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임시직

A2 noun #9,500 most common 11 min read

임시직

Top 9,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 임시직 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 임시직 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex economics of the word '임시직.' Instead, think of it as a simple label for a 'short-time job.' In Korea, many people work in different ways, and this word helps you say that a job is not forever. You might see it on a sign in a window or hear someone say it when they talk about their work. It is like the English word 'temporary.' At this level, just remember that '임시' means 'for a short time' and '직' means 'job.' You can use it in very simple sentences like '임시직이에요' (It's a temporary job) to explain why a friend is only working at a place for a month. It is a useful word to know when you are learning about different types of work and people's lives in Korea. Even though it's a bit of a long word, its meaning is very clear once you break it into two parts. You can use it to talk about your own experience if you are working a short job while studying. Just remember that it's a noun, so you use it like 'job' in English. It's a good step toward understanding how Korean people talk about their daily lives and their careers.

At the A2 level, you can start using '임시직' to describe your employment status or the status of others more accurately. You should know that '임시직' (temporary position) is different from '정규직' (regular position). You might use this word when you are introducing yourself or talking about your plans. For example, '저는 지금 임시직으로 일하고 있어요' (I am working in a temporary position right now). This shows that you understand the difference between a permanent job and a short-term one. At this level, you can also understand simple news headlines or job ads that use this word. It's often found with the particle '-으로' to show the capacity in which someone is working. You might also see it paired with '구하다' (to look for) or '하다' (to do). Knowing this word helps you navigate basic conversations about work, which is a very common topic in Korea. It's a key word for understanding the structure of society and how people spend their time. You can also start to recognize that '임시직' is a more formal way to talk about work than '알바' (part-time job), which you might have learned earlier. Using '임시직' makes your Korean sound more adult and professional.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '임시직' in discussions about the labor market and personal career goals. You can explain the pros and cons of being an '임시직' worker, such as having more flexibility but less job security. You will start to see this word in more complex texts, like articles about the economy or social issues in Korea. At this level, you should be able to use related terms like '고용 불안' (job insecurity) alongside '임시직.' For example, '임시직은 고용 불안이 큰 편이에요' (Temporary positions tend to have high job insecurity). You can also use the word to compare different types of employment using '보다' or '비해.' You might also encounter '임시직' in the context of government policies or company restructuring. It's important to understand the social nuance: in Korea, being an '임시직' is often seen as a temporary stage before finding a '정규직' role. You can use this word to talk about your career path or to ask others about their work in a more nuanced way. You should also be able to distinguish '임시직' from '계약직' (contract work), noting that '임시직' often implies a more provisional or less formal arrangement than a fixed-term contract.

At the B2 level, you can use '임시직' to engage in deeper social and economic debates. You should be able to discuss the '임시직 문제' (the temporary worker issue) in Korea, which involves wage gaps, lack of benefits, and the difficulty of moving into permanent roles. You can use advanced grammar patterns to express opinions, such as '임시직이 증가함에 따라 사회적 문제가 발생하고 있다' (As temporary positions increase, social problems are arising). You will encounter this word in academic papers, editorials, and formal debates. You should understand the historical context of why '임시직' became so prevalent in Korea after the 1997 financial crisis. At this level, you should also be familiar with collocations like '임시직의 정규직 전환' (conversion of temporary positions to regular ones) and '임시직 근로자 보호법' (laws protecting temporary workers). You can use '임시직' to analyze labor statistics and provide detailed explanations of employment trends. Your ability to use this word in a variety of registers—from formal reports to nuanced personal conversations—demonstrates a high level of linguistic and cultural competence. You can also discuss how '임시직' roles vary across different industries, such as the tech sector versus the service industry.

At the C1 level, '임시직' is a word you use with precision and an understanding of its legal and systemic implications. You can discuss the nuances between '임시직,' '일용직,' and '파견직' with ease, explaining the legal definitions and the different protections afforded to each. You might analyze how '임시직' employment affects the birth rate or housing market in Korea, using sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. You can critique government labor policies or corporate strategies regarding '임시직' hiring. At this level, you are expected to understand the term in its most technical sense—how it's defined in the Labor Standards Act and how it's reported by the National Statistical Office. You can also appreciate the literary or cinematic use of '임시직' characters to represent the 'precariat' class in modern society. Whether you are writing a professional report or participating in a high-level seminar, you use '임시직' to accurately describe specific labor conditions without confusion. You can also discuss the global trend of '임시직' employment, comparing the situation in Korea with other countries, and use the term to explore themes of identity and social status in contemporary Korean culture.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '임시직' is native-like, allowing you to use it in any context, from legal drafting to poetic reflection. You understand the deepest connotations of the word, including its psychological impact on workers and its role in the shifting paradigm of work in the 21st century. You can discuss the '임시직' phenomenon using philosophical or sociological frameworks, such as precarity or the gig economy's evolution. You are comfortable using the word in highly formal speeches, academic lectures, or when negotiating labor contracts. You can detect subtle biases in how the word is used in different media outlets and can use it to construct powerful arguments about social justice or economic efficiency. Your use of '임시직' is perfectly integrated with an extensive vocabulary of related terms, allowing for a rich and varied discourse. You can even use the term metaphorically or in wordplay, showing a profound connection to the language and its cultural undercurrents. At this level, '임시직' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a tool for deep analysis and sophisticated expression, enabling you to navigate the most complex aspects of Korean society and professional life with total confidence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

임시직 in 30 Seconds

임시직 means a temporary job or interim position in Korean.
It is a compound of '임시' (temporary) and '직' (job).
It is often contrasted with '정규직', which means a permanent position.
Commonly used in news and HR to discuss job market stability.

