평일 in 30 Seconds
- 평일 = Weekday (Monday-Friday)
- Used for work, school, regular activities.
- Opposite of weekend (주말).
- Definition
- The Korean word '평일' (pyeong-il) directly translates to 'weekday' in English. It refers to any day of the week that is not a weekend day, meaning Monday through Friday. This term is fundamental in daily life and is used extensively when discussing schedules, work, school, and general routines.
- Usage Context
- You'll hear '평일' used in various everyday conversations. For example, when planning activities, people often specify whether something will happen on a '평일' or on the weekend ('주말' - ju-mal). It's common to hear phrases like '평일에 만나요' (pyeong-il-e man-na-yo), meaning 'Let's meet on a weekday,' or '평일에는 바빠요' (pyeong-il-e-neun ba-bba-yo), which means 'I'm busy on weekdays.' Businesses often have different operating hours for weekdays versus weekends, and this distinction is frequently communicated using the word '평일.' It's a core concept for understanding how Korean society structures its week. Think about when you refer to 'working days' or 'school days' in English; '평일' serves a very similar purpose in Korean. It helps to delineate between the typical hustle and bustle of the work/school week and the more relaxed pace often associated with Saturday and Sunday. The word itself is composed of '평' (pyeong), meaning 'flat' or 'even,' and '일' (il), meaning 'day.' This etymology might suggest a 'regular' or 'ordinary' day, contrasting with the special nature of the weekend. Understanding '평일' is crucial for navigating schedules, understanding public transport information, and grasping general societal rhythms in Korea. It's a word that you will encounter frequently as you learn Korean, so familiarizing yourself with its meaning and usage is highly beneficial for your learning journey. It's a foundational term for discussing daily life, work, and leisure activities. When you hear about traffic, school events, or even restaurant opening times, '평일' will likely be part of the discussion. It's a simple yet powerful word that helps categorize time and activities within a standard seven-day week. The contrast with '주말' (weekend) is one of the most common ways this word is used, highlighting the different expectations and activities associated with each period. It's not just about work; '평일' can also refer to days when certain shops are open or when specific public services are available, making it a practical term for daily navigation. The regularity implied by '평일' is a key aspect of its meaning, distinguishing it from the often more flexible or recreational nature of weekend days. It's a word that underpins many aspects of Korean daily life and planning.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- '평일' is a noun and is used in sentences just like any other noun referring to a period of time. It often appears with time-related particles like '에' (e), which indicates 'on' or 'at' a specific time or day. For instance, '평일' can be the subject or object of a sentence, or it can function as an adverbial phrase when followed by '에'.
- Common Sentence Patterns
- 1. **Subject:** '평일' + '은/는' + [description]. Example: '평일은 보통 바빠요.' (Pyeong-il-eun bo-tong ba-bba-yo.) - Weekdays are usually busy. Here, '평일' is the subject and '은' is the topic marker.
2. **Adverbial Phrase (Time):** '평일' + '에' + [action]. Example: '평일에 도서관에 가요.' (Pyeong-il-e do-seo-gwan-e ga-yo.) - I go to the library on weekdays. '평일에' specifies when the action of going to the library occurs.
3. **Contrast with Weekend:** '평일' vs. '주말'. Example: '평일에는 일하고 주말에는 쉬어요.' (Pyeong-il-e-neun il-ha-go ju-mal-e-neun swi-eo-yo.) - I work on weekdays and rest on weekends. This sentence explicitly contrasts activities on weekdays and weekends.
4. **Describing Activities:** '평일' + ' 활동' (activities). Example: '평일 활동을 계획하고 있어요.' (Pyeong-il hwal-dong-eul gye-hoek-ha-go it-seo-yo.) - I am planning weekday activities. This shows '평일' modifying a noun.
5. **Expressing Frequency:** '평일' + '마다' (every). Example: '평일마다 운동해요.' (Pyeong-il-ma-da un-dong-hae-yo.) - I exercise every weekday. '마다' intensifies the frequency to 'every single weekday.'
6. **Talking about Availability:** '평일' + '에만' (only on weekdays). Example: '이 가게는 평일에만 열어요.' (I ga-ge-neun pyeong-il-e-man yeol-eo-yo.) - This store is open only on weekdays. '에만' emphasizes exclusivity.
7. **Future Plans:** '평일' + '에' + [future action]. Example: '다음 주 평일에 영화 볼 거예요.' (Da-eum ju pyeong-il-e yeong-hwa bol geo-ye-yo.) - I will watch a movie next week on a weekday.
8. **Past Experiences:** '평일' + '에' + [past action]. Example: '어제 평일에 친구를 만났어요.' (Eo-je pyeong-il-e chin-gu-reul man-nat-seo-yo.) - I met a friend yesterday on a weekday. This shows its use in past tense contexts.
This coffee shop is usually very crowded on 평일.
- Workplace Discussions
- In offices or any work environment, '평일' is used constantly. Colleagues might discuss workloads, meeting schedules, or deadlines. For instance, '이번 주 평일에는 회의가 많아요.' (I-beon ju pyeong-il-e-neun hoe-ui-ga man-a-yo.) - 'There are many meetings this week on weekdays.' or '평일 근무 시간은 9시부터 6시까지입니다.' (Pyeong-il geun-mu si-gan-eun ahop-si-bu-teo yeo-seot-si-kka-ji-im-ni-da.) - 'Weekday working hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM.' This helps in coordinating tasks and understanding the rhythm of the professional week.
