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초과근무하다

A2 verb 9 min read

초과근무하다

chogwageunmuhada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 초과근무하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 초과근무하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '초과근무하다' frequently, but it is helpful to recognize it. Think of it as 'work more.' At this stage, you focus on simple verbs like '일하다' (to work). If you want to say you work a lot, you might say '일을 많이 해요.' However, learning '초과근무하다' helps you understand that Korean has specific words for specific types of work. It is a compound word: '초과' (over/extra) + '근무' (work) + '하다' (to do). Just remember that it means working past the time you are supposed to go home. You can use it in simple sentences like '저는 초과근무해요' (I work overtime).

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '초과근무하다' in basic workplace conversations. You can talk about your daily routine and include when you have to stay late. You should know how to conjugate it in the past tense ('초과근무했어요') and the future tense ('초과근무할 거예요'). You can also use it with reasons, like '일이 많아서 초과근무해요' (I work overtime because there is a lot of work). This level is where you start to distinguish between working hard and working extra hours. You might also start seeing this word on company schedules or simple office notices.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between '초과근무하다' and '야근하다'. You can use '초과근무하다' in more complex sentence structures, such as those involving conditions ('초과근무하면 수당을 받아요' - If I work overtime, I get an allowance) or intentions ('초과근무하지 않으려고 일찍 시작했어요' - I started early so as not to work overtime). You are also expected to use the noun form '초과근무' in combination with other nouns like '수당' (allowance) or '시간' (time). This is the level where you can discuss your work-life balance and express your opinions on working long hours in Korea.

At the B2 level, you can use '초과근무하다' to discuss labor laws and social issues. You should be comfortable using it in formal reports, presentations, or debates about the '52-hour work week' (주 52시간 근무제). You can use advanced grammatical structures like '-음에도 불구하고' (despite the fact that...) or '-을 정도로' (to the extent that...). For example: '초과근무를 줄였음에도 불구하고 생산성은 높아졌습니다' (Despite reducing overtime, productivity has increased). You understand the legal implications of the word and can navigate HR-related discussions with precision.

At the C1 level, '초과근무하다' is a tool for nuanced professional communication. You can discuss the historical context of overwork in Korea and how the terminology has shifted from 'hard work' to 'regulated overtime'. You can use the word in academic or high-level business contexts, discussing its impact on employee retention, mental health, and corporate culture. You are familiar with related technical terms like '포괄임금제' (inclusive wage system) and how they relate to '초과근무'. You can express subtle dissatisfaction or professional boundaries using this word in a way that remains respectful and sophisticated.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '초과근무하다' and all its synonyms. You can analyze the etymology of the Hanja roots and compare them with similar concepts in other languages. You can write official policy documents or legal arguments regarding overtime pay and labor rights. You understand the socio-economic drivers of 'cho-gwa-geun-mu' and can speak eloquently about the transition from a labor-intensive economy to a technology-driven one. You can use the word in any register, from a legal brief to a satirical social commentary, with perfect accuracy and cultural depth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

초과근무하다 in 30 Seconds

초과근무하다 means to work overtime, beyond the standard contract hours.
It is a formal term used in offices, HR documents, and legal contexts.
The word is a combination of 'excess' (초과), 'work' (근무), and 'to do' (하다).
It is different from 'yageun' (night work) as it can occur at any time of day.

The Korean verb 초과근무하다 is a formal and technical term used to describe the act of working beyond the standard, contractually agreed-upon hours. In the modern Korean workplace, which is increasingly governed by strict labor laws such as the 52-hour maximum workweek, this word carries significant legal and financial weight. It is derived from the Hanja roots cho-gwa (초과), meaning 'excess' or 'surpassing,' and geun-mu (근무), meaning 'work' or 'duty.' When you combine these with hada, you get a verb that literally means 'to perform excess work.'

Formal Context: This term is most frequently found in official documents, employment contracts, and human resources software. If you are applying for 'overtime pay,' you are applying for cho-gwa-geun-mu-su-dang.

우리 회사는 초과근무하다 보면 수당을 지급합니다. (Our company pays allowances when we work overtime.)

While everyday conversation might favor the word yageun-hada (to work at night), cho-gwa-geun-mu-hada is more precise because it covers any extra time, whether it occurs early in the morning, late at night, or on a weekend. It is the language of the 'Labor Standards Act' and professional reporting. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating the Korean professional world, as it distinguishes between simply staying late and the legal recognition of extra labor.