The Korean word 임시직 (im-si-jik) is a compound noun that identifies a specific type of employment status. To understand it, we must look at its components: 임시 (im-si), meaning 'temporary' or 'provisional,' and 직 (jik), which refers to a 'job,' 'position,' or 'office.' Together, they describe a role that is not intended to be permanent. In the landscape of the South Korean labor market, this term is vital because it distinguishes workers who do not have the long-term security of a '정규직' (regular, permanent position). People use this word most frequently when discussing employment contracts, labor statistics, or personal career paths that involve short-term engagements. It is a neutral term, though it often appears in socio-economic discussions regarding job instability or the 'gig economy.' When you hear someone say they are working in an 임시직 capacity, they are indicating that their presence at the company has a predetermined end date or is dependent on a specific project's duration.

Etymology: Derived from the Hanja characters 臨時 (temporary) and 職 (job/duty). It literally translates to 'temporary duty.'

저는 지금 임시직으로 일하고 있어요. (I am currently working in a temporary position.)

In a broader cultural context, 임시직 covers a wide range of roles from office administration to seasonal labor. Unlike '알바' (part-time work), which implies fewer hours, an 임시직 worker might work full-time hours but only for a few months. For example, a company might hire an 임시직 worker to cover a maternity leave or to handle a seasonal surge in customer service requests during the winter holidays. This word is essential for anyone navigating the professional world in Korea, as it directly impacts one's benefits, insurance, and long-term financial planning. Understanding the nuance between this and '계약직' (contract worker) is also important; while they overlap, 임시직 specifically emphasizes the 'provisional' nature of the role rather than the legal contract itself.

Usage Context: Used in news reports, HR documents, and daily conversations about employment status and the economy.

회사가 어려워져서 임시직 사원들을 먼저 감원했다. (As the company faced difficulties, they first laid off the temporary employees.)

Socially, there is a significant push in Korea to convert 임시직 positions into 정규직 positions to ensure better social safety nets. When you encounter this word in a K-drama or a news article, it often carries a weight of uncertainty or the hope of eventually finding 'stable' work. It is not just a job title; it is a description of one's current economic stability. For students or those entering the workforce, an 임시직 might be a stepping stone, a way to gain experience before applying for a permanent role. It is also used in government sectors for roles that exist only for the duration of a specific task force or election cycle. By mastering this word, you gain insight into the hierarchical and structured nature of Korean corporate life.

Social Connotation: Often associated with the '880,000 Won Generation' or those struggling with job security in a competitive market.

그는 임시직이지만 정규직 못지않게 열심히 일한다. (Although he is a temporary worker, he works as hard as a regular employee.)

Using 임시직 correctly requires an understanding of how it fits into Korean sentence structures, particularly with particles and verbs related to employment. Because it is a noun, it often acts as the object of verbs like '구하다' (to seek), '얻다' (to get), or '하다' (to do/work as). For instance, when searching for a job, you might say '임시직을 구하고 있어요' (I am looking for a temporary job). If you are describing someone's current status, you would use the copula '이다' (to be) or the particle '으로' (as/in the capacity of) combined with '일하다' (to work). These grammatical markers are essential for conveying whether the temporary nature of the job is the subject of the sentence or the manner in which someone is employed.

Common Verb Pairings: 임시직으로 근무하다 (to work as a temp), 임시직을 채용하다 (to hire temp staff), 임시직에서 정규직으로 전환되다 (to be converted from temp to regular).

많은 청년들이 임시직 자리를 전전하고 있다. (Many young people are moving from one temporary position to another.)

When discussing policy or business strategies, 임시직 often appears with modifiers that describe the scale or reason for the employment. You might see phrases like '대규모 임시직 채용' (large-scale hiring of temporary workers) or '임시직 비중' (the proportion of temporary jobs). In these cases, the word functions as a technical descriptor of labor market trends. It is also important to note that 임시직 can be used to describe the position itself ('임시직 자리') or the person holding the position ('임시직 근로자'). This versatility allows it to be used in both personal narratives and formal economic reports without changing its fundamental meaning.

Grammatical Roles: Subject: 임시직이 늘어났다. (Temporary jobs increased.) Object: 임시직을 줄였다. (Reduced temporary jobs.) Adverbial: 임시직으로 채용됐다. (Was hired as a temp.)

