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A2 noun 10 min read

주요과목

juyo gwamok
Examples 주요과목 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 주요과목 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that '주요과목' (juyo-gwamok) means 'main subjects' in school. Think of it as the most important classes like Math and Korean. You might use it in very simple sentences like '주요과목이 좋아요' (I like the main subjects). At this stage, just focus on the fact that '과목' means 'subject' and '주요' means 'main' or 'primary'. You will see this word if you look at a school schedule or a textbook cover. It is a good word to know to describe your school life simply.
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At the A2 level, you can start using '주요과목' to describe your academic priorities. You should be able to list which subjects are '주요과목' in your country and compare them to Korea. You might say, '한국의 주요과목은 국어, 영어, 수학이에요' (Korea's main subjects are Korean, English, and Math). You can also use it with verbs like '공부하다' (to study) or '어렵다' (to be difficult). This level involves understanding that these subjects are the ones people care about most for exams. You are moving from just knowing the word to using it in basic conversations about your daily routine and studies.
At the B1 level, you understand the cultural weight of '주요과목'. You can talk about the pressure students feel because of these subjects. You might use phrases like '주요과목에 집중하다' (to concentrate on main subjects) or '주요과목 성적을 올리다' (to raise grades in main subjects). You can also distinguish between '주요과목' and '기타과목' (other subjects). You should be able to participate in a discussion about whether schools should focus so much on these core areas or include more arts and sports. Your sentences will become more complex, using connectors like '때문에' (because) or '기 위해서' (in order to).
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At the B2 level, you can use '주요과목' in formal discussions about education policy or curriculum design. You understand how the '주요과목' are weighted in the CSAT (Suneung) and can explain this to others. You can use the word in the context of university majors as well, referring to the '주요과목' of a specific department. You might use terms like '비중' (weight/proportion) or '필수' (required) alongside it. You are capable of reading news articles about education and understanding the nuances of how '주요과목' are being changed or emphasized by the government. Your vocabulary around this topic is much broader.
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At the C1 level, you use '주요과목' with academic precision. You can debate the pedagogical reasons why certain subjects are classified as '주요' and others are not. You understand the historical development of the Korean curriculum and how the concept of '주요과목' has evolved over the decades. You can use the word metaphorically in professional settings to describe the core competencies of a business strategy. You are comfortable using advanced grammar and formal endings (like -습니다 or -ㄴ/는다고 한다) to report on educational trends. You can write essays critiquing the hierarchy of subjects in modern society.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '주요과목' and its socio-economic implications. You can discuss the 'shadow education' (hagwon) industry's reliance on '주요과목' and its impact on social mobility. You understand the subtle differences between '주요과목', '핵심과목', and '전공필수' in various institutional contexts. You can engage in high-level academic research or professional consultancy regarding curriculum reform. You can use the word in literary or philosophical contexts, perhaps discussing what 'subjects' are 'main' to the human experience. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker.
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Examples

주요과목 in 30 Seconds

  • 주요과목 refers to the core/main subjects in a school curriculum.
  • In Korea, it typically means Korean, Math, and English (Kuk-Young-Soo).
  • These subjects are the highest priority for students preparing for university.
  • The term is used to distinguish essential courses from electives or arts.

The term 주요과목 (Juyo-gwamok) is a compound noun in Korean that translates literally to "main subjects" or "core subjects." In the context of the South Korean education system—which is famously rigorous—this word carries significant weight. It refers to the academic disciplines that are considered the foundation of a student's curriculum and, more importantly, the primary metrics for university admissions. For most elementary, middle, and high school students, the 'Big Three' 주요과목 are Korean (국어), Mathematics (수학), and English (영어), often abbreviated as 'Kuk-Young-Soo'. These subjects are given the most instructional hours and are the focus of private tutoring (Hagwons).

Academic Core
Refers to the subjects that form the backbone of the national curriculum, such as Math and Science.
College Entrance Focus
In a practical sense, it refers to the subjects that have the highest credit weight in the CSAT (Suneung) exam.

Beyond the K-12 system, the term is also used in higher education. In a university setting, 주요과목 might refer to the core requirements for a specific major, as opposed to elective or liberal arts courses (교양과목). For example, a Computer Science major would consider Data Structures and Algorithms as their 주요과목. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating Korean social life, as conversations about education, child-rearing, and career paths frequently revolve around how one performed in these specific subjects. It isn't just a school term; it is a cultural marker of priority and academic effort.

