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A2 noun #4,500 most common 10 min read

입사

ipsa Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 입사 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 입사 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '입사' means joining a company. It is a formal word. You might see it on a business card or hear it when someone introduces themselves. Think of it as 'Entering' (입) + 'Company' (사). If you are a student, you use '입학' (entering school), and if you work, you use '입사'. Just remember the basic phrase: '회사에 입사해요' (I join a company). It's a goal for many people who are studying Korean to work in Korea one day. You can use it simply: '저는 삼성에 입사하고 싶어요' (I want to join Samsung). This is a clear, high-frequency word for anyone interested in Korean culture or business. Focus on the '입' sound, which is like 'in' or 'enter'.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '입사' in basic sentences about your life and career goals. You should understand the difference between '입사' (joining a company) and '퇴사' (leaving a company). You will likely encounter this word in reading passages about people's daily lives or career paths. You should also start recognizing compound words like '입사일' (the date you joined) and '입사 동기' (colleagues who joined at the same time). Knowing '입사 동기' is very important for understanding Korean social dynamics. You can say, '제 입사 동기는 친절해요' (My entry-year colleague is kind). This level requires you to use the particle '에' correctly: '우리 형은 작년에 이 회사에 입사했어요' (My brother joined this company last year).

At the B1 level, you can use '입사' to discuss more complex topics like job hunting and corporate culture. You should be comfortable using related terms like '입사 지원서' (job application) and '입사 시험' (entrance exam). You can explain your reasons for joining a specific company: '연봉이 높아서 이 회사에 입사하기로 결심했습니다' (I decided to join this company because the salary is high). You also begin to understand the nuance of '입사' compared to '취업'—'입사' is the specific event of entering a company, while '취업' is the general state of being employed. You might hear it in news reports about the '입사 경쟁률' (competition rate for joining a company), which is a major social issue in Korea.

At the B2 level, '입사' becomes a tool for professional communication. You can discuss the '입사 조건' (terms of employment) or '입사 후 포부' (aspirations after joining). This is a common question in Korean job interviews. You should be able to handle formal contexts, such as writing a cover letter where you describe how your skills will benefit the company after you '입사'. You also understand social nuances like '낙하산 입사' (hiring through connections/nepotism) and how it is viewed negatively. Your sentences should be more fluid: '입사한 지 벌써 5년이 지났지만, 아직도 첫날의 긴장감이 생생합니다' (It's been 5 years since I joined, but the tension of the first day is still vivid).

At the C1 level, you use '입사' within deep discussions about economic trends and labor laws. You might analyze how '입사' patterns change according to the business cycle or discuss the legal implications of a '입사 계약' (employment contract). You understand the historical context of '공채' (open recruitment) and how the '입사' process has evolved from mass hiring to more specialized, year-round recruitment. You can use the word in abstract ways, discussing the psychological impact of '입사' on '사회 초년생' (newcomers to society). You are also aware of very formal or literary synonyms and can switch between '입사', '취업', and '임용' depending on the exact professional context with perfect precision.

At the C2 level, '입사' is a word you master in all its stylistic variations. You can use it in academic writing about organizational behavior or in high-level business negotiations. You understand the most subtle connotations, such as how '입사' might be used ironically in literature to describe a character's loss of freedom to a corporate machine. You can debate the merits of different '입사' systems and their impact on social mobility. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, utilizing complex grammar and idiomatic expressions naturally. You might even use the word in legal or historical contexts, tracing the etymology of '입' and '사' and their roles in East Asian corporate development.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

입사 in 30 Seconds

입사 (Ipsa) means 'joining a company.' It is a formal noun used in professional contexts.
It is composed of '입' (enter) and '사' (company). It is the opposite of '퇴사' (leaving).
Commonly used as '입사하다' (to join) or in compounds like '입사 동기' (colleagues).
Essential for discussing career milestones, job hunting, and corporate life in Korea.