정부는 임시직 근로자들의 처우 개선을 위해 노력하고 있다. (The government is working to improve the treatment of temporary workers.)

Furthermore, when comparing 임시직 to other job types, the comparative particle '보다' (than) is frequently used. For example, '정규직보다 임시직이 더 많아졌다' (There are now more temporary jobs than regular jobs). This usage is common in debates about the quality of employment. In professional emails or formal documents, you might encounter the term in the context of project-based work: '이번 프로젝트를 위해 임시직을 고용할 계획입니다' (We plan to hire temporary staff for this project). By practicing these varied structures, learners can transition from simple identification of the word to using it to express complex ideas about career and society.

Formal vs. Informal: In informal speech, people might just say '임시로 하는 일' (work done temporarily), but in any professional or official setting, '임시직' is the standard term.

그녀는 임시직에서 시작해 팀장이 되었다. (She started in a temporary position and became a team leader.)

You will encounter 임시직 in several distinct environments in Korea. The most common place is in the news and media. Every month, the Korean government releases employment statistics, and news anchors will often report on the '임시직 비중' (proportion of temporary jobs) to discuss the health of the economy. If the number of temporary jobs is rising while permanent jobs are falling, it is usually presented as a sign of economic instability. You'll hear phrases like '임시직 비중이 역대 최고치를 기록했습니다' (The proportion of temporary positions has reached an all-time high). This makes the word a staple of nightly news broadcasts and financial newspapers like the '매일경제' (Maeil Business Newspaper).

Media Context: Used in headlines to highlight labor market trends, wage gaps, and social security issues.

오늘 뉴스에서 임시직 고용 불안에 대해 다뤘어요. (The news today covered the job insecurity of temporary workers.)

Another place you'll hear this word is in the human resources (HR) office or on job recruitment websites like 'Saramin' or 'JobKorea.' When applying for positions, the category of the job will be clearly marked. If a position is for a specific project or a short duration, it will be labeled as 임시직. During an interview, an HR manager might clarify, '이 자리는 6개월간의 임시직입니다' (This position is a temporary role for six months). This is a crucial piece of information for job seekers, as it tells them they should continue looking for more permanent work while holding this position. It also appears in labor union discussions, where representatives fight for the rights of these workers.

Workplace Context: Found in employment contracts, internal company announcements, and during the hiring process.

계약서에 임시직이라고 명시되어 있습니다. (It is clearly stated as a temporary position in the contract.)

Finally, you will hear it in daily social conversations among friends and family. In Korea, where career stability is highly valued, telling your parents or friends that you've found an 임시직 job might be met with a mix of congratulations (for finding work) and concern (for the lack of stability). You might hear a friend say, '일단 임시직으로라도 시작하려고' (I'm planning to start even if it's just a temporary job for now). It reflects the pragmatism of the modern Korean workforce. It is also a common topic in 'K-Dramas' that focus on the struggles of the younger generation, such as 'Misaeng' or 'Record of Youth,' where characters often grapple with the limitations and prejudices faced by those in non-regular positions.

Social Context: A frequent subject of concern among parents regarding their children's long-term career prospects.

부모님은 내가 임시직인 것을 걱정하신다. (My parents are worried that I am in a temporary position.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 임시직 with 아르바이트 (Alba). While both are non-permanent, they imply different things. '알바' usually refers to part-time work, often in service industries like cafes or convenience stores, and is frequently associated with students or side hustles. 임시직, on the other hand, sounds more professional and often implies a full-time schedule, just for a limited period. Calling a professional interim consulting role an '알바' might sound dismissive of the work's importance. Conversely, calling a weekend shift at a bakery an '임시직' might sound overly formal or technical.

Confusion with Alba: Alba = Part-time/Hourly. 임시직 = Temporary status (often full-time hours).

틀린 예: 편의점에서 임시직을 해요. (Correct: 편의점에서 알바를 해요.)

Another common error is the interchangeable use of 임시직 and 계약직 (contract work). While an 임시직 role is technically a type of contract work, 계약직 is the more common legal term used in HR. 임시직 specifically highlights the 'temporary' nature, while 계약직 highlights the 'contract' agreement. In modern Korea, many people prefer to use '계약직' because it sounds more formal and established. If you use 임시직 to describe a year-long contract position at a major corporation, it might sound like the job is more precarious than it actually is. It's better to use '계약직' for formal fixed-term contracts and '임시직' for truly short-term or provisional roles.

Confusion with 계약직: 임시직 focuses on the 'transient' nature. 계약직 focuses on the 'contractual' nature.

그는 1년 계약직으로 입사했다. (He joined as a one-year contract worker - more common than saying '임시직' here.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 일용직 (daily labor). This is often confused with 임시직 because both are short-term. However, 일용직 refers specifically to workers hired on a day-to-day basis, like construction workers or day laborers. 임시직 usually implies a longer duration than just one day—perhaps weeks or months. Using '일용직' to describe a two-month office internship would be incorrect and would imply a different social and economic status. Understanding these distinctions is key to sounding natural and respectful in a Korean professional environment.

