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A2 noun #3,000 most common 10 min read

귀가

gwiga Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 귀가 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 귀가 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to talk about your daily routine. While '귀가' might seem a bit advanced, you will encounter it in simple contexts like learning about 'home' (집). At this stage, you should focus on the basic idea that '귀가' means 'going home.' You might see it in a vocabulary list next to '집' (house) and '가다' (to go). The most important thing to remember is that '귀가하다' is a more formal way to say '집에 가다'. If you can recognize the word in a sentence like '저는 7시에 귀가해요' (I return home at 7), you are doing great! You don't need to use it in every sentence, but knowing it will help you understand more formal announcements or polite questions from teachers or elders.

At the A2 level, you should begin incorporating '귀가' into your active vocabulary, especially when discussing schedules or safety. You are now learning about Hanja-based words, and '귀가' is a perfect example. You should be able to use '귀가하다' in sentences to describe your evening routine. You will also start to see compound nouns like '귀가 시간' (return home time). At this level, you can use '귀가' to sound more polite when speaking to people you aren't close with. For example, instead of asking a colleague '언제 집에 가요?', you can ask '언제 귀가하세요?'. This shows you are aware of different registers in Korean. You should also be able to understand simple signs or apps that use this word, such as those related to public transport or safe return services.

At the B1 level, you should have a firm grasp of '귀가' and its various nuances. You can now use it to describe more complex situations, such as '귀가 조치' (being sent home) or '귀가 길' (the way home). You understand that '귀가' is not just about the physical act of walking but can represent a status in official reports. For instance, you might read a news snippet about people returning home after a festival. You are also expected to use the correct particles with '귀가' when it functions as a noun. You can distinguish between '퇴근' (leaving work) and '귀가' (arriving home) and use them correctly in a single narrative. Your ability to use '귀가' correctly in a written journal or a formal email is a key indicator of your progress toward intermediate proficiency.

At the B2 level, you use '귀가' with ease in both professional and academic contexts. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and the word's appearance in literature. You understand the subtle difference between '귀가' and even more formal terms like '귀택'. You can discuss social issues related to '귀가', such as '안심 귀가 서비스' (safe return services) and the safety of late-night commutes in urban areas. You can also use the word metaphorically in writing to describe a return to one's roots or a place of comfort. At this level, you are expected to handle complex sentence structures, such as '귀가하던 중에 친구를 만났다' (I met a friend while I was on my way home), using the word naturally within various grammatical patterns.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '귀가' is deep and nuanced. You recognize its use in legal and administrative contexts, such as '귀가 조치' following a police investigation or a medical discharge. You can analyze the word's Hanja roots to understand related vocabulary (e.g., 귀국, 귀항, 귀순). You are able to use '귀가' in formal speeches, academic papers, or high-level business negotiations where precise language is required. You also appreciate the cultural weight of the word in Korean society, including its connection to family values and the concept of 'home' as a sanctuary. You can use the word to express subtle shades of meaning, such as the exhaustion of a late-night return or the relief of finally being home after a long journey.

At the C2 level, '귀가' is a tool you use with native-like precision. You are aware of its historical usage and its presence in classical literature or formal poetry. You can effortlessly switch between '귀가', '집에 가다', and '귀택' depending on the exact social context and desired tone. You understand how the word functions in complex administrative law or news reporting, and you can debate the societal implications of '귀가' patterns in modern Korea. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in sophisticated wordplay or metaphors. You have a comprehensive understanding of all collocations and can use them to create rich, evocative descriptions of Korean life and the universal human experience of returning home.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

귀가 in 30 Seconds

귀가 means 'returning home' and is a formal noun.
It is often used as '귀가하다' (verb) or '귀가 시간' (return time).
It comes from Hanja: 歸 (return) and 家 (house).
Commonly used in news, safety apps, and formal conversations.

The Korean word 귀가 (歸家) is a noun that signifies the act of returning home. Derived from Hanja (Chinese characters), where '귀' (歸) means to return or go back, and '가' (家) means house or family, it literally translates to 'returning to one's house.' While it can be used in casual conversation, it carries a slightly more formal or structured tone compared to the simple phrase '집에 가다' (going home). In South Korean society, the concept of '귀가' is deeply embedded in daily routines, safety discussions, and social expectations.

