부전공하다
To study a secondary subject alongside your main subject at university.
Explanation at your level:
You are a student. You have a main subject. You also have a small second subject. This is 부전공하다. It is for university students only.
When you go to university, you pick a major. If you want to learn more, you can 부전공하다. This means you study a second subject. It is very useful for your future job.
In Korea, 부전공하다 is the standard way to describe taking a minor. Unlike a double major, which is very heavy, a minor is a lighter commitment. You usually need to finish a certain number of credits to officially declare it on your degree.
The term 부전공하다 carries a professional nuance. It suggests that you are intentionally diversifying your skillset. Native speakers often ask, 'What is your major and minor?' using this verb to distinguish between your primary expertise and your secondary academic interest.
Using 부전공하다 effectively shows an understanding of the Korean higher education hierarchy. It is not just about taking classes; it is about the administrative process of 'declaring' a minor. In advanced contexts, it implies a strategic choice to bridge two disparate fields, such as 부전공하다 in Economics while majoring in Literature.
The verb 부전공하다 is deeply embedded in the 'spec' (specification) culture of Korea. Students often 부전공하다 to enhance their competitiveness in the job market. It represents a shift from the traditional 'one-track' academic path to a more nuanced, multifaceted approach. Understanding this verb is key to grasping how Korean students navigate the pressures of university life and professional preparation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means to minor in
- Used in university
- Requires credits
- Enhances your resume
When you hear 부전공하다, think of it as your academic side-quest. While your major (전공) is your main path, your minor (부전공) is a way to explore another passion without committing to the full workload of a second degree.
It is a very common term in Korean universities. Students often choose a minor that complements their major, like Computer Science with a minor in Graphic Design, to make their resume stand out. It shows you are curious and capable of handling diverse topics!
The word is built from Hanja characters: 부 (副, meaning deputy or secondary), 전공 (專攻, meaning major or specialty), and 하다 (to do). This structure is classic in academic Korean, using Chinese roots to create precise definitions.
Historically, the concept of a 'minor' was imported from Western university systems during the modernization of Korean education in the 20th century. Before this, students usually focused on a singular, rigid path of study. As universities grew, the need for flexible, interdisciplinary learning led to the adoption of the 부전공 system.
You will mostly hear this in academic settings. Students use it when talking about their course load or explaining their degree to potential employers.
Common collocations include 부전공을 신청하다 (to apply for a minor) or 부전공으로 공부하다 (to study as a minor). It is strictly used for university-level education; you wouldn't say you are 'minoring' in a hobby like cooking or video games in a casual conversation.
While there aren't many 'idioms' for this specific word, there are common professional phrases:
- 복수전공과 부전공: Double major vs. minor (The classic comparison).
- 부전공을 살리다: To make use of your minor in your career.
- 전공을 바꾸다: To change your major (often discussed alongside minoring).
- 학점을 채우다: To fill the credits required for your minor.
- 졸업 요건: Graduation requirements (which often dictate if you can minor).
This is a regular verb. You can conjugate it as 부전공합니다 (formal), 부전공해요 (polite), or 부전공해 (casual).
Pronunciation-wise, focus on the 'jeon-gong' part. It sounds like 'jun-gong' with a crisp 'g' sound at the end. There are no tricky plural forms because it is a verb. It rhymes loosely with 성공하다 (to succeed), which is a nice mnemonic because minoring can lead to success!
Fun Fact
The 'Bu' (副) prefix is used in many words to mean deputy or vice.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds clear with a sharp 'g' sound.
Similar to UK, focus on the 'o' vowels.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 'gong' as 'kong'
- Missing the 'h' in 'hada'
- Stress on the wrong syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in academic context
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb conjugation
하다 -> 해요
Object marker
를/을
Examples by Level
저는 경제학을 부전공해요.
I / economics / minor-in.
Present tense.
그는 영어를 부전공합니다.
He / English / minors-in.
Formal ending.
무엇을 부전공해요?