Confusion with 일용직: 일용직 = Day-to-day labor. 임시직 = Short-term but usually longer than a day.

건설 현장에는 일용직 노동자가 많다. (There are many daily laborers at construction sites.)

To truly master the vocabulary of employment in Korean, you must be able to compare 임시직 with its synonyms and related terms. Each word has a specific nuance that changes the tone of the conversation. The most important counterpart is 정규직 (regular position), which is the ultimate goal for many job seekers in Korea. It represents stability, full benefits, and long-term security. When discussing job types, you will almost always hear 임시직 contrasted with 정규직 to highlight the gap between 'stable' and 'unstable' labor. Another related term is 비정규직 (non-regular position), which is a broad umbrella term that includes 임시직, 계약직, and 파견직 (dispatched work). Using '비정규직' is more common in political and academic contexts.

임시직 vs. 정규직: 임시직 is temporary; 정규직 is permanent and stable. The contrast between them is a major social issue.

임시직보다는 정규직이 되고 싶어요. (I want to become a regular employee rather than a temporary one.)

In more casual or specific contexts, you might use 단기직 (short-term position). This word emphasizes the 'short' duration even more than '임시직' does. For example, a job that lasts only one week for a specific event would be called a '단기직'. There is also 계약직 (contract work), which we discussed earlier. While 임시직 sounds like a placeholder, 계약직 sounds like a formal arrangement with a set start and end date. In corporate settings, '계약직' is the preferred term on paper, while '임시직' might be used in more general conversation or when the job lacks a formal structure. Understanding these subtle shifts helps you navigate different social strata in Korea.

임시직 vs. 계약직: 임시직: Focuses on the 'temp' nature. 계약직: Focuses on the 'contract' itself. 계약직 is more common for 1-2 year roles.

그는 단기직으로 행사 도우미를 하고 있다. (He is working as an event assistant in a short-term position.)

Finally, consider 아르바이트 (Alba) and 일용직 (daily labor) as mentioned in the mistakes section. While they are similar, their registers and typical industries differ. 'Alba' is for service/part-time, '일용직' is for labor/day-to-day, and 임시직 is for professional or office roles that are temporary. There is also 대체직 (replacement position), which is used specifically when someone is hired to replace a regular employee who is on leave (like maternity leave). This is a very specific type of 임시직. By knowing these alternatives, you can be much more precise in your speech and writing.

Hierarchy of Terms: 비정규직 (Broad) > 임시직 (Specific status) > 대체직 (Specific reason for the temp role).

육아휴직자를 위한 대체직을 모집합니다. (We are recruiting a replacement position for someone on parental leave.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The '임' (臨) in 임시 is the same character used in '임신' (pregnancy), which is also a 'temporary' state leading to a change!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /im.ɕi.dʑik/

US /im.si.dʒɪk/

The stress is equal on all three syllables, which is typical for Korean nouns.

Rhymes With

공직 (gong-jik) 현직 (hyeon-jik) 전문직 (jeon-mun-jik) 관리직 (gwan-ri-jik) 사무직 (sa-mu-jik) 기술직 (gi-sul-jik) 생산직 (saeng-san-jik) 계약직 (gye-yak-jik)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jik' as 'jeek' with a long vowel. It should be short.
Not tensing the 'j' in 'jik' enough after the 'i' sound.
Confusing the 'si' (시) sound with a hard 's' as in 'sea'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know '임시' and '직'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of particles like '으로'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with '계약직' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

일 (Work) 사람 (Person) 있다 (To exist) 하다 (To do) 직장 (Workplace)

Learn Next

정규직 (Regular position) 비정규직 (Non-regular position) 계약직 (Contract work) 월급 (Salary) 복지 (Welfare/Benefits)

Advanced

고용보험 (Employment insurance) 노동조합 (Labor union) 최저임금 (Minimum wage) 부당해고 (Unfair dismissal) 경제활동인구 (Economically active population)

Grammar to Know

Noun + (으)로 (Capacity/Status)

임시직으로 채용되었습니다.

Noun + 이/가 되다 (To become)

임시직이 정규직이 되었어요.

-(이)지만 (Contrast)

임시직이지만 열심히 합니다.

-(으)ㄹ 뿐이다 (Merely/Only)

그는 임시직일 뿐이에요.

-(이)라서 (Reason)

임시직이라서 혜택이 없어요.

Examples by Level

이 일은 임시직이에요.

This job is a temporary position.

Simple sentence using the copula '이에요'.

임시직 자리가 있어요?

Is there a temporary position?

Using '있다' to ask about availability.

그는 임시직 사원입니다.

He is a temporary employee.

Formal '입니다' ending with '사원' (employee).

임시직은 짧아요.

Temporary jobs are short.

Adjective '짧다' (to be short) describing the noun.

저는 임시직을 해요.

I do a temporary job.

Using the object marker '을' with '하다'.

임시직을 찾아요.

I am looking for a temporary job.

Verb '찾다' (to look for/find).