- School and Education
- Students and teachers frequently use '평일' when talking about classes, homework, or school events. '평일에는 학교에 가야 해요.' (Pyeong-il-e-neun hak-gyo-e ga-ya hae-yo.) - 'I have to go to school on weekdays.' or '평일 수업이 끝나고 학원에 가요.' (Pyeong-il su-eob-i kkeun-na-go hak-won-e ga-yo.) - 'I go to an academy after weekday classes end.' This term is integral to discussing the academic schedule.
- Public Transportation and Services
- Information about public transport, government offices, and banks often distinguishes between '평일' and '주말' (weekend) services. You might see signs or hear announcements like '평일 증차 운행' (Pyeong-il jeung-cha un-haeng) - 'Increased weekday service' or '평일 업무 시간 안내' (Pyeong-il eom-mu si-gan an-nae) - 'Weekday business hours information.' This is crucial for planning errands and travel.
- Social Planning
- When friends make plans, they often specify weekdays. '평일 저녁에 같이 밥 먹을까요?' (Pyeong-il jeo-nyeok-e ga-chi bap meog-eul-kka-yo?) - 'Shall we have dinner together on a weekday evening?' or '이번 평일에는 약속이 없어요.' (I-beon pyeong-il-e-neun yak-sok-i eop-seo-yo.) - 'I don't have any plans this weekday.' This helps coordinate social lives around work and school commitments.
- Retail and Business
- Shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues often have different promotions or operating hours for weekdays compared to weekends. Advertisements might say '평일 점심 특선' (Pyeong-il jeom-sim teuk-seon) - 'Weekday lunch special' or mention that certain sales are only valid on '평일'. This distinguishes them from weekend offers.
- Media and News
- News reports about traffic conditions, economic activity, or social trends often refer to '평일' to provide context. For example, '평일 출퇴근 시간 교통 체증이 심각합니다.' (Pyeong-il chul-toe-geun si-gan gyo-tong che-jeung-i sim-gak-ham-ni-da.) - 'Traffic congestion during weekday commute hours is severe.'
- General Conversation
- In casual chats, people might talk about their weekday routines. '평일에는 보통 집에서 저녁을 먹어요.' (Pyeong-il-e-neun bo-tong jip-e-seo jeo-nyeok-eul meog-eo-yo.) - 'On weekdays, I usually eat dinner at home.' This word is so common that it's often used without much thought, simply as a standard way to refer to the days from Monday to Friday.
The museum has different visiting hours on 평일 and weekends.
- Confusing with '요일' (Day of the Week)
- Learners sometimes use '평일' when they mean a specific day of the week, like Monday ('월요일' - wol-yo-il) or Tuesday ('화요일' - hwa-yo-il). '평일' is a category of days (Monday-Friday), not a specific day name. For example, saying '평일' when you mean 'Monday' is incorrect. You should use the specific day name followed by '요일'.
- Incorrect Particle Usage
- While '평일' often takes the particle '에' (e) to indicate 'on weekdays,' learners might omit it or use other particles incorrectly. For instance, saying '평일 저는 바빠요' (Pyeong-il jeo-neun ba-bba-yo) is less natural than '평일에는 저는 바빠요' (Pyeong-il-e-neun jeo-neun ba-bba-yo) or '평일은 바빠요' (Pyeong-il-eun ba-bba-yo). The particle '에' is crucial when indicating an action occurring *during* weekdays.
- Overuse or Underuse
- Some learners might avoid using '평일' altogether, opting to list out the days (Monday, Tuesday, etc.) which can be cumbersome. Conversely, some might overuse it when a more specific term is needed. For example, if you are talking about an event happening *every* day of the week, using '매일' (mae-il - every day) would be more accurate than '평일'. However, if the event is specifically about the work week, '평일' is appropriate.
- Confusing with '주중' (During the week)
- While '평일' and '주중' (ju-jung) are similar, '주중' can sometimes encompass the entire period from Monday to Friday, similar to '평일'. However, '평일' is more commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the specific days themselves (Mon-Fri) as opposed to the general concept of 'during the week.' Using '평일' when referring to specific days of the work week is generally safer and more common for learners.
- Literal Translation Issues
- Sometimes, learners might try to translate English phrases too literally. For instance, trying to say 'weekday rush hour' might lead to awkward phrasing if not using the established Korean expressions where '평일' is naturally integrated. The correct and natural way to express this is often '평일 출퇴근 시간' (Pyeong-il chul-toe-geun si-gan).
Incorrect: 'I will go on 평일.' Correct: 'I will go on a weekday.' or 'I will go on Monday.'
- 주중 (ju-jung)
- Meaning: During the week; weekdays. Comparison: '주중' is very similar to '평일' and often used interchangeably in casual conversation. However, '주중' can sometimes feel slightly more formal or encompass the entire span of the week from Monday to Friday as a period. '평일' tends to refer more directly to the individual days that constitute the work week. For example, '주중에는 보통 바빠요' (Ju-jung-e-neun bo-tong ba-bba-yo) - 'During the week, I'm usually busy,' is very close in meaning to '평일에는 보통 바빠요.' However, if you're talking about specific activities that happen on those days, '평일' is often the more precise choice.