What / do-you-minor-in?
Question form.
저는 부전공하고 싶어요.
I / want-to-minor-in.
Desire form.
부전공은 재미있어요.
Minoring / is-fun.
Noun form.
어떤 과목을 부전공해요?
Which / subject / do-you-minor-in?
Question.
저는 컴퓨터를 부전공해요.
I / computer-science / minor-in.
Subject marker.
그녀는 미술을 부전공해요.
She / art / minors-in.
Simple sentence.
저는 수학을 부전공하기로 결정했어요.
그는 경영학을 부전공해서 취업에 도움이 됐어요.
부전공하는 것이 어렵나요?
저는 역사학을 부전공하는 학생입니다.
어떤 전공을 부전공하면 좋을까요?
그녀는 심리학을 부전공하고 있습니다.
부전공을 신청하는 기간이 언제예요?
저는 부전공을 포기했어요.
복수전공과 부전공 중에서 고민하고 있어요.
부전공을 하면 졸업 학점이 늘어나나요?
저는 공학을 전공하고 디자인을 부전공합니다.
부전공을 살려서 마케팅 회사에 취직했어요.
부전공을 하려면 학점이 얼마나 필요해요?
그는 철학을 부전공해서 사고의 폭이 넓어졌어요.
부전공을 추가하는 절차가 복잡한가요?
저는 부전공을 통해 새로운 분야를 배웠어요.
부전공하다 보면 전공보다 더 흥미를 느끼는 경우도 있어요.
그는 데이터 분석을 부전공하여 경쟁력을 높였습니다.
부전공을 전략적으로 선택하면 취업에 유리합니다.
저는 부전공하는 과목이 전공보다 더 어렵네요.
부전공을 이수하면 졸업장에 기재되나요?
다양한 경험을 위해 부전공하는 것을 추천해요.
부전공을 통해 전공 간의 시너지를 내고 싶습니다.
그녀는 부전공하는 분야에서 인턴을 시작했습니다.
부전공하다 보니 학업 부담이 가중되는 것은 사실입니다.
최근 대학생들은 취업을 위해 부전공하는 것을 필수처럼 여깁니다.
학제 간 융합을 위해 부전공하는 학생이 늘고 있습니다.
부전공하는 분야가 전공과 전혀 다른 경우도 많습니다.
그는 부전공하는 학문의 깊이를 더하기 위해 대학원에 진학했습니다.
부전공하는 과정에서 자신의 적성을 새로 발견하기도 합니다.
부전공하는 것이 단순히 스펙 쌓기가 되어서는 안 됩니다.
대학 당국은 부전공하는 학생들을 위한 지원을 확대해야 합니다.
부전공하는 행위는 현대 대학 교육에서 다학제적 소양을 함양하는 핵심 기제입니다.
전공의 경계를 허물고 부전공하는 것은 지적 호기심의 발로입니다.
부전공하는 과정에서 겪는 학문적 갈등은 성장의 밑거름이 됩니다.
그는 부전공하는 학문과 전공을 결합하여 독창적인 연구 성과를 냈습니다.
부전공하는 것이 단순히 학위 취득의 수단으로 전락해서는 곤란합니다.
대학은 부전공하는 학생들에게 보다 유연한 커리큘럼을 제공해야 합니다.
부전공하는 학생들은 종종 전공자보다 더 넓은 시야를 갖기도 합니다.
부전공하는 것은 자신의 학문적 정체성을 확장하는 능동적인 선택입니다.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"두 마리 토끼를 잡다"
To catch two rabbits (to succeed in two things like major and minor)
전공과 부전공 두 마리 토끼를 잡고 싶어요.
neutral"길을 넓히다"
To broaden one's path/career options
부전공으로 취업의 길을 넓히다.
formal"시너지를 내다"
To create synergy between two fields
전공과 부전공으로 시너지를 내다.
formal"적성을 찾다"
To find one's aptitude
부전공을 하다가 적성을 찾았어요.
neutral"기초를 다지다"
To build a foundation
부전공으로 기초를 다지다.
neutral"전문성을 높이다"
To increase expertise
부전공으로 전문성을 높이다.
formalEasily Confused
Both are academic
Major vs Minor
전공하다 is the main, 부전공하다 is secondary.