Daily Context: It is most frequently used when discussing the time one arrives back at home after work, school, or a social gathering. For instance, '귀가 시간' refers to one's 'home-coming time' or curfew.

어제는 회식 때문에 귀가가 아주 늦었습니다. (Yesterday, my return home was very late due to a company dinner.)

In a broader sense, '귀가' is used in news reports and official documents. If a person is released from a police station or a hospital to go home, the media uses the term '귀가 조치' (the measure of sending someone home). This highlights the word's versatility—it is both a personal action and a formal status. For English speakers, think of it as the difference between saying 'I'm going home' and 'The time of my return was 10 PM.'

Safety and Society: In Korea, safety apps and services often use this word, such as '안심 귀가 서비스' (Safe Return Service), which provides escorts or tracking for people walking home late at night. This usage reinforces the idea that '귀가' is a specific journey from a public space to the safety of one's private residence.

늦은 밤에는 안심 귀가 서비스를 이용하는 것이 좋습니다. (It is good to use the safe return service late at night.)

Furthermore, the word is often paired with the verb '하다' to form '귀가하다' (to return home). This verb form is standard in both written and spoken Korean. When someone asks '언제 귀가하세요?' they are asking 'When are you returning home?' in a respectful manner. It avoids the potentially blunt '언제 집에 가요?' which can sometimes sound like you are asking someone to leave.

Register and Nuance: While '집에 가다' is the go-to for A1 learners, moving to '귀가' shows an A2/B1 level of vocabulary sophistication. It suggests you understand the Sino-Korean roots of the language and can navigate formal situations, such as reporting your whereabouts to a superior or writing a journal entry.

학생들은 방과 후에 즉시 귀가해야 합니다. (Students must return home immediately after school.)

Using 귀가 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its transformation into a verb. As a noun, it often takes particles like -를 (object), -가/-이 (subject), or -에 (direction/time). When you want to describe the act of going home, you combine it with '하다'.

Noun Usage: As a noun, '귀가' acts as the subject or object. For example, '귀가가 늦다' (returning home is late). Here, '귀가' is the subject performing the state of being late.

폭우로 인해 많은 시민들의 귀가가 늦어졌다. (Due to the heavy rain, many citizens' return home was delayed.)

When describing a habitual action or a plan, '귀가' is often followed by time-related words. '귀가 시간' (home-coming time) is a very common compound. If a parent asks a child, '너의 귀가 시간은 몇 시니?' they are asking about the child's curfew or expected arrival time.

Verb Usage (귀가하다): The verb form '귀가하다' is used to express the action of returning home. It is synonymous with '집에 돌아가다' but sounds more definitive and formal. You would use this in an office setting or when writing a report.

업무를 마친 후 저는 바로 귀가했습니다. (After finishing work, I returned home immediately.)

In terms of grammar, '귀가' does not require the particle '에' (to) as strictly as '집' does because the word '가' (house) is already built into the noun. However, you will often see '집으로 귀가하다' (returning home to the house) for emphasis, though '귀가하다' alone is perfectly sufficient. Another important pattern is '귀가 길' (the way home). This is often used to describe events that happen while one is traveling back to their residence.

Formal Contexts: In military or institutional contexts, '귀가' is used when someone is sent home after an evaluation. For example, '귀가 조치' means being sent home instead of being admitted or enlisted.

그는 건강상의 이유로 훈련소에서 귀가 조치를 받았다. (He was sent home from the training center due to health reasons.)

Finally, consider the honorifics. While '귀가' itself is neutral, the verb '귀가하다' can be elevated to '귀가하시다' when referring to an elder or someone of higher status. '부모님이 귀가하셨습니다' (My parents have returned home) is a polite and proper way to state the fact.

The word 귀가 is ubiquitous in South Korea, appearing in various mediums from high-stakes news broadcasts to everyday smartphone notifications. Understanding where you'll encounter it helps in grasping its practical utility.

Public Announcements and News: On the evening news, you will frequently hear about '귀가 전쟁' (the war of returning home), especially during major holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year when millions of people travel simultaneously. News anchors also use it when reporting on weather conditions affecting the evening commute.

