---
vocabulary:
  nouns:
    - ko: 학교
      en: school
      notes: |
        <p>Basic word for "school" in general, used for elementary, middle, high school, or university contexts (though 대학교 is more specific for university).</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 매일 **학교**에 가요
          en: I go to **school** every day
        - ko: 우리 **학교**는 정말 커요
          en: Our **school** is really big
        - ko: "**학교** 끝나고 뭐 할 거예요?"
          en: What are you going to do after **school**?

    - ko: 학생
      en: student
      notes: |
        <p>General word for "student," used for any level of schooling.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 **학생**이에요
          en: I am a **student**
        - ko: 이 반에는 **학생**이 몇 명 있어요?
          en: How many **students** are in this class?
        - ko: 그 **학생**은 항상 질문이 많아요
          en: That **student** always has a lot of questions

    - ko: 선생님
      en: teacher
      notes: |
        <p>The polite, everyday word for "teacher." Also commonly used as a title/honorific when addressing or referring to a teacher, similar to "Mr./Ms. [Name]."</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 우리 **선생님**은 친절해요
          en: Our **teacher** is kind
        - ko: "**선생님**, 질문 있어요"
          en: "**Teacher**, I have a question"
        - ko: 저는 커서 **선생님**이 되고 싶어요
          en: I want to become a **teacher** when I grow up

    - ko: 교사
      en: teacher
      notes: |
        <p>A more formal/official word for "teacher," often used in writing, job titles, or news, rather than in direct conversation (where 선생님 is preferred).</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 그는 초등학교 **교사**예요
          en: He is an elementary school **teacher**
        - ko: "**교사**가 되려면 시험을 봐야 해요"
          en: To become a **teacher**, you have to take an exam

    - ko: 담임선생님
      en: homeroom teacher
      notes: |
        <p>Refers specifically to the homeroom teacher who is in charge of a particular class (반) of students.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 우리 **담임선생님**은 수학을 가르쳐요
          en: Our **homeroom teacher** teaches math
        - ko: 새 학년이 되면 **담임선생님**이 바뀌어요
          en: When the new school year starts, the **homeroom teacher** changes

    - ko: 교장선생님
      en: principal
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the principal of a school. 교장 alone means "principal," and 선생님 is added as a respectful title.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**교장선생님**이 연설을 했어요"
          en: The **principal** gave a speech
        - ko: 우리 **교장선생님**은 매우 엄격해요
          en: Our **principal** is very strict

    - ko: 교감선생님
      en: vice principal
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the vice principal, who typically ranks just below the 교장선생님 (principal).</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**교감선생님**이 학생들을 도와줬어요"
          en: The **vice principal** helped the students
        - ko: "**교감선생님**은 매일 아침 인사를 해요"
          en: The **vice principal** greets everyone every morning

    - ko: 원어민 선생님
      en: native speaking teacher
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a native-speaking teacher, most commonly used for foreign language teachers (like English) who are native speakers of that language.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**원어민 선생님**과 영어로 대화했어요"
          en: I talked with the **native speaking teacher** in English
        - ko: "**원어민 선생님**은 미국에서 왔어요"
          en: The **native speaking teacher** is from America

    - ko: 과목
      en: subject
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to an academic subject, such as math, science, English, etc.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 제가 제일 좋아하는 **과목**은 수학이에요
          en: My favorite **subject** is math
        - ko: 어떤 **과목**을 가르치세요?
          en: What **subject** do you teach?
        - ko: 그 **과목**은 너무 어려워요
          en: That **subject** is too difficult

    - ko: 반
      en: class (group of students)
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a class as a group of students (like "homeroom" or "section"), not the lesson itself. Compare with 수업, which refers to the lesson/class session.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 우리 **반**에는 학생이 25명 있어요
          en: Our **class** has 25 students
        - ko: 저는 3학년 2**반**이에요
          en: I'm in 3rd grade, **class** 2
        - ko: 같은 **반** 친구예요
          en: We're friends from the same **class**