- 평일과 주말 (pyeong-il-gwa ju-mal)
- Meaning: Weekdays and weekends. Comparison: This is not a single word but a common phrase used to explicitly contrast the two periods. It's used when you want to highlight the difference in activities, schedules, or services between weekdays and weekends. For instance, '평일과 주말의 영업 시간이 다릅니다.' (Pyeong-il-gwa ju-mal-ui yeong-eob si-gan-i dal-im-ni-da.) - 'Weekday and weekend business hours are different.' This phrase is used when the distinction is important and needs to be clearly stated.
- 주말 (ju-mal)
- Meaning: Weekend. Comparison: This is the direct antonym of '평일'. While '평일' refers to Monday through Friday, '주말' refers to Saturday and Sunday. They are often used in opposition to each other to define schedules and activities. For example, '평일에는 공부하고 주말에는 친구들을 만나요.' (Pyeong-il-e-neun gong-bu-ha-go ju-mal-e-neun chin-gu-deul-eul man-na-yo.) - 'I study on weekdays and meet friends on weekends.' Understanding '주말' is essential for a complete grasp of '평일'.
- 요일 (yo-il)
- Meaning: Day of the week. Comparison: '요일' is the general term for 'day of the week'. Specific days are formed by combining a number or a concept with '요일', such as '월요일' (Monday), '화요일' (Tuesday), etc. '평일' is a collective term for a subset of these days (Monday to Friday). You would use '월요일' if you mean Monday specifically, but '평일' if you mean any day from Monday to Friday. For example, '월요일은 평일입니다.' (Wol-yo-il-eun pyeong-il-im-ni-da.) - 'Monday is a weekday.' This shows how '평일' categorizes specific '요일'.
- 평일날 (pyeong-il-nal)
- Meaning: A weekday (colloquial). Comparison: '평일날' is a slightly more informal or colloquial variation of '평일'. The addition of '날' (nal), meaning 'day', emphasizes the specific day. It's often used in spoken language. For example, '평일날에는 사람이 많지 않아요.' (Pyeong-il-nal-e-neun sa-ram-i man-chi an-a-yo.) - 'There aren't many people on weekdays.' While '평일' is perfectly acceptable and widely used, '평일날' adds a subtle nuance of referring to a particular day within the weekday category.
Using '평일' is like saying 'workday' in English, while '주말' is 'weekend', and specific days like '월요일' are 'Monday'.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character '평' (平) also appears in words like '평화' (pyeong-hwa - peace) and '평균' (pyeong-gyun - average), suggesting a concept of normalcy or balance. The character '일' (日) for day is fundamental and appears in many time-related words.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing '평' as 'pyung' with a strong aspirated 'p'.
- Confusing the vowel sound in '평' with 'e' or 'o'.
- Not fully pronouncing the final 'ㄹ' sound in '일'.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A1. '평일' is a basic noun referring to a common concept. Understanding its meaning and usage in simple sentences is straightforward for beginners.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Time Particles (에, 에는)
평일'에' 만나요. (Let's meet on a weekday.) / 평일'에는' 바빠요. (I'm busy on weekdays.)
Topic/Subject Markers (은/는)
평일'은' 보통 바빠요. (Weekdays are usually busy.)
Comparisons (보다)
주말'보다' 평일이 좋아요. (I like weekdays better than weekends.)
Future Tense (ㄹ 거예요)
평일에 친구를 만날 거예요. (I will meet a friend on a weekday.)
Noun Modification (평일 + Noun)
평일 점심을 먹었어요. (I ate weekday lunch.)
Examples by Level
오늘은 평일이에요.
Today is a weekday.
'이에요' is a polite informal ending used after a noun ending in a consonant.
평일에 만나요.
Let's meet on a weekday.
'에' is a particle indicating time or location. '만나요' is the polite informal imperative of 'to meet'.
평일에는 학교에 가요.
I go to school on weekdays.
'에는' is a combination of the time particle '에' and the topic particle '는', emphasizing 'on weekdays'.
평일은 바빠요.
Weekdays are busy.
'은' is a topic marker used after a noun ending in a consonant.
주말보다 평일이 좋아요.
I like weekdays more than weekends.
'보다' is used to make comparisons, meaning 'than'.
평일 점심은 간단해요.
Weekday lunch is simple.
'점심' means lunch. '은' is the topic marker.
평일에는 차가 많아요.
There are many cars on weekdays.
'에는' emphasizes the time frame. '차가 많아요' means 'there are many cars'.
이 가게는 평일에 열어요.
This store opens on weekdays.
'열어요' is the polite informal present tense of 'to open'.
평일에 친구를 만날 거예요.
I will meet a friend on a weekday.
'ㄹ 거예요' is a future tense ending indicating intention or prediction.
평일에는 보통 집에서 쉬어요.
On weekdays, I usually rest at home.
'보통' means usually. '쉬어요' is the polite informal present tense of 'to rest'.
평일 출퇴근 시간이 복잡해요.
Weekday commute hours are complicated (crowded/chaotic).
'출퇴근 시간' means commute hours. '복잡해요' means complicated or crowded.
평일에 운동하는 것이 좋아요.
It's good to exercise on weekdays.
'는 것' turns a verb phrase into a noun phrase. '좋아요' means good.
평일 저녁에는 뭘 할 거예요?
What will you do on weekday evenings?
