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Vocabulary
교수하다

A2 verb 7 min read

교수하다

gyosuhada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 교수하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 교수하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 가르치다 (to teach). However, you might see the noun 교수 (professor) very early on. Think of 교수하다 as the 'job action' that a professor does. While you won't use this word yourself in basic conversations, knowing that it exists will help you understand formal introductions. If you see a sign at a university that says '교수', it refers to the person. If you see '교수하다' in a textbook, it means that person is performing their professional duty of teaching high-level subjects.

At the A2 level, you are beginning to distinguish between formal and informal language. 교수하다 is a formal verb. You should use it when you are writing a formal essay about education or when you are talking about what a professor does at a university. It is important to remember that this word is not for teaching friends or children. It is specifically for 'professional instruction.' If you want to say 'The professor teaches Korean,' you can say '교수님이 한국어를 가르치십니다' (common) or '교수님이 한국어를 교수하십니다' (very formal).

At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize 교수하다 in academic texts or news reports. You will notice that it is often used in the context of 'specialized knowledge.' For example, teaching law, medicine, or engineering is often described as 교수하다. You should also start noticing derived words like 교수법 (teaching methods). In B1, you are expected to understand that using this word elevates the tone of your speech or writing, making it sound more professional and academic.

At the B2 level, you should use 교수하다 naturally in formal presentations or academic writing. You should understand its relationship with other Hanja-based words like 교육 (education) and 지도 (guidance). You will often see this word in the passive voice or as part of a complex sentence structure, such as '이론을 교수하기 위해' (in order to teach the theory). You should also be comfortable using the honorific version 교수하시다 when referring to esteemed figures in your field of study.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the subtle differences between 교수하다 and its synonyms like 설파하다 (to preach/expound) or 전수하다 (to transmit). You will encounter 교수하다 in philosophical treatises, legal statutes, and high-level academic journals. You should be able to discuss the 'act of teaching' (교수 행위) as a theoretical concept. At this level, you are expected to use the word with precision, acknowledging the institutional authority it implies.

At the C2 level, 교수하다 is a tool for nuanced academic discourse. You can use it to discuss the history of pedagogy, the evolution of university instruction, or the legal definitions of teaching responsibilities. You understand how this word fits into the broader linguistic landscape of 'Sino-Korean' vocabulary (Hanja) and can use it to create highly sophisticated, formal prose that meets the standards of professional academia in Korea. You also recognize its use in classical literature or archival documents from the early modern period.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

교수하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning 'to teach'.
Used mostly in university contexts.
Implies professional or academic instruction.
Requires honorifics when referring to professors.

The Korean verb 교수하다 (gyosuhada) is a highly formal and specific term used to describe the act of teaching, instruction, or the imparting of knowledge. While the general word for 'to teach' in Korean is 가르치다 (gareuchida), 교수하다 carries a much more academic and professional weight. It is derived from the Hanja characters 敎 (teach) and 授 (give/bestow), literally meaning 'to bestow teaching.' This word is most commonly encountered in the context of higher education, such as universities or professional research institutions.

Academic Context: This verb is almost exclusively used when the subject is a professor (교수) or a recognized expert delivering a structured curriculum to adult students or peers.

When you use 교수하다, you are emphasizing the systematic and specialized nature of the information being shared. You wouldn't use this word to describe teaching a child how to tie their shoes or showing a friend how to use a mobile app. Instead, you would use it when discussing a professor delivering a lecture on quantum mechanics or a master artisan instructing apprentices in a traditional craft that requires deep theoretical understanding.

박 교수님은 30년 동안 이 대학에서 경제학을 교수하셨습니다.

Translation: Professor Park has taught economics at this university for 30 years.

In modern Korean society, education is held in extremely high regard. The distinction between general teaching and professional instruction reflects the social hierarchy and the respect accorded to those in academic positions. Using 교수하다 correctly signals that you understand these nuances and are capable of navigating formal, respectful environments.

Social Nuance: Using this word implies a level of authority and mastery over the subject matter. It creates a professional distance between the instructor and the learner.

