This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
회부하다

B2 verb #9,200 most common 9 min read

회부하다

hoebuhada Top 9,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 회부하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 회부하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '회부하다' is quite difficult because it is a very formal word. However, you can think of it as a special way to say 'send' or 'give' in a big office or a court. Imagine you have a problem at work, and your boss says, 'I cannot decide this. I will send this to the big boss group.' That action of 'sending it to the group' is '회부하다'. You don't need to use this word in daily life like saying 'hello' or 'thank you'. It is a word you will see later when you read the news or watch a movie about lawyers. For now, just remember: it means giving a serious problem to a formal group of people to decide what to do. It's like 'giving a case' to a judge.

At the A2 level, you should know that '회부하다' is a formal verb used in offices and legal situations. It means 'to refer' a matter to a committee or a court. In English, when we have a difficult question and we say, 'Let's refer this to the committee,' that is exactly what '회부하다' means in Korean. It is made of two Chinese characters: '회' (to turn/return) and '부' (to give). So, it means 'turning the matter over to someone else' who has the power to fix it. You will see this word in simple news reports. For example, 'The company referred the employee to the meeting.' It always uses the particle '에' for the place where the thing is being sent. It is much more formal than '주다' (give) or '보내다' (send).

As a B1 learner, you are starting to encounter more professional and social topics. '회부하다' is a key word for understanding how organizations work. It is specifically used when an official body (like a prosecutor, a manager, or a chairman) transfers a person or a case to a specialized department for a formal decision. For instance, if someone breaks a law, the prosecutor might 'refer' (회부하다) them to a trial. In a company, if someone is in trouble, they might be 'referred' to a disciplinary committee. You should practice the passive form '회부되다' (to be referred) as well, because news articles often say 'The bill was referred to the committee' (법안이 위원회에 회부되었다). This word helps you sound more professional and precise in business or academic settings.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '회부하다' in formal discussions and writing. It is a 'referral' term that implies a procedural shift. When a case is '회부'-ed, it moves from the investigative or preliminary stage to the adjudicative or decision-making stage. You should distinguish it from synonyms like '송치하다' (police to prosecutor transfer) or '이송하다' (physical/administrative transfer). In B2 level reading, you will see it in the context of the National Assembly (referring bills to subcommittees) or International Relations (referring disputes to the UN). Pay attention to the collocations: '징계위원회에 회부하다' (refer to a disciplinary committee) and '재판에 회부하다' (refer to trial) are the most common. Using this word correctly shows you understand the nuances of Korean institutional procedures.

For C1 learners, '회부하다' is an essential part of your formal vocabulary. You must understand its specific applications in administrative law and legislative processes. It denotes the formal delegation of authority over a specific matter. In a legal context, it can refer to 'remanding' or 'committing' a case. You should also be aware of its usage in academic ethics, where research misconduct is '회부'-ed to an ethics committee. At this level, you should be able to use it in complex sentences, such as discussing the political implications of a bill being referred to a specific committee to delay its passage. You should also understand the historical and hanja roots (回付) to differentiate it from other '부' (付) verbs like '교부하다' (to issue/hand over) or '회부하다' (to return/refer).

At the C2 level, '회부하다' is a word you should use with total precision in legal briefs, formal reports, or high-level diplomatic discourse. You understand that '회부하다' is not just 'sending' but a 'procedural referral' that triggers a specific set of institutional rules. You can analyze the difference between '회부' (referral) and '상정' (tabling/introducing) in a parliamentary context. You might use it when discussing constitutional law—for example, when a court refers a law to the Constitutional Court for a review of its constitutionality (위헌법률심판 제청, which is a specific type of referral). Your mastery includes knowing when *not* to use it, avoiding it in any context that lacks a formal, hierarchical, or adjudicative structure. You are also familiar with the nuances of how this term appears in international treaties and arbitration documents.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

회부하다 in 30 Seconds

회부하다 is a formal Korean verb meaning to refer a case, person, or bill to a specific committee, court, or authoritative body for a decision.
It is primarily used in legal (court), legislative (parliament), and corporate (HR/disciplinary) contexts, following a strict procedural or hierarchical path.
The word is composed of Hanja roots meaning 'to return/turn' and 'to give,' implying an official redirection of responsibility to a specialized group.
Commonly paired with destinations like '재판' (trial), '위원회' (committee), or '본회의' (plenary session) using the destination particle '에'.