여기 임시직이 많아요.

There are many temporary jobs here.

Using '많다' (to be many).

그녀는 임시직이에요.

She is a temporary worker.

Copula '이에요' used for identification.

저는 지금 임시직으로 일하고 있어요.

I am working as a temporary worker now.

Using '-으로 일하다' to express working in a certain capacity.

임시직이라서 월급이 적어요.

Because it's a temporary job, the salary is low.

Using '-(이)라서' to express a reason.

방학 동안 임시직을 구했어요.

I found a temporary job during the vacation.

Past tense '구했어요' with time expression '동안'.

임시직도 보험이 되나요?

Does insurance apply to temporary jobs too?

Questioning benefits with the particle '도' (also).

그 회사는 임시직을 많이 뽑아요.

That company hires many temporary workers.

Verb '뽑다' (to pick/hire).

임시직은 계약 기간이 짧아요.

Temporary positions have short contract periods.

Compound noun '계약 기간' (contract period).

내일부터 임시직으로 출근해요.

I start my temporary job tomorrow.

Using '출근하다' (to go to work).

친구는 임시직에서 정규직이 되었어요.

My friend went from a temporary job to a regular one.

Using '에서... (으)로' to show transition.

임시직 근로자들의 권리가 중요합니다.

The rights of temporary workers are important.

Possessive particle '의' with '권리' (rights).

많은 사람들이 임시직으로 경력을 시작해요.

Many people start their careers in temporary positions.

Using '경력을 시작하다' (to start a career).

임시직은 정규직에 비해 혜택이 적습니다.

Temporary jobs have fewer benefits compared to regular ones.

Using '에 비해' for comparison.

정부는 임시직 일자리를 늘리겠다고 발표했어요.

The government announced it would increase temporary jobs.

Reported speech '-겠다고 발표하다'.

불황 때문에 임시직 채용이 줄어들고 있어요.

Due to the recession, hiring for temporary jobs is decreasing.

Reasoning with '때문에' (because of).

그는 임시직이지만 책임감을 가지고 일해요.

Although he is a temporary worker, he works with responsibility.

Contrast with '-(이)지만' (but/although).

임시직으로 일하면 다양한 경험을 할 수 있어요.

Working in temporary positions allows for diverse experiences.

Potential form '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다'.

이번 프로젝트를 위해 임시직을 고용했습니다.

We hired temporary workers for this project.

Purpose marker '위해' (for/in order to).

임시직의 비중이 늘어나는 것은 경제 불안의 징조입니다.

The increasing proportion of temporary jobs is a sign of economic instability.

Nominalized clause '늘어나는 것' as the subject.

기업들은 유연성을 위해 임시직 고용을 선호합니다.

Companies prefer hiring temporary workers for flexibility.

Using '선호하다' (to prefer).

임시직 근로자들은 고용 불안정에 시달리고 있습니다.

Temporary workers are suffering from job instability.

Passive-like expression '시달리다' (to suffer from).

임시직에서 정규직으로의 전환율이 매우 낮습니다.

The conversion rate from temporary to regular positions is very low.

Using '전환율' (conversion rate).

그는 임시직으로 전전하며 힘든 시간을 보냈어요.

He had a hard time moving from one temporary job to another.

Verb '전전하다' (to wander/move from place to place).

임시직 보호를 위한 새로운 법안이 발의되었습니다.

A new bill for the protection of temporary workers has been proposed.

Passive form '발의되다' (to be proposed/introduced).

많은 청년들이 임시직이라는 굴레에서 벗어나지 못하고 있다.

Many young people cannot escape the shackles of temporary work.

Metaphorical use of '굴레' (shackles/yoke).

임시직은 근속 연수가 짧아 퇴직금을 받기 어렵다.

Temporary workers have short service periods, making it hard to get severance pay.

Technical term '근속 연수' (years of continuous service).

임시직 고용의 고착화는 사회 양극화를 심화시킨다.

The entrenchment of temporary employment worsens social polarization.

Advanced noun '고착화' (entrenchment) and '심화시키다' (to deepen/worsen).

정부는 임시직의 처우 개선을 최우선 과제로 삼았다.

The government has made improving the treatment of temporary workers its top priority.

Expression 'A를 B로 삼다' (to make A into B).

임시직은 노동 시장의 유연성을 확보하는 수단으로 활용된다.

Temporary work is utilized as a means to ensure labor market flexibility.

Passive '활용되다' (to be utilized).

임시직 근로자의 비중이 높을수록 소비 심리가 위축될 수 있다.

The higher the proportion of temporary workers, the more consumer sentiment may shrink.

Pattern '-(으)ㄹ수록' (the more... the more...).

임시직은 법적 보호의 사각지대에 놓여 있는 경우가 많다.

Temporary workers are often in the blind spot of legal protection.

Idiomatic expression '사각지대에 놓이다' (to be in a blind spot).

기업의 사회적 책임은 임시직의 정규직 전환에서 시작된다.