우리 아이는 주요과목 성적이 아주 좋아요. (My child's grades in the main subjects are very good.)

The usage of this word reflects a hierarchy of knowledge. While music, art, and physical education are valued for personal growth, they are rarely referred to as 주요과목 unless the student is attending an arts or sports specialty school. This distinction creates a clear divide in how students allocate their time. If a student says they are focusing on their 주요과목 this semester, it implies they are putting aside hobbies and secondary interests to ensure their GPA remains competitive. This reflects the societal emphasis on standardized excellence in traditional academic fields.

In professional contexts, the term can also be applied metaphorically. A training program for new employees might list '주요과목' as the essential skills needed for the job. However, its primary home remains the classroom. It is a word that evokes memories of long nights at the library and the high-pressure environment of Korean schools. By learning this word, you gain insight into the structured and competitive nature of Korean society, where certain areas of knowledge are explicitly prioritized over others for the sake of institutional advancement.

Using 주요과목 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that often acts as the subject or object of a sentence. Because it refers to a group of subjects, it is frequently used with plural nuances, though the word itself doesn't change form. You will often see it followed by particles like -이/가 (subject), -을/를 (object), or -은/는 (topic). It is commonly paired with verbs like '공부하다' (to study), '강조하다' (to emphasize), or '평가하다' (to evaluate).

As a Subject
주요과목이 너무 어려워요. (The main subjects are too difficult.)
As an Object
선생님은 주요과목을 중심으로 가르치십니다. (The teacher teaches focusing on the main subjects.)

In formal writing, such as academic reports or news articles, 주요과목 is used to discuss curriculum changes. For instance, '정부는 주요과목의 비중을 줄이기로 결정했다' (The government decided to reduce the weight of main subjects). In casual conversation, parents might use it when discussing their children's academy (학원) schedules. It is a neutral word, but its implications are serious because it relates to academic success.

이번 시험에서는 주요과목 위주로 복습해야 해요. (For this exam, I need to review focusing on the main subjects.)

You can also use it to define what is important in a specific context. If you are a specialized student, you might say, '나에게 주요과목은 음악과 이론이다' (To me, the main subjects are music and theory). This shows that while there is a societal standard for what a '주요과목' is, the term can be localized to a specific individual's field of study. However, without a specific context, most Koreans will assume you mean Math, English, and Korean.

When talking about grades, it is common to say '주요과목 점수' (scores of main subjects). If someone says their '주요과목 점수' is low but their '기타과목' (other subjects) scores are high, it usually implies they might struggle with traditional academic paths in Korea. Thus, the word often appears in evaluative contexts where a person's potential is being judged based on a specific set of rigorous criteria.

You will hear 주요과목 most frequently in environments related to education. If you walk past a 'Hagwon' (private academy) district like Daechi-dong in Seoul, you will see banners advertising '주요과목 완벽 대비' (Perfect preparation for main subjects). Teachers use it during orientation to tell students which classes will require the most effort. It is a staple of parent-teacher conferences, where the discussion usually starts with the student's performance in these core areas.

News & Media
News reports on the CSAT (Suneung) often analyze the difficulty level of the 주요과목.
Home Life
Parents reminding children to finish their homework for 'important' subjects before playing.

In K-Dramas that focus on school life (like 'Sky Castle' or 'Crash Course in Romance'), the term is used to emphasize the high stakes of academic competition. Characters will stress over their '주요과목' rankings because those rankings determine their social standing and future university prospects. In these dramas, the word often carries a heavy, stressful connotation, representing the pressure placed on young people.

뉴스: "올해 수능에서는 주요과목의 난이도가 높았습니다." (News: "The difficulty level of main subjects was high in this year's CSAT.")

On university campuses, you'll hear it during registration periods. Seniors might advise freshmen on which '주요과목' are the hardest to pass or which professors are the most demanding in those core classes. Even in the workplace, if a job requires a specific technical background, the interviewer might ask about your '주요과목' during your undergraduate years to gauge your foundational knowledge. It is a word that follows a Korean person from childhood through their professional career.

Lastly, in bookstores, you will see sections dedicated to '주요과목 문제집' (Workbooks for main subjects). These are usually the best-selling books in the country. The ubiquity of the word in retail highlights how much of the Korean economy is built around supporting students in these specific areas. From apps to physical books to online lectures, '주요과목' is the keyword for academic success.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 주요과목 with 전공과목 (major subject). While they can overlap, they are not the same. '전공과목' refers specifically to the subjects within your chosen field of study at a university (e.g., Organic Chemistry for a Chemistry major). '주요과목' is a more general term used to describe the most important subjects in a curriculum, regardless of whether you have 'chosen' them as a major. Using '전공과목' when talking about high school math would be incorrect.