태풍의 영향으로 퇴근길 시민들의 귀가가 서둘러지고 있습니다. (Due to the typhoon, citizens are rushing their return home during the evening commute.)

In the workplace, '귀가' is the standard term used in formal communication. If a manager sends an email about early release due to a holiday, they might write '조기 귀가' (early return home). It sounds much more professional than saying '집에 일찍 가세요' (go home early).

Smartphone Apps and Safety: Many Koreans use safety apps that share their real-time location with family members. These apps often have buttons labeled '귀가 시작' (Start return home) or send alerts like 'OOO님이 귀가 중입니다' (OOO is on the way home). This makes the word part of the digital lexicon of safety.

앱을 통해 자녀의 안전한 귀가를 확인할 수 있습니다. (You can check your child's safe return home through the app.)

In K-Dramas and movies, '귀가' is often used in police procedurals or family dramas. A detective might ask a witness, '사건 당일 귀가 시간이 언제였습니까?' (What was your return time on the day of the incident?). Or a strict father might yell, '왜 이렇게 귀가가 늦어!' (Why is your return home so late!). These scenarios show that the word bridges the gap between official questioning and domestic discipline.

Educational Settings: Schools often use '귀가 지도' (guidance for returning home) to refer to teachers supervising students as they leave school grounds. This ensures that the transition from school to home is safe and orderly.

선생님들이 학생들의 안전한 귀가를 돕고 있습니다. (Teachers are helping students' safe return home.)

Lastly, you will see '귀가' in literature and essays. It often carries a poetic weight, symbolizing the end of a journey or the return to one's roots. It's not just a physical movement but a return to a place of belonging and rest.

While 귀가 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often encounter a few pitfalls when trying to integrate it into their Korean vocabulary. The most common mistakes involve register, particle usage, and confusion with related terms.

Mistake 1: Using '귀가' in overly casual settings: While not grammatically wrong, saying '나 지금 귀가해' to a very close friend might sound a bit stiff. In casual 'Banmal' (informal speech), '나 이제 집에 가' is much more natural. '귀가' is better suited for 'Jondetmal' (polite speech) or formal writing.

Incorrect (Too stiff for friends): 친구야, 나 이제 귀가할게.
Better: 친구야, 나 이제 집에 갈게.

Another mistake is the redundant use of '집' (house). Since '가' (家) in '귀가' already means house, saying '집으로 귀가하다' is slightly repetitive, though common for emphasis. However, saying '집에 귀가하다' is often seen as a minor tautology. It's better to just say '귀가하다' or '집에 가다'.

Mistake 2: Particle Confusion: Learners often forget that '귀가' is a noun. When using it as a subject, you must use '-가' (귀가가 늦다). When using it as an object, use '-를' (귀가를 서두르다). Do not treat it as a verb stem without adding '하다'.

Incorrect: 저는 귀가 늦었어요. (Missing particle)
Correct: 저는 귀가가 늦었어요.

Mistaking '귀가' for '귀국' (returning to one's country) is another common error for expats. If you are going back to your home country, use '귀국'. If you are just going back to your apartment in Seoul after dinner, use '귀가'. The distinction is the scale of the 'home'.

Mistake 3: Misunderstanding '귀가 조치': Some learners think '귀가 조치' means 'the act of going home'. In reality, it is a passive or administrative term meaning 'being sent home' or 'being allowed to go home' by an authority figure.

그는 조사를 받고 귀가 조치되었다. (He was sent home after being questioned.)

Finally, ensure you don't confuse '귀가' with '귀택' (returning to one's residence). '귀택' is extremely formal and almost exclusively used in written honorifics or very high-level news. For 99% of situations, '귀가' is the correct choice over '귀택'.

To truly master 귀가, you should understand how it compares to other words that describe returning or going to specific places. Korean has a rich set of vocabulary for different types of 'returns.'

귀가 vs. 집에 가다: '집에 가다' is the most general and common way to say 'going home'. '귀가' is more formal and focuses on the 'return' aspect. You use '귀가' in news, formal reports, and polite inquiries.
귀가 vs. 퇴근: '퇴근' (leaving work) describes the act of finishing the workday. You can '퇴근' and then go to a restaurant. '귀가' is the act of actually arriving or heading back to your house. They often happen sequentially but are not the same.

