transforms the act of hiring from a simple labor transaction into a respectful request for a partnership. This nuance is vital for anyone navigating Korean business culture or academic environments.
- Contextual Nuance
- Using this word for a casual housewarming party would sound incredibly strange and overly dramatic, almost as if you are treating your friend like a visiting dignitary. Reserve it for the boardroom and the lecture hall.
그 회사는 기술 고문으로 전직 장관을 초빙하기로 결정했습니다.
Mastering 초빙하다 requires understanding its grammatical structure and the specific particles that accompany it. Since it is a transitive verb, it typically follows the pattern: [Subject]이/가 [Expert/Object]을/를 [Role]로 초빙하다. The use of the particle '로' (ro) is particularly important here, as it designates the capacity or role in which the person is being invited.
학회에서는 유명한 심리학자를 강연자로 초빙했습니다.
Notice in the example above, '심리학자를' (psychologist) is the object, and '강연자로' (as a speaker) indicates the role. This structure is the most common way to see the word in action. In more formal writing, such as news articles or official announcements, the passive form 초빙되다 (to be invited/engaged) is also frequently used.
- The Passive Voice
- Example: 김 교수는 하버드 대학교의 방문 연구원으로 초빙되었다. (Professor Kim was invited as a visiting researcher at Harvard University.)
When using 초빙하다, the subject is almost always an institution or a representative of an institution. It is rare for an individual to '초빙' someone for personal reasons. If an individual is doing the inviting, it is usually on behalf of a group. For instance, '내가 그분을 초빙했다' (I invited him) implies 'I, as the head of the department, invited him.'
저희 병원은 최고의 실력을 갖춘 전문의들을 초빙하여 진료의 질을 높였습니다.
Another common usage is in the noun form 초빙 (invitation/engagement). You will often see '초빙 공고' (recruitment announcement) or '초빙 강사' (guest lecturer/adjunct professor). This noun usage is very common in professional Korean. If you are applying for a job at a Korean university, the title of the job post will likely contain '초빙'.
이번 세미나에는 특별히 외국인 강사를 초빙할 계획입니다.
- Common Verb Patterns
- 초빙하고자 하다 (wish to invite), 초빙하기로 하다 (decide to invite), 초빙 중이다 (currently inviting/recruiting).
Finally, remember that the honorific version of the action itself (when speaking to or about someone very high up) would be 초빙하시다. However, since the object of the verb is the one being honored, the word '초빙' itself already carries a respectful tone toward the invitee.
그 감독님을 우리 팀의 기술 고문으로 초빙하는 것이 어떻겠습니까?
In South Korea, 초빙하다 is a word you are more likely to read in a professional email, a news report, or a university bulletin than hear in a casual conversation at a café. It is the language of the 'public sphere.' If you are a student in Korea, you will see this word every semester on posters advertising special lectures by guest speakers. These speakers are referred to as '초빙 강사' (chobing gangsa).
우리 학과는 다음 달에 유명 작가를 초빙하여 북콘서트를 엽니다.
In the business world, when a company is struggling or looking to expand into a new market, the news will often report that they have '초빙' (invited) a new expert to their board of directors. This signals to shareholders that the company is taking serious, professional steps to improve. It sounds much more strategic and respectful than saying they simply 'hired' someone.
- News Media
- Journalists use this word to describe government appointments or the hiring of high-profile figures in the private sector. It adds a layer of formality to the report.
You will also encounter this word in the religious context in Korea. Large churches often '초빙' a new head pastor (담임목사 초빙). This process is seen as a formal and spiritual 'invitation' rather than a standard recruitment process. The use of 초빙하다 here emphasizes the community's collective respect for the incoming leader.
새로운 목사님을 초빙하기 위한 위원회가 구성되었습니다.
In television programs, specifically talk shows or documentaries that feature experts, the host might introduce a guest by saying, "오늘은 어렵게 이 분을 초빙했습니다" (Today, we have invited this person with great effort). The phrase '어렵게 초빙하다' is a common collocation meaning that the person is so busy or high-status that it was difficult to get them to come. It serves as a compliment to the guest.
오늘 방송에는 특별한 전문가를 초빙하여 건강 정보를 들어보겠습니다.
- Academic Recruitment
- University websites have sections titled '교수 초빙' (Professor Recruitment/Invitation), where they list available positions for full-time or visiting faculty.
Finally, in sports, when a team brings in a famous foreign coach to improve their performance, the media will use 초빙하다. For example, when Guus Hiddink was brought in for the 2002 World Cup, he was '초빙'ed as the head coach. This highlights his role as a master brought in for a specific purpose.
The most frequent mistake learners make with 초빙하다 is using it in casual social contexts. Because English uses 'invite' for both a dinner party and a visiting professor, learners often assume '초빙하다' is interchangeable with '초대하다'. However, using 초빙하다 for a friend's visit sounds incredibly stiff and unnatural, almost like a joke.