Both are secondary paths
Double major is heavier
복수전공 requires more credits.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + [Object]를 부전공하다
저는 영어를 부전공합니다.
Subject + [Object]를 부전공하기로 했다
저는 수학을 부전공하기로 했어요.
Subject + [Object]를 부전공해서 [Result]
컴퓨터를 부전공해서 취업했어요.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Redundant. Just use the verb itself.
Wrong verb. 'Eat' is not used for studying.
Natural Korean uses the verb '하다' for academic pursuits.
You take/listen to classes, you don't 'major' in a single course.
Passive voice is unnatural here; use active voice.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize your 'major' book on your desk and your 'minor' book on your shelf.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it when introducing your academic background.
Cultural Insight
Minors are very popular in Korea for 'spec' building.
Grammar Shortcut
It follows the same conjugation as '공부하다'.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'jeon-gong' flow.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use '전공하다' when you mean 'minor'.
Did You Know?
Many students minor in languages like English or Chinese.
Study Smart
Look up your target university's minor requirements.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Bu' as 'Buddy'—your minor is like a buddy to your main major.
Visual Association
A student holding two books, one big (major) and one smaller (minor).
Word Web
Challenge
Tell a friend what you would minor in if you were a student.
Word Origin
Korean (Sino-Korean)
Original meaning: Secondary specialty
Cultural Context
None
Equivalent to 'to minor in' at a university.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At University
- 부전공 신청 기간
- 부전공 과목
- 부전공 학점
Job Interview
- 부전공을 살려
- 전문성을 위해
- 경쟁력을 갖추기 위해
Conversation Starters
"What is your major and minor?"
"Why did you choose to minor in that?"
"Is your minor related to your major?"
"Do you think minoring is important?"
"What was the hardest part of your minor?"
Journal Prompts
Write about your ideal minor.
Explain why you would or wouldn't minor in a subject.
Describe the benefits of having a minor.
How does your minor complement your main studies?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, a minor requires fewer credits than a double major.
Usually, you must choose from subjects offered by the university.
Yes, usually it is listed as a minor.
It depends on the number of credits required.
Some universities allow it, but check your school policy.
Yes, there is usually an application period.
You can usually cancel your minor application.
Yes, it shows diverse interests.
Test Yourself
저는 경제학을 ___.
The correct verb is 부전공하다.
What is a minor?
A minor is a secondary academic subject.
부전공하다 means to major in.
It means to minor in.
Word
Meaning
Basic terminology match.
Subject + Object + Verb.
Score: /5
Summary
부전공하다 is the essential verb for describing your secondary academic pursuit in a Korean university.
- Means to minor in
- Used in university
- Requires credits
- Enhances your resume
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize your 'major' book on your desk and your 'minor' book on your shelf.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it when introducing your academic background.
Cultural Insight
Minors are very popular in Korea for 'spec' building.
Grammar Shortcut
It follows the same conjugation as '공부하다'.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More academic words
입체적
B2Having a three-dimensional effect or examining something from multiple perspectives rather than a single flat view. It implies a comprehensive and detailed analysis.
~에 관해
B1About, concerning.
~에 대하여
A2Concerning or regarding a particular subject; about.
~대해
A2About; concerning; regarding.
~에 관하여
A2Regarding, concerning, about (a topic).
~에 대해(서)
A1Indicates the topic or subject of discussion, meaning 'about' or 'regarding'.
무엇보다
A2More than anything else; above all.
결석생
A2A student who is absent from class.
추상
A2Abstraction; the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
추상화하다
B2To consider something theoretically or separately from its physical reality. It involves extracting general principles from specific examples.