'저녁' means evening. '뭘' is a contraction of '무엇을' (what).
평일에만 이 할인이 적용돼요.
This discount applies only on weekdays.
'에만' means only on. '적용돼요' means is applied.
평일에는 도서관에 사람이 많지 않아요.
There aren't many people in the library on weekdays.
'많지 않아요' is the negative form of '많아요' (many).
평일 업무는 보통 9시에 시작해요.
Weekday work usually starts at 9 AM.
'업무' means work/business. '시작해요' means starts.
주말 동안 쌓인 피로를 평일에 풀어요.
I relieve the fatigue accumulated over the weekend on weekdays.
'동안' means during. '쌓인' is the past participle of 'to accumulate'. '피로' means fatigue. '풀어요' means to relieve/unwind.
평일에는 좀 더 엄격한 규율이 적용됩니다.
Stricter rules are applied on weekdays.
'좀 더' means a bit more. '엄격한' means strict. '규율' means rules/discipline. '적용됩니다' is the formal polite present tense of 'to be applied'.
평일의 번잡함을 피해 주말에 여행을 떠나요.
Avoiding the weekday hustle and bustle, I go on a trip on the weekend.
'번잡함' means hustle and bustle. '피해' means avoiding. '떠나요' means to depart/leave.
평일에는 강의가 있지만, 주말에는 특강이 열립니다.
There are lectures on weekdays, but special lectures are held on weekends.
'강의' means lecture. '특강' means special lecture. '열립니다' means is held/opened.
평일의 삶은 계획대로 진행되는 경우가 많습니다.
Life on weekdays often proceeds according to plan.
'삶' means life. '계획대로' means according to plan. '진행되는 경우' means cases where it proceeds.
평일에는 일정을 빡빡하게 잡지 않으려고 노력합니다.
I try not to schedule my weekdays too tightly.
'일정' means schedule. '빡빡하게' means tightly. '잡지 않으려고 노력합니다' means try not to make/set.
평일의 조용한 카페에서 책을 읽는 것을 즐깁니다.
I enjoy reading books in a quiet cafe on a weekday.
'조용한' means quiet. '즐깁니다' means enjoy.
평일 동안 업무 효율성을 높이기 위한 방안을 모색 중입니다.
We are seeking ways to increase work efficiency during weekdays.
'업무 효율성' means work efficiency. '높이기 위한' means to increase. '방안' means plan/method. '모색 중입니다' means is in the process of seeking.
평일에는 대중교통 이용객이 급증하는 경향이 있습니다.
Public transportation users tend to surge on weekdays.
'대중교통' means public transportation. '이용객' means users/passengers. '급증하는 경향이 있습니다' means there is a tendency to surge.
평일의 업무 스트레스는 주말의 휴식으로 해소해야 합니다.
Weekday work stress must be relieved by weekend rest.
'업무 스트레스' means work stress. '해소해야 합니다' means must be relieved/resolved.
평일에는 도시의 활기가 넘치지만, 주말에는 다소 한산해집니다.
The city is full of vitality on weekdays, but it becomes somewhat quiet on weekends.
'활기' means vitality/energy. '넘치지만' means overflows but. '다소' means somewhat. '한산해집니다' means becomes quiet/less crowded.
평일 오후에 진행되는 이 워크숍은 참가자들에게 유익할 것입니다.
This workshop, held on weekday afternoons, will be beneficial to participants.
'오후' means afternoon. '진행되는' means taking place/being conducted. '워크숍' means workshop. '유익할 것입니다' means will be beneficial.
평일의 일상에 지친 사람들은 종종 주말을 고대합니다.
People tired of their weekday routine often look forward to the weekend.
'일상' means daily life/routine. '지친' means tired. '종종' means often. '고대합니다' means look forward to.
평일 동안 예상치 못한 변수가 발생할 수 있으므로 대비해야 합니다.
Unforeseen variables may occur during weekdays, so we must be prepared.
'예상치 못한' means unforeseen. '변수' means variable. '발생할 수 있으므로' means because it may occur. '대비해야 합니다' means must be prepared.
평일에 제공되는 특별 강좌는 사전 등록이 필수입니다.
Pre-registration is mandatory for special courses offered on weekdays.
'제공되는' means offered/provided. '특별 강좌' means special lecture/course. '사전 등록' means pre-registration. '필수입니다' means is mandatory.
평일의 교통 체증은 도시 생활의 불가피한 부분으로 간주됩니다.
Weekday traffic congestion is considered an unavoidable part of city life.
'교통 체증' means traffic congestion. '불가피한' means unavoidable. '부분' means part. '간주됩니다' means is considered.
평일의 고된 노동은 주말의 안락함으로 보상받아야 마땅하다.
The arduous labor of weekdays should rightfully be compensated by the comfort of the weekend.
'고된 노동' means arduous labor. '안락함' means comfort/coziness. '보상받아야 마땅하다' means should rightfully be compensated.
평일의 일상은 때때로 단조롭지만, 그 속에서 질서를 발견하는 것이 중요하다.
Weekday routines are sometimes monotonous, but it's important to find order within them.
'단조롭지만' means monotonous but. '그 속에서' means within that. '질서' means order. '발견하는 것' means finding.
평일의 업무 환경은 생산성 향상을 위해 끊임없이 재고되어야 한다.
The weekday work environment must be constantly re-evaluated for productivity improvement.