(Incorrect) 친구를 우리 집에 초빙했어요.
(Correct) 친구를 우리 집에 초대했어요.
Another mistake is confusing 초빙하다 with 초청하다 (chocheong-hada). While both are formal, '초청하다' is more general and often refers to inviting someone to an event, ceremony, or a country. '초빙하다' specifically implies inviting someone to take up a role, a job, or a teaching position. If you invite a singer to perform at a festival, '초청하다' is better. If you invite that same singer to be a professor of music at a university, '초빙하다' is the correct choice.
- Confusion with '초청' (Invitation)
- 초청: Invitation to an event (e.g., wedding, concert, opening ceremony).
초빙: Invitation to a professional position or to share expertise (e.g., professor, consultant, lecturer).
A grammatical error often occurs with the particle usage. Some learners forget to use the '-(으)로' particle to define the role. Saying '의사를 초빙했다' (invited a doctor) is fine, but if you want to say 'invited as a director,' you must say '원장으로 초빙했다.' Leaving out '으로' can make the sentence feel incomplete in a professional context.
그 학자는 객원 교수로 초빙되었습니다.
Lastly, some learners use '초빙하다' when they mean 'to hire' (고용하다) for a entry-level or standard job. You wouldn't '초빙' a part-time worker at a convenience store. Using such a high-level word for a low-level job can sound sarcastic or simply incorrect. Use '채용하다' or '고용하다' for standard employment, and save '초빙하다' for specialists and high-ranking officials.
- Register Mismatch
- Don't use it for: Part-time jobs, casual meetings, inviting friends, or general employees.
Understanding the synonyms for 초빙하다 helps you choose the right word for the right level of formality and context. While they all relate to 'inviting' or 'bringing someone in,' their nuances are distinct.
- 초대하다 (Chodaehada)
- The most common word for 'to invite.' Used for social events like parties, dinners, or visiting someone's home. It is neutral and can be used in almost any social setting.
- 초청하다 (Chocheong-hada)
- A formal version of '초대하다.' Used for official events like state visits, international conferences, or wedding invitations (formal). It focuses on the event itself rather than a job or role.
대통령은 외국 정상들을 만찬에 초청했습니다.
Another important alternative is 모시다 (mosida). This is the honorific form of 'to bring' or 'to have someone come.' It is extremely common in spoken Korean when showing respect to the person being invited. You might '초빙' an expert in a formal report, but when introducing them on stage, you would say, "전문가 분을 모셨습니다" (We have brought/welcomed the expert).
- 채용하다 (Chaeyong-hada)
- 'To hire' or 'to employ.' This is the standard business term for recruitment. Unlike '초빙하다,' it doesn't necessarily imply high status; it's a general term for adding someone to the payroll.
그 기업은 올해 신입 사원 100명을 채용할 예정입니다.
In summary, 초빙하다 sits at the intersection of 'inviting' and 'appointing.' It is used when the person's presence is requested because of their unique value. If you are writing a formal letter to a professor asking them to speak at your school, using 초빙 in your request will show that you understand Korean professional etiquette and respect their position.
- Summary Table
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- 초대하다: Social/Casual (Dinner, Party)
- 초청하다: Formal Event (Conference, Wedding)
- 초빙하다: Professional Role (Professor, Expert)
- 채용하다: Employment/Hiring (Staff, Workers)
Examples by Level
선생님을 초빙했어요.
We invited the teacher (formally).
Basic object marker 을/를 used.
학교에서 가수를 초빙해요.
The school invites a singer.
Present tense -해요.
의사를 초빙하고 싶어요.
I want to invite a doctor.
-고 싶어요 indicates desire.
유명한 사람을 초빙해요.
Inviting a famous person.
Adjective 유명한 modifies person.
누구를 초빙할까요?
Who shall we invite?
-ㄹ까요 suggests a question.
전문가를 초빙했습니다.
We invited an expert.
Past tense -했습니다.
강사를 초빙할 거예요.
We will invite a lecturer.
Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.
그분을 초빙하세요.
Please invite that person.
Imperative -하세요.
우리 학교는 외국인 선생님을 초빙했어요.
Our school invited a foreign teacher.
Subject marker -는 used for school.
이번 행사에 요리사를 초빙할까요?
Shall we invite a chef to this event?
Role defined as chef.
회사는 새로운 고문을 초빙하기로 했습니다.
The company decided to invite a new advisor.
-기로 하다 indicates a decision.
유명한 작가를 초빙해서 강연을 들었어요.
We invited a famous author and listened to a lecture.
-해서 links two actions.
병원은 실력 있는 의사를 초빙했습니다.
The hospital invited a skilled doctor.
Adjective phrase 실력 있는.
대학교에서 교수를 초빙하고 있습니다.