The Korean verb 회부하다 (hoebu-hada) is a specialized term primarily used in legal, administrative, and formal organizational contexts. At its core, it describes the action of officially transferring, referring, or handing over a specific case, a person, or a legislative bill to a higher authority, a specialized committee, or a judicial body for a formal decision or further investigation. Unlike simple words for 'giving' or 'sending,' this word carries the weight of official procedure and institutional hierarchy. When a matter is '회부'-ed, it signifies that the initial stage of review is over and the matter is now being placed into the hands of those who have the power to judge, penalize, or enact it into law.

Legal Context: In the judicial system, when a prosecutor decides that a suspect should stand trial, the case is referred to the court. This formal act of moving the case from the investigative phase to the judicial phase is described as '재판에 회부하다'.
Corporate Discipline: In a business setting, if an employee violates company policy, the human resources department might refer the individual to a disciplinary committee. This is '징계 위원회에 회부하다'.
Legislative Process: In the National Assembly, when a new bill is proposed, it is often referred to a specific subcommittee for detailed review before reaching the main floor. This process is '소위원회에 회부하다'.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing the 'official' nature of the transfer. You would not use this word when handing a book to a friend or sending a casual email. It is reserved for situations where there is a clear protocol being followed. The '회' (回) in the word suggests a 'turning' or 'redirecting,' and '부' (付) means 'to give' or 'to entrust.' Together, they imply that the flow of a process is being directed toward the appropriate destination for a resolution.

검찰은 그 피의자를 정식 재판에 회부하기로 결정했습니다.

The word is frequently encountered in news reports regarding high-profile legal cases or political scandals. If a politician is accused of corruption, the public waits to see if the ethics committee will have them '회부'-ed. It is also common in academic or medical settings where a patient or a research proposal might be referred to an ethics board. In every instance, the word underscores a transition from a preliminary state to a formal evaluative state.

Furthermore, the word is often used in the passive form '회부되다' (to be referred). This is actually more common in daily news consumption because the focus is usually on the person or the case receiving the action. For example, '그는 징계위원회에 회부되었다' (He was referred to the disciplinary committee). This passive construction emphasizes the consequence facing the subject. By mastering this word, learners can navigate formal Korean documents, news broadcasts, and professional environments with much greater precision.

Using 회부하다 correctly requires paying close attention to the particles and the destination of the referral. The most common structure is '[Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 [Destination]에/에게 회부하다'. The destination is almost always a formal body like a court (법원), committee (위원회), or a specific meeting (본회의). Because it is a transitive verb, it needs a clear object—the thing or person being transferred.

Sentence Pattern 1: Legal Action: 정부는 해당 사건을 국제 사법 재판소에 회부했다. (The government referred the case in question to the International Court of Justice.)
Sentence Pattern 2: Corporate Protocol: 인사과는 규정을 위반한 직원을 인사위원회에 회부하기로 했다. (The HR department decided to refer the employee who violated regulations to the personnel committee.)
Sentence Pattern 3: Parliamentary Procedure: 의장은 새로운 법안을 법제사법위원회에 회부하였습니다. (The Speaker referred the new bill to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.)

공금 횡령 혐의가 있는 매니저를 징계위원회에 회부하는 것이 불가피합니다.

In these examples, notice how the destination always ends with the particle '에' (to). This is because '회부하다' involves a directional movement of responsibility. If you are referring a person, you might occasionally see '에게', but '에' is more standard for committees and institutions. The word is strictly formal, so it is almost always paired with polite or formal endings like '-습니다' or '-ㄴ다' in written reports.

One must also distinguish between '회부하다' and '송치하다'. While both involve moving a case, '송치하다' is specifically used when the police send a case to the prosecutor. '회부하다' is broader and can be used for committees, courts, or international bodies. Using '회부하다' correctly demonstrates a high level of Korean proficiency, as it shows an understanding of formal institutional procedures. It is a 'high-utility' word for anyone reading Korean newspapers or working in a Korean office environment.

You will most frequently encounter 회부하다 in the world of Korean media and professional documentation. It is a staple of the 8 PM news, particularly in segments covering the National Assembly (국회) or the Supreme Prosecutors' Office (대검찰청). When journalists report on a controversial bill, they will say it has been 'referred to the plenary session' (본회의에 회부되다). This indicates a significant step forward in the law-making process.

