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A2 noun 11 min read

작성

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 작성 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 작성 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '작성' (작성) very often yourself, but you will definitely see it. Imagine you are at a Korean airport or a bank. You will see signs that say '서류 작성' or '신고서 작성.' At this basic level, just remember that '작성' means 'to fill out a form.' If a teacher or a clerk points at a piece of paper and says '작성하세요,' they want you to write your name, address, or other information on that paper. It is a 'formal' version of 'write.' Instead of just writing a story, you are writing information into boxes. Think of it as 'Form Writing.' You might see it on a website button where you have to write your name to sign up. It is one of those 'survival words' for anyone living in Korea because you have to '작성' things to get a phone, a bank account, or an ID card.

At the A2 level, you should start using '작성' in simple sentences. You are now moving beyond just survival and starting to talk about your daily tasks. If you are a student, you might say, '숙제를 작성해요' (though '해요' or '써요' is more common, '작성' is used for formal reports). A better example for A2 is '이력서를 작성해요' (I am writing a resume). At this level, you should understand that '작성' is specifically for documents. You can use the pattern '[Document Name] + 작성하다.' For example: '명단을 작성해요' (I am making a list). It sounds much more 'correct' and 'grown-up' than using '쓰다' for everything. You will also hear it in instructions like '이름을 작성해 주세요' (Please write your name), which is a very common polite request you will encounter in offices.

By B1, you are expected to understand the professional nuance of '작성.' This is the level where you distinguish between '쓰다' (casual writing) and '작성' (official drafting). You should be able to use it in a work or university context. For instance, '회의록을 작성했습니다' (I wrote the meeting minutes) or '설문조사 질문지를 작성하고 있어요' (I am drafting the survey questionnaire). You should also be comfortable with the passive form '작성되다.' If you see a notice that says '이 문서는 한국어로 작성되었습니다,' you should know it means 'This document was written in Korean.' B1 learners should also start using '작성' in compound nouns, such as '작성 방법' (how to write/fill out) or '작성자' (the person who wrote it). It is no longer just a 'form' word; it is a 'document creation' word.

At the B2 level, you should use '작성' with high precision in various professional fields. You understand that '작성' is part of a workflow. For example, you '기획' (plan) something and then '작성' (draft) the proposal. You should be able to discuss the quality of a document using this word: '보고서 작성이 꼼꼼하게 잘 되었네요' (The report was drafted very meticulously). At this level, you also encounter '작성' in legal or academic contexts, such as '계약서 작성' (drawing up a contract) or '논문 작성' (writing a thesis). You should be able to explain the difference between '작성' and similar words like '기입' or '기록' to others. Your usage should reflect an understanding that '작성' implies a formal, structured, and often mandatory process of recording information.

C1 learners use '작성' as a natural part of sophisticated discourse. You recognize it in complex grammatical structures and use it to describe abstract processes. For example, '정책 초안 작성 과정에서 시민들의 의견을 수렴했습니다' (In the process of drafting the policy proposal, we gathered citizens' opinions). You understand the nuance of '작성' in historical or highly technical contexts, such as '법안 작성' (drafting a bill) or '코드 작성' (writing code - though '코딩' is common, '코드 작성' is the formal term for the act). You can also use it metaphorically or in high-level business settings to discuss '전략 작성' (drafting a strategy). At this level, your choice of '작성' over '쓰다' is instantaneous and based on a deep sense of social register and the formal requirements of the Korean language.

At the C2 level, '작성' is a tool for professional-grade communication. You are aware of its etymological roots (作 + 成) and how it fits into the broader landscape of Sino-Korean administrative vocabulary. You can use it in highly formal speeches or academic papers, perhaps discussing the '작성 주체' (the entity responsible for the drafting) or '작성 경위' (the circumstances under which the document was written). You understand the subtle differences between '작성,' '집필,' '서술,' and '기안' perfectly and can switch between them to convey exact shades of meaning. For a C2 learner, '작성' is not just a word but a concept that encapsulates the entire Korean bureaucratic and academic tradition of formal documentation. You can critique the '작성 양식' (drafting style/format) of others and produce documents that adhere perfectly to cultural expectations.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

작성 in 30 Seconds

작성 (Jakseong) means drafting or filling out formal documents like forms and reports.
It is more professional and structured than the general verb '쓰다' (to write).
Commonly used in offices, banks, and schools for official paperwork and records.
Combines 'make' (作) and 'complete' (成) to mean finishing a document task.