Mistake: 주요과목 vs. 필수과목
'필수과목' means 'required subjects.' While main subjects are usually required, not all required subjects are 'main' subjects. For example, Ethics might be required, but it isn't always considered a '주요과목' in terms of exam weight.
Mistake: Overusing it for hobbies
Don't use '주요과목' to describe things you are learning for fun. It implies a formal academic structure.

Another error is forgetting the nuance of the 'Big Three.' If an English speaker says "I'm studying my main subjects," they might include Art or History. In a Korean context, if you use 주요과목 and include Art, people might be confused unless you specify that you are an art student. The word carries a social expectation of being about 'hard' sciences and humanities that are tested on the CSAT.

Wrong: 제 주요과목은 요리예요. (My main subject is cooking - if meant as a hobby).
Right: 제 취미는 요리예요. (My hobby is cooking.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particle usage. Because it is a noun phrase, it doesn't need '의' (of) as often as English speakers think. For example, instead of saying '학교의 주요과목' (the school's main subjects), it is more natural to just say '학교 주요과목'. Korean tends to compound nouns directly. Also, be careful not to confuse '주요' (main) with '중요' (important). While similar, '주요' is usually used for categories and systems, while '중요' is a more general adjective for importance.

Finally, avoid using the term for elementary school students in a very formal way. While elementary students do have main subjects, the term '주요과목' starts to feel more 'real' and heavy from middle school onwards. Using it for a 7-year-old learning basic addition might sound a bit too intense or academic, though it is technically not incorrect. It's all about the intensity of the academic environment.

To broaden your vocabulary, it's helpful to look at words that are similar to 주요과목 but have different nuances. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to be more precise in your descriptions of academic life.

전공과목 (Jeongong-gwamok)
Major subjects. These are specific to a university student's field (e.g., Engineering, History).
필수과목 (Pilsu-gwamok)
Required subjects. These are courses you MUST take to graduate, even if they aren't 'main' subjects in terms of prestige.
기초과목 (Gicho-gwamok)
Foundational subjects. These are the basic courses taken at the beginning of a program.

If you want to talk about subjects that are NOT the main focus, you can use 기타과목 (other subjects) or 비주요과목 (non-main subjects). In a university context, the opposite of a '주요과목' (in terms of major focus) is often a 교양과목 (liberal arts/elective course). These are classes taken for general knowledge rather than specialized expertise.

Comparison:
1. 주요과목: General core subjects (Math, English).
2. 전공과목: Specific major subjects (Anatomy for doctors).
3. 교양과목: General education (Philosophy for engineers).

Another interesting alternative is 핵심과목 (core/key subjects). '핵심' (haek-sim) means core or essence. While '주요과목' is the standard term for school systems, '핵심과목' is often used in corporate training or specialized workshops to denote the most critical modules. If you are designing a curriculum, you might use '핵심' to sound more modern and focused on results.

In summary, while 주요과목 is the most common term for school-age education, you should switch to 전공과목 for university-specific talk and 핵심과목 for professional or specialized contexts. Knowing these distinctions shows a high level of fluency and an understanding of the hierarchical nature of Korean academic and professional life.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕu.jo.ɡwa.mok/
US /t͡ɕu.jo.ɡwa.mok/
In Korean, syllables generally have equal length and stress, but a slight emphasis may be heard on the first syllable '주'.
Rhymes With
과목 (Gwamok - Subject) 항목 (Hangmok - Item) 제목 (Jemok - Title) 지목 (Jimok - Point out) 품목 (Pummok - Item list) 종목 (Jongmok - Event/Sport) 안목
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'gwa' as two separate syllables 'gu-a'. It should be one fluid sound.
  • Over-emphasizing the final 'k' in 'mok'. It's a stop sound.
  • Confusing '주요' (juyo) with '중요' (jung-yo). Keep the first syllable clean without the 'ng' sound.
  • Pronouncing 'yo' like 'yaw'. It should be a clear 'o' sound.
  • Making the 'j' in 'ju' too explosive like a 'ch'.
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Examples by Level

1

주요과목은 무엇입니까?

What are the main subjects?

주요과목 (noun) + 은 (topic particle) + 무엇 (what) + 입니까 (formal question ending).

2

수학은 주요과목이에요.