TV News & Journalism: "오늘 국회는 민생 법안을 법사위에 회부했습니다." (Today, the National Assembly referred the public welfare bill to the Judiciary Committee.)
Legal Dramas: In dramas like 'Stranger' (비밀의 숲) or 'Law School,' characters often discuss whether a suspect will be referred to a formal trial or an internal disciplinary hearing.
Corporate Announcements: Official company emails regarding ethics violations or structural changes often use this term to maintain a professional and objective tone.

윤리위원회는 해당 의원을 제명안에 회부하기로 합의했습니다.

In addition to the news, you might hear this in university administration. If a student is caught plagiarizing, the professor might mention that the case is being referred to the academic integrity committee. In these settings, the word serves to distance the individual speaker from the decision, framing it as a standard procedural step. It removes personal bias and emphasizes that the 'system' is now taking over the evaluation.

Finally, international relations experts use this word when discussing disputes between countries. If a maritime dispute is '회부'-ed to an international tribunal, it signifies a move away from bilateral negotiations toward a legal resolution. Thus, hearing this word should immediately trigger a mental image of a formal room, a group of judges or experts, and a pile of official documents being handed over for a final verdict.

The most common mistake learners make with 회부하다 is using it in casual contexts. Because its English translation can be 'refer' or 'hand over,' students might mistakenly use it when referring a friend to a good restaurant or handing over a gift. This creates a very strange, overly robotic impression. You should never use '회부하다' for personal favors or informal transfers. For those, '추천하다' (recommend) or '주다' (give) are appropriate.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '제출하다' (Submit): Learners often say '회부하다' when they mean they submitted homework. '제출하다' is for giving something to be checked; '회부하다' is for moving a case to a decision-making body. You submit (제출) a report, but the committee refers (회부) the report to the board.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage: Some use '~를 회부하다' without the destination. Remember, '회부' implies a destination. You must specify *where* it is being referred to using the particle '에'. Saying '사건을 회부했다' is incomplete; you should say '사건을 법원에 회부했다'.

친구를 의사에게 회부했어요. (X)
친구를 의사에게 소개했어요. (O) - Introduced a friend to a doctor.

Another nuance is the confusion with '송치하다' (send/transfer). As mentioned before, '송치' is almost exclusively for police-to-prosecutor transfers. If you use '회부하다' in that specific context, it might be understood, but it won't sound like natural legal Korean. Similarly, '이송하다' is used for transferring a person (like a patient to another hospital) or a physical object, whereas '회부하다' is more about the 'matter' or 'legal case'.

Finally, watch out for the active vs. passive voice. In English, we often say "The case was referred." In Korean, if you are the subject doing the referring, use '회부하다'. If you are talking about the case itself, use '회부되다'. Mixing these up can change the meaning of who is responsible for the administrative action.

To truly master 회부하다, it helps to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific 'flavor' or domain where it is most appropriate. Choosing the right one shows you understand the subtle hierarchies of the Korean language.

회부하다 vs. 이송하다 (Transfer): '이송하다' is used for the physical or administrative transfer of people (prisoners, patients) or files. '회부하다' is specifically for moving a case for the purpose of a *decision* or *judgment*.
회부하다 vs. 넘기다 (Hand over): '넘기다' is a common, everyday word for handing something over. While it can be used in formal settings (e.g., '검찰에 넘기다'), '회부하다' sounds much more professional and is preferred in written reports.
회부하다 vs. 제소하다 (Sue/Bring to court): '제소하다' is used when a plaintiff files a lawsuit. '회부하다' is used by an authority (like a prosecutor or a chairman) to move an existing case to a court or committee.

사건을 법원에 회부하다 (Official referral) vs. 사건을 법원에 넘기다 (General handing over).

In the context of the National Assembly, you might also hear '상정하다' (to introduce/table a motion). While '회부하다' is the act of sending the bill to a committee, '상정하다' is the act of officially putting it on the agenda for discussion. They are often sequential steps in the same process.

Lastly, consider '위탁하다' (to entrust/outsource). This is used when an organization asks an outside agency to handle a task. '회부하다' is almost always internal to a system (like within the government or within a company) where one department moves a case to a specialized disciplinary or judicial branch of that same system.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The '회' (回) character usually means 'to return,' but here it implies a 'redirection' of a process that has already started.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hwɛ.bu.ɦa.da/

US /hweɪ.bu.hɑː.dɑː/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '회' (hwe), with secondary stress on '하' (ha).