Semantic Nuance: The prefix 'Cho-gwa' (초과) implies a limit has been crossed. It suggests that there is a boundary—the 8-hour day—that has been breached. This makes the word sound more objective and less emotional than other terms.

시스템에 초과근무하다 기록을 남겨야 합니다. (You must leave a record of working overtime in the system.)

In a cultural sense, the use of this word reflects the shifting landscape of Korean work culture. Historically, working late was seen as a sign of loyalty. Today, with the focus on 'Work-Life Balance' (often shortened to Wo-ra-bel in Korean), cho-gwa-geun-mu-hada is often discussed in the context of efficiency and legal compliance. It is a word you will see in news headlines regarding labor disputes, government policies, and corporate productivity reports.

Legal Weight: In legal contexts, this verb is associated with the 'Extended Work' (연장근로) provision of the law, which mandates higher pay rates for the hours worked beyond the standard limit.

법적으로 주당 12시간까지만 초과근무하다 수 있습니다. (Legally, you can only work overtime up to 12 hours per week.)

Using 초과근무하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a verb and its formal register. Because it is a compound of a noun (초과근무) and the verb 'hada,' it can often be split into '초과근무를 하다,' which is slightly more emphatic about the 'overtime' as an object of the action. This flexibility allows it to fit into various sentence patterns depending on the level of formality required.

Standard Conjugation: In polite settings, use '초과근무해요' (present) or '초과근무했어요' (past). In formal reports or news, use '초과근무합니다' or '초과근무했습니다'.

프로젝트 마감 때문에 팀 전체가 초과근무하고 있습니다. (The whole team is working overtime because of the project deadline.)

When you want to specify the reason for the overtime, you typically use the construction '...때문에' (because of) or '...느라고' (as a result of doing something). For example, '업무가 많아서 초과근무했어요' (I worked overtime because there was a lot of work). It is also common to see it paired with time durations using the particle '동안' (during/for). '두 시간 동안 초과근무했다' (I worked overtime for two hours).

Negation and Prohibition: To say you shouldn't work overtime, use '-면 안 되다': '초과근무하면 안 돼요.' To say you don't want to, use '-고 싶지 않다': '초과근무하고 싶지 않아요.'

오늘은 초과근무하지 말고 일찍 퇴근하세요. (Don't work overtime today; please leave work early.)

The word is frequently used in the passive or causative sense in corporate discussions. For instance, '초과근무를 강요하다' (to force overtime). In a more positive light, '초과근무를 줄이다' (to reduce overtime) is a common phrase in HR policy announcements. When using it in the first person, it often sounds like a statement of fact rather than a complaint, which is why it is preferred in professional emails to supervisors.

With Adverbs: Commonly paired with '자주' (often), '가끔' (sometimes), or '불가피하게' (inevitably). Example: '불가피하게 초과근무하게 되었습니다' (I inevitably ended up working overtime).

내일은 초과근무해야 할 것 같아요. (I think I will have to work overtime tomorrow.)

You are most likely to encounter 초과근무하다 in environments where formal Korean is the standard. This includes the office, government buildings, news broadcasts, and educational settings. While you might hear a coworker say '나 오늘 야근해' (I'm working late tonight) in the breakroom, the official announcement on the office monitor will say '초과근무 시 사전 승인이 필요합니다' (Prior approval is required when working overtime).

The Modern Office: In high-tech companies in Pangyo or traditional conglomerates in Seoul, this word is used in the context of 'overtime tracking' apps. Employees must click a button to start their '초과근무'.

저번 달에 초과근무한 시간이 총 몇 시간이죠? (What is the total number of hours you worked overtime last month?)

In the news, 초과근무하다 is a staple of reports on labor conditions. You will hear news anchors discussing the 'overworking culture' (과로 문화) and how many hours the average Korean worker is cho-gwa-geun-mu-ha-go-it-neun-ji (how many hours they are working overtime). It also appears in K-Dramas that focus on office life, such as 'Misaeng' or 'Search: WWW', where characters often struggle with the balance between their personal lives and the demands of their jobs.

Public Announcements: At government offices, there are often campaigns to discourage unnecessary overtime. Posters might read '초과근무 없는 날' (A day without overtime).