The Korean word 입사 (Ipsa) is a foundational noun in the Korean professional lexicon, specifically denoting the act of joining a company or becoming an employee of a corporate entity. Derived from the Hanja characters 入 (Enter) and 社 (Company/Society), it literally translates to 'entering the company.' This term is not merely a technicality but carries significant social weight in South Korea, where the transition from a student or job seeker (취준생) to a company member (직장인) is viewed as a major life milestone and a rite of passage into adulthood and financial independence.

Formal Context: You will encounter '입사' primarily in formal settings, such as job advertisements, corporate HR documents, and official introductions. When someone says '입사했습니다,' they are announcing their official start date at a firm. It is more specific than the broader term '취업' (employment), which refers to the general state of having a job.
Social Identity: In Korea, the year of one's '입사' often determines their social standing within the company hierarchy. Colleagues who join in the same year are referred to as '입사 동기' (entry-year colleagues), a bond that is often as strong as school friendships. This term is used to navigate the complex 'sunbae-hoobae' (senior-junior) relationships that define Korean office life.

저번 달에 삼성전자에 입사하게 되어서 정말 기뻐요.
(I am so happy that I joined Samsung Electronics last month.)

Understanding '입사' requires understanding the 'Gongchae' (공채) culture, or open recruitment. Large conglomerates typically hire in massive waves during specific seasons. During these times, the word '입사' is splashed across news headlines and social media as thousands of applicants vie for a few spots. The word carries a sense of achievement and the beginning of a long journey within the corporate ladder. It is frequently paired with the verb '하다' to form '입사하다' (to join a company).

그녀는 입사 동기들 중에서 가장 승진이 빠릅니다.
(She is the fastest to be promoted among the colleagues who joined at the same time.)

Administrative Usage: In administrative forms, you will see '입사일' (date of entry). This date is crucial for calculating severance pay, vacation days, and seniority. It marks the legal start of the employer-employee relationship in the eyes of the Korean Labor Standards Act.

입사 지원서를 작성할 때는 신중해야 합니다.
(You must be careful when filling out the job application form.)

Using 입사 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its transformation into a verb. In Korean, nouns like '입사' are frequently combined with the verb '하다' (to do) to describe an action. Therefore, '입사하다' means 'to join a company.' This section explores the grammatical structures, common particles, and situational variations of the word.

The ~에 입사하다 Pattern: The most common way to use this word is with the location particle '에' (to/at). You indicate the company name followed by '에 입사하다.' For example, '구글에 입사하고 싶어요' (I want to join Google). This indicates the target organization of your employment.
Compound Nouns: '입사' acts as a prefix for many corporate terms. '입사 시험' (entrance exam), '입사 면접' (job interview), and '입사 교육' (new employee training). These compounds are used daily in HR departments and by job seekers navigating the hiring process.

그는 치열한 경쟁을 뚫고 대기업에 입사했습니다.
(He joined a large corporation after overcoming fierce competition.)

When discussing the timing of employment, you use '입사한 지' followed by a duration. For example, '입사한 지 3년 되었습니다' (It has been 3 years since I joined the company). This structure is essential for professional introductions and networking events where seniority is established through conversation.

신입 사원들은 입사 후에 오리엔테이션을 받습니다.
(New employees receive orientation after joining the company.)

In a sentence, '입사' can also function as the subject when describing the process itself. '입사가 결정되었습니다' means 'The entry into the company has been decided' (i.e., you got the job). This passive-sounding structure is common in official notifications from HR departments to successful candidates.

나의 꿈은 유명한 IT 회사에 입사하는 것이다.
(My dream is to join a famous IT company.)

Finally, consider the use of '입사' in the context of career changes. '경력직 입사' refers to joining a company as an experienced hire rather than a fresh graduate. This distinction is vital in the Korean job market, where the path for 'newcomers' (신입) and 'experienced' (경력) workers is often handled through different recruitment channels.