Rhymes With

공부하다 (to study) 기부하다 (to donate) 배부하다 (to distribute) 교부하다 (to issue) 첨부하다 (to attach) 납부하다 (to pay) 안부 (regards) 정부 (government)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '회' as 'hee' (incorrect: 히부하다).
Pronouncing '부' too harshly like 'pu' (incorrect: 회푸하다).
Missing the 'h' sound in 'hada' (incorrect: 회부아다).
Confusing '회부' with '외부' (outside).
Stress on the last syllable instead of the first.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and formal documents, requires B2 level vocabulary.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use naturally without understanding formal sentence structures.

Speaking 5/5

Rarely used in daily speech; sounds very stiff if used incorrectly.

Listening 4/5

Essential for understanding Korean news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

보내다 결정하다 위원회 사건 법원

Learn Next

상정하다 의결하다 기각하다 송치하다 판결하다

Advanced

위헌법률심판 제청 중재 계류 부결

Grammar to Know

~에/에게 (Destination Particle)

위원회에 회부하다.

~기로 하다 (Decide to)

재판에 회부하기로 했다.

~되다 (Passive voice)

사건이 회부되었다.

~자마자 (As soon as)

회부되자마자 논란이 일었다.

~음에도 불구하고 (Despite)

반대함에도 불구하고 회부했다.

Examples by Level

회사는 그 사람을 회의에 회부했어요.

The company referred that person to the meeting.

Uses the basic past tense '-었어요'.

이 문제는 위원회에 회부해야 합니다.

This problem must be referred to the committee.

'-해야 합니다' means 'must do'.

그는 재판에 회부되었습니다.

He was referred to a trial.

Passive form '회부되었습니다'.

선생님은 그 일을 교무실에 회부했어요.

The teacher referred the matter to the teacher's office.

Subject-Object-Destination structure.

법안이 본회의에 회부되었어요.

The bill was referred to the plenary session.

Formal subject '법안' (bill).

나쁜 행동을 하면 징계에 회부됩니다.

If you behave badly, you will be referred for discipline.

'-면' (if) conditional.

이 서류를 어디에 회부할까요?

Where should I refer this document?

'-ㄹ까요' for asking a suggestion.

정부는 사건을 법원에 회부했습니다.

The government referred the case to the court.

Formal past tense '-했습니다'.

그 직원은 인사위원회에 회부될 것입니다.

That employee will be referred to the personnel committee.

Future tense '-ㄹ 것입니다'.

검찰은 피의자를 정식 재판에 회부했다.

The prosecution referred the suspect to a formal trial.

Plain style '-했다' used in writing.

새로운 법안을 소위원회에 회부하기로 결정했습니다.

They decided to refer the new bill to the subcommittee.

'-기로 결정하다' (decided to).

부정행위를 한 학생은 윤리위원회에 회부됩니다.

Students who cheat are referred to the ethics committee.

Present tense passive '회부됩니다'.

이사장은 이 안건을 이사회에 회부했습니다.

The chairman referred this agenda item to the board of directors.

Honorific subject '이사장'.

어떤 경우에 재판에 회부되나요?

In what cases are people referred to trial?

'-나요' ending for a polite question.

사건이 아직 법원에 회부되지 않았습니다.

The case has not yet been referred to the court.

'-지 않았습니다' (negative past).

그는 징계위원회 회부를 피할 수 없었습니다.

He could not avoid being referred to the disciplinary committee.

Noun form '회부' followed by '피할 수 없었다'.

국회 의장은 법안을 관련 상임위원회에 회부했다.

The Speaker of the National Assembly referred the bill to the relevant standing committee.

Specific political terminology.

비윤리적인 연구는 연구윤리위원회에 회부되어야 합니다.

Unethical research must be referred to the research ethics committee.

Passive + '어/아야 하다' (must be).

관리자는 부하 직원의 과실을 징계위에 회부하기로 했다.

The manager decided to refer the subordinate's negligence to the disciplinary committee.

Abbreviation '징계위' for '징계위원회'.

이 안건은 다음 주 본회의에 회부될 예정입니다.

This agenda item is scheduled to be referred to the plenary session next week.

'-ㄹ 예정입니다' (is scheduled to).

그의 행동이 규정에 어긋나서 인사위원회에 회부되었습니다.

Since his actions violated regulations, he was referred to the personnel committee.

'-아/어서' showing cause/reason.

검찰은 증거가 충분하다고 판단하여 재판에 회부했다.

The prosecution judged the evidence to be sufficient and referred the case to trial.