6시에 퇴근했지만, 쇼핑을 하느라 귀가는 9시에 했습니다. (I left work at 6, but I returned home at 9 because of shopping.)

Other 'Return' words include '귀국' (returning to one's country), '귀성' (returning to one's hometown, usually during holidays), and '귀환' (a triumphant or official return, like a soldier returning from war).

귀가 vs. 하교: '하교' specifically means leaving school at the end of the day. Like '퇴근', it focuses on the departure from the institution, whereas '귀가' focuses on the arrival at the residence.

학생들은 하교 후 학원에 갔다가 늦게 귀가합니다. (Students go to academies after leaving school and then return home late.)

In summary, choose '귀가' when you want to sound precise, formal, or when the context is about the safety and timing of getting back to one's residence. Use '집에 가다' for your everyday casual plans with friends.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 歸 (gwi) originally depicted a woman returning to her husband's home, but it evolved to mean 'return' in a general sense. In ancient times, 'returning home' was a significant event often marked by rituals.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡɥi.ɡa/

US /ɡwi.ɡɑ/

The stress is balanced, but the first syllable '귀' is often slightly higher in pitch in standard Seoul dialect.

Rhymes With

시가 (siga) 구가 (guga) 국가 (gukga) 물가 (mulga) 추가 (chuga) 참가 (chamga) 작가 (jakga) 대가 (daega)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '귀' as 'goo-ee' (two syllables). It should be one smooth glide.
Pronouncing '가' with a heavy English 'r' sound like 'gar'.
Confusing the 'g' sound with a hard 'k' sound.
Failing to distinguish between '귀가' and '기교'.
Over-emphasizing the 'w' sound in '귀'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once the Hanja roots are known.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct particle usage and understanding of the '하다' verb formation.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the 'wi' glide.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with other 'Gwi' words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

집 가다 시간 늦다 오다

Learn Next

귀국 퇴근 하교 외출 도착

Advanced

귀환 귀성 귀댁 조치 본능

Grammar to Know

Noun + 하다 (Verbalization)

귀가 + 하다 = 귀가하다

Honorific -시-

귀가하시다

Modifier form -는

귀가하는 길

Reason/Cause -어서/아서

비가 와서 귀가가 늦었다.

Intent -(으)려고

일찍 귀가하려고 서둘렀다.

Examples by Level

저는 6시에 귀가해요.

I return home at 6.

Simple present tense with 귀가하다.

어머니는 언제 귀가하세요?

When does your mother return home?

Honorific form -세요 is used.

오늘 귀가 시간이 언제예요?

What is your return home time today?

Noun '귀가 시간' used as a subject.

학교 끝나고 바로 귀가하세요.

Please return home immediately after school.

Imperative polite form.

저는 매일 버스로 귀가합니다.

I return home by bus every day.

Formal ending -습니다.

귀가해서 저녁을 먹어요.

I return home and eat dinner.

Connecting two actions with -어서.

아버지가 지금 귀가하십니다.

Father is returning home now.

Present progressive nuance with honorific -시-.

빨리 귀가하고 싶어요.

I want to return home quickly.

Expressing desire with -고 싶다.

어제는 비가 와서 귀가가 늦었습니다.

Yesterday, my return home was late because it rained.

Noun '귀가' with subject particle -가.

안전한 귀가를 위해 택시를 탔어요.

I took a taxi for a safe return home.

Noun '귀가' with object particle -를.

주말에는 보통 일찍 귀가합니다.

I usually return home early on weekends.

Adverb '일찍' modifying '귀가하다'.

귀가하는 길에 빵을 샀어요.

I bought bread on my way home.

Noun modifying form '귀가하는'.

동생의 귀가 시간을 확인했어요.

I checked my younger sibling's return time.

Possessive particle -의.

회식이 끝나고 모두 귀가했습니다.

After the company dinner, everyone returned home.

Past tense -았습니다.

늦게 귀가할 때는 부모님께 연락하세요.