공무원들도 요즘은 초과근무하는 경우가 많아요. (Even civil servants often work overtime these days.)

Furthermore, if you are a student of the Korean language taking the TOPIK exam, this word is a common vocabulary item in the 'Work' or 'Society' sections. It is considered an essential word for intermediate learners because it bridges the gap between basic daily verbs and professional terminology. Hearing it identifies the speaker as someone who is speaking within a professional or legal framework rather than just having a casual chat.

Job Interviews: Interviewers might ask: '초과근무를 해야 할 상황이 오면 어떻게 하시겠습니까?' (What would you do if a situation arises where you have to work overtime?)

우리 부서는 초과근무하지 않는 문화를 지향합니다. (Our department aims for a culture that does not work overtime.)

The most common mistake learners make with 초과근무하다 is using it interchangeably with yageun-hada (야근하다) in informal settings. While their meanings overlap, they are not identical. Yageun specifically refers to working late at night, whereas cho-gwa-geun-mu refers to any work beyond the legal limit. If you work on a Saturday morning, it is cho-gwa-geun-mu, but it is definitely not yageun.

Register Mismatch: Using '초과근무하다' with your friends can sound overly stiff or robotic. It's like saying 'I am engaging in surplus labor' instead of 'I'm working late.'

Incorrect: 친구야, 나 오늘 초과근무해.
Correct: 친구야, 나 오늘 야근해.

Another mistake is the confusion between 'overtime work' (초과근무) and 'overworking to the point of exhaustion' (과로). While related, gwa-ro (과로) is a noun for the state of being overworked, while cho-gwa-geun-mu is the specific act of working extra hours. You 'do' (hada) overtime, but you 'suffer from' (hada/gyeok-da) overwork. Mixing these up can lead to sentences that sound like you are legally required to be exhausted.

Particle Errors: Sometimes learners forget that 'hada' verbs can be separated. You can say '초과근무를 많이 했어요' but you cannot say '초과근무가 많이 했어요'. The action is something you do, not something that exists.

Incorrect: 이번 주는 초과근무가 없어요. (This sounds slightly off as a verb usage; '초과근무가 없어요' is okay as 'There is no overtime', but '초과근무하지 않아요' is better for the action.)

Lastly, many learners struggle with the distinction between yeon-jang-geun-ro (연장근로) and cho-gwa-geun-mu. Yeon-jang-geun-ro is the specific legal term for 'extended work' under the labor law, whereas cho-gwa-geun-mu is the more general term for 'overtime'. In most office settings, cho-gwa-geun-mu is the safer, more commonly used verb for the actual activity of working late.

Pronunciation Trap: Be careful with the 'gwa' (과) sound. It's a rounded 'w' sound. Don't pronounce it like 'ga'. 'Cho-ga' is a different word entirely (meaning thatched house).

직원들이 초과근무하는 것을 반대합니다. (I oppose employees working overtime.)

To truly master 초과근무하다, you must understand how it compares to its synonyms. The Korean language has several ways to say 'working extra,' and each carries a different connotation, time of day, or level of formality. Choosing the right one shows a deep understanding of Korean workplace culture.

야근하다 (Yageun-hada): Meaning: To work at night. This is the most common casual term. If you stay until 9 PM, you are 'yageun'-ing. It is less formal than 'cho-gwa-geun-mu-hada'.
잔업하다 (Jan-eop-hada): Meaning: To do remaining work. This is often used in manufacturing or factory settings, referring to finishing a quota or a specific task after hours.
연장근로하다 (Yeon-jang-geun-ro-hada): Meaning: To perform extended labor. This is the legalistic term used in the Labor Standards Act. You'll see this in contracts more than you'll hear it in speech.

Comparison: 초과근무하다 is the 'What', 야근하다 is the 'When', and 잔업하다 is the 'Why'.

There is also teuk-byeol-geun-mu (특별근무), which refers to 'special duty,' usually meaning working on a holiday or a scheduled day off. While this is a form of overtime, it is categorized differently in payroll systems. Another related term is gwa-ro-hada (과로하다), which means to overwork to the point of physical exhaustion. Unlike cho-gwa-geun-mu-hada, which is neutral, gwa-ro-hada is always negative and refers to the health consequences of too much work.