'업무 환경' means work environment. '생산성 향상' means productivity improvement. '끊임없이' means constantly. '재고되어야 한다' means must be re-evaluated.
평일의 짧은 휴식 시간조차도 재충전을 위한 귀중한 기회가 될 수 있다.
Even short breaks on weekdays can be valuable opportunities for recharging.
'짧은 휴식 시간' means short break time. '조차도' means even. '재충전' means recharging. '귀중한 기회' means valuable opportunity.
평일의 압박감 속에서도 여유를 찾으려는 노력이 삶의 질을 향상시킨다.
The effort to find leisure even amidst weekday pressure improves the quality of life.
'압박감' means pressure/stress. '여유' means leisure/room. '찾으려는 노력' means effort to find. '삶의 질' means quality of life.
평일의 획일적인 일정에서 벗어나고자 하는 욕구가 주말 활동의 원동력이 되곤 한다.
The desire to escape the uniform weekday schedule often becomes the driving force for weekend activities.
'획일적인' means uniform/monotonous. '벗어나고자 하는 욕구' means desire to escape. '원동력' means driving force. '되곤 한다' means often becomes.
평일의 업무 효율성은 개인의 집중력과 조직의 시스템에 의해 크게 좌우된다.
Weekday work efficiency is largely determined by individual concentration and organizational systems.
'집중력' means concentration. '조직의 시스템' means organizational system. '크게 좌우된다' means is largely determined/influenced.
평일의 소소한 성취들이 모여 장기적인 성공을 구축하는 토대가 된다.
Small achievements on weekdays accumulate to form the foundation for long-term success.
'소소한 성취' means small achievements. '모여' means gather/accumulate. '장기적인 성공' means long-term success. '토대' means foundation.
평일의 억압적인 규범은 주말의 해방감과 극명한 대조를 이룬다.
The oppressive norms of weekdays form a stark contrast with the sense of liberation on weekends.
'억압적인 규범' means oppressive norms. '해방감' means sense of liberation. '극명한 대조를 이룬다' means forms a stark contrast.
평일의 반복적인 일상은 자칫하면 삶의 의미를 퇴색시킬 수 있는 위험을 내포한다.
The repetitive weekday routine carries the risk of dimming the meaning of life if not careful.
'반복적인 일상' means repetitive routine. '자칫하면' means if not careful/by chance. '삶의 의미' means meaning of life. '퇴색시킬 수 있는 위험' means risk of dimming. '내포한다' means contains/implies.
평일의 사회적 압력은 개인의 자율성과 창의성을 제약하는 요인으로 작용할 수 있다.
Weekday social pressure can act as a factor that restricts individual autonomy and creativity.
'사회적 압력' means social pressure. '자율성' means autonomy. '창의성' means creativity. '제약하는 요인' means restricting factor. '작용할 수 있다' means can act as.
평일의 효율성 추구는 때때로 인간적인 유대감 형성을 저해하는 부작용을 낳는다.
The pursuit of efficiency on weekdays sometimes produces side effects that hinder the formation of human bonds.
'효율성 추구' means pursuit of efficiency. '인간적인 유대감' means human bonds. '형성' means formation. '저해하는 부작용' means hindering side effect. '낳는다' means gives birth to/produces.
평일의 빡빡한 일정 속에서도 작은 일탈을 통해 정신적 환기를 도모하는 것이 중요하다.
It is important to achieve mental ventilation through small deviations even within a tight weekday schedule.
'빡빡한 일정' means tight schedule. '작은 일탈' means small deviation/escape. '정신적 환기' means mental ventilation. '도모하는 것' means planning/seeking.
평일의 의무감에 짓눌린 영혼은 주말의 자유 속에서 비로소 숨통을 튼다.
A soul weighed down by weekday obligations finally breathes freely in the freedom of the weekend.
'의무감' means sense of obligation. '짓눌린' means weighed down/crushed. '영혼' means soul. '자유 속에서' means in the freedom. '비로소' means finally/at last. '숨통을 튼다' means to breathe freely/get a breather.
평일의 획일적인 사회 구조는 개인의 독창성을 발현시키기 어려운 환경을 조성한다.
The uniform social structure of weekdays creates an environment where it is difficult to manifest individual originality.
'획일적인 사회 구조' means uniform social structure. '독창성' means originality. '발현시키기 어려운' means difficult to manifest. '환경을 조성한다' means creates an environment.
평일의 긴박한 생활 리듬은 종종 인간의 내면 성찰 기회를 박탈한다.
The urgent rhythm of weekday life often deprives individuals of opportunities for inner reflection.
'긴박한 생활 리듬' means urgent life rhythm. '내면 성찰' means inner reflection. '기회' means opportunity. '박탈한다' means deprives.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It is a weekday.
오늘은 토요일이 아니라 평일이에요.
— Let's meet on a weekday.
주말에는 시간이 안 되니 평일에 만나요.
— I'm busy on weekdays.
평일에는 일 때문에 항상 바빠요.
— I like weekends better than weekdays.
평일보다 주말이 좋아요. 푹 쉴 수 있거든요.
— Weekday lunch special.
이 식당은 평일 점심 특선 메뉴가 맛있어요.
— Weekday operating hours.
은행의 평일 운영 시간은 9시부터 4시까지입니다.
— Weekday commute.
평일 출퇴근길이 매우 혼잡합니다.