The Korean word 작성 (作成) is a foundational noun that English speakers often translate as 'writing,' 'drawing up,' or 'preparing a document.' However, unlike the general verb '쓰다' (to write), which can apply to anything from a quick note to a poem, 작성 carries a specific administrative, formal, and structured nuance. It implies the act of completing a task by putting information into a specific format or creating a formal record. When you are in a Korean bank, a government office, or a corporate setting, you will rarely hear someone ask you to 'write' a form; they will almost certainly ask you to '작성' it. This word combines the Hanja characters 作 (작), meaning 'to make' or 'to create,' and 成 (성), meaning 'to achieve' or 'to complete.' Therefore, at its core, 작성 is the act of 'making something complete' through the medium of writing.

Formal Context: Used when drafting official reports, contracts, or legal documents where precision is required.
Administrative Context: Used when filling out applications, surveys, or registration forms at public institutions.
Professional Context: Used in business for creating project plans, meeting minutes (회의록), and financial statements.

Imagine the difference between scribbling a grocery list on a napkin and filling out a visa application. The former is just '쓰다,' while the latter is a clear case of '작성.' In the modern digital era, 작성 is also used for digital content creation that requires a specific structure, such as '게시물 작성' (writing a post on a forum) or '메일 작성' (drafting an email). It suggests a level of intentionality and adherence to a standard that '쓰다' lacks. For an English speaker, thinking of it as 'documenting' or 'formalizing in writing' helps capture the professional weight the word carries in Korean society.

신청서를 작성해 주시기 바랍니다. (Please fill out the application form.)

Furthermore, 작성 is often paired with the verb '하다' to become '작성하다' (to write/draw up). It is a process-oriented word. When a manager asks, "보고서 작성 다 됐나요?" (Is the report preparation finished?), they are not just asking if you wrote words, but if the document as a whole is completed and ready for its intended purpose. This distinction is vital for learners who wish to sound natural in professional or official Korean environments. Using '쓰다' in these contexts isn't necessarily wrong, but it sounds overly simplistic or even slightly childish, whereas 작성 signals that you understand the formal nature of the task at hand.

이 보고서는 전문가에 의해 작성되었습니다. (This report was drawn up by an expert.)

Common Collocations: 계획서 작성 (Drafting a plan), 계약서 작성 (Drawing up a contract), 명단 작성 (Creating a list).

In summary, 작성 is about the transformation of information into a structured, formal document. Whether it is a student filling out a registration form or a lawyer drafting a complex legal brief, the action is defined by the creation of a tangible or digital record that serves a specific function. It is a word that bridges the gap between simple communication and formal documentation, making it an essential part of the vocabulary for anyone navigating life, work, or study in Korea.

Using 작성 correctly in a sentence requires understanding its role as a noun that frequently transforms into a verb. The most common structure is [Noun] + 작성 or [Noun] + 을/를 작성하다. Because 작성 focuses on documents and structured records, the preceding noun is almost always a type of paper, form, or digital file. For example, '서류' (document), '보고서' (report), '이력서' (resume), and '계획서' (plan) are its most frequent partners. When you use 작성하다, you are emphasizing the action of completing that specific document.

회의가 끝난 후 회의록을 작성했습니다. (After the meeting ended, I wrote/drew up the minutes.)

Another important grammatical point is the use of the passive form, 작성되다. In formal reports or academic writing, you often need to state that a document 'was written' or 'was prepared' without necessarily focusing on the author. In these cases, 작성되다 is the standard choice. For instance, '이 문서는 2023년에 작성되었습니다' (This document was prepared in 2023). This passive voice is very common in official footnotes or the introductory sections of long documents to establish when and by whom the material was compiled.

Verb Form: 작성하다: Active voice: 'I am writing the report.' (내가 보고서를 작성하고 있다.)
Passive Form: 작성되다: Passive voice: 'The report was written.' (보고서가 작성되었다.)

In imperative sentences (giving commands or requests), 작성 is used with polite endings like -해 주세요 or -바랍니다. If you are at a hospital, the receptionist might say, "이 양식을 작성해서 주세요," which means "Please fill out this form and give it to me." Notice how '작성' covers both the 'filling out' of a pre-made form and the 'writing' of a document from scratch. This versatility is key. Whether you are providing information in boxes or creating a blank page's worth of content, if it is a formal document, 작성 is the word to use.

이력서 작성 시 주의할 점이 무엇인가요? (What are the things to be careful about when writing a resume?)