추가 근무 (Chuga Geunmu): Meaning: Additional work. This is very similar to 'cho-gwa-geun-mu' but slightly less formal. It is often used when a boss asks for a little bit more time: '추가 근무 좀 해줄 수 있어요?'

어제는 야근을 했고, 오늘은 공식적으로 초과근무를 신청했습니다. (Yesterday I worked late (casual), and today I officially applied for overtime (formal).)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'Geun' (勤) in Geunmu is the same 'Geun' found in 'Geun-myeon' (勤勉), which means diligence. Traditionally, working long hours was synonymous with being a diligent person.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tɕʰo.ɡwa.ɡɯn.mu.ha.da

US tɕʰo.ɡwa.ɡɯn.mu.ha.da

Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but a slight emphasis may fall on 'cho' (초).

Rhymes With

공부하다 (gong-bu-ha-da) 준비하다 (jun-bi-ha-da) 운전하다 (un-jeon-ha-da) 통화하다 (tong-hwa-ha-da) 생각하다 (saeng-gak-ha-da) 시작하다 (si-jak-ha-da) 도착하다 (do-chak-ha-da) 부탁하다 (bu-tak-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'cho' (초) as 'jo' (조).
Pronouncing 'gwa' (과) as 'ga' (가).
Making the 'eu' (으) sound like 'oo' (우).
Forgetting the aspiration on 'cho'.
Pronouncing 'mu' as 'moo' with too much lip rounding.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The Hanja roots are common, making it easy to recognize once you know 'geunmu'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of 'cho-gwa' and proper conjugation.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as long as 'cho' is aspirated.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'chuga' (additional) if spoken quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

일하다 근무하다 시간 많다 하다

Learn Next

수당 연장근로 퇴근 출근 월급

Advanced

근로기준법 유연근무제 포괄임금제 워라벨

Grammar to Know

-느라고 (Reason for a negative result)

초과근무를 하느라고 잠을 못 잤어요.

-기 위해 (In order to)

초과근무를 하지 않기 위해 열심히 일해요.

-어야 하다 (Obligation)

오늘은 꼭 초과근무를 해야 해요.

-면 안 되다 (Prohibition)

너무 많이 초과근무하면 안 돼요.

-을 때 (When)

초과근무할 때 커피를 많이 마셔요.

Examples by Level

저는 오늘 초과근무해요.

I work overtime today.

Present tense polite form (-해요).

초과근무는 힘들어요.

Working overtime is hard.

Noun form used as a subject.

어제 초과근무했어요?

Did you work overtime yesterday?

Past tense question.

우리는 초과근무 안 해요.

We don't work overtime.

Negation with '안'.

초과근무하고 싶지 않아요.

I don't want to work overtime.

Expressing desire with '-고 싶지 않다'.

아빠는 매일 초과근무해요.

Dad works overtime every day.

Subject + frequency adverb.

초과근무가 많아요.

There is a lot of overtime.

Noun + adjective '많다'.

선생님도 초과근무해요?

Does the teacher work overtime too?

Honorific title + question.

일이 많아서 초과근무해야 해요.

I have to work overtime because there is a lot of work.

Reason (-아서) + obligation (-해야 하다).

초과근무하면 수당을 받아요.

If I work overtime, I get an allowance.

Conditional (-면).

지난주에 10시간 초과근무했어요.

I worked 10 hours of overtime last week.

Duration with '시간'.

초과근무를 줄이고 싶어요.

I want to reduce overtime.

Object marker '를' + verb '줄이다'.

부장님이 초과근무를 시켰어요.

The manager made me work overtime.

Causative-like usage with '시키다'.

초과근무할 때 간식을 먹어요.

I eat snacks when I work overtime.

Time expression (-을 때).

오늘은 초과근무하지 마세요.

Please don't work overtime today.

Prohibition (-지 마세요).

내일 초과근무할 수 있어요?

Can you work overtime tomorrow?

Ability/Possibility (-을 수 있다).

초과근무를 하느라고 데이트를 못 했어요.

I couldn't go on a date because I was working overtime.

Reason for a negative outcome (-느라고).

초과근무를 피하기 위해 일찍 출근해요.

I go to work early to avoid working overtime.

Purpose (-기 위해).

초과근무 수당이 월급보다 많을 때도 있어요.