— Weekday evening appointment/plan.
평일 저녁 약속은 되도록 피하려고 해요.
— During weekdays.
평일 동안 최대한 많은 일을 끝내려고 노력했어요.
— I prefer weekdays.
저는 평일이 더 좋아요. 뭔가 활동적인 느낌이 들거든요.
Often Confused With
'주중' is very similar and often interchangeable with '평일', both referring to Monday-Friday. However, '평일' emphasizes the individual days, while '주중' can sometimes refer to the entire period more broadly.
'요일' is the general term for 'day of the week'. '평일' is a category of days (Monday-Friday), not a specific day name like '월요일' (Monday).
'휴일' means 'holiday' or 'day off'. A '평일' is a regular workday, whereas a '휴일' is a day when one does not work, regardless of whether it falls on a weekday or weekend.
Idioms & Expressions
— The monotonous routine of weekdays; a humdrum daily grind.
매일 똑같은 평일의 쳇바퀴를 돌고 있는 것 같아 지루해요.
Informal— To feel like it's the weekend even on a weekday; to have a relaxed or leisurely feeling despite it being a workday.
오늘 날씨가 좋아서 평일에도 주말처럼 느껴져요.
Informal— A daydream or unrealistic fantasy occurring during a weekday; something unlikely to happen during the busy work week.
업무 중에 딴생각을 하는 것은 평일 낮의 꿈일 뿐이야.
Figurative— The daily struggle or battle of facing work or daily challenges during the week.
오늘도 평일의 전투를 시작해야 할 시간이군.
Figurative/Informal— The leisure or relaxation found in a weekday evening, often after the work is done.
퇴근 후 평일 저녁의 여유를 즐기며 책을 읽어요.
Descriptive— Small but certain happiness found during weekdays, often in simple pleasures.
퇴근길에 마시는 따뜻한 커피 한 잔이 평일의 소확행이에요.
Modern/Informal— The constraints or obligations of weekday life; the feeling of being tied down by the work week.
평일의 굴레에서 벗어나고 싶어 주말만 기다려요.
Figurative— The energy or dynamism associated with weekdays, often referring to the busy and productive atmosphere of the city or workplace.
저는 평일의 활력을 좋아해요. 뭔가 일이 진행되는 느낌이 들거든요.
Descriptive— The weariness or exhaustion experienced during weekdays due to work or daily tasks.
평일의 고단함 때문에 주말에는 늦잠을 자요.
Descriptive— A small gap or opportunity during a busy weekday for rest, personal time, or a quick activity.
점심시간의 짧은 평일의 틈새를 이용해 친구와 통화했어요.
FigurativeEasily Confused
Both '평일' and '주중' refer to the period from Monday to Friday.
'평일' typically refers to the individual days from Monday to Friday, emphasizing them as workdays or school days. '주중' can also mean Monday to Friday but sometimes refers more broadly to the 'during the week' period, perhaps encompassing the entire span of workdays as a block of time. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but '평일' is often more direct when referring to specific weekday actions.
평일에는 바빠요. (I'm busy on weekdays.) vs. 주중에는 보통 집에서 쉬어요. (During the week, I usually rest at home.) - Both are fine, but '평일' is more common for specific weekday activities.
'평일' is a type of '요일'.
'요일' (yo-il) is the general Korean word for 'day of the week'. It is used in conjunction with numbers or concepts to name specific days (e.g., 월요일 - Monday, 화요일 - Tuesday). '평일' is a collective term for a subset of these days: Monday through Friday. You would say '월요일은 평일이에요' (Monday is a weekday), but you wouldn't say '월요일이에요' when you mean 'It is a weekday'.
월요일, 화요일, 수요일, 목요일, 금요일은 평일입니다. (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday are weekdays.)
Both relate to days off from regular work/school.
'평일' refers to the days from Monday to Friday, which are typically workdays or school days. '휴일' (hyuil) means 'holiday' or 'day off'. A '휴일' can fall on a '평일' (like Christmas falling on a Monday) or on a '주말' (weekend). So, a '평일' is a workday, while a '휴일' is a day of rest, irrespective of whether it's a weekday or weekend.
평일에는 일하지만, 오늘은 휴일이라 쉬어요. (I work on weekdays, but today is a holiday so I am resting.)
They are opposites and often used in contrast.
'평일' refers to Monday through Friday. '주말' (ju-mal) refers to Saturday and Sunday. They are antonyms and are frequently used together to delineate the week into work periods and rest periods. For example, '평일에는 공부하고 주말에는 놀아요.' (I study on weekdays and play on weekends.)
평일에는 차가 막히지만, 주말에는 덜 막혀요. (Traffic is bad on weekdays, but it's less congested on weekends.)
Both refer to days associated with work.
'평일' is the general term for weekday (Monday-Friday). '업무일' (eom-mu-il) is a more formal term meaning 'workday' or 'business day', often used in official contexts, contracts, or logistics. It specifically implies a day when business operations are conducted. While most '평일' are '업무일', a '평일' could also be a public holiday where no work is done. Conversely, '업무일' might exclude certain public holidays that fall on a weekday.
평일에는 보통 9시에 출근해요. (I usually go to work at 9 AM on weekdays.) vs. 업무일 기준 3일 이내 배송됩니다. (Delivery will be made within 3 business days.)
Sentence Patterns
오늘은 평일이에요.