    - ko: 수업
      en: class (lesson)
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a class session or lesson, as opposed to 반 which refers to a group of students. Also commonly used with 듣다 ("to take a class") and 끝나다 ("class ends").</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**수업**이 몇 시에 시작해요?"
          en: What time does **class** start?
        - ko: "**수업** 끝나고 만나요"
          en: Let's meet after **class**
        - ko: 저는 지금 **수업**을 듣고 있어요
          en: I'm currently taking a **class**

    - ko: 교실
      en: classroom
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the physical classroom space.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**교실**이 너무 추워요"
          en: The **classroom** is too cold
        - ko: 우리 **교실**은 3층에 있어요
          en: Our **classroom** is on the 3rd floor

    - ko: 교시
      en: period
      notes: |
        <p>Counter word used for class periods, always used with a number (일 교시, 이 교시, etc.). Uses Sino-Korean numbers.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 지금 몇 **교시**예요?
          en: What **period** is it now?
        - ko: 다음 **교시**는 뭐예요?
          en: What's the next **period**?

    - ko: 1교시
      en: first period
      notes: |
        <p>("일 교시")</p>
        <p>Uses Sino-Korean number 일 (one) with the counter 교시. This numbering pattern continues for all class periods.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**1교시**는 국어 수업이에요"
          en: "**First period** is Korean language class"
        - ko: "**1교시**에 늦었어요"
          en: I was late for **first period**

    - ko: 2교시
      en: second period
      notes: |
        <p>("이 교시")</p>
        <p>Uses Sino-Korean number 이 (two) with the counter 교시.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**2교시**는 영어 수업이에요"
          en: "**Second period** is English class"
        - ko: "**2교시**에 시험을 봤어요"
          en: I took an exam during **second period**

    - ko: 시간표
      en: timetable
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a class schedule/timetable.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**시간표**를 확인해 봤어요?"
          en: Did you check the **timetable**?
        - ko: 이번 학기 **시간표**가 바뀌었어요
          en: This semester's **timetable** changed

    - ko: 급식
      en: the lunch served at school
      notes: |
        <p>Refers specifically to school-provided cafeteria lunch, as opposed to a packed lunch.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 오늘 **급식**은 맛있었어요
          en: Today's school **lunch** was delicious
        - ko: "**급식** 메뉴가 뭐예요?"
          en: What's on the **lunch** menu?

    - ko: 동아리
      en: club
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a school club or extracurricular activity group.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 축구 **동아리**에 들어갔어요
          en: I joined the soccer **club**
        - ko: 어떤 **동아리** 활동을 하세요?
          en: What **club** activity do you do?

    - ko: 시험
      en: exam
      notes: |
        <p>General word for "exam" or "test." Often paired with 보다 to mean "to take an exam."</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 내일 **시험**이 있어요
          en: There's an **exam** tomorrow
        - ko: "**시험**이 너무 어려웠어요"
          en: The **exam** was too hard
        - ko: "**시험** 공부를 열심히 했어요"
          en: I studied hard for the **exam**

    - ko: 중간고사
      en: midterm exam
      notes: |
        <p>Refers specifically to the midterm exam.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**중간고사**가 다음 주예요"
          en: The **midterm exam** is next week
        - ko: "**중간고사**를 잘 봤어요"
          en: I did well on the **midterm exam**

    - ko: 기말고사
      en: final exam
      notes: |
        <p>Refers specifically to the final exam.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**기말고사**는 이번 달 말에 있어요"
          en: The **final exam** is at the end of this month
        - ko: "**기말고사** 준비하느라 바빠요"
          en: I'm busy preparing for the **final exam**

    - ko: 문제
      en: problem/question
      notes: |
        <p>Can refer to a "problem" in general or a "question" on a test/worksheet.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 이 **문제**를 풀 수 없어요
          en: I can't solve this **problem**
        - ko: 시험에 어려운 **문제**가 많았어요
          en: There were many difficult **problems** on the exam
        - ko: 그건 큰 **문제**가 아니에요
          en: That's not a big **problem**