The university is currently inviting/recruiting professors.
-고 있다 indicates continuous action.
특별한 손님을 초빙하는 것이 어때요?
How about inviting a special guest?
-는 것이 어때요 suggests an idea.
그분은 전문가로 초빙되었습니다.
That person was invited as an expert.
Passive voice 초빙되다.
정부는 경제 전문가를 초빙하여 대책을 논의했다.
The government invited economic experts to discuss measures.
-하여 is a formal version of -해서.
이번 학술 대회에 기조 연설자를 초빙할 예정입니다.
We plan to invite a keynote speaker for this academic conference.
-ㄹ 예정입니다 indicates a schedule.
그는 명예 교수로 초빙되어 대학에서 강의를 한다.
He was invited as an honorary professor and gives lectures at the university.
Role marked with -로.
우리는 기술 고문을 초빙하기 위해 많은 노력을 기울였다.
We put in a lot of effort to invite a technical advisor.
-하기 위해 indicates purpose.
해외에서 유명한 감독을 초빙하는 데 성공했습니다.
We succeeded in inviting a famous director from abroad.
-는 데 indicates the process/area of success.
그 병원은 최고의 외과 의사를 초빙했다고 발표했다.
The hospital announced that they had invited the best surgeon.
-고 발표했다 indicates indirect speech.
전문가를 초빙하지 않으면 이 문제를 해결하기 어렵습니다.
It is difficult to solve this problem unless we invite an expert.
-지 않으면 indicates a condition.
많은 대학들이 우수한 연구진을 초빙하려고 경쟁합니다.
Many universities compete to invite excellent researchers.
-려고 indicates intention.
신임 사외 이사로 전직 장관을 초빙하기로 결의했습니다.
We resolved to invite a former minister as the new outside director.
Formal business terminology.
해당 분야의 권위자를 초빙함으로써 세미나의 격을 높였다.
By inviting an authority in the field, we raised the status of the seminar.
-(으)로써 indicates the means.
그 회사는 위기 극복을 위해 구조 조정 전문가를 초빙했다.
The company invited a restructuring expert to overcome the crisis.
Context of corporate crisis.
이번 프로젝트를 위해 외부 컨설턴트를 초빙할 필요가 있습니다.
There is a need to invite an external consultant for this project.
-ㄹ 필요가 있다 indicates necessity.
훌륭한 인재를 초빙하는 것이 기업의 경쟁력입니다.
Inviting great talent is the competitiveness of a company.
Noun phrase as subject.
그는 여러 대학으로부터 초빙 제안을 받았으나 거절했다.
He received invitation offers from several universities but declined.
Noun form 초빙 used.
국가 대표팀 감독으로 외국인을 초빙하는 것에 대해 찬반 양론이 있다.
There are pros and cons to inviting a foreigner as the national team coach.
Complex noun phrase with -에 대해.
우수 인력을 초빙하기 위한 파격적인 조건을 제시했습니다.
They offered exceptional conditions to invite excellent personnel.
Focus on recruitment strategy.
박 교수는 세계적인 석학으로 인정받아 여러 나라에 초빙되고 있다.
Professor Park is recognized as a world-class scholar and is being invited to many countries.
Passive continuous form -되고 있다.
인재 초빙은 단순히 고용의 문제를 넘어 조직의 사활이 걸린 일이다.
Inviting talent is more than just a matter of hiring; it is a matter of the organization's survival.
Advanced metaphorical expression.
그 정당은 개혁을 위해 외부 인사를 비대위원장으로 초빙했다.
The political party invited an outsider as the emergency committee chair for reform.
Political context.
전통의 맥을 잇기 위해 무형문화재 보유자를 초빙하여 전수 교육을 실시했다.
To continue the tradition, they invited a holder of intangible cultural property to conduct transmission training.
Cultural preservation context.
해외 우수 과학자를 초빙하는 사업이 예산 부족으로 난항을 겪고 있다.
The project to invite excellent overseas scientists is facing difficulties due to a lack of budget.
Idiomatic expression 난항을 겪다.
기업들은 4차 산업혁명 시대를 이끌 핵심 인재를 초빙하는 데 사활을 걸고 있다.
Companies are staking everything on inviting core talent to lead the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Idiomatic expression 사활을 걸다.
그 대학은 학문적 융합을 위해 타 분야의 전문가를 초빙 교수로 임용했다.
The university appointed experts from other fields as visiting professors for academic convergence.
Academic terminology.
유명 인사를 초빙함으로써 대중의 관심을 끄는 마케팅 전략을 사용했다.
They used a marketing strategy to attract public attention by inviting famous figures.
Business strategy context.
석좌교수 초빙은 해당 대학의 학문적 위상을 가늠하는 척도가 되기도 한다.
The invitation of chair professors also serves as a yardstick for measuring the academic status of the university.