'-하여' (literary form of -해서).

모든 징계 회부 건은 엄격하게 처리됩니다.

All cases referred for discipline are handled strictly.

Noun phrase '회부 건' (referral case).

어떤 절차를 거쳐 위원회에 회부되나요?

Through what procedures is it referred to the committee?

'-를 거쳐' (through/via).

정부는 독도 문제를 국제 사법 재판소에 회부하는 것에 반대한다.

The government opposes referring the Dokdo issue to the International Court of Justice.

'-는 것' nominalization.

해당 의원은 품위 유지 위반으로 윤리위에 회부될 위기에 처했다.

The lawmaker in question is at risk of being referred to the ethics committee for violating the maintenance of dignity.

'-ㄹ 위기에 처하다' (be in danger of).

감사원은 비리 혐의가 포착된 공무원을 검찰에 회부했다.

The Board of Audit and Inspection referred the official suspected of corruption to the prosecution.

'-ㄴ/은 혐의' (suspicion of).

법안이 소위원회에서 부결되지 않고 본회의에 회부되었습니다.

The bill was not rejected in the subcommittee and was referred to the plenary session.

'-지 않고' (without doing/not being).

징계위원회에 회부된 이상 처벌을 피하기는 어렵다.

Now that it has been referred to the disciplinary committee, it is difficult to avoid punishment.

'-ㄴ/은 이상' (now that/since).

그 사건은 군사 재판에 회부되어 엄중한 심판을 받았다.

The case was referred to a military trial and received a severe judgment.

'-아/어' to connect actions.

위원회는 안건을 더 심도 있게 논의하기 위해 소위원회에 회부했다.

The committee referred the item to a subcommittee for more in-depth discussion.

'-기 위해' (in order to).

회사는 성희롱 가해자를 즉각 징계위원회에 회부하기로 발표했다.

The company announced that it would immediately refer the perpetrator of sexual harassment to the disciplinary committee.

Adverb '즉각' (immediately).

유엔 안전보장이사회는 해당 국가의 인권 문제를 국제형사재판소에 회부할 것을 권고했다.

The UN Security Council recommended referring the country's human rights issues to the International Criminal Court.

High-level diplomatic vocabulary.

당시 의장은 정치적 중립을 지키기 위해 해당 법안의 회부를 보류했다.

At that time, the Speaker suspended the referral of the bill to maintain political neutrality.

Noun form '회부' as an object.

피의자가 미성년자임에도 불구하고 사안의 중대성을 고려해 형사 재판에 회부했다.

Despite the suspect being a minor, they were referred to criminal trial considering the gravity of the matter.

'-임에도 불구하고' (despite being).

징계위원회 회부 통보를 받은 직원은 즉시 재심을 청구할 수 있다.

An employee who receives notice of referral to the disciplinary committee can immediately request a retrial.

'-ㄴ/은 직원' (relative clause).

검찰은 보강 수사를 거친 뒤 사건을 다시 재판에 회부할 방침이다.

The prosecution plans to refer the case back to trial after conducting a supplementary investigation.

법안이 법제사법위원회에 회부되자마자 여야 간의 치열한 공방이 시작되었다.

As soon as the bill was referred to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, a fierce battle between the ruling and opposition parties began.

'-자마자' (as soon as).

그는 자신의 결백을 주장하며 사건을 공직자윤리위원회에 회부해 달라고 요청했다.

Claiming his innocence, he requested that the case be referred to the Public Official Ethics Committee.

'-해 달라고 요청하다' (request that someone do something).

국제 사회는 무력 충돌 사태를 평화적으로 해결하기 위해 중재 기구에 회부했다.

The international community referred the armed conflict situation to a mediation body for a peaceful resolution.

Purpose clause '-기 위해'.

헌법재판소는 법원의 제청에 따라 해당 법률의 위헌 여부를 심판하기 위해 전원재판부에 회부했다.

Following the court's request, the Constitutional Court referred the matter to the Full Bench to adjudicate the constitutionality of the law.

Technical legal terms like '제청' and '전원재판부'.

피소된 기업은 분쟁 해결을 위해 사건을 국제상공회의소 중재법원에 회부하기로 합의했다.

The sued company agreed to refer the case to the ICC Court of Arbitration to resolve the dispute.

Complex noun phrases.

국정조사 결과에 따라 관련자들을 검찰에 회부하여 엄중히 문책해야 한다는 목소리가 높다.