그는 후학들에게 자신의 철학을 교수하기 위해 책을 썼다.

Translation: He wrote a book to instruct future scholars in his philosophy.

Furthermore, 교수하다 is often found in passive or nominalized forms in academic papers, such as '교수법' (teaching methods) or '교수 내용' (instructional content). It serves as a building block for technical terms in the field of education science (교육학). Understanding this word helps you decode complex academic texts and formal news reports regarding educational policies.

Using 교수하다 correctly requires attention to the subject and the object of the sentence. Since it is a formal verb, it is almost always paired with the honorific suffix -시- when the person teaching is someone older or of higher status, which is usually the case. The basic structure is [Subject]이/가 [Subject Matter]을/를 교수하다.

The Honorific Form: Because '교수하다' refers to professional teaching, you will most often see it as '교수하시다' in polite conversation or formal writing.

강 교수님께서는 이번 학기에 서양 미술사를 교수하십니다.

Translation: Professor Kang is teaching Western Art History this semester.

In professional settings, the verb is often used to describe the scope of one's professional duties. For instance, in a CV or a faculty profile, you might see a list of subjects that a professor is qualified to teach. In these instances, the word represents a professional qualification rather than just a temporary action.

Nominalization: The noun form '교수' (teaching/professor) is frequently combined with other nouns to create compound terms used in university administration.

효과적인 교수 방법을 연구하는 것이 중요합니다.

Translation: It is important to research effective teaching methods.

Another common usage pattern is identifying the target audience using the particle -에게 (to) or -에게서 (from). However, when receiving instruction from a professor, it is more natural to use 배우다 (to learn) or 사사하다 (to study under a master) rather than saying 'someone 교수하다 me'. 교수하다 is strictly from the perspective of the teacher giving the knowledge.

이 과정은 학생들에게 실무 기술을 교수하는 데 중점을 둡니다.

Translation: This course focuses on teaching practical skills to students.

You are most likely to encounter 교수하다 in formal, institutional, or academic settings. It is not a word you would typically hear in a casual conversation at a coffee shop or a family dinner. Instead, listen for it in the following environments:

University Campus: In department meetings, official syllabus descriptions, and academic advising sessions, this word is the standard term for the act of instruction.

In news broadcasts, especially those covering education reform or university rankings, journalists will use 교수하다 to sound objective and professional. For example, a report might state, 'The university has recruited global experts to 교수하다 (teach) cutting-edge technology.' This elevates the tone of the broadcast and emphasizes the expertise of the individuals involved.

정부는 대학이 신기술을 더 잘 교수할 수 있도록 지원할 방침입니다.

Translation: The government plans to support universities so they can better teach new technologies.

Another common place is in historical dramas (Sa-geuk) or literature when a mentor is passing down a secret technique or a deep philosophy to a chosen disciple. Even though it's an academic word today, its roots in 'bestowing knowledge' make it suitable for these high-stakes, traditional contexts.

Legal and Administrative Documents: Contracts for adjunct professors or educational laws frequently use '교수하다' to define the scope of work and legal responsibilities of educators.

교원은 법령이 정하는 바에 따라 학생을 교수한다.

Translation: Teachers shall instruct students as prescribed by laws and regulations.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 교수하다 is using it in too casual a context. Because English uses 'teach' for almost everything, it is tempting to translate 'teach me how to cook' as '요리하는 법을 교수해 줘.' However, this sounds incredibly strange—almost as if you are asking your friend to give you a formal university lecture on the chemical properties of boiling water while they are just trying to make ramen.

Contextual Mismatch: Avoid using '교수하다' for simple skills, hobbies, or everyday tasks. Use '가르치다' instead.

동생에게 자전거 타는 법을 교수했다. (Wrong)
동생에게 자전거 타는 법을 가르쳤다. (Correct)

Another mistake is confusing the noun 교수 (professor) with the verb 교수하다 (to teach). While they share the same Hanja, they function differently in a sentence. You cannot say '나는 교수다' to mean 'I am teaching'; that sentence means 'I am a professor.' To say you are teaching in a formal sense, you must use the verb form 교수하고 있다.