There are times when overtime pay is more than the salary.

Comparison (-보다) + '때도 있다'.

자주 초과근무하다 보면 건강이 나빠져요.

If you keep working overtime frequently, your health gets worse.

Repetitive action leading to a result (-다 보면).

초과근무를 당연하게 생각하면 안 됩니다.

You should not take working overtime for granted.

Adverbial '당연하게' + prohibition.

팀원들이 초과근무하는지 확인해 보세요.

Please check if the team members are working overtime.

Indirect question (-는지).

초과근무 기록을 정확히 남겨야 합니다.

You must leave an accurate record of your overtime work.

Adverb '정확히' + obligation.

초과근무를 줄이는 것이 회사의 목표입니다.

Reducing overtime is the company's goal.

Gerund (-는 것) as a subject.

초과근무를 강요하는 것은 근로기준법 위반입니다.

Forcing overtime is a violation of the Labor Standards Act.

Noun clause + '위반입니다'.

초과근무가 잦으면 직원들의 이직률이 높아집니다.

If overtime is frequent, the employee turnover rate increases.

Adjective '잦다' (frequent) + result.

효율적으로 일하면 초과근무할 필요가 없습니다.

If you work efficiently, there is no need to work overtime.

Lack of necessity (-을 필요가 없다).

초과근무 수당 청구 절차가 복잡해졌어요.

The procedure for claiming overtime pay has become complicated.

Change of state (-아/어지다).

정부는 초과근무를 제한하는 정책을 시행 중입니다.

The government is implementing policies to limit overtime.

Noun-modifying form + '시행 중'.

초과근무를 하더라도 휴식 시간은 보장되어야 합니다.

Even if you work overtime, break time must be guaranteed.

Concessive (-더라도).

과도한 초과근무는 업무 효율성을 떨어뜨립니다.

Excessive overtime reduces work efficiency.

Causative verb '떨어뜨리다'.

초과근무 대신 유연근무제를 선택할 수 있습니다.

You can choose a flexible work system instead of overtime.

Substitution '대신'.

초과근무의 고착화는 한국 사회의 고질적인 문제입니다.

The normalization of overtime is a chronic problem in Korean society.

Advanced vocabulary '고착화' and '고질적'.

초과근무를 당연시하는 기업 문화가 바뀌어야 합니다.

The corporate culture that takes overtime for granted must change.

Verb '당연시하다' (to take for granted).

초과근무가 개인의 삶의 질에 미치는 영향을 분석했습니다.

We analyzed the impact of overtime on individual quality of life.

Relative clause + '미치는 영향'.

초과근무 수당의 미지급은 심각한 법적 분쟁을 야기할 수 있습니다.

Non-payment of overtime pay can cause serious legal disputes.

Formal noun '미지급' + verb '야기하다'.

초과근무를 줄이기 위한 실질적인 대책이 시급합니다.

Practical measures to reduce overtime are urgent.

Adjective '시급하다' (to be urgent).

초과근무와 생산성 사이의 상관관계를 연구하고 있습니다.

I am studying the correlation between overtime and productivity.

Noun '상관관계' (correlation).

포괄임금제 하에서 초과근무는 종종 무급으로 이루어집니다.

Under the inclusive wage system, overtime is often performed without pay.

Technical term '포괄임금제'.

초과근무가 일상화된 환경에서는 창의적인 사고가 어렵습니다.

In an environment where overtime is routine, creative thinking is difficult.

Passive-like noun '일상화된'.

초과근무의 만연은 노동력의 질적 저하를 초래할 우려가 있습니다.

The prevalence of overtime carries the risk of causing a qualitative decline in the workforce.

High-level nouns '만연', '초래', '우려'.

초과근무 수당 산정 방식에 대한 법적 해석이 엇갈리고 있습니다.

Legal interpretations of the method for calculating overtime pay are conflicting.

Verb '엇갈리다' (to be conflicted/mixed).

초과근무를 억제하기 위한 제도적 장치가 마련되어야 합니다.

Institutional mechanisms to suppress overtime must be established.

Formal phrase '제도적 장치'.

초과근무가 노동자의 정신 건강에 미치는 파급 효과는 막대합니다.

The ripple effect of overtime on workers' mental health is enormous.

Noun '파급 효과' (ripple effect).