Math is a main subject.

수학 (Math) + 은 (topic particle) + 주요과목 (main subject) + 이에요 (polite ending).

3

저는 주요과목을 공부해요.

I study the main subjects.

저 (I) + 는 (topic particle) + 주요과목 (main subject) + 을 (object particle) + 공부해요 (study).

4

주요과목이 재미있어요.

The main subjects are fun.

주요과목 + 이 (subject particle) + 재미있어요 (is fun).

5

학교에 주요과목이 많아요.

There are many main subjects in school.

학교 (school) + 에 (location particle) + 주요과목 + 이 + 많아요 (are many).

6

이것은 주요과목 책이에요.

This is a main subject book.

이것 (this) + 은 + 주요과목 + 책 (book) + 이에요.

7

주요과목 시험이 있어요.

There is a main subject exam.

주요과목 + 시험 (exam) + 이 + 있어요 (there is).

8

주요과목을 좋아하세요?

Do you like the main subjects?

주요과목 + 을 + 좋아하세요 (do you like - honorific)?

1

한국 학생들은 주요과목을 열심히 공부합니다.

Korean students study main subjects hard.

열심히 (hard/diligently) is an adverb modifying 공부합니다.

2

주요과목 점수가 잘 나왔어요.

The grades for the main subjects came out well.

점수 (score/grade) + 가 + 잘 (well) + 나왔어요 (came out).

3

내일은 주요과목 수업이 없어요.

There are no main subject classes tomorrow.

내일 (tomorrow) + 은 + 수업 (class) + 이 + 없어요 (there isn't).

4

어떤 주요과목이 가장 어려워요?

Which main subject is the most difficult?

어떤 (which) + 가장 (most) + 어려워요 (is difficult).

5

주요과목 위주로 계획을 세웠어요.

I made a plan focusing on the main subjects.

위주로 (focusing on) is a useful phrase for priorities.

6

선생님께서 주요과목을 강조하셨어요.

The teacher emphasized the main subjects.

강조하다 (to emphasize) + 하셨어요 (honorific past).

7

주요과목 학원에 다녀요.

I go to a private academy for main subjects.

다니다 (to attend/go regularly).

8

주요과목만 공부하면 안 돼요.

You shouldn't only study main subjects.

-만 (only) + -하면 안 돼요 (should not do).

1

주요과목 성적이 대학 입시에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

Grades in main subjects have a big impact on college admissions.

영향을 미치다 (to influence/have an impact).

2

기타과목보다 주요과목에 더 많은 시간을 투자해요.

I invest more time in main subjects than other subjects.

-보다 (than) + 투자하다 (to invest).

3

주요과목의 기초를 튼튼히 다지는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to strengthen the foundation of the main subjects.

기초 (foundation) + 다지다 (to strengthen/solidify).

4

방학 동안 주요과목을 복습할 계획입니다.

I plan to review the main subjects during the vacation.

동안 (during) + 복습하다 (to review) + -(으)ㄹ 계획이다 (plan to).

5

많은 학생들이 주요과목 때문에 스트레스를 받아요.

Many students get stressed because of the main subjects.

때문에 (because of) + 스트레스를 받다 (to receive stress).

6

주요과목 외에도 다양한 활동을 하고 싶어요.

I want to do various activities besides the main subjects.

외에도 (besides/in addition to).

7

주요과목 교과서가 작년보다 두꺼워졌어요.

The main subject textbooks have become thicker than last year.

두꺼워지다 (to become thick).

8

주요과목은 논리적인 사고력을 길러줍니다.

Main subjects develop logical thinking skills.

사고력 (thinking ability) + 기르다 (to develop/nurture).

1

교육부는 주요과목의 교육 과정을 개편하겠다고 발표했습니다.

The Ministry of Education announced that it would reorganize the curriculum for main subjects.

교육 과정 (curriculum) + 개편하다 (to reorganize/reform).

2

주요과목에 편중된 교육 시스템에 대한 비판이 제기되고 있습니다.

Criticisms are being raised about an educational system biased toward main subjects.

편중되다 (to be biased/lopsided) + 비판 (criticism).

3

대학마다 반영하는 주요과목의 비중이 다를 수 있습니다.

The weight of main subjects reflected can vary by university.

반영하다 (to reflect) + 비중 (weight/importance).

4

주요과목을 깊이 있게 이해하려면 꾸준한 노력이 필요합니다.

To understand main subjects in depth, steady effort is required.

깊이 있게 (in depth) + 꾸준한 (steady/consistent).