오늘은 평일이에요. (Today is a weekday.)
평일에 [Action].
평일에 만나요. (Let's meet on a weekday.)
평일에는 [Description/Action].
평일에는 보통 쉬어요. (I usually rest on weekdays.)
평일 [Noun]은/는 [Description].
평일 점심은 간단해요. (Weekday lunch is simple.)
평일의 [Noun]은/는 [Description].
평일의 일상은 좀 지루해요. (Weekday routines are a bit boring.)
평일 동안 [Action].
평일 동안 많이 바빴어요. (I was very busy during the weekdays.)
평일에는 [Action]하고, 주말에는 [Action]해요.
평일에는 일하고, 주말에는 쉬어요. (I work on weekdays and rest on weekends.)
평일의 [Noun]은/는 [Subject]에 의해 [Verb].
평일의 효율성은 개인의 집중력에 의해 좌우된다. (Weekday efficiency is determined by individual concentration.)
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Using '평일' when a specific day name is needed.
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Use '월요일', '화요일', etc., for specific days.
Learners sometimes say '평일' when they mean 'Monday' or 'Tuesday'. '평일' is a category (Mon-Fri), not a specific day name. For example, instead of 'I'm going on 평일,' say 'I'm going on Monday' (월요일에 갈 거예요) or 'I'm going on a weekday' (평일에 갈 거예요) if the specific day doesn't matter.
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Omitting or misusing particles with '평일'.
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Use '평일' + '에' or '평일' + '에는' when referring to actions occurring on weekdays.
Saying '평일 바빠요' is less natural than '평일'에'는' 바빠요' (I'm busy on weekdays) or '평일'은' 바빠요' (Weekdays are busy). The particle '에' is crucial for indicating time.
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Confusing '평일' with '휴일' (holiday).
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'평일' refers to Mon-Fri workdays; '휴일' refers to any day off.
'평일' means a regular workday. A '휴일' is a day off, which could be a weekday or a weekend. For example, if Christmas falls on a Monday, it's a '평일' that is also a '휴일'. You wouldn't say 'I'm taking a휴일 on Monday' if you meant a regular Monday work day.
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Using '평일' to mean 'every day'.
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Use '매일' for 'every day'.
'평일' specifically means Monday through Friday. If you want to say something happens every single day of the week, use '매일' (mae-il). For instance, '매일 운동해요' (I exercise every day), not '평일 운동해요' (I exercise on weekdays - implying only Mon-Fri).
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Overly literal translation of English phrases.
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Use natural Korean phrasing.
Directly translating English phrases like 'weekday rush hour' might result in awkward Korean. The natural phrase is '평일 출퇴근 시간' (Pyeong-il chul-toe-geun si-gan). Always aim for the most common and natural Korean expression.
Tips
Distinguish from Specific Days
Remember that '평일' is a category of days (Monday-Friday), not a specific day name. Use '월요일', '화요일', etc., for specific days and '평일' for the general concept of weekdays.
Particles are Key
Pay attention to particles like '에' and '에는' when using '평일' to indicate actions happening *during* weekdays. For example, '평일'에' or '평일'에는'.
Context is Crucial
Listen for '평일' in conversations about schedules, work, or school. The context will help you understand if it's referring to the general concept of weekdays or specific weekday activities.
Clear 'ng' and 'l'
Ensure you pronounce the 'ng' sound in '평' clearly and the final 'ㄹ' sound in '일'. Practice saying '평-일' smoothly.
Visual Associations
Visualize a calendar with weekdays in a plain color and weekends in a bright color. This helps reinforce '평일' as the 'plain' or ordinary days.
Work-Life Balance
Understand that '평일' often implies a period of hard work and routine, with the weekend ('주말') being the time for rest. This is a common cultural theme in Korea.
Sentence Building
Create sentences describing your own weekday routine. For example: '평일 아침에는 일찍 일어나요.' (I wake up early on weekday mornings.)
Contrast with '주말'
Actively compare and contrast '평일' with its opposite, '주말', to solidify your understanding of both terms.
Meaning of Characters
Remember that '평' means 'plain' or 'ordinary', and '일' means 'day'. This helps recall that '평일' refers to the ordinary days of the week.
Real-World Scenarios
Look for examples of '평일' in Korean media, signs, or announcements. This will show you how it's used in practical situations.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'plain' (평) day, Monday to Friday, where you do your usual 'ill' (일 - day) work. So, 'plain day' = weekday.
Visual Association
Picture a calendar with Monday to Friday colored in a neutral, 'plain' color (like grey or beige), while Saturday and Sunday are vibrant colors. The 'plain' days are the weekdays.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your typical weekday routine using the word '평일'. For example, '평일 아침에는 커피를 마시고, 평일 저녁에는 책을 읽어요.' (On weekday mornings I drink coffee, and on weekday evenings I read books.)
Word Origin
The word '평일' is derived from Sino-Korean characters. '평' (平) means 'flat', 'even', 'ordinary', or 'level', and '일' (日) means 'day'.
Original meaning: Literally, it can be interpreted as 'ordinary day' or 'level day', implying the regular, non-special days of the week that contrast with the more distinct weekend.
Sino-Korean (derived from Chinese characters)Cultural Context
The term '평일' itself is neutral. However, discussions around it might touch upon work-life balance, which can be a sensitive topic in cultures with demanding work environments.