When you return home late, please contact your parents.

Conditional/Time clause with -(으)ㄹ 때.

지하철이 끊기기 전에 귀가해야 해요.

I have to return home before the subway stops running.

Obligation with -아/어야 하다.

그는 업무를 마치자마자 서둘러 귀가했다.

He hurried home as soon as he finished work.

-자마자 meaning 'as soon as'.

폭설로 인해 시민들의 귀가에 비상이 걸렸다.

Due to heavy snow, there was an emergency for citizens returning home.

Noun '귀가' with particle -에.

아이들이 안전하게 귀가할 수 있도록 도와주세요.

Please help so that children can return home safely.

-도록 meaning 'so that'.

밤늦게 귀가하는 여성들을 위한 서비스가 있습니다.

There are services for women returning home late at night.

-를 위한 meaning 'for'.

그는 술에 취해 친구의 부축을 받으며 귀가했다.

He returned home supported by a friend because he was drunk.

-(으)며 meaning 'while'.

귀가 조치를 받은 병사들이 기뻐하고 있다.

The soldiers who were ordered to go home are happy.

Noun phrase '귀가 조치'.

오늘따라 귀가하는 발걸음이 가볍다.

My steps returning home are exceptionally light today.

Metaphorical use of '발걸음이 가볍다'.

그녀는 매일 같은 시간에 귀가하는 습관이 있다.

She has a habit of returning home at the same time every day.

Noun modifying form with '습관'.

축제가 끝난 뒤 인파가 한꺼번에 귀가하면서 교통이 마비되었다.

After the festival, traffic was paralyzed as the crowd returned home all at once.

-(으)면서 expressing simultaneous actions.

정부는 명절 기간 동안 원활한 귀가를 돕기 위해 대책을 마련했다.

The government prepared measures to help a smooth return home during the holiday period.

-기 위해 meaning 'in order to'.

늦은 귀가가 잦아지면 건강을 해칠 수 있으니 주의하세요.

Be careful as frequent late returns home can harm your health.

-(으)면 meaning 'if/when'.

그는 사고 현장을 목격한 후 경찰서에서 조사를 받고 귀가했다.

After witnessing the accident scene, he was questioned at the police station and then went home.

Sequential actions with -고.

어린 시절, 아버지가 귀가하시기를 문 앞에서 기다리곤 했다.

In my childhood, I used to wait for my father to return home at the door.

-곤 했다 meaning 'used to'.

갑작스러운 폭우로 인해 조기 귀가가 결정되었다.

Early return home was decided due to the sudden heavy rain.

Passive construction '결정되었다'.

귀가하는 길의 풍경이 계절에 따라 변하는 것을 즐긴다.

I enjoy watching the scenery on the way home change with the seasons.

-는 것을 즐기다 meaning 'enjoy doing'.

그는 퇴근 후 운동을 하고 밤 10시가 넘어서야 귀가한다.

He exercises after work and only returns home after 10 PM.

-어서야 meaning 'only after'.

범인은 범행 직후 태연하게 귀가한 것으로 밝혀졌다.

It was revealed that the perpetrator returned home calmly right after the crime.

-ㄴ 것으로 밝혀졌다 meaning 'revealed to have'.

도시의 소음에서 벗어나 조용한 집으로 귀가하는 순간이 가장 평화롭다.

The moment of returning home to a quiet house away from city noise is the most peaceful.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

그는 명예로운 퇴임을 마치고 고향으로 영구 귀가했다.

After an honorable retirement, he returned home to his hometown permanently.

'영구 귀가' implying permanent return.

귀가 조치된 환자는 가정에서 안정을 취해야 한다.

The patient who was sent home must rest at home.

Administrative medical context.

현대인들에게 귀가란 단순히 잠을 자러 가는 것이 아닌, 휴식의 의미를 갖는다.

For modern people, returning home is not just about going to sleep, but has the meaning of rest.

Defining a concept with '-(이)란'.

그는 밤늦게 귀가하던 중 골목길에서 수상한 사람을 발견하고 신고했다.

While returning home late at night, he spotted a suspicious person in an alley and reported it.

-던 중 meaning 'while in the middle of'.