Corporate social responsibility starts with converting temporary positions to regular ones.

Subject '사회적 책임' (social responsibility).

임시직이라는 불안정한 지위가 결혼과 출산을 기피하게 만든다.

The unstable status of temporary work makes people avoid marriage and childbirth.

Causative pattern '-게 만들다' (to make someone do something).

임시직 고용 형태는 산업 구조의 변화에 따른 필연적 결과인가?

Is the temporary employment form an inevitable result of changes in industrial structure?

Rhetorical question using '필연적' (inevitable).

임시직의 양산은 노동의 가치를 훼손하고 인간의 존엄성을 위협한다.

The mass production of temporary jobs undermines the value of labor and threatens human dignity.

High-level verbs '훼손하다' (undermine) and '위협하다' (threaten).

신자유주의 경제 체제 하에서 임시직은 피할 수 없는 선택처럼 여겨진다.

Under the neoliberal economic system, temporary work is regarded as an unavoidable choice.

Abstract noun '신자유주의' (neoliberalism).

임시직 근로자의 소외 문제는 공동체의 결속력을 약화시키는 요인이다.

The alienation of temporary workers is a factor that weakens the solidarity of the community.

Complex subject phrase '소외 문제' (issue of alienation).

임시직이라는 명목 하에 자행되는 차별은 법적으로 엄격히 규제되어야 한다.

Discrimination committed under the guise of temporary work must be strictly regulated by law.

Expression '명목 하에' (under the guise/name of).

임시직의 확산이 가져올 장기적인 사회적 비용을 간과해서는 안 된다.

We must not overlook the long-term social costs that the spread of temporary work will bring.

Prohibitive pattern '-해서는 안 된다' (must not).

임시직은 현대 사회의 파편화된 노동 현실을 극명하게 보여주는 지표다.

Temporary work is an indicator that clearly shows the fragmented labor reality of modern society.

Advanced adverb '극명하게' (clearly/starkly).

노사 간의 합의를 통해 임시직의 고용 안정을 도모해야 할 시점이다.

It is time to promote the employment stability of temporary workers through labor-management agreement.

Expression '도모해야 할 시점이다' (it's time to promote/plan).

임시직의 굴레를 끊기 위해서는 근본적인 노동 개혁이 선행되어야 한다.

To break the shackles of temporary work, fundamental labor reform must come first.

Passive '선행되다' (to precede/come first).

Common Collocations

임시직을 구하다

임시직으로 근무하다

임시직 비중

임시직 채용

임시직 근로자

임시직 전환

임시직 고용

임시직 자리

임시직 신분

임시직 철폐

Common Phrases

임시직이라도 괜찮아요

— Used when expressing that even a temporary job is acceptable. It shows a willingness to work despite the lack of security.

지금은 돈이 급해서 임시직이라도 괜찮아요.

임시직으로 시작하다

— To start one's career or a new role in a temporary capacity. Often implies a hope for future permanence.

많은 인턴들이 임시직으로 시작합니다.

임시직을 전전하다

— To move from one temporary job to another repeatedly. Usually carries a negative connotation of instability.

그는 몇 년째 임시직을 전전하고 있다.

임시직에 불과하다

— To emphasize that a job is 'merely' temporary and lacks importance or longevity.

이 자리는 임시직에 불과하니 큰 기대는 마세요.

임시직 대우

— The treatment or benefits given to temporary workers. Often used when discussing discrimination.

임시직 대우가 너무 형편없어요.

임시직 모집

— Recruiting for temporary positions. Common in job advertisements.

백화점에서 세일 기간 임시직 모집을 한다.

임시직 경험

— Experience gained while working in temporary roles.

다양한 임시직 경험이 취업에 도움이 됐다.

임시직 계약

— The actual contract for a temporary position.

임시직 계약을 연장하기로 했다.

임시직 사원

— A temporary employee. A formal way to address someone in this role.

임시직 사원들에게도 명절 선물을 줬다.

임시직 문제

— The social and economic issues surrounding temporary employment.

임시직 문제는 우리 사회의 큰 숙제다.

Often Confused With

임시직 vs 알바

Alba is usually part-time and less formal; 임시직 is often full-time but temporary.

임시직 vs 계약직

계약직 is the formal HR term for fixed-term contracts; 임시직 is more general.

임시직 vs 일용직

일용직 is day-to-day manual labor; 임시직 is usually for longer periods.

Idioms & Expressions

"임시방편"

— A temporary measure or a stopgap solution. While not directly about 'jobs,' it uses the same '임시' root.

그건 임시방편일 뿐 근본적인 해결책이 아니야.

Common

"파리 목숨"

— Literally 'a fly's life.' Used to describe extremely precarious employment where one can be fired at any moment (often applied to 임시직).

임시직은 그야말로 파리 목숨이죠.

Colloquial

"찬밥 신세"

— Literally 'the status of cold rice.' Used to describe being ignored or treated poorly, which is how many 임시직 workers feel.

회사에서 임시직은 찬밥 신세예요.