There are loud voices calling for those involved to be referred to the prosecution and strictly held accountable based on the results of the state inspection.

'-해야 한다는 목소리가 높다' (idiomatic expression).

당해 안건이 위원회에 회부된 지 90일이 경과하면 본회의에 자동 상정되는 규정이 있다.

There is a regulation that if 90 days pass since the agenda item was referred to the committee, it is automatically tabled at the plenary session.

'-ㄴ 지 ... 경과하다' (time elapsed since).

정치적 외압에 의해 사건의 회부가 지연되는 것은 사법 정의에 어긋나는 행위이다.

The delay in referring a case due to political pressure is an act that goes against judicial justice.

Abstract philosophical subject.

본 사건은 성격상 민사 재판보다는 가사 조정 위원회에 회부하는 것이 타당해 보인다.

Due to the nature of this case, it seems more appropriate to refer it to the Family Mediation Committee rather than a civil trial.

'-보다' comparison.

이사회는 경영진의 배임 혐의를 인지한 즉시 외부 감사 기관에 회부하여 조사를 의뢰했다.

Immediately upon becoming aware of the management's breach of trust allegations, the board referred the matter to an external auditing agency and requested an investigation.

Conjunctions '즉시' and '-하여'.

절차적 정당성을 확보하기 위해 해당 징계안을 특별위원회에 회부하여 재검토하기로 했다.

In order to secure procedural legitimacy, it was decided to refer the disciplinary motion to a special committee for re-examination.

Formal purpose clause.

Synonyms

넘기다 제출하다 인계하다 맡기다

Antonyms

종결하다 묵살하다

Common Collocations

재판에 회부하다

징계위원회에 회부하다

본회의에 회부하다

윤리위원회에 회부하다

인사위원회에 회부하다

소위원회에 회부하다

국제 사법 재판소에 회부하다

전원재판부에 회부하다

공판에 회부하다

심사에 회부하다

Common Phrases

회부 결정을 내리다

— To make a decision to refer a case. This is used by an authority figure.

의장은 법안의 회부 결정을 내렸습니다.

회부될 위기

— The danger of being referred. Usually implies a negative outcome like discipline.

그는 현재 징계위에 회부될 위기에 처해 있다.

회부를 요청하다

— To request a referral. Used when someone wants a formal review.

피해자는 사건을 윤리위에 회부해 달라고 요청했다.

회부를 보류하다

— To postpone or put a referral on hold. Often for political reasons.

정치적 이유로 법안 회부를 보류하고 있다.

회부 통보

— An official notification that a referral has occurred.

그는 오늘 아침 징계 회부 통보를 받았다.

회부 절차

— The official steps or procedures for a referral.

회부 절차가 생각보다 복잡합니다.

회부 대상

— The target or subject of a referral.

이번 회부 대상은 총 세 명입니다.

회부 사유

— The reason or grounds for a referral.

회부 사유를 명확히 밝혀야 합니다.

회부 안건

— The specific agenda item being referred.

오늘의 회부 안건은 다음과 같습니다.

회부 시기

— The timing or date of a referral.

회부 시기를 조율하고 있습니다.

Often Confused With

회부하다 vs 제출하다

제출하다 is 'to submit' (giving for review), whereas 회부하다 is 'to refer' (moving for a decision).

회부하다 vs 송치하다

송치하다 is specifically for police sending a case to the prosecutor. 회부하다 is broader.

회부하다 vs 이송하다

이송하다 often implies physical movement (like a prisoner), while 회부하다 implies procedural movement.

Idioms & Expressions

"도마 위에 오르다"

— To be on the chopping block. While not using the word '회부', it is the emotional state of being referred for judgment.

그의 행동이 비난의 도마 위에 올랐다.

Idiomatic

"심판대에 서다"

— To stand at the judgment stand. Often used when someone is '회부'-ed to trial.

그는 마침내 법의 심판대에 서게 되었다.

Metaphorical

"불똥이 튀다"

— To have sparks fly onto one. Used when a referral for one person affects others.

동료의 징계 회부로 나에게도 불똥이 튀었다.

Common

"칼자루를 쥐다"

— To hold the handle of the knife. Used for the person who decides whether to '회부' someone.

인사팀장이 징계 회부의 칼자루를 쥐고 있다.

Metaphorical

"꼬리가 밟히다"

— To have one's tail stepped on. Used when someone is caught and then '회부'-ed.