Finally, consider the nuances of '작성 중' (in the middle of writing/drafting). If you are working on a document and someone asks what you are doing, saying "보고서 작성 중이에요" sounds much more professional and focused than "보고서 쓰고 있어요." The former implies you are engaged in a structured task, while the latter sounds more casual. In business emails, you might see '작성자' (written by/author) at the bottom or top of a document, which is the standard way to denote the person responsible for the content. Understanding these patterns allows you to navigate Korean professional environments with confidence and linguistic accuracy.

You will encounter 작성 in almost every corner of organized Korean life. One of the most common places is the **Community Service Center (주민센터)**. When you move to a new neighborhood, you must '작성' a move-in report (전입신고서). The staff will point to various forms and use this word repeatedly. Similarly, at the **Immigration Office (출입국관리사무소)**, every visa application, extension, or change of status requires the '작성' of multiple complex forms. In these settings, the word is synonymous with bureaucratic compliance and the formal recording of personal data.

은행에서 계좌를 개설하려면 여러 서류를 작성해야 합니다. (To open an account at a bank, you have to fill out several documents.)

In the **Corporate World**, 작성 is the language of productivity. Meetings result in '회의록 작성' (writing minutes), projects begin with '기획서 작성' (drafting a proposal), and quarterly results are summarized in '결산 보고서 작성' (preparing a financial report). If you work in a Korean office, your 'To-Do List' will likely be filled with various '작성' tasks. Even in digital communication, when you click 'Write' on a Korean website like Naver or Daum to post a comment or a blog entry, the button often says '글쓰기,' but the process of creating the content is frequently referred to as '게시글 작성' in the system's instructions or terms of service.

At School: Students '작성' their study plans (학습 계획서) or research papers (논문).
In Real Estate: When renting an apartment, the '계약서 작성' (drawing up the contract) is the most critical step.

You will also hear this word in **Legal and Medical** contexts. Doctors '작성' medical records (진료 기록부), and lawyers '작성' legal briefs or complaints. Even in casual settings, if there is a hint of formality—like a wedding guest book or a petition—the word 작성 might be used to elevate the tone. For example, '방명록 작성' (signing/writing in a guest book). It is a word that signals: 'This information matters, and it is being recorded for a reason.'

설문조사 작성에 참여해 주셔서 감사합니다. (Thank you for participating in filling out the survey.)

Lastly, in the age of **AI and Technology**, you'll see phrases like '자동 작성' (automatic generation/writing). When a computer drafts a response or a summary, it is '작성' because the output is a structured piece of information. Whether it's a human with a pen or a machine with an algorithm, if the result is a formal piece of writing, 작성 is the operative word. Hearing it should immediately prime your brain for a task that involves accuracy, structure, and formal recording.

The most common mistake learners make with 작성 is using it too broadly, replacing every instance of 'writing' with it. While 작성 is 'writing,' it is not 'creative writing' in the sense of writing a novel, a poem, or a personal diary. You would not say '일기 작성' (writing a diary) unless you were a robot or in a very strange psychological experiment where your diary was a formal medical record. For personal, emotional, or purely creative endeavors, the verb **쓰다** or the noun **글쓰기** is much more appropriate. Using 작성 for a love letter would sound hilariously clinical and cold.

Incorrect: 친구에게 편지를 작성했어요. (I 'drew up' a letter to a friend.)
Correct: 친구에게 편지를 썼어요.

Another frequent error is confusing 작성 with **기록 (Record)**. While they are related, 작성 focuses on the *act of creating the document*, whereas 기록 focuses on the *preservation of the information*. For example, '기록을 남기다' means to leave a record/legacy, while '서류를 작성하다' means to fill out the paperwork. You '작성' the document so that the '기록' exists. Similarly, don't confuse it with **기입 (Entry)**. 기입 is specifically for putting a single piece of data into a specific blank space (like putting your name in a box), while 작성 is the completion of the whole form.

작성 vs. 쓰다: 작성 is formal/structured; 쓰다 is general/casual.
작성 vs. 기입: 작성 is the whole document; 기입 is a specific entry field.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particle usage. Remember that 작성 is a noun. To make it a verb, you add 하다. Some learners say '작성이다,' which is incorrect. It must be '작성하다' (to do the drafting) or '작성 중이다' (to be in the process of drafting). Also, be careful with the object. You '작성' a *document*, not a *language*. You wouldn't say '한국어를 작성하다' to mean 'I write in Korean.' You would say '한국어로 서류를 작성하다' (I draft the document in Korean).

보고서 작성을 마쳤습니다. (I have finished drafting the report.)