Colloquial

"징검다리 일자리"

— A 'stepping stone' job. A temporary position used to move toward a better, permanent job.

이 임시직은 정규직으로 가기 위한 징검다리 일자리다.

Metaphorical

"모래성 같은 일자리"

— A job like a sandcastle. Easily destroyed and unstable.

임시직은 언제 무너질지 모르는 모래성 같은 일자리예요.

Literary

"언 발에 오줌 누기"

— Peeing on frozen feet. A temporary fix that makes things worse in the long run. Used to criticize short-term hiring policies.

임시직만 늘리는 건 언 발에 오줌 누기예요.

Proverbial

"눈 가리고 아웅"

— Hiding one's eyes and saying 'meow.' To deceive someone with a shallow trick. Used when companies pretend to solve unemployment by only hiring temps.

임시직 채용은 눈 가리고 아웅 하는 식의 대책이다.

Proverbial

"고무줄 계약"

— A 'rubber band' contract. A contract that is flexible but mostly to the benefit of the employer, often seen in temporary work.

임시직은 고무줄 계약인 경우가 많아서 불안해요.

Slang-ish

"철밥통"

— An 'iron rice bowl.' A very secure job (opposite of 임시직). Used to contrast the stability of civil servants with temps.

임시직인 저에게 철밥통은 꿈같은 이야기죠.

Colloquial

"메뚜기족"

— The 'grasshopper tribe.' People who jump from one short-term job to another.

그는 임시직을 찾아다니는 메뚜기족이다.

Social Slang

Easily Confused

임시직 vs 임시 (Temporary)

It is the root of 임시직.

임시 is an adjective/noun meaning 'temporary' in general; 임시직 is specifically a 'temporary job.'

이것은 임시 조치입니다. (This is a temporary measure.)

임시직 vs 직위 (Position)

Both contain '직'.

직위 refers to one's rank (manager, director); 임시직 refers to the employment status.

그의 직위는 팀장입니다. (His position is team leader.)

임시직 vs 단기 (Short-term)

Similar meaning of 'not long.'

단기 refers to time duration; 임시 refers to the provisional nature.

단기 연수를 떠나요. (I'm leaving for short-term training.)

임시직 vs 수습 (Probation)

Both are non-permanent at first.

수습 is a trial period for a permanent job; 임시직 is not necessarily a trial.

지금 수습 기간이에요. (I'm in a probation period.)

임시직 vs 인턴 (Intern)

Both are temporary entry-level roles.

Intern is for learning/training; 임시직 is a general category of work.

인턴으로 근무 중입니다. (I'm working as an intern.)

Sentence Patterns

N + 이에요/예요

임시직이에요.

N + (으)로 일하다

임시직으로 일해요.

N + 에 비해

임시직은 정규직에 비해 월급이 적어요.

V + 함에 따라

임시직이 늘어남에 따라 문제가 생겨요.

N + 의 사각지대

임시직은 법의 사각지대에 있어요.

N + 명목 하에

임시직이라는 명목 하에 차별을 받아요.

V + 기 위해

정규직이 되기 위해 임시직으로 시작했어요.

V + ㄴ/은 채

임시직인 채로 5년을 보냈어요.

Word Family

Nouns

임시 (Temporary/Provisional)

직업 (Occupation)

직위 (Position/Rank)

직장 (Workplace)

Verbs

직직하다 (Note: Not a standard verb, but '직무를 수행하다' is the related action).

Adjectives

임시의 (Temporary - adjectival form)

정규직

비정규직

계약직

일용직

파견직

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in economic news and workplace discussions.

Common Mistakes

Using '임시직' for a part-time cafe job. → 아르바이트 (Alba)
임시직 sounds too formal for a part-time service job. 'Alba' is the correct term for casual, hourly work.
Using '임시직' instead of '계약직' in a resume. → 계약직 (Contract work)
계약직 sounds more official and professional on a CV. 임시직 can imply a lack of a formal contract.
Confusing '임시직' with '일용직'. → 임시직 (for months) vs 일용직 (for a day)
일용직 is specifically for day labor. If the job lasts for a month, it's an 임시직, not an 일용직.
Saying '임시직이 하다' instead of '임시직을 하다'. → 임시직을 하다
The job is the object of the action, so you must use the object marker '을/를'.
Assuming '임시직' always means part-time. → 임시직 can be full-time.
Many temporary positions require 40 hours a week; the 'temporary' part refers to the contract length, not the daily hours.

Tips

Use with -으로

When saying you work 'as' a temporary worker, always use '임시직으로 일하다.' The particle '으로' shows the status or capacity.

Understand the 'Stigma'

Be aware that in Korea, 'regular' status is highly prized. Mentioning someone is 'just' an 임시직 might sound slightly pitying depending on your tone.

Learn the Antonym

You cannot truly understand '임시직' without learning '정규직' (regular position). They are two sides of the same coin in the Korean labor market.

Formal Documents

In official reports or news, you will often see '임시직 근로자' (temporary worker) rather than just '임시직' to be more precise.