Finally, learners often forget the honorifics. Since the act of '교수하다' is typically performed by someone in a position of respect, failing to use -시- (as in 교수하신다 or 교수하십니다) when talking about a professor can come across as rude or uneducated. Always consider the social status of the person performing the action.

Honorific Neglect: When the subject is a professor, always use '교수하시다'. Using the plain form '교수하다' makes it sound like you are talking about an object rather than a respected person.

Understanding the synonyms of 교수하다 will help you choose the right word for the right situation. While they all relate to teaching, their nuances vary significantly.

가르치다 (Gareuchida): The most common and versatile word for 'to teach'. It can be used for anything from teaching a child to read to a professor teaching a class. It is the safe, default choice.
강의하다 (Gang-uihada): Specifically means 'to lecture'. While '교수하다' covers the whole act of instruction, '강의하다' focuses on the verbal delivery of a lesson in a classroom setting.
지도하다 (Jidohada): Means 'to guide' or 'to direct'. This is used when a teacher oversees a project, a thesis, or a sports team. It implies a more hands-on, guiding role than just lecturing.

For very specialized or traditional contexts, you might encounter 전수하다 (Jeonsuhada). This means to 'pass down' a skill or secret, often from a master to a successor. It is common in the arts, traditional crafts, or martial arts.

장인은 제자에게 비법을 전수했다.

Translation: The master passed down the secret technique to the disciple.

Another academic alternative is 교육하다 (Gyoyukhada), which means 'to educate'. This is a broader term that encompasses not just teaching a subject, but the entire process of upbringing and character building within an educational system.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 授 (give) is also used in the word '수여식' (award ceremony), implying that teaching is a formal gift of knowledge.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kjo.su.ɦa.da/

US /kjoʊ.su.hɑ.dɑ/

The stress is relatively even, but a slight emphasis is often placed on the first syllable '교'.

Rhymes With

조수하다 (josuhada) 보수하다 (bosuhada) 소수하다 (sosuhada) 호수하다 (hosuhada) 도수하다 (dosuhada) 로수하다 (rosuhada) 모수하다 (mosuhada) 포수하다 (posuhada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '교' as '구' (ku)
Making the 'h' in 'ha' too strong
Failing to keep the 'u' in 'su' short.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in academic texts and news, but rarely in casual webtoons.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of formal particles and honorifics.

Speaking 4/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly stiff if used in the wrong context.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the '교수' root.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가르치다 교수 학교 배우다 공부하다

Learn Next

강의하다 지도하다 전수하다 교육학 학문

Advanced

설파하다 훈육하다 교화하다 계몽하다 사사받다

Grammar to Know

Honorific suffix -시-

교수님께서 교수하십니다.

Object particle -을/를

수학을 교수하다.

Nominalizer -는 것

교수하는 것은 어렵다.

Reason ending -기 때문에

교수하기 때문에 바쁩니다.

Intention ending -으려고

교수하려고 준비합니다.

Examples by Level

그는 대학교 교수입니다.

He is a university professor.

Uses the noun '교수'.

교수님이 교실에 계십니다.

The professor is in the classroom.

Uses honorific '계시다'.

교수님, 질문이 있습니다.

Professor, I have a question.

Direct address to a professor.

저는 교수님을 좋아해요.

I like the professor.

Object particle '을'.

교수님이 책을 읽으세요.

The professor is reading a book.

Honorific ending '-으세요'.

이분은 우리 교수님이세요.

This person is our professor.

Polite identification.

교수님이 한국어를 가르치세요.

The professor teaches Korean.

Uses '가르치다' which is more common at A1.

교수님이 학교에 오십니다.

The professor is coming to school.

Honorific '-오십니다'.

교수님은 학생들에게 역사를 교수하십니다.

The professor teaches history to the students.

Formal '교수하다' with honorifics.

그는 대학에서 수학을 교수한다.

He teaches mathematics at the university.

Plain formal style.