부정을 저지르다 꼬리가 밟혀 징계위에 회부됐다.

Common

"철퇴를 가하다"

— To strike with an iron hammer. Used when a referral leads to a severe punishment.

법원은 비리 정치인에게 철퇴를 가하기 위해 재판에 회부했다.

Literary

"화살이 돌아가다"

— The arrow turns toward someone. Used when the focus of a referral shifts.

비난의 화살이 그에게 돌아가면서 징계위에 회부되었다.

Common

"발목을 잡다"

— To grab someone's ankle. Used when a past referral hinders someone's career.

과거의 징계 회부 경력이 그의 발목을 잡았다.

Common

"입방아에 오르내리다"

— To be the subject of gossip. Often happens after someone is '회부'-ed.

그는 징계위 회부 소식으로 사람들의 입방아에 올랐다.

Common

"눈 밖에 나다"

— To fall out of favor. Being '회부'-ed often happens after falling out of favor with superiors.

상사의 눈 밖에 나서 징계위에 회부된 것 같다.

Common

Easily Confused

회부하다 vs 배부하다

Sounds similar (Hwe-bu vs. Bae-bu).

배부하다 means 'to distribute' (like flyers), while 회부하다 means 'to refer' (a case).

전단지를 배부하다 (Distribute flyers) vs. 사건을 회부하다 (Refer a case).

회부하다 vs 교부하다

Both are formal 'giving' verbs.

교부하다 means 'to issue' (like a license), while 회부하다 is for referrals.

면허증을 교부하다 (Issue a license).

회부하다 vs 납부하다

Both end in -부하다.

납부하다 means 'to pay' (like taxes).

세금을 납부하다 (Pay taxes).

회부하다 vs 첨부하다

Both end in -부하다.

첨부하다 means 'to attach' (like a file).

파일을 첨부하다 (Attach a file).

회부하다 vs 회수하다

Both start with '회' (return).

회수하다 means 'to collect back' or 'to recall'.

제품을 회수하다 (Recall a product).

Sentence Patterns

A를 B에 회부해요.

사건을 법원에 회부해요.

A를 B에 회부했습니다.

그를 징계위원회에 회부했습니다.

A가 B에 회부될 예정입니다.

법안이 본회의에 회부될 예정입니다.

A를 B에 회부하기로 결정했습니다.

직원을 인사위원회에 회부하기로 결정했습니다.

A를 B에 회부할 것을 권고하다.

사건을 국제 재판소에 회부할 것을 권고했다.

A에 의해 B가 C에 회부되는 사태.

외압에 의해 법안이 소위에 회부되는 사태가 벌어졌다.

A를 B에 회부하는 것이 타당하다.

사건을 윤리위에 회부하는 것이 타당하다.

A의 회부 여부를 검토 중이다.

피의자의 재판 회부 여부를 검토 중이다.

Word Family

Nouns

회부 Referral; the act of handing over a case.

Verbs

회부되다 To be referred (passive form).

회부시키다 To cause something to be referred.

위원회 (committee)

재판 (trial)

징계 (discipline)

안건 (agenda item)

송치 (transfer/sending)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, law, and business; low in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using '회부하다' for referring a friend to a restaurant. → 추천하다 (recommend).
'회부하다' is strictly for formal/legal referrals, not casual recommendations.
Saying '사건을 회부했다' without a destination. → 사건을 법원에 회부했다.
The verb requires a destination to show where the case was referred.
Confusing '회부' with '배부' (distribution). → 사건 회부 (referral), 전단지 배부 (distribution).
These sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Using '회부하다' for submitting homework. → 제출하다 (submit).
'제출하다' is for giving something to be checked; '회부하다' is for giving something to be judged.
Using '회부하다' for police sending a case to the prosecutor. → 송치하다.
While '회부' might be understood, '송치' is the specific legal term for that action.

Tips

Formal Contexts Only

Only use this word in professional, legal, or administrative settings. Using it at home or with friends will make you sound like a robot or a lawyer.

Destination Particle

Always pair '회부하다' with the destination particle '에'. It shows where the responsibility is moving.

Legal Nuance

Understand that '회부' is a bridge between an investigation and a judgment. It represents a formal change in status.

News Keyword

If you hear '회부' on the news, something important is moving to the next stage of the legal or political process.

Passive vs. Active

In reports, '회부되다' (passive) is often used to maintain an objective tone. '회부하다' (active) identifies the specific authority taking action.