The word 입사 is ubiquitous in South Korean society, echoing through office corridors, university campuses, and popular media. Because corporate life is such a central pillar of the Korean experience, the vocabulary surrounding it is deeply ingrained in daily life. You will hear it in K-Dramas, news broadcasts, and even in casual conversations among friends discussing their future or their daily struggles at work.

In K-Dramas (Office Genre): Think of dramas like 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) or 'Start-Up.' The characters often talk about their '입사' process. You'll hear phrases like '낙하산 입사' (joining through nepotism/parachuting in) or '힘겹게 입사했다' (struggled to join). These dramas highlight the emotional weight of getting into a company.
In the News and Economy: Economic news reports frequently discuss '입사 경쟁률' (the competition rate for joining a company). When the economy is tough, news anchors will report on how difficult '입사' has become for the younger generation, using the word to frame the state of the labor market.

요즘 대기업 입사 경쟁률이 정말 높아요.
(The competition rate to join large companies is very high these days.)

In a professional setting, during your first day, you might be introduced to the team with, '오늘 입사한 신입 사원입니다' (This is the new employee who joined today). This is the most practical and immediate way you will hear the word used in person. It serves as a formal marker of your new status within the organization.

저희 회사는 입사 조건이 까다로운 편입니다.
(Our company's entry requirements are on the strict side.)

Furthermore, on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Korean sites like Saramin and JobKorea, '입사' is the standard tag for job-related posts. If someone updates their profile, the system might automatically post a message saying they have '입사' at a new company. It is the digital signal of a career move.

축하해요! 드디어 원하던 곳에 입사하셨군요.
(Congratulations! You finally joined the place you wanted.)

Lastly, in family gatherings, parents often boast about their children's '입사.' '우리 아들이 이번에 현대자동차에 입사했어' (My son joined Hyundai Motors this time) is a common phrase of pride. Here, the word transcends the office and becomes a symbol of family success and stability.

While 입사 is a relatively straightforward noun, learners often make subtle errors in context, particle usage, and word choice. Because Korean has many words for 'work' and 'employment,' choosing the wrong one can make a sentence sound unnatural or even confusing to a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing 입사 with 취직: Many learners use '입사' for any kind of job. However, if you are working at a small restaurant, a private tutor, or a freelancer, '입사' is too formal and specific. In those cases, '취직' (getting a job) or '일하기 시작하다' (starting to work) is better. '입사' specifically implies a '회사' (company) structure.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Particles: Learners sometimes use the object particle '를' with the company name, like '회사를 입사하다.' While understandable, the correct and more natural form is '회사에 입사하다.' The company is the destination you are entering, so the direction/location particle '에' is preferred.

❌ 저는 삼성전자를 입사하고 싶어요.
✅ 저는 삼성전자에 입사하고 싶어요.

Another common error is using '입사' when you mean '출근' (going to work). '입사' is a one-time event (joining the firm), whereas '출근' is the daily action of going to the office. You wouldn't say 'I 입사 every morning at 9 AM.' That would mean you join the company from scratch every day!

❌ 매일 아침 9시에 입사해요.
✅ 매일 아침 9시에 출근해요.

Finally, watch out for the antonym. Some learners use '퇴사' (leaving a company) and '해고' (getting fired) interchangeably. While both involve leaving, '퇴사' is the natural opposite of '입사' (the act of resigning or leaving the firm), whereas '해고' is a specific, usually negative, action taken by the employer.

Mistake 3: Overusing Formal Register: While '입사' is formal, if you are talking to a child about their parent's job, you might say '회사 다니기 시작했어' (started attending the company) rather than '입사했어,' which might sound overly stiff in a very casual family setting.

To truly master 입사, you must understand how it compares to other words in the Korean 'employment' semantic field. Depending on the nuance you want to convey—whether it's the act of being hired, the start of a career, or simply getting a job—different words will be more appropriate.