자녀의 늦은 귀가는 부모에게 언제나 걱정거리이다.

A child's late return home is always a source of worry for parents.

Noun usage as a gerund-like subject.

그는 억울한 누명을 벗고 드디어 가족의 품으로 귀가할 수 있었다.

He was cleared of the false accusation and was finally able to return home to his family's embrace.

Metaphorical '가족의 품'.

문학 작품에서 귀가는 종종 방랑의 끝과 자아의 발견을 상징한다.

In literary works, returning home often symbolizes the end of wandering and the discovery of self.

Academic/Literary analysis tone.

그는 정치적 망명 생활을 청산하고 마침내 고국으로의 귀가를 결행했다.

He ended his life of political exile and finally decided to return to his homeland.

High-level vocabulary '청산하다', '결행하다'.

법원은 피의자의 도주 우려가 없다고 판단하여 귀가 조치를 내렸다.

The court ruled that the suspect was not a flight risk and ordered them to be sent home.

Legal terminology '도주 우려', '판단하여'.

전쟁터에서 사선을 넘나들던 병사들에게 귀가는 유일한 희망이었다.

For soldiers who crossed the line between life and death on the battlefield, returning home was their only hope.

Evocative, emotional narrative style.

사회의 안전망이 확충됨에 따라 여성들의 안심 귀가권이 보장되어야 한다.

As the social safety net expands, women's right to a safe return home must be guaranteed.

Sociopolitical context with '-권' (right).

귀가하는 길에 마주친 노을은 고단한 하루를 위로해 주는 선물 같았다.

The sunset encountered on the way home was like a gift that comforted a weary day.

Poetic description with personification.

그의 갑작스러운 귀가는 가족들에게 형언할 수 없는 기쁨을 안겨주었다.

His sudden return home brought indescribable joy to his family.

Advanced idiom '형언할 수 없는'.

현대 사회의 분절된 삶 속에서 진정한 의미의 귀가는 점점 어려워지고 있다.

In the fragmented life of modern society, returning home in its true sense is becoming increasingly difficult.

Philosophical/Sociological reflection.

Common Collocations

귀가 시간

귀가 조치

안심 귀가

조기 귀가

귀가 길

무사 귀가

귀가 거부

귀가 행렬

귀가 전쟁

귀가 지도

Common Phrases

귀가 중이다

— To be on the way home. Used to update others on your location.

지금 귀가 중이니까 조금만 기다려.

귀가 시키다

— To send someone home. Used by authorities or parents.

아이를 일찍 귀가 시켰어요.

귀가가 늦다

— To be late returning home. A common complaint or observation.

요즘 귀가가 너무 늦는 거 아니니?

귀가를 서두르다

— To hurry home. Used when one is in a rush.

비가 오기 시작해서 귀가를 서둘렀다.

귀가 보고

— Reporting that one has arrived home. Common in military or strict families.

집에 도착하면 귀가 보고를 해라.

귀가 권고

— Recommendation to go home. Used during emergencies.

태풍 경보로 귀가 권고가 내려졌다.

귀가 차량

— Vehicles returning home. Used in traffic reports.

귀가 차량으로 도로가 막힙니다.

귀가 본능

— The instinct to return home. Used humorously about someone who always goes home early.

그는 귀가 본능이 대단하다.

귀가 동행

— Accompanying someone home. Often for safety.

밤늦게 친구와 귀가 동행을 했다.

귀가 완료

— Return home completed. Formal status update.

전 부대원 귀가 완료.

Often Confused With

귀가 vs 귀국

귀국 is returning to one's country; 귀가 is returning to one's house.

귀가 vs 퇴근

퇴근 is leaving work; you can go somewhere else before 귀가.

귀가 vs 하교

하교 is leaving school; similar to 퇴근 but for students.

Idioms & Expressions

"귀가 본능"

— Homing instinct; the tendency to want to return home as soon as possible.

파티가 시작되기도 전에 귀가 본능이 발동했다.

Colloquial

"귀가 전쟁"

— Home-coming war; the extreme traffic or chaos during peak hours or holidays.

추석 연휴의 귀가 전쟁은 매년 반복된다.