Finally, watch out for the nuance of 'completion.' 작성 implies the document is finished or being finished. If you are just brainstorming or doodling, 작성 is not the right word. It implies a goal-oriented writing process. Forgetting this can lead to sounding robotic in situations where a more human, creative word like '구상' (conception/planning) or '메모' (memo) would be better. Master the 'formality' and 'structure' aspects of 작성, and you will avoid 90% of the common pitfalls.

To truly master 작성, you must understand its neighbors in the Korean vocabulary. The most common alternative is **쓰다**. As mentioned, 쓰다 is the general-purpose verb for writing. If you are ever in doubt, 쓰다 is usually safe, but 작성 is better for formal tasks. Think of 쓰다 as 'to write' and 작성 as 'to draft/prepare.' Another similar word is **기입 (記入)**. While 작성 refers to the entire process of making a document, 기입 refers specifically to filling in blanks on a form. If a form asks for your name and address, you '기입' those details to '작성' the form.

작성 vs. 기입 (記入): 작성: Creating the whole document.
기입: Filling in specific blanks (name, date).
작성 vs. 집필 (執筆): 작성: Administrative/business writing.
집필: Professional literary or academic writing (writing a book or a thesis).

For professional authors or academics, the word **집필 (Jippil)** is used. You wouldn't say a famous novelist '작성'ed their new book; they '집필'ed it. 집필 implies a high level of intellectual and creative labor. On the other hand, **제작 (製作)** means 'to produce' or 'to manufacture.' While 작성 is limited to documents and text, 제작 can apply to movies, furniture, or websites. If you are creating a digital report that includes graphics and layout, you might use '제작,' but the text portion is still '작성.'

이 책은 5년에 걸쳐 집필되었습니다. (This book was written over five years.)

In a legal context, you might encounter **서술 (Narrating/Describing)**. This is used when you are describing a series of events in writing. While 작성 is about the document as an object, 서술 is about the style and content of the writing itself. Furthermore, **기안 (Drafting a proposal)** is a very specific business term. When an employee '기안's a document, they are creating a proposal for approval by their superiors. This is a subset of '작성' specifically for the corporate hierarchy.

계획을 수립하고 보고서를 작성하세요. (Establish a plan and write a report.)

Finally, consider **수립 (Establishment)**. Often paired with '계획' (plan), 수립 is about the conceptual formation of a plan, while 작성 is about the physical act of writing that plan down. If you '계획을 수립하다,' you have decided what to do; if you '계획서를 작성하다,' you have put it on paper. Understanding these subtle differences will elevate your Korean from 'understandable' to 'sophisticated and precise.'

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '成' (성) also appears in the word '성공' (success), emphasizing that '작성' is about successfully finishing a document, not just starting it.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tɕak.s͈ʌŋ

US tɕak.s͈ʌŋ

The stress is equal on both syllables, though the second syllable feels slightly more emphasized due to the tensed 's'.

Rhymes With

달성 (Dalseong - achievement) 형성 (Hyeongseong - formation) 구성 (Guseong - composition) 반성 (Banseong - reflection) 완성 (Wanseong - completion) 찬성 (Chanseong - agreement) 음성 (Eumseong - voice) 특성 (Teukseong - characteristic)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '작' like 'jack' in English with a long 'a'. It should be a short, flat 'a'.
Not tensing the 's' in '성'. It should sound more like 'ss' than a soft 's'.
Ending '성' with an 'n' sound instead of 'ng' (nasal).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize on forms and signs.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the Hanja-based spelling '작성'.

Speaking 3/5

Need to practice the tense 'ss' sound in the second syllable.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in public places and offices.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

쓰다 (To write) 하다 (To do) 이름 (Name) 서류 (Document)

Learn Next

제출하다 (To submit) 검토하다 (To review) 수정하다 (To edit/correct) 결재 (Approval)

Advanced

기안 (Drafting a proposal) 집필 (Professional writing) 공문서 (Official document) 서식 (Format/Template)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 하다 (Verbalizing Nouns)

작성 + 하다 = 작성하다 (To draft)

Passive Voice with -되다

작성 + 되다 = 작성되다 (To be drafted)

Noun Modifier -는

보고서를 작성하는 사람 (The person writing the report)

Noun Modifier -ㄴ/은 (Past)

어제 작성한 서류 (The document written yesterday)

Obligation -어야 하다

직접 작성해야 합니다 (You must write it yourself)

Examples by Level

이름을 작성하세요.

Write your name.

Imperative form of '작성하다'.