News Keywords

If you hear '고용' (employment) and '불안' (unstable), the word '임시직' is likely to follow soon in a news report.

Project Work

Even if a project is high-paying and professional, if it has an end date, it is technically an 임시직 role.

Job Interviews

If an interviewer says the position is '임시직,' make sure to ask about '정규직 전환 가능성' (possibility of converting to a regular position).

Root Words

Associate '임시' with 'Temporary' and '직' with 'Job' (as in '직업'). Breaking it down makes it impossible to forget.

Empathy

When discussing work with Koreans, acknowledging the difficulty of being an 임시직 worker shows a good understanding of Korean social reality.

Alba vs Temp

Don't use '임시직' for a part-time job at a cafe; use '알바.' Using the wrong word makes you sound like you don't understand the job's nature.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IM-SI' as 'IMmediately-Stop-It' because the job will stop soon, and 'JIK' as 'Job' in Korean.

Visual Association

Imagine a name tag that is held on with a weak piece of tape instead of being pinned permanently.

Word Web

Job Temporary Money Contract Unstable Office Experience Career

Challenge

Try to use '임시직' in a sentence comparing it to '알바' to see if you can explain the difference to a friend.

Word Origin

Composed of the Hanja 臨時 (임시) and 職 (직). '임시' means 'to face the time' or 'provisional,' while '직' means 'office' or 'duty.'

Original meaning: A position held for a specific time or occasion rather than permanently.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when asking someone about their job status. Being called an '임시직' worker can sometimes feel like a reminder of their instability.

In the West, 'temping' can sometimes be a lifestyle choice for flexibility. In Korea, it is almost always seen as a less desirable alternative to permanent work.

The drama 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) portrays the intense struggle of a contract/temporary worker. The film 'Cart' focuses on the rights and protests of temporary retail workers. The term '880,000 Won Generation' is a famous socio-economic reference to this job status.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

임시직인가요?
계약 기간은요?
정규직 전환 되나요?
경력으로 인정되나요?

News Report

임시직 비중 증가
고용 불안 심화
비정규직 대책
청년 임시직

Daily Conversation

임시직이라서 불안해
잠깐 하는 일이야
정규직 되고 싶어
다른 일 찾는 중이야

HR Office

임시직 계약서
근무 기간 확인
급여 지급일
업무 범위

Labor Protest

임시직 철폐
동일 노동 동일 임금
고용 안정 보장
차별 금지

Conversation Starters

"요즘 임시직 자리가 많아진 것 같아요. 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"임시직으로 일해본 경험이 있으신가요?"

"한국에서 정규직과 임시직의 차이가 왜 그렇게 클까요?"

"임시직의 장점은 무엇이라고 생각하시나요?"

"친구에게 임시직 자리를 추천해 주실 건가요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 만약 임시직으로 일한다면, 가장 걱정되는 것은 무엇일까?

임시직 근로자들을 위해 정부가 해야 할 가장 중요한 일은?

나의 첫 직장은 임시직이었나, 정규직이었나? 그때의 느낌은?

임시직이 사회 전체에 미치는 긍정적인 영향이 있을까?

미래에는 모든 일자리가 임시직이 될 것이라는 의견에 대해 어떻게 생각하는가?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While both are temporary, '계약직' (contract work) is the more formal term used in human resources to describe a job with a specific contract end date. '임시직' (temporary position) is a more general term that emphasizes the provisional nature of the job. In a professional setting, people usually prefer to be called '계약직' as it sounds more official.

Not exactly. 'Alba' usually refers to part-time, hourly work in service industries like cafes or shops. '임시직' often refers to a full-time office or project-based role that just happens to be temporary. 'Alba' is more common for students, while '임시직' is used for general workers.

Yes, this process is called '정규직 전환' (conversion to a regular position). It is a common goal for many temporary workers in Korea, though it depends on the company's policy and the worker's performance.

In Korea, if an 임시직 worker works more than a certain number of hours per month (usually 60 hours), the employer is legally required to provide the 'Four Major Insurances' (4대 보험), which includes health insurance.

It is not offensive, but it is a reminder of job insecurity. In social settings, it's better to use more specific terms like '이번 프로젝트 팀에서 일해요' (I'm working on this project team) rather than just saying 'I'm a temp' unless asked directly about your status.

Because the gap in wages and benefits between regular (정규직) and temporary (임시직) workers is quite large. This 'dual labor market' creates social inequality and is a major focus of government policy and labor strikes.

'임시' means temporary, provisional, or for the time being. It is used in many words like '임시정부' (provisional government) or '임시휴업' (temporary closure).

You can say '임시직을 구하고 있어요' (Im-si-jik-eul gu-ha-go is-seo-yo).

Technically yes, an internship is a temporary position. However, in Korea, the word '인턴' is used specifically for those in a learning/entry-level phase, while '임시직' is a broader category.

'일용직' refers to daily laborers who are hired on a day-to-day basis. This is different from '임시직', which usually implies a job lasting for weeks or months.