Journalistic

"귀가 도장"

— Home-coming stamp; checking in at home (metaphorically).

그는 매일 9시 전에 귀가 도장을 찍는다.

Informal

"귀가길이 구만리"

— The way home is nine thousand miles; used when one has a very long or difficult journey home.

피곤한데 귀가길이 구만리라 걱정이다.

Metaphorical

"귀가 조치"

— Sending home; often used in police or medical contexts as a formal procedure.

단순 훈방 후 귀가 조치되었다.

Formal

"집 나가면 개고생"

— Leaving home is just suffering; an idiom emphasizing the comfort of returning home.

여행은 좋지만 역시 귀가하니 편하다. 집 나가면 개고생이다.

Slang/Informal

"금의환향"

— Returning home in embroidered clothes; returning home after achieving great success.

그는 올림픽 금메달을 따고 금의환향했다.

Literary/Hanja

"귀가 시계"

— Home-coming clock; someone whose return time is very predictable.

그는 귀가 시계처럼 정확한 시간에 돌아온다.

Informal

"안심 귀가"

— Safe return; a societal concept of ensuring people get home without danger.

안심 귀가는 시민의 권리입니다.

Political/Social

"귀가 명령"

— Order to return home; used by employers or governments.

비상사태로 전 직원 귀가 명령이 내려졌다.

Official

Easily Confused

귀가 vs 귀가

Sounds like 'ear' (귀) + 'price' (가).

Context will clarify; 'ear price' is not a common phrase, whereas 'returning home' is.

귀가 아파요 (My ear hurts) vs 귀가해요 (I'm going home).

귀가 vs 귀가

Sounds like 'Gwigga' (near the ear).

귓가 (near the ear) has a 's' sound (sai-siot) and refers to the area around the ear.

귓가에 속삭이다 (Whisper in the ear).

귀가 vs 귀가

Confused with 'Giga' (energy/spirit).

기가 (energy) is usually used with '막히다' (to be stunned).

기가 막히다 (To be amazing/appalling).

귀가 vs 귀가

Confused with 'Giga' (Giga-byte).

Loanword usage in technology.

10기가 데이터 (10 Giga data).

귀가 vs 귀가

Confused with 'Gwigga' (Ghost/Spirit).

귀가 (Ghost) is not a common word; '귀신' is used.

N/A

Sentence Patterns

N(시간)에 귀가해요.

7시에 귀가해요.

Adj + 귀가

늦은 귀가, 빠른 귀가

V-는 길에 귀가하다

시장에 들렀다가 귀가하다.

N(이)로 인해 귀가가 늦어지다

사고로 인해 귀가가 늦어지다.

귀가 조치되다/내려지다

훈방 후 귀가 조치되었다.

귀가 본능이 발동하다

피곤해서 귀가 본능이 발동했다.

귀가 시간은 N(시)이다

제 귀가 시간은 10시예요.

안전하게 귀가하다

친구를 안전하게 귀가시켰다.

Word Family

Nouns

귀가 시간

귀가 조치

귀가 길

조기 귀가

Verbs

귀가하다

귀가시키다

Adjectives

귀가 중인

귀국

귀환

귀성

퇴근

하교

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in both spoken and written Korean.

Common Mistakes

Saying '집에 귀가해요'. → 귀가해요 or 집에 가요.
It's redundant because '가' in '귀가' already means house.
Using '귀가' for returning to a hotel. → 숙소로 돌아가다.
'귀가' is specifically for one's permanent or family home.
Using '귀가' for returning to one's country. → 귀국.
'귀국' is for country, '귀가' is for home.
Forgetting '하다' when using it as a verb. → 귀가하다.
'귀가' is a noun; it needs '하다' to function as a verb.
Using '귀가' in very casual banmal with friends. → 집에 갈게.
It can sound a bit too formal or stiff in casual speech.

Tips

Use in Journals

When writing a diary in Korean, using '귀가했다' instead of '집에 갔다' makes your writing sound more sophisticated and polished.

Particle Pairing

Remember that '귀가' is a noun. Use '귀가가' for subjects (귀가가 늦다) and '귀가를' for objects (귀가를 서두르다).