입사 vs. 취업 (Employment): 입사 is 'joining a company,' while 취업 is the general act of finding employment. You can say '취업 준비' (preparing for a job), but '입사 준비' specifically means preparing for the entrance process of a specific company. '취업' is the goal; '입사' is the event.
입사 vs. 채용 (Hiring): 입사 is from the employee's perspective (I entered). 채용 is from the employer's perspective (We hired). A company will post a '채용 공고' (hiring announcement), and as a result, you will '입사' (join).

그 회사는 올해 신입 사원 채용을 늘리기로 했습니다.
(That company decided to increase the hiring of new employees this year.)

Another related word is 임용 (appointment), which is typically used for government officials, teachers, or public service roles. You wouldn't usually say a teacher '입사' to a school; you would say they were '임용' to their post. Similarly, 등용 is a more literary or historical term for being 'raised up' or recruited into a high-ranking position.

그는 공무원으로 임용되어 시청에서 근무합니다.
(He was appointed as a civil servant and works at city hall.)

For those entering the workforce for the first time, 사회 초년생 (a beginner in society) is a common phrase to describe someone who has just '입사'ed. While '입사' is the action, '사회 초년생' is the identity of the person in that stage of life. Using these words together can help you describe professional life more vividly.

Informal Alternative: 들어가다 (To enter): In very casual speech, you can simply use '들어가다.' For example, '나 이번에 좋은 회사 들어갔어' (I got into a good company this time). This is the native Korean equivalent of the Sino-Korean '입사하다.'

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '社' (sa) originally referred to the god of the soil or the place where people gathered to worship, which eventually evolved to mean a group or company.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ip.sʰa/

US /ɪp.sɑː/

The stress is equal on both syllables, as is common in Korean, but the 'sa' may feel slightly emphasized due to the tense consonant.

Rhymes With

이사 (Moving) 감사 (Thanks) 검사 (Prosecutor) 의사 (Doctor) 기사 (Knight/Driver) 복사 (Copying) 대사 (Ambassador) 역사 (History)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '입' (ip) with a released 'p' like 'ip-puh'. It should be an unreleased stop.
Making the '사' (sa) sound too soft like English 'saw'. It should be a crisp 'sa'.
Confusing the pitch with '이사' (moving house).
Over-aspirating the 's' sound.
Failing to double the 's' sound slightly because of the preceding 'p' (gemination).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Common word in news and job boards.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct particle '에' and verb '하다'.

Speaking 2/5

Clear pronunciation, very high utility.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive 'ip' sound makes it easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

회사 사람 일 들어가다 하다

Learn Next

퇴사 승진 연봉 부서 직위

Advanced

공채 경력직 수습 기간 임용 발령

Grammar to Know

-(으)ㄴ 지 ... 되다

입사한 지 1년 되었어요.

-기 위해(서)

입사하기 위해서 공부해요.

-고 싶다

좋은 회사에 입사하고 싶어요.

-기로 하다

다음 달에 입사하기로 했어요.

-(으)면

입사하면 열심히 일할 거예요.

Examples by Level

저는 회사에 입사해요.

I join the company.

Simple present tense with '해요'.

내일 입사해요?

Are you joining tomorrow?

Question form of '입사해요'.

삼성에 입사하고 싶어요.

I want to join Samsung.

-고 싶어요 (want to) pattern.

오늘 입사했어요.

I joined today.

Past tense '했어요'.

입사 축하해요!

Congratulations on joining!

Noun + 축하해요 (Congratulations on...).

언제 입사해요?

When do you join?

Interrogative '언제' (when).

아버지는 이 회사에 입사하셨어요.

My father joined this company.

Honorific '-시-' added to the verb.

입사 준비를 해요.

I am preparing for entry.

Noun + 준비 (preparation).

입사 지원서를 썼어요.

I wrote the job application.

Compound noun: 입사 + 지원서.

입사 동기를 만났어요.

I met my entry-year colleague.

Compound noun: 입사 + 동기.

작년에 이 회사에 입사했어요.

I joined this company last year.

Time adverb '작년' (last year).

