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A2 noun

주일

When talking about the days of the week in Korean, "주일" (ju-il) refers to a full week, a period of seven days. While "주" (ju) can also mean 'week,' "주일" is often used in more formal contexts, or when emphasizing the entirety of the seven-day period.

For example, you might hear it in phrases like "지난 주일" (ji-nan ju-il) for 'last week' or "다음 주일" (da-eum ju-il) for 'next week,' especially in a church or official setting. It's also used when discussing events that occur once a week, such as a weekly meeting or a Sunday service.

Understanding the nuance between "주" and "주일" helps you sound more natural in different situations.

Notes & Tips

Often Confused With

주일 vs 일 (il)

일 (il) means 'day' or 'work.' This can be confusing because 주일 (juil) contains '일' and can also mean 'Sunday' (literally 'week day'). Context is key here.

주일 vs 주 (ju)

주 (ju) itself means 'week.' 주일 (juil) is a more formal or specific way to say 'week' and also specifically means 'Sunday.' In many contexts, 주 (ju) can be used as a standalone for 'week.'

주일 vs 월요일, 화요일, ... 일요일 (Monday, Tuesday, ... Sunday)

These are specific days of the week, all ending in ~요일 (~yoil), where '일' again means 'day.' 주일 (juil) can specifically refer to 일요일 (Sunday).

Easily Confused

주일 vs 금주 (geumju)

Looks similar to 주일 (juil) but means 'this week.'

금 (geum) means 'this,' so 금주 means 'this week.' 주일 refers to a general 'week' or 'Sunday.'

금주에 만나요. (Let's meet this week.)

주일 vs 주말 (jumal)

Both relate to a week, but 주말 specifically refers to the weekend.

주말 (jumal) means 'weekend' (literally 'week end'), while 주일 (juil) means 'week' or 'Sunday.'

주말 잘 보내세요. (Have a good weekend.)

주일 vs 일주일 (iljuil)

Very similar in sound and meaning, but has an added number.

일주일 (iljuil) means 'one week.' 주일 (juil) can mean 'week' or 'Sunday.' While they are related, 일주일 specifies the duration of 'one week.'

일주일 동안 여행했어요. (I traveled for one week.)

주일 vs 매주 (maeju)

Refers to a recurring weekly event, unlike the general 'week.'

매주 (maeju) means 'every week.' 주일 (juil) is the general term for 'week.'

매주 수요일에 수업이 있어요. (I have class every Wednesday.)

주일 vs 주중 (jujung)

Both refer to parts of the week, but 주중 specifically means 'weekday.'

주중 (jujung) means 'weekday' (literally 'during the week'), distinguishing it from the weekend. 주일 (juil) is the general term for 'week' or 'Sunday.'

주중에는 바빠요. (I'm busy during the week.)

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'jewel' (sounds like 'ju-il') that shines for a whole 'week'. This jewel is a symbol of the entire week, sparkling each day for seven days.

Visual Association

Picture a calendar with seven days, and on each day, a small, glowing jewel. The entire collection of seven jewels represents the 'week' (주일).

Word Web

주말 (weekend) 주중 (weekday) 이번 주 (this week) 다음 주 (next week) 지난 주 (last week)

Challenge

Complete the following sentences using '주일' appropriately: 1. 저는 __________ 동안 한국어를 공부할 거예요. (I will study Korean for a week.) 2. 우리는 다음 __________에 여행을 갈 예정이에요. (We are planning to travel next week.) 3. 매 __________ 교회에 갑니다. (I go to church every week.)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Talking about future plans/schedules

  • 다음 주일 (next week)
  • 이번 주일 (this week)
  • 지난 주일 (last week)

Discussing regular activities or occurrences

  • 매 주일 (every week)
  • 주일마다 (weekly, every week)
  • 일주일에 한 번 (once a week)

Referring to a specific day of the week, often Sunday (especially in religious contexts)

  • 주일 예배 (Sunday service)
  • 주일 학교 (Sunday school)
  • 주일에 뵙겠습니다 (See you on Sunday - often implying for a regular meeting or church)

Counting weeks or durations

  • 몇 주일 동안 (for how many weeks)
  • 한 주일 (one week)
  • 두 주일 (two weeks)

Making appointments or setting deadlines

  • 주일 내로 (within the week)
  • 이번 주일 안에 (within this week)
  • 다음 주일에 만나요 (Let's meet next week)

Conversation Starters

"이번 주일 계획이 뭐예요? (What are your plans for this week?)"

"보통 주일에 뭐 하세요? (What do you usually do on weekends/during the week?)"

"지난 주일은 어땠어요? (How was last week?)"

"다음 주일에 시간 있어요? (Do you have time next week?)"

"주말마다 보통 뭘 하세요? (What do you usually do every weekend? - *Note: While '주일' refers to the whole week, in common conversation, people often ask about weekend plans as a general 'weekly' activity*)"

Journal Prompts

이번 주일 동안 배운 새로운 한국어 단어는 무엇인가요? (What new Korean words did you learn this week?)

다음 주일에 이루고 싶은 목표 세 가지를 써보세요. (Write down three goals you want to achieve next week.)

가장 기억에 남는 지난 주일의 순간은 언제였나요? (What was the most memorable moment of last week?)

주일에 휴식을 취하는 자신만의 방법은 무엇인가요? (What are your own ways of resting during the week?)

만약 이번 주일에 특별한 일을 할 수 있다면, 무엇을 하고 싶나요? (If you could do something special this week, what would you want to do?)

Related Content

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