Polite Inquiries

When asking a boss or elder when they are going home, '언제 귀가하세요?' is much more respectful than '언제 집에 가요?'.

Safe Return

Look for the phrase '안심 귀가' in Korean cities. It indicates well-lit paths or services designed to keep you safe at night.

Hanja Roots

Learning the '귀' (Return) root will help you understand other words like '귀국' (return to country) and '귀환' (official return).

News Reports

Listen for '귀가' during Chuseok or Seollal news coverage to see how it's used to describe large-scale movement.

Compound Nouns

Master '귀가 시간' and '귀가 길' as these are the two most common compound nouns you will use.

Homing Instinct

Use '귀가 본능' humorously when a friend always wants to leave the party early to go home.

Official Contexts

Recognize '귀가 조치' in news or legal contexts to mean 'sent home' rather than 'went home voluntarily'.

Appropriate Register

Don't use '귀가' with very young children or pets; stick to '집에 가자' for a more natural tone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gwi' as 'Go-In' and 'Ga' as 'Garage'. You 'Go-In' your 'Garage' when you return home.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright light shining from a window of a house at night, welcoming you back.

Word Web

Home Return Night Safety Family Door Routine Rest

Challenge

Try to use '귀가' instead of '집에 가요' in your next Korean diary entry or when talking to a teacher.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 歸 (gwi) and 家 (ga).

Original meaning: 歸 (Return/Go back) + 家 (House/Family).

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that for some, 'returning home' can be a sensitive topic if they have difficult family situations.

In English, we usually just say 'going home.' 'Returning home' sounds a bit more formal, similar to how '귀가' sounds in Korean compared to '집에 가다'.

The song '귀가' (Returning Home) by various Korean artists often explores the loneliness or relief of the evening commute. News headlines during Chuseok always feature the word '귀가 행렬' (home-coming procession). Police reports in K-Dramas frequently use '귀가 조치' when a character is released.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

After Work/School

퇴근 후 귀가
하교 후 귀가
귀가가 늦어지다
귀가 시간을 알리다

Safety/Police

안심 귀가 서비스
귀가 조치
안전한 귀가
귀가 길 순찰

Travel/Holidays

귀가 행렬
귀가 차량
고향 귀가
무사 귀가

Family/Domestic

귀가 시간 엄수
귀가 보고
부모님 귀가
일찍 귀가하다

News/Weather

조기 귀가 권고
귀가 비상
귀가 대란
귀가길 날씨

Conversation Starters

"보통 몇 시에 귀가하세요?"

"어제 귀가 길에 재미있는 일이 있었나요?"

"귀가 시간이 늦어지면 가족들이 걱정하시나요?"

"안심 귀가 서비스를 이용해 본 적이 있나요?"

"가장 행복한 귀가 순간은 언제인가요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 나의 귀가 길에 본 풍경을 묘사해 보세요.

나에게 '귀가'란 어떤 의미인가요? 단순히 집으로 가는 것인가요, 아니면 휴식의 시작인가요?

귀가 시간이 늦었을 때 겪었던 에피소드를 써 보세요.

우리 동네의 안심 귀가 환경에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?

어린 시절 나의 귀가 시간과 지금의 귀가 시간을 비교해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, '귀가' specifically refers to returning to one's own residence or family home. You wouldn't use it to describe going to a friend's house.

Yes, it's very common in texts like '지금 귀가 중' (On my way home) or '무사 귀가 완료' (Arrived home safely).

'집에 가다' is casual and general. '귀가' is more formal and emphasizes the 'return' aspect. For example, news reports always use '귀가'.

You can say '귀가 시간' (return home time) or more strictly '통금 시간' (curfew time).

No, it is neutral. To make it honorific, you must add '-시-', making it '귀가하시다'.

Usually, it's for humans. For animals returning to a nest or den, other terms like '귀소' (returning to the nest) are used.

It means the police have finished their immediate questioning and are allowing the person to go home instead of detaining them.

No, '귀가' contains the character '家' (home). To return to the office, you would use '복귀' (return to post).

Yes, especially in songs about the end of the day, loneliness, or missing home.

It means 'early return home,' often due to a holiday, bad weather, or a completed task.