입사 시험이 너무 어려웠어요.

The entrance exam was too difficult.

Compound noun: 입사 + 시험.

그는 대기업 입사를 꿈꿔요.

He dreams of joining a large corporation.

꿈꾸다 (to dream) as the main verb.

입사 후에 바로 일을 시작했어요.

I started work right after joining.

후에 (after) pattern.

친구가 구글 입사에 성공했어요.

My friend succeeded in joining Google.

에 성공하다 (to succeed in).

입사 날짜가 결정됐어요.

The entry date has been decided.

결정되다 (to be decided).

입사 경쟁률이 100 대 1이에요.

The competition rate for entry is 100 to 1.

경쟁률 (competition rate).

입사 면접에서 긴장을 많이 했어요.

I was very nervous at the job interview.

면접 (interview) + 에서 (at).

입사한 지 벌써 1년이 되었네요.

It's already been a year since I joined.

-(으)ㄴ 지 ... 되다 (it has been... since).

그 회사의 입사 조건은 무엇인가요?

What are the entry conditions for that company?

조건 (condition/requirement).

입사 교육을 받으러 서울에 가요.

I'm going to Seoul to receive entry training.

-(으)러 가다 (go in order to).

어렵게 입사한 만큼 열심히 일하겠습니다.

Since I joined with difficulty, I will work hard.

-ㄴ 만큼 (as much as / since).

입사 동기들과 술 한잔 했어요.

I had a drink with my entry-year colleagues.

Social context of workplace bonding.

그는 경력직으로 입사했습니다.

He joined as an experienced hire.

경력직 (experienced position).

입사 후 포부에 대해 말씀해 보세요.

Please tell us about your aspirations after joining.

포부 (aspiration/ambition).

공채를 통해 입사하는 것은 매우 어렵습니다.

Joining through open recruitment is very difficult.

공채 (open recruitment) + 통해 (through).

입사 계약서의 내용을 꼼꼼히 확인하세요.

Check the contents of the employment contract carefully.

계약서 (contract) + 확인하다 (check).

그는 입사 초기부터 능력을 인정받았습니다.

He was recognized for his ability from the beginning of his entry.

초기 (early stage) + 인정받다 (to be recognized).

입사 동기들 사이에서 그는 리더십이 뛰어납니다.

Among his entry-year colleagues, his leadership is outstanding.

사이에서 (among) + 리더십 (leadership).

원하는 곳에 입사하기 위해 자격증을 땄어요.

I got a certificate to join the place I wanted.

기 위해 (in order to).

입사 혜택으로 의료 보험이 제공됩니다.

Health insurance is provided as an entry benefit.

혜택 (benefit) + 제공되다 (to be provided).

그는 낙하산 입사라는 소문이 있습니다.

There is a rumor that he joined through nepotism.

낙하산 (parachute/nepotism) + 소문 (rumor).

기업들의 입사 전형이 점차 다양해지고 있습니다.

Companies' entry screening processes are gradually becoming more diverse.

전형 (screening/selection process).

입사 시 제출해야 할 서류가 상당히 많습니다.

There are quite a lot of documents to submit upon entry.

시 (at the time of) + 제출하다 (submit).

그는 입사 10주년을 기념하여 휴가를 떠났다.

He went on vacation to celebrate his 10th anniversary of joining.

기념하여 (to celebrate/commemorate).

입사 지원자들의 역량이 상향 평준화되었습니다.

The capabilities of job applicants have become upwardly standardized.

역량 (capability) + 상향 평준화 (upward standardization).

회사는 입사 예정자들을 대상으로 사전 교육을 실시했다.

The company conducted preliminary training for those scheduled to join.

예정자 (person scheduled) + 실시하다 (conduct).

입사 초기 적응을 돕기 위해 멘토링 프로그램이 운영된다.

A mentoring program is operated to help adaptation in the early stages of entry.

적응 (adaptation) + 운영되다 (to be operated).