서류 작성이 어려워요.

Writing the document is hard.

'작성' used as a noun with the subject particle '-이'.

여기 작성해 주세요.

Please fill this out here.

Polite request using '-해 주세요'.

신청서 작성을 끝냈어요.

I finished writing the application.

'작성' as an object of '끝내다' (to finish).

이메일을 작성해요.

I am writing an email.

Present tense of '작성하다'.

명단 작성을 도와주세요.

Please help me make the list.

'명단' (list) + '작성'.

누가 작성했어요?

Who wrote it?

Past tense question.

작성하는 방법을 몰라요.

I don't know how to fill it out.

'-는 방법' (way of doing).

이력서를 작성하고 있습니다.

I am writing a resume.

Present progressive '-고 있다'.

보고서를 작성해서 제출하세요.

Write the report and submit it.

'-아서/어서' for sequential actions.

작성할 서류가 많아요.

There are many documents to write.

Future noun modifier '-ㄹ'.

계획표 작성이 재미있어요.

Making a schedule is fun.

Noun + 작성.

설문지를 작성해 주시겠어요?

Would you mind filling out the survey?

Polite request '-해 주시겠어요?'.

어제 명단을 다 작성했어요.

I finished writing the whole list yesterday.

Past tense with '다' (all/completely).

이 문서는 제가 작성한 것이 아니에요.

This document is not something I wrote.

Past noun modifier '-ㄴ 것'.

컴퓨터로 작성하면 편해요.

It's convenient if you write it with a computer.

'-면' (if/when).

회의록 작성을 잊지 마세요.

Don't forget to write the meeting minutes.

'-지 마세요' (don't do).

이 서류는 영어로 작성되어야 합니다.

This document must be written in English.

Passive '-되다' + obligation '-어야 하다'.

작성자 이름을 확인해 보세요.

Try checking the author's name.

'작성자' (author/drafter).

기획서 작성이 거의 끝났습니다.

The drafting of the proposal is almost finished.

'기획서' (proposal/plan).

꼼꼼하게 작성하는 것이 중요해요.

It is important to write it meticulously.

'-는 것' nominalization.

작성된 내용을 다시 검토해 봅시다.

Let's review the written content again.

Passive past modifier '-된'.

메일 작성 중에 전화가 왔어요.

A call came while I was drafting an email.

'-는 중' (in the middle of).

본인이 직접 작성해야 합니다.

You must write it yourself (in person).

'본인' (self) + '직접' (directly).

계약서를 작성할 때 전문가의 도움을 받으세요.

Get help from an expert when drawing up a contract.

'-을 때' (when).

이 보고서는 통계 자료를 바탕으로 작성되었습니다.

This report was prepared based on statistical data.

'-을 바탕으로' (based on).

작성 요령을 잘 읽어보고 시작하세요.

Read the writing instructions carefully before starting.

'작성 요령' (tips/instructions).

논문 작성은 생각보다 시간이 많이 걸립니다.

Writing a thesis takes more time than you think.

'-보다' (comparison).

허위로 작성할 경우 처벌을 받을 수 있습니다.

You can be punished if you write false information.

'허위' (falsehood) + '-ㄹ 경우' (in case of).

표준 양식에 맞춰서 작성해 주세요.

Please write it according to the standard format.

'-에 맞춰서' (in accordance with).

작성 권한이 있는 사람만 수정할 수 있습니다.

Only those with writing authority can edit it.

'권한' (authority).

신속한 작성을 위해 미리 준비합시다.

Let's prepare in advance for speedy drafting.

'-를 위해' (for the sake of).

법안 작성 단계에서 다양한 의견이 충돌했습니다.

In the bill-drafting stage, various opinions clashed.

'법안' (bill/law proposal).

이 문서는 객관적인 시각에서 작성되어야 신뢰를 얻습니다.

This document gains trust only when written from an objective perspective.

'-어야' (only if/must).

작성 경위를 자세히 설명해 주시겠습니까?

Could you explain the circumstances of the drafting in detail?

'경위' (circumstances/details).

데이터 분석 결과를 토대로 전략 보고서를 작성했습니다.

I drafted a strategy report based on the results of the data analysis.

'-를 토대로' (based on).

작성 주체가 불분명한 문서는 공식적으로 인정되지 않습니다.

Documents with unclear authors are not officially recognized.

'주체' (subject/entity).

초안 작성 후 여러 차례의 수정을 거쳤습니다.

After drafting the initial version, it underwent several revisions.