In English-speaking cultures, 'weekday' serves a similar function, referring to Monday through Friday. The contrast with 'weekend' is also a primary way these terms are used to structure discussions about schedules, work, and leisure activities.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing work schedules and office hours.
- 평일 근무 시간
- 평일 업무
- 평일에는 바빠요
- 평일 일정
Making social plans.
- 평일에 만나요
- 평일 저녁 약속
- 주말보다 평일이 좋아요
- 평일 낮에 뭐해요?
Talking about school and classes.
- 평일 수업
- 평일에는 학교 가요
- 평일 오후 수업
Information about services (e.g., shops, transport).
- 평일 운영 시간
- 평일 증차 운행
- 평일 할인
Describing daily routines and lifestyle.
- 평일 생활
- 평일의 쳇바퀴
- 평일의 고단함
- 평일 저녁의 여유
Conversation Starters
"What do you usually do on weekdays?"
"Do you prefer weekdays or weekends, and why?"
"How is your weekday routine different from your weekend routine?"
"Are you busy on weekdays?"
"What's your favorite thing about weekdays?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a typical weekday for you. What are the key activities?
How do you feel about weekdays compared to weekends? Explain your feelings.
Write about a memorable event that happened on a weekday.
What are the challenges of weekdays for you, and how do you overcome them?
Imagine a perfect weekday. What would it be like?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'평일' (pyeong-il) refers to weekdays, which are Monday through Friday. '주말' (ju-mal) refers to the weekend, which is Saturday and Sunday. They are direct opposites and are used to distinguish between days for work/school and days for rest/leisure.
Yes, the time particle '에' is very commonly used with '평일' to indicate when an action takes place. For example, '평일'에' 만나요' (Let's meet on a weekday). The particle '는' is often added as '에는' ('평일' + '에' + '는') to emphasize the time frame or contrast it with other periods, like '평일'에는' 바빠요' (I'm busy on weekdays).
No, '평일' is a general term for weekdays (Monday to Friday). If you want to refer to a specific day, you should use the name of that day, such as '월요일' (wol-yo-il) for Monday, '화요일' (hwa-yo-il) for Tuesday, and so on. You can say '월요일은 평일이에요' (Monday is a weekday).
'평일' is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal terms like '업무일' (workday) or '근무일' (workday) might be preferred in very specific business or legal documents. In everyday conversation, '평일' is perfectly appropriate.
The direct opposite of '평일' (weekday) is '주말' (ju-mal), which means 'weekend'.
Traditionally, weekdays in Korea are characterized by a strong focus on work and education. Many people have long working hours and busy school schedules. Evenings are often spent with family or engaging in personal study or hobbies. The pace is generally faster than on weekends, which are reserved for rest, leisure, and social activities.
Yes, many public holidays ('공휴일') in Korea fall on weekdays. When a public holiday occurs on a weekday, it is treated as a day off from work and school, similar to a weekend, but it is still considered a '평일' in terms of the day of the week. For example, if Christmas falls on a Tuesday, it is both a '평일' and a '휴일' (holiday).
While '평일' is primarily a noun, it can function attributively before another noun, similar to how 'weekday' can modify words in English. For example, '평일 점심' (weekday lunch) or '평일 수업' (weekday class). In these cases, it describes the noun that follows.
'평일' and '주중' are very similar and often used interchangeably. Both refer to Monday through Friday. '평일' often emphasizes the individual days as workdays or school days. '주중' can sometimes refer to the entire span of the week from Monday to Friday as a period. For instance, '평일에는 도서관에 가요' (I go to the library on weekdays) and '주중에는 도서관에 가요' (I go to the library during the week) are both understandable, but '평일' might be slightly more common for specific weekday activities.
Try writing sentences about your daily routine, comparing your weekday activities to your weekend ones. You can also practice by describing typical weekday events, like '평일 점심 특선' (weekday lunch special) or '평일 출퇴근 시간' (weekday commute hours).
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Summary
The Korean word '평일' (pyeong-il) is a fundamental term for 'weekday,' referring to Monday through Friday. It's essential for understanding daily routines, work schedules, and differentiating activities from the weekend (주말).
- 평일 = Weekday (Monday-Friday)
- Used for work, school, regular activities.
- Opposite of weekend (주말).
Distinguish from Specific Days
Remember that '평일' is a category of days (Monday-Friday), not a specific day name. Use '월요일', '화요일', etc., for specific days and '평일' for the general concept of weekdays.
Particles are Key
Pay attention to particles like '에' and '에는' when using '평일' to indicate actions happening *during* weekdays. For example, '평일'에' or '평일'에는'.
Context is Crucial
Listen for '평일' in conversations about schedules, work, or school. The context will help you understand if it's referring to the general concept of weekdays or specific weekday activities.
Clear 'ng' and 'l'
Ensure you pronounce the 'ng' sound in '평' clearly and the final 'ㄹ' sound in '일'. Practice saying '평-일' smoothly.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More daily_life words
사고
A2An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally.
주소
A1Address, the details of where a building is located.
오전
A1Morning, A.M.
약속
A1Appointment; Promise
사월
A1April; the fourth month of the year.
밤에
A2during the night; at night
다니다
A1To attend; to commute to.
팔월
A1August; the eighth month of the year.
나쁘게
A2Badly; in an unsatisfactory or improper way.
가방
A1Bag