어떤 과목을 교수하세요?

What subject do you teach?

Interrogative honorific.

교수님은 훌륭하게 교수하십니다.

The professor teaches excellently.

Adverbial use.

우리는 교수님께 많은 것을 배웁니다.

We learn many things from the professor.

Using '배우다' as the counterpart.

그는 음악을 교수하기 위해 한국에 왔다.

He came to Korea to teach music.

'-기 위해' (in order to).

교수님은 매일 아침 강의를 교수하십니다.

The professor teaches a lecture every morning.

Frequency adverb '매일'.

이 책은 교수하는 방법을 설명합니다.

This book explains how to teach.

Noun phrase '교수하는 방법'.

교수님은 전공 분야를 깊이 있게 교수하셨다.

The professor taught his major field in depth.

'깊이 있게' (in depth).

대학에서는 전문 지식을 교수하는 것이 목적입니다.

The purpose of a university is to teach specialized knowledge.

'-는 것' nominalizer.

그는 은퇴 후에도 후배들을 교수하고 있다.

Even after retirement, he is teaching his juniors.

'은퇴 후에도' (even after retirement).

교수하는 내용이 조금 어렵습니다.

The content being taught is a bit difficult.

Modifying the noun '내용'.

효과적으로 교수하기 위해서는 준비가 필요하다.

Preparation is necessary to teach effectively.

'-기 위해서는' (in order to).

그는 자신의 기술을 제자들에게 교수했다.

He taught his skills to his disciples.

'제자' (disciple/student).

이 프로그램은 외국인들에게 한국 문화를 교수합니다.

This program teaches Korean culture to foreigners.

Target audience '외국인들에게'.

교수님은 항상 열정적으로 교수하신다.

The professor always teaches passionately.

'열정적으로' (passionately).

학문적 성과를 바탕으로 학생들을 교수해야 한다.

Students should be taught based on academic achievements.

'-를 바탕으로' (based on).

그는 평생을 학문 연구와 교수하는 일에 바쳤다.

He dedicated his whole life to academic research and teaching.

'바쳤다' (dedicated).

새로운 교수법을 도입하여 창의성을 교수한다.

By introducing new teaching methods, they teach creativity.

'-하여' (by doing).

교수하는 과정에서 학생들과의 소통이 중요하다.

Communication with students is important in the teaching process.

'소통' (communication).

그는 대학원생들에게 연구 윤리를 교수했다.

He taught research ethics to graduate students.

'연구 윤리' (research ethics).

이 대학은 실용적인 학문을 교수하는 것으로 유명하다.

This university is famous for teaching practical sciences.

'실용적인' (practical).

교수하는 사람의 태도가 학습자에게 큰 영향을 미친다.

The attitude of the person teaching has a great influence on the learner.

'영향을 미친다' (to influence).

그는 복잡한 이론을 알기 쉽게 교수하는 능력이 있다.

He has the ability to teach complex theories in an easy-to-understand way.

'알기 쉽게' (easy to understand).

고등 교육 기관의 주된 임무는 지식을 교수하고 탐구하는 것이다.

The primary mission of higher education institutions is to teach and explore knowledge.

'탐구하다' (to explore/investigate).

그는 전통 무용의 정수를 후학들에게 교수하고 있다.

He is teaching the essence of traditional dance to future scholars.

'정수' (essence).

교수하는 행위는 단순히 지식을 전달하는 것 이상이다.

The act of teaching is more than just delivering knowledge.

'단순히 ~ 이상이다'.

그는 평생 동안 진리를 교수하는 데 매진해 왔다.

He has been devoted to teaching the truth throughout his life.

'매진하다' (to strive/devote).

교수자와 학습자 간의 상호작용이 교수 효율을 높인다.

Interaction between the instructor and the learner increases teaching efficiency.

'교수자' (instructor).

이 논문은 비판적 사고를 교수하는 방안을 제시한다.

This paper suggests ways to teach critical thinking.

'비판적 사고' (critical thinking).

그는 고전 문학을 통해 인류의 가치를 교수하고자 했다.