'초안' (draft) + '거치다' (to go through).

작성자의 의도가 독자에게 명확히 전달되어야 합니다.

The author's intention must be clearly conveyed to the reader.

'의도' (intention).

매뉴얼 작성 시 사용자의 편의성을 최우선으로 고려했습니다.

When drafting the manual, we considered user convenience as the top priority.

'최우선' (top priority).

해당 조약은 양국 정부의 긴밀한 협의 끝에 작성되었습니다.

The treaty in question was drawn up after close consultation between the two governments.

'조약' (treaty) + '협의' (consultation).

문서의 작성 시점과 실제 사건 발생 시점 사이에 괴리가 있습니다.

There is a discrepancy between the time the document was written and the time the actual event occurred.

'괴리' (discrepancy/gap).

작성 양식의 통일성은 조직의 전문성을 보여주는 지표입니다.

The consistency of drafting formats is an indicator of an organization's professionalism.

'지표' (indicator/index).

방대한 분량의 사료를 바탕으로 연표를 작성하는 작업이 진행 중입니다.

Work is underway to create a chronological table based on a vast amount of historical materials.

'사료' (historical materials) + '연표' (chronology).

작성자의 주관이 개입되지 않도록 엄격한 가이드라인을 준수했습니다.

Strict guidelines were followed to prevent the author's subjectivity from intervening.

'주관' (subjectivity) + '개입' (intervention).

보고서 작성에 투입된 인력과 예산이 상당합니다.

The manpower and budget invested in drafting the report are substantial.

'투입' (investment/input).

허위 공문서 작성은 중대한 범죄 행위로 간주됩니다.

The falsification of public documents is considered a serious criminal act.

'공문서' (public document) + '간주되다' (to be considered).

작성 체계의 효율성을 극대화하기 위해 시스템을 개편했습니다.

The system was reorganized to maximize the efficiency of the drafting framework.

'극대화' (maximization).

Common Collocations

서류 작성

보고서 작성

계획서 작성

명단 작성

계약서 작성

이력서 작성

설문지 작성

회의록 작성

원고 작성

신청서 작성

Common Phrases

작성 중

— In the middle of writing or drafting. Commonly seen as a status on digital platforms.

문서 작성 중이니 잠시만 기다려 주세요.

작성 완료

— Writing finished. Often appears as a button or status after completing a form.

작성 완료 버튼을 누르세요.

작성자

— The person who wrote or drafted the document (author).

이 글의 작성자가 누구인가요?

직접 작성

— Writing it yourself without help or templates.

이 에세이는 제가 직접 작성했습니다.

허위 작성

— Writing false information (falsification).

허위 작성은 법적 처벌을 받습니다.

작성 요령

— Instructions or tips on how to fill out or write something.

작성 요령을 읽어보시면 도움이 됩니다.

작성 일자

— The date when the document was written.

문서 상단에 작성 일자를 적으세요.

작성 양식

— The format or template for writing a document.

표준 작성 양식을 사용해 주세요.

작성 금지

— Forbidden to write (e.g., in a specific field on a form).

이 칸은 작성 금지 구역입니다.

추가 작성

— Additional writing or filling out more information.

필요한 경우 내용을 추가 작성할 수 있습니다.

Often Confused With

작성 vs 기록 (Record)

기록 is about saving information for the future; 작성 is the act of putting it on paper now.

작성 vs 기입 (Entry)

기입 is filling in a specific box; 작성 is completing the whole document.

작성 vs 제작 (Production)

제작 is for making things (movies, websites); 작성 is only for text/documents.

Idioms & Expressions

"일사천리로 작성하다"

— To write or draft something very quickly and smoothly without any obstacles.

그는 보고서를 일사천리로 작성했다.

Neutral/Idiomatic

"펜을 들어 작성하다"

— To start the act of writing formally (literally 'to lift the pen').

그는 드디어 사직서를 작성하기 위해 펜을 들었다.

Literary

"공을 들여 작성하다"

— To put a lot of effort and care into writing something.

정말 공을 들여 작성한 기획서입니다.

Neutral

"뼈대를 작성하다"

— To draft the outline or 'skeleton' of a document.

일단 논문의 뼈대부터 작성해 봅시다.

Neutral

"머릿속으로 작성하다"

— To draft something in one's head before actually writing it down.

그는 이미 머릿속으로 답장을 작성했다.

Informal

"한 땀 한 땀 작성하다"

— To write something extremely carefully, as if sewing stitch by stitch.

이력서를 한 땀 한 땀 정성껏 작성했어요.