The 'Hwe' Way

Remember: 'Hwe' is the 'Way' the case is going, and 'Bu' is the 'Board' it's going to.

Don't confuse with '송치'

'송치' is only for police to prosecutor. For everything else (committee, court, board), use '회부'.

Hanja Roots

Knowing that '회' (回) means 'to turn' helps you remember that the case is being 'turned over' to someone else.

Hierarchical Power

The person doing the '회부' is usually higher in status or has official power over the person being referred.

Clarity

When speaking, emphasize the destination (e.g., '본회의에') to make the referral clear to your listeners.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Hwe' as 'Way' and 'Bu' as 'Bureau'. You are sending the case on its 'Way' to a 'Bureau' (committee).

Visual Association

Imagine a relay runner handing a baton (the case) to a judge in a courtroom.

Word Web

Court Committee Official Transfer Decision HR Politics Trial

Challenge

Write a short paragraph about a fictional politician being referred to an ethics committee for taking a bribe.

Word Origin

From Chinese characters (Hanja): 回 (huí - return/turn) + 付 (fù - give/hand over).

Original meaning: To return or turn over a document or matter to a specific person or office.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

This is a serious word. Using it jokingly about a friend might sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.

In English, we often use 'refer' or 'commit,' but '회부하다' is more strictly limited to formal/legal settings than the English 'refer'.

The movie 'The Attorney' (변호인) features cases being referred to trial. News headlines during the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye frequently used '회부'. Legal webtoons like 'Again My Life' often depict prosecutors referring criminals to court.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

National Assembly

법안을 상임위에 회부하다
본회의 회부 요청
회부된 안건
자동 회부 규정

Law Court

정식 재판에 회부하다
공판 회부 결정
사건 회부 통지
검찰의 회부 권한

Corporate HR

징계위원회 회부
인사위 회부 사유
회부 대상자 명단
즉각 회부 조치

International Relations

국제 재판소 회부
안보리 회부
중재 기구 회부
분쟁 회부 합의

Academic Ethics

윤리위원회 회부
연구 부정 회부
표절 사건 회부
회부 여부 검토

Conversation Starters

"그 정치인이 결국 징계위원회에 회부되었다면서요?"

"어떤 경우에 사건이 국제 사법 재판소에 회부되나요?"

"회사가 그 직원을 인사위원회에 회부하기로 결정했대요."

"이 법안이 언제쯤 본회의에 회부될 것 같습니까?"

"징계위에 회부되면 보통 어떤 처벌을 받게 되나요?"

Journal Prompts

만약 당신이 회사의 리더이고 직원이 큰 실수를 했다면, 징계위원회에 회부하시겠습니까?

최근 뉴스에서 '회부하다'라는 단어가 쓰인 사례를 찾아보고 그 내용을 요약해 보세요.

법안이 위원회에 회부되는 과정이 왜 민주주의에서 중요한지 서술해 보세요.

누군가를 재판에 회부하기 전에 반드시 확인해야 할 절차는 무엇일까요?

본인이 부당하게 징계위원회에 회부되었다면 어떻게 대응하시겠습니까?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would sound very strange. '회부하다' is for official cases or disciplinary actions. For a friend, use '소개하다' (introduce) or '추천하다' (recommend).

'보내다' is the general word for 'to send'. '회부하다' is a formal, procedural 'sending' of a case to a specific authority. You can use '보내다' in casual speech, but '회부하다' is required in formal reports.

Yes, it is extremely common in news headlines (e.g., 'The bill was referred'). It focuses on the object being moved rather than the person doing the moving.

Not necessarily, but it often implies a serious situation. For a bill, it's a normal step. For a person, it usually means they are in trouble (disciplinary or legal).

Use '에'. For example, '법원에 회부하다' (refer to court). If referring a person to another person, you might use '에게', but '에' is standard for committees.

No. Use '제출하다' for submitting homework. '회부하다' would imply your essay is being sent to a disciplinary committee for plagiarism.

It is 回 (return/turn) and 付 (give). It literally means to 'turn over' something to an authority.

Yes. '회부' is the act of sending a bill to a committee. '상정' is the act of officially putting it on the meeting's agenda for discussion.

You say '그는 재판에 회부되었습니다' or '그는 재판에 회부됐다'.

Sometimes, for example, when a medical ethics case is referred to a board. But for a normal patient referral, '의뢰하다' or '전원하다' (transfer hospitals) is used.