He intended to teach human values through classical literature.

'-하고자 하다' (intend to).

교수하는 방식의 다양화가 교육의 질을 결정한다.

The diversification of teaching methods determines the quality of education.

'다양화' (diversification).

대학의 자율성은 무엇을 어떻게 교수할 것인가를 결정하는 권리에서 비롯된다.

University autonomy stems from the right to decide what and how to teach.

'자율성' (autonomy).

그는 형이상학적 원리를 교수함으로써 존재의 의미를 일깨웠다.

By teaching metaphysical principles, he awakened the meaning of existence.

'형이상학적' (metaphysical).

교수 행위의 윤리적 책임은 지식의 객관성을 담보하는 데 있다.

The ethical responsibility of teaching lies in guaranteeing the objectivity of knowledge.

'담보하다' (to guarantee/secure).

그는 당대 최고의 석학으로서 왕세자에게 유학을 교수하였다.

As the greatest scholar of his time, he taught Confucianism to the crown prince.

'석학' (great scholar).

교수 체계의 전면적인 개편이 시급하다는 목소리가 높다.

There are loud voices saying that a comprehensive reorganization of the teaching system is urgent.

'전면적인 개편' (comprehensive reorganization).

그는 학문의 경계를 넘나들며 융합적 사고를 교수하는 데 선구자적 역할을 했다.

He played a pioneering role in teaching convergent thinking while crossing academic boundaries.

'선구자적' (pioneering).

지식을 교수함에 있어 편향된 시각을 배제하는 것은 학자의 의무이다.

It is a scholar's duty to exclude biased perspectives when teaching knowledge.

'편향된 시각' (biased view).

그의 교수 철학은 인간 존중과 진리 탐구에 뿌리를 두고 있다.

His teaching philosophy is rooted in respect for humans and the search for truth.

'뿌리를 두고 있다' (to be rooted in).

Common Collocations

학문을 교수하다

지식을 교수하다

기술을 교수하다

이론을 교수하다

교과목을 교수하다

직접 교수하다

효과적으로 교수하다

열정적으로 교수하다

체계적으로 교수하다

무료로 교수하다

Common Phrases

교수법

— Teaching methodology.

새로운 교수법을 연구합니다.

교수 매체

— Instructional media (tools).

교수 매체를 활용한 수업.

교수 요목

— A syllabus or curriculum outline.

교수 요목을 작성했습니다.

교수진

— The faculty or teaching staff.

우리 대학은 우수한 교수진을 보유하고 있다.

교수 설계

— Instructional design.

체계적인 교수 설계가 필요하다.

교수 활동

— Teaching activities.

교수 활동에 전념하고 있다.

교수 능력

— Teaching ability.

그는 교수 능력이 뛰어납니다.

교수 자료

— Teaching materials.

교수 자료를 준비했습니다.

교수 원리

— Principles of teaching.

학습 심리학에 기반한 교수 원리.

교수 체제

— Teaching system.

효율적인 교수 체제를 구축하다.

Often Confused With

교수하다 vs 가르치다

General teaching vs. Academic instruction.

교수하다 vs 가리키다

To point at something vs. To teach.

교수하다 vs 교수 (Noun)

The person (professor) vs. The act (teaching).

Idioms & Expressions

"교수대에 서다"

— While literally 'to stand on the gallows', in an academic joke, it can mean to stand at the lectern to teach a very difficult class.

오늘도 힘겹게 교수대에 섰다.

Jocular

"입을 열어 교수하다"

— To start speaking to impart wisdom (literary).

스승님이 입을 열어 교수하기 시작했다.

Literary

"몸소 교수하다"

— To teach by doing/personally showing.

장인은 제자에게 몸소 교수했다.

Formal

"한 수 교수하다"

— To teach a 'move' or a trick (often in games like Go or Chess).

저에게 한 수 교수해 주십시오.

Informal/Polite

"도를 교수하다"

— To teach the 'Way' or spiritual truth.

도사는 제자에게 도를 교수했다.

Spiritual

"대를 이어 교수하다"

— To teach over generations.