Metaphorical/Informal

"날림으로 작성하다"

— To write or draft something carelessly and hastily.

숙제를 날림으로 작성해서 선생님께 혼났다.

Informal

"입맛에 맞게 작성하다"

— To draft a document to suit someone's specific taste or requirements.

상사의 입맛에 맞게 보고서를 작성하는 게 힘들어요.

Informal/Business

"빈틈없이 작성하다"

— To draft something without any gaps or flaws; perfectly.

그는 빈틈없이 서류를 작성하는 것으로 유명하다.

Neutral

"급하게 작성하다"

— To draft something in a hurry.

급하게 작성하느라 오타가 좀 있네요.

Neutral

Easily Confused

작성 vs 쓰다

Both mean 'to write'.

쓰다 is general and casual (letters, notes). 작성 is formal and structured (reports, forms).

친구에게 편지를 써요 (O) / 친구에게 편지를 작성해요 (X - too formal).

작성 vs 기입하다

Both are used with forms.

기입하다 is for individual fields (name, age). 작성하다 is for the entire document.

이름을 기입하세요 (Fill in your name). 서류를 작성하세요 (Fill out the form).

작성 vs 집필하다

Both involve writing professional content.

집필하다 is for creative or academic literary works (books, theses). 작성하다 is for administrative/business documents.

교수님이 책을 집필하셨다 (The professor wrote a book).

작성 vs 기안하다

Both are used in offices.

기안하다 specifically means drafting a proposal for approval by a boss. 작성하다 is the general act of writing the report.

신규 사업을 기안했습니다.

작성 vs 서술하다

Both mean writing information.

서술하다 focuses on describing or narrating a story/event in detail. 작성하다 focuses on the completion of the document itself.

사건을 자세히 서술하세요.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] 작성하세요.

이름 작성하세요.

[Noun]을/를 작성하고 있어요.

숙제를 작성하고 있어요.

[Noun] 작성이 끝났습니다.

보고서 작성이 끝났습니다.

[Noun]은/는 [Language]로 작성되었습니다.

이 문서는 한국어로 작성되었습니다.

[Noun] 작성 시 주의사항

이력서 작성 시 주의사항

[Noun]을/를 토대로 작성하다

사실을 토대로 보고서를 작성하다.

[Noun] 작성 경위를 설명하다

계약서 작성 경위를 설명하세요.

[Noun] 작성의 효율성을 제고하다

문서 작성의 효율성을 제고합시다.

Word Family

Nouns

작성자 (Drafter/Author)

작성법 (Writing method)

작성일 (Date of drafting)

작성처 (Place of drafting)

Verbs

작성하다 (To draft/write)

작성되다 (To be drafted/written)

재작성하다 (To rewrite/redraft)

문서 (Document)

서류 (Paperwork)

양식 (Format/Form)

기입 (Entry)

기록 (Record)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in professional, academic, and administrative settings.

Common Mistakes

편지를 작성하다 → 편지를 쓰다
Writing a personal letter is not a formal 'document drafting' process. Using '작성' makes it sound like a legal notice.
한국어를 작성하다 → 한국어로 서류를 작성하다
You cannot 'draft a language.' You draft a document *in* a language.
일기를 작성하다 → 일기를 쓰다
A diary is personal and creative. '작성' is too cold and administrative for a diary.
이름을 작성하다 (when just saying your name) → 이름을 말하다 / 이름을 쓰다
Only use '작성' if you are writing your name on a formal form. If you're just writing it on a doodle, use '쓰다'.
작성이다 → 작성하다 / 작성 중이다
'작성' is a noun. You need the verb '하다' to express the action of writing.

Tips

Use for Resumes

When talking about your resume (이력서), always use '작성'. It makes you sound professional to potential employers.

Noun Compounds

You can combine '작성' with almost any document noun without a particle: '보고서 작성', '계약서 작성'.

Polite Requests

In an office, '작성해 주세요' is the perfect level of politeness for asking someone to fill out a form.

Email Drafting

When you are halfway through an email, you are '메일 작성 중'. This is common in business status updates.

Be Careful with Falsehoods

The phrase '허위 작성' (false drafting) is a serious legal term. Never do it!

Theses and Papers

For university students, '논문 작성' is the standard way to talk about writing your thesis.

Learn the Hanja

作 (Make) + 成 (Complete). If you see '성' (成) in other words like '완성', it helps you remember '작성' means finishing a document.