그의 입사는 회사 내부에 큰 반향을 일으켰다.

His joining caused a great sensation inside the company.

반향 (sensation/echo) + 일으키다 (to cause).

입사 포기자가 속출하여 추가 채용을 진행했다.

Many people gave up their entry, so additional hiring was conducted.

포기자 (person who gives up) + 속출하다 (to occur in succession).

입사라는 관문을 통과하는 것은 사회적 지위의 획득을 의미한다.

Passing the gateway of joining a company signifies the acquisition of social status.

관문 (gateway) + 획득 (acquisition).

그는 입사와 동시에 조직의 핵심 인재로 부상했다.

Simultaneously with joining, he emerged as a core talent of the organization.

와 동시에 (simultaneously with) + 부상하다 (to emerge).

입사 과정에서의 공정성 문제는 사회적 화두가 되고 있다.

The issue of fairness in the entry process is becoming a social talking point.

공정성 (fairness) + 화두 (topic/talking point).

기업은 입사 희망자들에게 투명한 정보를 제공할 의무가 있다.

Companies have an obligation to provide transparent information to those wishing to join.

의무 (obligation).

입사 이후의 경력 관리는 개인의 역량에 달려 있다.

Career management after joining depends on an individual's capabilities.

에 달려 있다 (depends on).

그는 입사 당시의 초심을 잃지 않으려고 노력한다.

He tries not to lose the original intention he had at the time of joining.

초심 (original heart/intention).

입사 전형의 다변화는 창의적 인재 발굴을 목적으로 한다.

The diversification of entry screening aims at discovering creative talent.

다변화 (diversification) + 발굴 (discovery/excavation).

입사 시의 서약서는 법적 효력을 지닌다.

The pledge made at the time of joining has legal effect.

서약서 (pledge/oath) + 효력 (effect).

Common Collocations

입사 지원서

입사 동기

입사 시험

입사 면접

입사 축하

입사 기념

입사 조건

입사 포부

입사 교육

경력직 입사

Common Phrases

입사를 축하드립니다

— A formal way to congratulate someone on joining a company.

김 대리님, 입사를 축하드립니다!

입사한 지 얼마 안 됐어요

— Used to explain that one is a newcomer.

저는 입사한 지 얼마 안 돼서 잘 모릅니다.

입사 동기 모임

— A gathering of colleagues who joined at the same time.

오늘 입사 동기 모임이 있어요.

입사 포기

— Deciding not to join after being accepted.

그는 다른 회사에 가려고 입사를 포기했다.

입사 1주년

— The first anniversary of joining the company.

벌써 입사 1주년이네요.

입사 서류

— Documents required for joining.

입사 서류를 준비해 오세요.

입사 절차

— The procedure for joining.

입사 절차가 복잡해요.

입사 동기 부여

— Motivation for joining (often used in interviews).

입사 동기 부여가 확실합니다.

입사 후 계획

— Plans after joining.

입사 후 계획을 세워보세요.

입사 경쟁

— Competition to join a company.

입사 경쟁이 치열합니다.

Often Confused With

입사 vs 이사

Moving house. Pronounced similarly but starts with 'i' instead of 'ip'.

입사 vs 입학

Entering school. Same '입' (enter) but '학' (school) instead of '사' (company).

입사 vs 취업

Employment in general. '입사' is the specific act of joining a company.

Idioms & Expressions

"낙하산 입사"

— Getting a job through nepotism or 'parachuting' into a position via connections.

그는 사장님 아들이라 낙하산 입사했다는 소문이 있다.

Informal/Critical

"입사 동기 사랑"

— The special bond and support between colleagues who joined together.

동기 사랑은 나라 사랑이라는 말이 있죠.

Informal

"좁은 문"

— A 'narrow gate'—refers to the extreme difficulty of joining top companies.

대기업 입사는 그야말로 좁은 문이다.

Metaphorical

"신의 직장"

— A 'God's workplace'—a company so good that joining it is like a miracle.