가업의 기술을 대를 이어 교수하다.

Formal

"귀에 못이 박히도록 교수하다"

— To teach something so many times it gets stuck in the ear.

선생님은 예절을 귀에 못이 박히도록 교수하셨다.

Idiomatic

"뼈를 깎는 노력으로 교수하다"

— To teach with agonizing effort.

그는 뼈를 깎는 노력으로 지식을 교수했다.

Emphatic

"마음을 다해 교수하다"

— To teach with all one's heart.

그녀는 아이들을 마음을 다해 교수했다.

Emotional

"천직으로 알고 교수하다"

— To teach, believing it is one's calling.

그는 교수하는 일을 천직으로 안다.

Formal

Easily Confused

교수하다 vs 가르치다

Both mean 'to teach'.

가르치다 is for everything; 교수하다 is for high-level/academic settings.

엄마가 요리를 가르쳐요. (Correct) / 엄마가 요리를 교수해요. (Strange)

교수하다 vs 지도하다

Both involve instruction.

지도하다 is more about guidance and directing; 교수하다 is about imparting knowledge/lecturing.

교수님이 논문을 지도하신다.

교수하다 vs 교육하다

Both relate to education.

교육하다 is a broader term for 'to educate' (including morals); 교수하다 is the specific act of teaching a subject.

아이들을 바르게 교육해야 한다.

교수하다 vs 강의하다

Both happen in classrooms.

강의하다 is 'to lecture' (verbal); 교수하다 is the overall academic instruction.

오늘 1시간 동안 강의했다.

교수하다 vs 전수하다

Both involve passing knowledge.

전수하다 is for secrets, traditions, or skills; 교수하다 is for academic subjects.

무술 비법을 전수하다.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]은/는 [Subject Matter]을/를 교수합니다.

선생님은 영어를 교수합니다.

[Subject]께서 [Subject Matter]을/를 교수하십니다.

교수님께서 법학을 교수하십니다.

[Place]에서 [Subject Matter]을/를 교수하고 있습니다.

서울대학교에서 경제학을 교수하고 있습니다.

[Subject Matter]을/를 교수하는 데 있어서 [Factor]이 중요합니다.

철학을 교수하는 데 있어서 비판적 사고가 중요합니다.

[Subject]은/는 [Subject Matter]의 정수를 교수함에 매진하고 있다.

그는 고전의 정수를 교수함에 매진하고 있다.

[Subject]이/가 [Subject Matter]을/를 교수합니까?

누가 수학을 교수합니까?

[Subject Matter]을/를 교수하기 위해 [Action].

과학을 교수하기 위해 실험을 합니다.

[Subject]은/는 [Subject Matter]을/를 교수하는 전문가이다.

그는 인공지능을 교수하는 전문가이다.

Word Family

Nouns

교수 (Professor/Teaching)

교수법 (Teaching method)

교수자 (Instructor)

교육 (Education)

교재 (Teaching materials)

Verbs

교수하다 (To teach)

교육하다 (To educate)

교습하다 (To train)

Adjectives

교수적 (Instructional)

교육적 (Educational)

강의 (Lecture)

학문 (Scholarship)

대학 (University)

지식 (Knowledge)

제자 (Disciple)

How to Use It

frequency

High in academic/professional contexts; Low in daily life.

Common Mistakes

친구에게 한국어를 교수했다. → 친구에게 한국어를 가르쳐 줬다.
'교수하다' is too formal for friends.
나는 교수하고 싶다. → 나는 교수가 되고 싶다. (I want to be a professor) or 가르치고 싶다.
Confusing the noun and verb.
교수님이 수학을 교수한다. → 교수님이 수학을 교수하신다.
Missing honorifics for a professor.
개에게 앉는 법을 교수하다. → 개에게 앉는 법을 가르치다.
Animals cannot be '교수하다'-ed.
저는 영어를 교수해요. → 저는 영어를 가르쳐요.
Unless you are a university professor, '가르쳐요' is more humble and appropriate.