초과근무 실태 조사를 통해 노동 환경의 민낯이 드러났습니다.

Through the investigation of overtime conditions, the bare face of the working environment was revealed.

Metaphorical use of '민낯' (bare face).

초과근무의 정당성을 입증하는 것은 사용자의 책임입니다.

It is the employer's responsibility to prove the justification for overtime.

Formal term '사용자' (employer).

디지털 전환 시대에 초과근무의 개념은 재정의되어야 합니다.

In the era of digital transformation, the concept of overtime must be redefined.

Passive verb '재정의되다'.

초과근무가 저출산 문제에 기여한다는 비판이 제기되고 있습니다.

Criticism is being raised that overtime contributes to the low birth rate problem.

Verb '제기되다' (to be raised/brought up).

Common Collocations

초과근무 수당

초과근무 시간

초과근무 신청

초과근무 강요

초과근무 금지

자발적 초과근무

불필요한 초과근무

초과근무 승인

초과근무 한도

초과근무 일지

Common Phrases

초과근무가 잦다

— To have frequent overtime. Used to describe a busy job.

이 부서는 초과근무가 잦은 편이에요.

초과근무를 줄이다

— To reduce overtime. A common goal in modern companies.

우리 회사는 초과근무를 줄이기 위해 노력 중입니다.

초과근무를 피하다

— To avoid overtime.

효율적으로 일해서 초과근무를 피하고 싶어요.

초과근무가 불가피하다

— Overtime is inevitable. Used when a deadline is close.

이번 프로젝트는 초과근무가 불가피합니다.

초과근무를 신청하다

— To apply for overtime.

미리 초과근무를 신청해야 합니다.

초과근무를 거부하다

— To refuse to work overtime.

정당한 사유 없이 초과근무를 거부할 수 있나요?

초과근무를 인정받다

— To have one's overtime recognized (usually for pay).

주말 근무도 초과근무로 인정받았습니다.

초과근무를 당연시하다

— To take overtime for granted.

아직도 초과근무를 당연시하는 분위기가 남아 있어요.

초과근무를 제한하다

— To limit overtime.

법으로 초과근무 시간을 제한하고 있습니다.

초과근무 없이

— Without overtime.

초과근무 없이 일을 끝냈어요.

Often Confused With

초과근무하다 vs 야근하다

Yageun is night work; Chogwa-geunmu is any work past the limit.

초과근무하다 vs 과로하다

Gwaro is overworking to the point of illness; Chogwa-geunmu is the act of working extra hours.

초과근무하다 vs 특근하다

Teukgeun is special work on holidays/weekends; Chogwa-geunmu is general overtime.

Idioms & Expressions

"코피 터지게 일하다"

— To work so hard that you get a nosebleed. Often implies massive overtime.

지난주에 코피 터지게 일해서 결국 초과근무 수당을 많이 받았어요.

Slang/Informal

"뼈를 묻다"

— Literally 'to bury one's bones.' To dedicate one's life to a company, often involving endless overtime.

이 회사에 뼈를 묻을 각오로 초과근무를 했습니다.

Idiomatic

"눈코 뜰 새 없이 바쁘다"

— To be so busy you don't even have time to open your eyes and nose. Leads to overtime.

요즘 눈코 뜰 새 없이 바빠서 매일 초과근무해요.

Common Idiom

"불이 나게 일하다"

— To work with such speed and intensity that 'fire starts.'

마감 직전이라 불이 나게 초과근무를 했어요.

Informal

"월화수목금금금"

— Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Friday, Friday. Refers to working through the weekend (extreme overtime).

요즘 제 스케줄은 월화수목금금금이에요. 초과근무가 너무 많아요.

Slang

"등골이 휘다"

— To have one's back bent (from heavy labor or excessive work).

초과근무를 너무 많이 해서 등골이 휠 지경이에요.

Informal

"파김치가 되다"

— To become like limp green onion kimchi (to be exhausted from work).

매일 초과근무를 하니 파김치가 되었어요.

Informal

"시계만 보다"

— To only look at the clock (waiting for work to end).

초과근무하기 싫어서 오후 내내 시계만 봤어요.

Common Expression

"일벌레"

— Workworm (Workaholic). Someone who chooses to work overtime.

그는 정말 일벌레라서 초과근무를 즐기는 것 같아요.