그 공기업은 신의 직장이라 입사가 정말 힘들어요.

Slang

"철밥통"

— An 'iron rice bowl'—usually refers to public sector jobs where entry means lifetime security.

공무원은 철밥통이라서 입사 경쟁이 세다.

Slang/Critical

"꽃길만 걷자"

— Let's walk only on flower paths—often said to someone who just '입사'ed to wish them success.

입사 축하해! 이제 꽃길만 걷자.

Informal/Trendy

"사표를 던지다"

— To throw one's resignation—the opposite of the '입사' spirit.

입사한 지 한 달 만에 사표를 던졌다.

Informal

"목구멍이 포도청"

— One's throat is a police station—meaning one joined a company just to survive/eat.

목구멍이 포도청이라 싫은 회사에 입사했다.

Proverbial

"눈이 높다"

— To have high eyes—meaning one only wants to '입사' at top-tier companies.

그는 눈이 높아서 중소기업 입사는 생각도 안 한다.

Informal

"첫 단추를 잘 끼우다"

— To button the first button well—referring to starting one's first '입사' on the right foot.

첫 입사가 중요해. 첫 단추를 잘 끼워야지.

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

입사 vs 출근

Both relate to going to a company.

'입사' is joining the company once; '출근' is going to the office every day.

입사는 한 번 하고, 출근은 매일 해요.

입사 vs 취직

Both mean getting a job.

'취직' is more casual and general; '입사' is more formal and specific to a company.

어디든 취직하고 싶지만, 이왕이면 대기업에 입사하고 싶어요.

입사 vs 가입

Both mean joining something.

'가입' is for clubs, websites, or insurance; '입사' is only for companies.

동아리에 가입하고 회사에 입사해요.

입사 vs 등용

Both mean being hired.

'등용' is a literary term for being chosen for a role; '입사' is the standard modern term.

훌륭한 인재를 등용하는 것과 신입 사원이 입사하는 것은 맥락이 다릅니다.

입사 vs 임용

Both involve starting a professional role.

'임용' is for government/public positions; '입사' is for private companies.

선생님은 임용되고, 회사원은 입사해요.

Sentence Patterns

[Company]에 입사해요.

카카오에 입사해요.

[Time]에 입사했어요.

작년 5월에 입사했어요.

입사한 지 [Duration] 됐어요.

입사한 지 3개월 됐어요.

입사하기 위해 [Action].

입사하기 위해 면접을 준비해요.

입사 후 [Aspiration].

입사 후 최선을 다하겠습니다.

입사 동기들과 [Action].

입사 동기들과 저녁을 먹었어요.

입사 시 [Requirement].

입사 시 건강 진단서를 제출해야 합니다.

입사의 관문을 통과하다.

치열한 입사의 관문을 통과했다.

Word Family

Nouns

입사자 (new joiner)

입사일 (entry date)

입사생 (trainee/entrant)

재입사 (re-joining)

Verbs

입사하다 (to join a company)

입사시키다 (to have someone join)

회사 (company)

사원 (employee)

취업 (employment)

직장 (workplace)

동기 (colleague)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in professional and adult social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '를' instead of '에' → 회사에 입사하다
The company is the destination of 'entering', so '에' is more natural than the object particle '를'.
Using '입사' for daily commuting → 출근하다
'입사' is only for the first time you join the company. For daily travel to work, use '출근'.
Using '입사' for joining a club → 가입하다
'입사' is specifically for companies. For clubs or groups, use '가입'.
Confusing '입사' with '입학' → 입사 (company), 입학 (school)
Learners often mix these up because they both start with '입' (enter).
Using '입사' for freelancers → 일을 시작하다 / 계약하다
Freelancers do not 'enter' a company as employees, so '입사' is inappropriate.

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use the particle '에' with the company name. '삼성전자에 입사하다' is the correct way to express the destination.

Value your 'Donggi'

In Korea, your '입사 동기' are your closest allies. Make sure to use the term to show you understand the workplace culture.