Highly formal academic tone.
그는 자신의 철학을 전파하기 위해 전국을 돌며 초빙 강연을 이어가고 있다.
He continues to give invited lectures while traveling across the country to spread his philosophy.
Narrative style.
정부는 국가 경쟁력 제고를 위해 파격적인 대우로 해외 인재를 초빙하기로 했다.
The government decided to invite overseas talent with exceptional treatment to enhance national competitiveness.
Policy-oriented language.
전문가 초빙 과정에서의 투명성 결여가 조직 내 갈등의 불씨가 되었다.
The lack of transparency in the process of inviting experts became the spark for internal conflict.
Abstract noun usage.
그는 학계의 거두로서 여러 기관의 초빙을 마다하고 연구에만 매진했다.
As a giant in the academic world, he declined invitations from various institutions and devoted himself only to research.
Literary expression 거두 (giant/leader).
이번 초빙은 단순한 인력 보충이 아니라 조직 문화의 쇄신을 위한 포석이다.
This invitation is not just a replenishment of manpower, but a strategic move for the renovation of the organizational culture.
Metaphorical use of 포석 (strategic move).
특정 인사를 초빙하기 위해 정관까지 변경한 것은 명백한 특혜라는 지적이 있다.
There are points that changing even the articles of incorporation to invite a specific person is a clear privilege.
Legal/Critical tone.
그는 평생을 바친 연구 성과를 인정받아 모교의 명예 석좌교수로 초빙되는 영광을 안았다.
He had the honor of being invited as an honorary chair professor of his alma mater in recognition of his lifelong research achievements.
Honorific and emotional tone.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Professor recruitment or invitation to a faculty position.
올해 우리 대학의 교수 초빙 규모가 커졌다.
— A guest lecturer or an invited part-time instructor.
그는 여러 대학에서 초빙 강사로 활동 중이다.
— A committee formed to invite or select a high-level candidate.
총장 초빙 위원회가 열렸다.
— An honorary invitation to a prestigious role.
그는 명예 초빙 교수로 추대되었다.
— An official offer or proposal of invitation.
그는 기업으로부터 초빙 제안을 받았다.
— The formal process or steps taken to invite someone.
초빙 절차가 까다롭기로 유명하다.
— The person or group targeted for invitation.
이번 초빙 대상은 박사 학위 소지자입니다.
— The period during which the invitation/recruitment is open.
초빙 기간은 이번 달 말까지입니다.
— The requirements or qualifications for being invited/hired.
초빙 요건을 꼼꼼히 확인하세요.
— The person who has been invited.
초빙 인사들이 한자리에 모였다.
Idioms & Expressions
— To visit someone three times to show sincerity (from Romance of the Three Kingdoms). Used when '초빙'ing someone with extreme effort.
회장님은 그를 초빙하기 위해 삼고초려의 정성을 다했다.
Literary/Formal— A person who is hard to see or invite due to high status or busyness.
초빙하기 어려운 아주 귀한 몸을 모셨습니다.
Neutral/Spoken— To bring someone with great respect (often used for '초빙').
해외에서 아주 유명한 분을 모셔 왔습니다.
Honorific— To make an appearance (often used when an invited guest arrives).
초빙된 행사에 잠시 얼굴을 비추셨다.
Informal— To grace an event with one's presence (said to an invited guest).
초빙에 응해 주셔서 자리를 빛내 주셨습니다.
Formal— To receive a call/summons (humble way to say one was '초빙'ed).
국가의 부름을 받아 전문가로 참여하게 되었습니다.
Formal— To send a 'love call' (to express strong interest in inviting someone).
여러 구단에서 그 감독에게 러브콜을 보내며 초빙하려 한다.
Journalistic— To put in a lot of effort (often used regarding the effort to '초빙' someone).
그 학자를 초빙하기 위해 1년 동안 공을 들였다.
Neutral— To be in the same boat (used after someone is successfully '초빙'ed into a team).
초빙된 전문가와 이제 한 배를 탔으니 잘해 봅시다.
Idiomatic— To gain a thousand troops an
Summary
The word <span class='font-bold text-violet-600'>초빙하다</span> is your go-to term for professional invitations in Korea. Use it when the person you are inviting is an expert (like a doctor or professor) and you are asking them to share their knowledge or take a high-level job. For example: '유명한 교수를 초빙했다' (We formally invited a famous professor).
- A formal verb used to invite experts, scholars, or high-ranking officials to professional roles or special speaking engagements.
- Differs from '초대하다' (social invitation) by implying a professional context, high respect, and specific expertise of the invitee.
- Commonly follows the grammatical pattern: [Institution]이/가 [Expert]을/를 [Role]로 초빙하다.
- Frequently found in academic, corporate, and governmental contexts, especially in job announcements for professors or guest speakers.
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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.