Informal

"칼퇴근 (칼퇴)"

— Knife-like leaving (leaving exactly on time). The opposite of overtime.

오늘은 초과근무 안 하고 칼퇴할 거예요.

Slang

Easily Confused

초과근무하다 vs 추가근무

Both mean additional work.

Chogwa-geunmu is the official legal/HR term. Chuga-geunmu is more descriptive and less formal.

공식 서류에는 '초과근무'라고 적으세요.

초과근무하다 vs 잔업

Both involve working late.

Janeop implies finishing specific tasks that were left over. It is very common in blue-collar or manufacturing jobs.

공장에서는 주로 '잔업'이라는 표현을 씁니다.

초과근무하다 vs 조기출근

Both are outside regular hours.

Jogi-chulgeun is coming in early. This is a type of Chogwa-geunmu if it exceeds the daily limit.

조기출근도 초과근무로 인정되나요?

초과근무하다 vs 당직

Both are extra duty.

Dangjik is being 'on call' or 'on watch duty', often overnight, but not necessarily doing your regular tasks.

오늘은 초과근무가 아니라 당직이에요.

초과근무하다 vs 철야

Both involve working more.

Cheol-ya is working through the entire night until the next morning.

철야 근무는 초과근무의 가장 힘든 형태입니다.

Sentence Patterns

V-아서/어서 초과근무하다

바빠서 초과근무해요.

V-지 않으려고 초과근무하다

일을 미루지 않으려고 초과근무해요.

N 시간 동안 초과근무하다

세 시간 동안 초과근무했어요.

V-는 바람에 초과근무하다

컴퓨터가 고장 나는 바람에 초과근무했어요.

N-을/를 위해 초과근무하다

성공을 위해 초과근무하고 있어요.

V-을 정도로 초과근무하다

쓰러질 정도로 초과근무하면 안 됩니다.

V-음에도 불구하고 초과근무하다

피곤함에도 불구하고 초과근무를 완료했습니다.

V-는 한이 있더라도 초과근무하다

밤을 새우는 한이 있더라도 초과근무를 해서 마쳐야 합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

초과 (Excess)

근무 (Work)

초과근무 (Overtime work)

근무자 (Worker)

근무지 (Workplace)

Verbs

근무하다 (To work)

초과하다 (To exceed)

연장하다 (To extend)

Adjectives

과도하다 (Excessive)

부족하다 (Insufficient - antonym root)

수당 (Allowance)

급여 (Salary)

퇴근 (Leaving work)

출근 (Going to work)

야근 (Night work)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in office and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

초과근무를 먹었어요 → 초과근무를 했어요
You 'do' overtime, you don't 'eat' it. This mistake often comes from confusing it with 'yashik' (late-night snack).
초과근무가 했어요 → 초과근무를 했어요
The subject is the person, not the overtime. Use the object marker '를'.
Using '초과근무하다' for working on a holiday without exceeding weekly hours. → 특근하다 / 휴일근무하다
While technically overtime in English, Korean distinguishes between 'exceeding hours' and 'working on a special day'.
초과근무해요 (to a friend) → 야근해 / 일 더 해
It's too formal for a casual setting. It sounds like you're reading a report.
초과근무를 과로해요 → 초과근무를 해서 과로했어요
Overtime is the action; overwork (gwaro) is the result. You need a connector.

Tips

Use for HR

Always use '초과근무' when filling out timesheets or speaking to HR representatives.

Separability

Remember you can separate '초과근무' and '하다' to add modifiers like '초과근무를 많이 하다'.

Wo-ra-bel

The term is often used in discussions about 'Work-Life Balance' (워라벨).

Know your rights

Learning this word helps you understand Korean labor contracts and your right to pay.

Night vs Overtime

Use '야근' for night work and '초과근무' for legal/formal overtime.

Aspirate the 'Ch'

Make sure to blow out air when saying 'Cho' to avoid sounding like 'Jo'.

Compound Nouns

It often pairs with other nouns without particles, like '초과근무시간'.

Professionalism

Using this word makes you sound more professional than using '일 더 해요'.

Root words

Learning '초과' (excess) will help you understand words like '초과액' (excess amount).