Avoid '쓰다' in Banks

In banks, say '작성할게요' instead of '쓸게요'. It fits the formal atmosphere much better.

Listen for '양식'

If someone says '양식' (form), the word '작성' is almost certainly coming next.

Passive Voice

In reports, use '작성되었습니다' to sound more like a professional researcher.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of **JAK** (Jack) **SEONG** (Song). Jack wrote a song and finished it! **JAK-SEONG** is making and finishing a document.

Visual Association

Imagine a person stamping a 'COMPLETED' seal on a form they just filled out. The act of filling it out is '작성'.

Word Web

서류 (Document) 보고서 (Report) 계획 (Plan) 이력서 (Resume) 신청서 (Application) 계약서 (Contract) 명단 (List) 설문지 (Survey)

Challenge

Try to find 3 forms today (even digital ones) and label the act of filling them out as '작성' in your head.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 作 (작) and 成 (성).

Original meaning: To 'make' (作) and 'complete/achieve' (成).

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Be careful when '작성'ing documents for others. In Korea, signing or drafting documents for someone else can have serious legal implications.

English speakers often use 'write' for everything. In Korean, using '작성' helps you sound more culturally integrated and professional.

Many Korean legal dramas feature scenes of '계약서 작성' (drawing up contracts) with dramatic music. Government websites (like GOV.KR) use '작성' as the primary verb for all online applications. Job portals like Saramin or JobKorea have '이력서 작성' as their main feature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Bank

신청서 작성해 주세요.
여기에 작성하면 되나요?
작성이 끝났습니다.
작성 요령을 알려주세요.

At the Office

보고서 작성 다 했어요?
회의록 작성 부탁해요.
기획서 작성 중입니다.
작성자를 확인하세요.

At School

과제 작성 중이에요.
논문 작성이 힘들어요.
명단 작성 도와줄래?
신청서 작성 마감일이에요.

Job Hunting

이력서 작성법
자소서 작성 팁
온라인 지원서 작성
경력 기술서 작성

Government Office

신고서 작성
민원 서류 작성
직접 작성하셔야 합니다.
허위 작성 금지

Conversation Starters

"보고서 작성은 잘 되어가고 있나요? (Is the report drafting going well?)"

"이 서류 어떻게 작성하는지 아세요? (Do you know how to fill out this document?)"

"이력서 작성하는 데 얼마나 걸렸어요? (How long did it take you to write your resume?)"

"설문지 작성 좀 도와주실 수 있나요? (Could you help me fill out this survey?)"

"회의록 작성을 누가 맡기로 했죠? (Who was supposed to take the meeting minutes?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 작성한 문서들(이메일, 보고서 등)에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the documents you drafted today.)

이력서를 작성할 때 가장 중요하게 생각하는 것은 무엇인가요? (What do you think is the most important thing when writing a resume?)

외국어로 서류를 작성할 때 어떤 점이 가장 힘든가요? (What is the hardest part about filling out documents in a foreign language?)

내가 만약 법을 하나 작성할 수 있다면, 어떤 법을 만들고 싶나요? (If you could draft a law, what kind of law would you want to create?)

최근에 작성한 것 중 가장 기억에 남는 글은 무엇인가요? (What is the most memorable thing you've written recently?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. For text messages or KakaoTalk, use '보내다' (send) or '쓰다' (write). If you use '작성', it sounds like you are writing a formal business memo. However, in technical app settings, you might see '메시지 작성' as a menu item.

They both mean 'author.' '작성자' is more formal and used in business or official contexts. '글쓴이' is a pure Korean word often used in blogs, books, or online communities to sound friendlier.

Yes, '코드 작성' is a formal way to say 'writing code.' While programmers usually say '코딩하다,' in a formal report or job description, '코드 작성 능력' (ability to write code) is common.

No. For drawing, use '그리다.' However, for 'drawing up' a chart or a plan, '작성' is used because it involves structured information.

You say '양식을 작성하고 있어요.' '양식' means form/format, and '작성하다' means to fill out/draft.

No. For composing music, use '작곡' (作曲). '작성' is only for text and documents.

It means 'rewriting' or 'redrafting.' The '재' (jae) prefix means 'again.' You use this when a boss asks you to fix a report and write it again.

You can say '쇼핑 명단 작성,' but it sounds a bit formal. Usually, people just say '장 볼 것 좀 써야겠다' (I should write down what to buy).

No, it is used just as much for digital documents, emails, and online forms.

There isn't one direct opposite, but '삭제' (deletion) or '파기' (destruction) are used when undoing the act of '작성'.