5

그 학생은 주요과목뿐만 아니라 예체능 분야에서도 뛰어납니다.

That student excels not only in main subjects but also in arts and physical education.

뿐만 아니라 (not only... but also) + 뛰어나다 (to be outstanding).

6

주요과목의 난이도 조절은 수능 시험의 핵심 과제입니다.

Adjusting the difficulty of main subjects is a key task of the CSAT exam.

난이도 조절 (difficulty adjustment) + 핵심 과제 (key task).

7

주요과목 학습 결손을 보충하기 위해 특별 수업을 마련했습니다.

Special classes have been prepared to make up for learning gaps in main subjects.

학습 결손 (learning gap/loss) + 보충하다 (to supplement/make up).

8

주요과목의 개념을 명확히 파악하는 것이 공부의 시작입니다.

Clearly grasping the concepts of main subjects is the beginning of studying.

개념 (concept) + 파악하다 (to grasp/understand).

1

주요과목 중심의 입시 제도는 학생들의 창의성을 저해할 우려가 있다.

The entrance exam system centered on main subjects is concerned to hinder students' creativity.

저해하다 (to hinder/impede) + -ㄹ 우려가 있다 (there is a concern that).

2

주요과목의 학업 성취도는 국가 경쟁력을 가늠하는 척도가 되기도 한다.

Academic achievement in main subjects also serves as a yardstick for measuring national competitiveness.

가늠하다 (to judge/estimate) + 척도 (yardstick/measure).

3

4차 산업혁명 시대에 주요과목의 범위를 어디까지로 볼 것인가에 대한 논의가 활발하다.

There is active discussion about how far the scope of main subjects should be seen in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

범위 (scope/range) + 논의 (discussion) + 활발하다 (to be active).

4

주요과목 교사의 전문성 강화를 위해 다양한 연수 프로그램이 운영되고 있다.

Various training programs are being operated to strengthen the expertise of main subject teachers.

전문성 (expertise) + 연수 (training).

5

주요과목에 대한 흥미를 잃지 않도록 동기를 부여하는 것이 교육자의 역할이다.

It is the educator's role to provide motivation so that interest in main subjects is not lost.

동기를 부여하다 (to motivate) + 역할 (role).

6

주요과목의 평가 방식이 결과 중심에서 과정 중심으로 변화하고 있다.

The evaluation method of main subjects is changing from result-oriented to process-oriented.

평가 방식 (evaluation method) + 변화하다 (to change).

7

주요과목의 지식은 다른 학문을 탐구하는 데 필수적인 도구가 된다.

Knowledge of main subjects becomes an essential tool for exploring other academic disciplines.

탐구하다 (to explore/investigate) + 도구 (tool).

8

주요과목과 실생활의 연계성을 높이는 교육 콘텐츠 개발이 시급하다.

It is urgent to develop educational content that increases the connection between main subjects and real life.

연계성 (connection/link) + 시급하다 (to be urgent).

1

주요과목의 위계질서가 공고화됨에 따라 교육적 불평등이 심화될 수 있다는 지적이 있다.

There are points that educational inequality may deepen as the hierarchy of main subjects becomes solidified.

위계질서 (hierarchy) + 공고화되다 (to be solidified) + 심화되다 (to deepen/intensify).

2

전통적인 주요과목의 틀을 깨고 융합형 인재 양성을 위한 새로운 커리큘럼이 요구된다.

Breaking the framework of traditional main subjects, a new curriculum for nurturing convergent talents is required.

틀을 깨다 (to break the mold/framework) + 융합형 (convergent/hybrid).

3

주요과목의 변별력 확보를 위해 고난도 문항을 출제하는 관행은 비판의 대상이 되어 왔다.

The practice of creating high-difficulty questions to ensure the discriminative power of main subjects has been a target of criticism.

변별력 (discriminative power) + 관행 (practice/custom).

4

지식의 폭발적 증가로 인해 무엇을 주요과목으로 규정할 것인가에 대한 철학적 성찰이 필요하다.

Due to the explosive increase in knowledge, philosophical reflection is needed on what to define as a main subject.

규정하다 (to define/stipulate) + 성찰 (reflection).

5

주요과목의 성취 기준을 국제적 표준에 맞추어 재정립하려는 시도가 이어지고 있다.

Attempts to redefine the achievement standards of main subjects in line with international standards are continuing.

성취 기준 (achievement standard) + 재정립하다 (to redefine/re-establish).