Asking Coworkers

When asking a coworker if they are staying late, '야근하세요?' is more natural.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'CHO'colate bar that is 'GWA' (greatly) too long. You have to 'GEUNMU' (work) extra hard to eat it all.

Visual Association

A clock where the hands have passed the 6:00 PM mark and are glowing red to show 'excess'.

Word Web

Work Time Money Office Late Law Boss Deadline

Challenge

Try to use '초과근무하다' in a sentence that also includes the word '수당' (allowance) and '피곤하다' (to be tired).

Word Origin

Composed of three parts: 'Cho' (超 - to surpass), 'Gwa' (過 - to pass/exceed), and 'Geunmu' (勤務 - diligent work/service). The roots are Sino-Korean (Hanja).

Original meaning: To perform duty beyond the set limit.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when asking Koreans about overtime; it can be a source of significant stress and burnout.

In the West, overtime is often seen as either a burden or a way to get 'time-and-a-half' pay. In Korea, it was historically a social obligation to stay until the boss left.

The drama 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) depicts the harsh reality of overtime. The term 'Gwarosa' (death by overwork) is a tragic extreme related to excessive overtime. Webtoon 'Gauss Electronics' satirizes office overtime culture.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office environment

오늘 초과근무 하세요?
초과근무 수당이 얼마예요?
초과근무 승인해 주세요.
초과근무를 줄입시다.

Job Interview

초과근무에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?
필요하다면 초과근무를 할 수 있습니다.
초과근무가 잦은 편인가요?
초과근무 수당은 어떻게 지급되나요?

Legal/HR Discussions

초과근무 한도를 준수해야 합니다.
초과근무 기록을 확인하십시오.
초과근무는 주 12시간을 넘을 수 없습니다.
초과근무 수당 미지급은 불법입니다.

Casual Complaint

또 초과근무야?
초과근무 때문에 너무 피곤해.
초과근무 없는 회사가 부러워요.
오늘 초과근무 안 하면 안 돼?

News/Reports

초과근무 실태를 조사했습니다.
초과근무가 건강에 미치는 영향.
초과근무를 장려하는 문화.
초과근무 수당 청구 소송.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 회사에서 초과근무를 자주 하시는 편인가요? (Do you work overtime often at your company these days?)"

"초과근무 수당이 잘 나오는 편인가요? (Does the overtime pay come out well?)"

"초과근무를 피하는 본인만의 노하우가 있나요? (Do you have your own know-how to avoid overtime?)"

"한국의 초과근무 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about Korea's overtime culture?)"

"초과근무를 할 때 주로 어떤 간식을 드시나요? (What snacks do you usually eat when working overtime?)"

Journal Prompts

이번 주에 초과근무를 몇 시간이나 했는지, 그리고 그 이유를 적어보세요. (Write about how many hours of overtime you did this week and why.)

초과근무 없는 삶을 살기 위해 내가 할 수 있는 일은 무엇일까요? (What can I do to live a life without overtime?)

만약 내가 사장이라면, 직원들의 초과근무를 어떻게 관리할 것인가요? (If I were the boss, how would I manage employees' overtime?)

초과근무를 한 날의 기분과 정시 퇴근한 날의 기분을 비교해 보세요. (Compare your feelings on a day you worked overtime versus a day you left on time.)

초과근무 수당으로 무엇을 하고 싶은지 계획을 세워보세요. (Make a plan for what you want to do with your overtime pay.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily. While the term usually implies paid overtime in a legal sense, whether you actually get paid depends on your contract (e.g., '포괄임금제' might include it in your base pay) and company policy.

Yes, if you work more than your agreed hours. For example, if you agreed to work 4 hours but worked 5, that 1 hour is 초과근무.

'야근' is much more common in daily speech between coworkers. '초과근무' is used for official reporting and HR matters.

Under the current 52-hour workweek law, you can work up to 12 hours of overtime per week on top of the standard 40 hours.

Yes, if it exceeds your 40-hour weekly limit, it is considered 초과근무 (specifically '휴일근로').

You use '초과근무하세요' or '초과근무하십니다' when talking about someone of higher status.

'초과근무' is the noun (overtime work), and '초과근무하다' is the verb (to work overtime).

Yes, adding the object marker '를' is very natural and common.

It is the extra money (allowance) paid for the overtime hours worked.

The word itself is neutral, but because most people value their free time, it is often associated with tiredness or stress.