Check the Antonym

Learn '퇴사' alongside '입사'. They are the two major milestones of a corporate career.

The Stop Sound

Don't let the 'p' in 'ip' breathe out. Keep it tight to sound like a native speaker.

Formal Documents

When writing a resume, '입사' is much more professional than '일을 시작함'.

Aspirations

Prepare a '입사 후 포부' (plans after joining). It is a 90% guaranteed question in Korean interviews.

Company Only

Remember '입사' is strictly for companies. Use '입학' for schools and '입대' for the military.

Gongchae Season

Search for '공채' (open recruitment) to see when the major '입사' periods happen in Korea (usually Spring and Fall).

News Context

If you hear '입사' on the news, it's usually about the job market or the economy.

Use Compounds

Instead of just '입사', try using '입사 동기' or '입사 시험' to sound more advanced.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IP' (Internet Protocol) and 'SA' (Sales). To get an IP address for your office computer, you must first complete the 'IP-SA' (entry) into the company.

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking through a giant door labeled 'OFFICE' with a 'Welcome' mat. They are 'entering' (입) the 'company' (사).

Word Web

입사 퇴사 회사 신입 동기 면접 합격 취업

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using '입사': one about your dream company, one about a past job, and one using the word '동기'.

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). '입' (入) means to enter, and '사' (社) means a company or a society.

Original meaning: To enter into a society or a corporate body.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be aware that '입사' competition is a sensitive topic for many young Koreans due to high unemployment rates and the 'Hell Joseon' sentiment.

While English speakers say 'I started a job,' Koreans emphasize the 'entering the company' aspect, reflecting the collectivist corporate culture.

Misaeng (Drama about the struggles of '입사') Start-Up (Drama about '입사' into the tech world) Infinite Challenge (The 'Infinite Company' special explores '입사' humor)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

입사 후 포부
입사 동기
왜 우리 회사에 입사하고 싶습니까?
준비된 인재입니다

First Day at Work

오늘 입사했습니다
잘 부탁드립니다
신입 사원입니다
입사 교육

Office Small Talk

입사한 지 얼마나 됐어요?
우리 입사 동기잖아요
입사 기념으로 밥 먹자
입사 때 생각나네요

News/Economy

입사 경쟁률
채용 시장
대기업 입사
입사 취소

HR/Administrative

입사 서류 제출
입사일 확인
입사 계약서
재입사 가능 여부

Conversation Starters

"언제 이 회사에 입사하셨어요?"

"입사 동기들하고 아직도 연락하세요?"

"입사 면접 때 어떤 질문을 받으셨어요?"

"입사 후에 가장 힘들었던 점이 뭐예요?"

"처음 입사했을 때의 기분이 기억나세요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 꿈꾸는 회사에 입사한다면 가장 먼저 무엇을 하고 싶나요?

입사 첫날의 기억을 떠올리며 일기를 써 보세요.

입사를 준비하는 친구에게 해주고 싶은 조언은 무엇인가요?

입사와 퇴사 중 무엇이 더 어렵다고 생각하나요?

입사 후 10년 뒤 나의 모습은 어떨까요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, no. For part-time jobs (알바), we say '알바를 시작하다'. '입사' implies a formal, permanent position at a company.

It refers to colleagues who joined the company in the same recruitment wave or year. They are considered peers regardless of age.

No. Freelancers don't 'enter' a company in the traditional sense. They '계약하다' (contract) or '일을 따다' (get work).

The direct opposite is '퇴사' (leaving the company).

You should say '귀사에 입사하고 싶습니다' or '귀사에 입사하고자 지원했습니다'.

It's an idiom for someone who got a job through family connections or favoritism, like they 'parachuted' in.

No. For the army, we use '입대' (entering the ranks).

No, it can be used for any size company, but it always implies a formal corporate structure.

It means joining the same company again after having left previously.

It is the official application form or resume you submit when applying to a company.