6

주요과목의 공교육 내실화는 사교육 의존도를 낮추는 근본적인 해결책이다.

Strengthening the substance of public education for main subjects is a fundamental solution to lowering dependence on private education.

내실화 (strengthening the substance) + 의존도 (degree of dependence).

7

주요과목 학습에 있어서 메타인지 능력의 활용은 학습 효율성을 극대화한다.

The use of metacognitive abilities in learning main subjects maximizes learning efficiency.

메타인지 (metacognition) + 극대화하다 (to maximize).

8

주요과목의 담론은 시대의 가치관과 사회적 요구를 반영하며 끊임없이 변화한다.

The discourse on main subjects constantly changes, reflecting the values of the times and social demands.

담론 (discourse) + 가치관 (values) + 반영하다 (to reflect).

Common Collocations

주요과목 위주로
주요과목 성적
주요과목 집중
주요과목 비중
주요과목 난이도
주요과목 학습
주요과목 편중
주요과목 대비
주요과목 기초
주요과목 총점

Common Phrases

주요과목을 잡다

— To master or get a firm grip on the main subjects. It implies gaining control over one's grades.

수학만 잡으면 주요과목은 문제없어.

주요과목에 몰두하다

— To be completely absorbed in studying the main subjects. Used for intense study periods.

시험 기간이라 주요과목에 몰두하고 있어요.

주요과목 위주의 학습

— Learning that is centered around the main subjects. Often used by teachers to guide students.

주요과목 위주의 학습이 필요합니다.

주요과목 성적이 떨어지다

— For grades in main subjects to drop. A common fear for Korean students.

주요과목 성적이 떨어져서 걱정이에요.

주요과목을 포기하다

— To give up on a main subject. Often used with 'Su-po-ja' (someone who gives up on math).

주요과목 중 하나를 포기할 수는 없어요.

주요과목 내신

— The school records/GPA for main subjects. Crucial for early university admission.

주요과목 내신 관리가 중요해요.

주요과목 보충 수업

— Supplementary classes for main subjects. Common in schools and academies.

방과 후에 주요과목 보충 수업이 있어요.

주요과목 문제집

— Workbooks or practice test books for main subjects.

서점에서 주요과목 문제집을 샀어요.

주요과목 중심

— Centering on the main subjects. Used to describe curriculum or study plans.

주요과목 중심으로 공부하고 있습니다.

주요과목 강화

— Strengthening the focus or quality of teaching in main subjects.

학교에서 주요과목 교육을 강화하고 있습니다.

Idioms & Expressions

"국영수 위주"

— Focusing on Korean, English, and Math. This is the de facto definition of '주요과목' in Korea.

공부는 국영수 위주로 해야 대학에 가죠.

Common/Colloquial
"입시 위주 교육"

— Education centered on entrance exams, which primarily focuses on '주요과목'.

입시 위주 교육의 폐해를 줄여야 합니다.

Formal/Social
"한 우물을 파다"

— To dig one well; to focus on one thing. Often used when a student chooses to master one '주요과목' perfectly.

수학만 한 우물을 팠더니 성적이 올랐어요.

Metaphorical
"기초가 탄탄하다"

— To have a solid foundation, usually referring to having mastered the '주요과목' basics.

그 학생은 주요과목 기초가 탄탄해요.

Neutral
"뼈대를 세우다"

— To set the skeleton; to establish the core. Used when '주요과목' form the basis of a study plan.

주요과목으로 공부의 뼈대를 세웠어요.

Metaphorical
"뒷전으로 밀리다"

— To be pushed to the back. Used when '기타과목' are ignored in favor of '주요과목'.

시험 때는 음악이나 미술은 뒷전으로 밀려요.

Colloquial
"피 튀기는 경쟁"

— Blood-splattering competition. Describes the intense rivalry in '주요과목' grades.

주요과목 등급을 올리려고 피 튀기는 경쟁을 해요.

Informal/Intense
"공부 벌레"

— Study bug (bookworm). Someone who only studies '주요과목' all day.

그는 주요과목만 파는 공부 벌레예요.

Informal
"수박 겉 핥기"

— Licking the outside of a watermelon. Studying '주요과목' only superficially without understanding.

주요과목을 수박 겉 핥기 식으로 공부하면 안 돼요.

Common Idiom
"발목을 잡다"

— To grab someone's ankle. When a poor grade in a '주요과목' prevents someone from succeeding.

수학이 내 대학 입시의 발목을 잡았어요.

Common Idiom
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