Tips

Think University

Always associate this word with university lecture halls and graduation caps.

Honorifics are Key

Never forget the '-시-' suffix when a professor is the subject.

Learn the Root

Remember '교' (teach) and '수' (give) to remember the meaning.

Academic Tone

Use this word in essays to make your Korean sound more sophisticated and academic.

Context Clues

If you hear '교수', listen for '하다' or '하신다' to know if it's the action or the person.

Don't Overuse

Use '가르치다' for 90% of situations; save '교수하다' for that special 10%.

Respect the Teacher

Using this word correctly shows you respect the Korean educational hierarchy.

Mnemonic

Professor-ing = 교수하다.

Hanja Power

Knowing this word unlocks many other '교' and '수' words like 교육 and 수여.

No Pets!

Don't use it to teach your dog tricks—it sounds like the dog is getting a PhD!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a **Professor** (교수) **Hada**-ing (doing) their job. They are 'Professor-ing' the students.

Visual Association

Imagine a professor in a velvet robe handing a glowing book of light to a student.

Word Web

University Professor Lecture Knowledge Curriculum Degree Expertise Instruction

Challenge

Try to use '교수하다' in a sentence describing your favorite college professor's class.

Word Origin

From Hanja: 敎 (가르칠 교 - to teach) + 授 (줄 수 - to give).

Original meaning: To bestow or give instruction.

Sino-Korean (Hanja).

Cultural Context

Never use '교수하다' for animals or very young children, as it may sound mocking or overly stiff.

English speakers often use 'teach' for everything. Learning '교수하다' helps them sound more respectful and precise in Korean.

Confucius (the ultimate teacher) The movie 'The Admiral' (mentorship) Socrates (teaching method)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a University

전공을 교수하다
강의를 교수하다
학생을 교수하다
학문을 교수하다

In a Job Interview

교수 능력이 있습니다
경험을 교수하다
지식을 교수하고 싶습니다
어떻게 교수합니까?

Academic Writing

이론을 교수하다
방법을 교수하다
내용을 교수하다
체계적으로 교수하다

Formal Introduction

~에서 교수하고 계십니다
~를 교수하십니다
오랫동안 교수해 오셨습니다
훌륭하게 교수하십니다

Historical Drama

무예를 교수하다
도를 교수하다
비법을 교수하다
진리를 교수하다

Conversation Starters

"교수님께서는 어떤 과목을 교수하시나요?"

"대학에서 지식을 교수하는 것이 왜 중요할까요?"

"가장 인상 깊게 교수해주신 선생님은 누구인가요?"

"효과적으로 교수하는 방법은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"외국인에게 한국어를 교수해 본 적이 있나요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 만약 교수가 된다면 무엇을 교수하고 싶은가?

지식을 교수하는 것과 지혜를 가르치는 것의 차이는 무엇인가?

가장 효과적인 교수 방법은 무엇인지에 대해 써보자.

누군가에게 무언가를 교수했던 경험을 서술하시오.

현대 사회에서 대학이 교수해야 할 가장 중요한 가치는 무엇인가?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would sound very unnatural. Use '가르치다' instead. '교수하다' is reserved for academic or professional contexts involving adults or specialized knowledge.

Primarily, yes. It can also be used for experts who are formally instructing others, but the subject is almost always someone with high authority in their field.

'교수' is a noun meaning 'professor' or 'teaching'. '교수하다' is the verb form meaning 'to teach' (formally).

Yes, in 99% of cases. Since the person '교수하다'-ing is usually a respected figure, you should use '교수하십니다' or '교수하신다'.

Generally no. For sports, '지도하다' (to coach/guide) or '가르치다' is much more common.

Yes, it is very common in academic textbooks and descriptions of university courses.

Instead of using a passive form of '교수하다', it is more natural to say '교수님께 ~을 배웠습니다' (I learned ~ from the professor).

It means 'teaching methodology' or 'pedagogy'.

Yes, if a high-level expert is providing formal, academic-style training to employees.

Only if you are writing about a professor's lecture or if you are a professor yourself writing about your work.