    - ko: 질문
      en: question
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a "question" asked in conversation or class, as opposed to 문제 which often refers to test/exercise questions.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**질문** 있어요?"
          en: Do you have a **question**?
        - ko: 좋은 **질문**이에요
          en: That's a good **question**
        - ko: "**질문**에 대답해 주세요"
          en: Please answer the **question**

    - ko: 방학
      en: vacation
      notes: |
        <p>Refers specifically to a school vacation/break (like summer or winter break), as opposed to 휴가 which is used for adult work vacations.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**방학** 때 뭐 할 거예요?"
          en: What are you going to do during **vacation**?
        - ko: 여름 **방학**이 곧 시작돼요
          en: Summer **vacation** starts soon
        - ko: "**방학**이 벌써 끝났어요"
          en: "**Vacation** is already over"

    - ko: 초등학교
      en: elementary school
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to elementary school (grades 1-6 in Korea).</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 제 동생은 **초등학교**에 다녀요
          en: My younger sibling attends **elementary school**
        - ko: "**초등학교** 때 친구를 아직도 만나요"
          en: I still meet my friends from **elementary school**

    - ko: 중학교
      en: middle school
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to middle school (grades 7-9 in Korea).</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 **중학교** 2학년이에요
          en: I'm in **middle school** 2nd grade
        - ko: "**중학교**에서 새 친구를 많이 사귀었어요"
          en: I made a lot of new friends in **middle school**

    - ko: 고등학교
      en: high school
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to high school (grades 10-12 in Korea).</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**고등학교** 생활은 정말 바빴어요"
          en: "**High school** life was really busy"
        - ko: 저는 **고등학교**를 졸업했어요
          en: I graduated from **high school**
        - ko: "**고등학교** 친구들을 아직 만나요"
          en: I still see my **high school** friends

    - ko: 국립고등학교
      en: public high school
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a public/national high school, funded and operated by the government.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 **국립고등학교**에 다녔어요
          en: I attended a **public high school**

    - ko: 사립고등학교
      en: private high school
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a private high school.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 그 **사립고등학교**는 학비가 비싸요
          en: That **private high school** has expensive tuition

    - ko: 학원
      en: after school private academy
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a private academy/cram school that students attend after regular school hours for extra study.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 매일 **학원**에 가요
          en: I go to **academy** every day
        - ko: "**학원** 숙제가 너무 많아요"
          en: I have too much **academy** homework
        - ko: 영어 **학원**에 다니고 있어요
          en: I'm attending an English **academy**

    - ko: 학년
      en: grade
      notes: |
        <p>(3학년 "삼학년" = third grade)</p>
        <p>Refers to a school grade/year level. Uses Sino-Korean numbers (일학년, 이학년, 삼학년, etc.).</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 몇 **학년**이에요
          en: What **grade** are you in
        - ko: 3**학년** 학생들이 시험을 봐요
          en: The 3rd **grade** students are taking an exam

    - ko: 학기
      en: semester
      notes: |
        <p>(1학기 "일학기" = first semester)</p>
        <p>Refers to a school semester. Uses Sino-Korean numbers (일학기, 이학기).</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 이번 **학기**는 정말 힘들었어요
          en: This **semester** was really hard
        - ko: 다음 **학기**에 뭘 배워요?
          en: What will you learn next **semester**?

    - ko: 수능
      en: Korean SAT
      notes: |
        <p>Short for 대학수학능력시험, the standardized college entrance exam in Korea, similar to the SAT.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**수능**은 11월에 있어요"
          en: The **Korean SAT** is in November
        - ko: "**수능**을 잘 봐야 해요"
          en: I need to do well on the **Korean SAT**

    - ko: 수행평가
      en: performance assessment
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to a performance-based assessment (like a project, presentation, or report), as opposed to a written exam.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**수행평가**를 제출해야 해요"
          en: I have to submit my **performance assessment**
        - ko: "**수행평가** 점수가 잘 나왔어요"
          en: I got a good score on the **performance assessment**

  verbs:
    - ko: 가르치다
      en: to teach
      notes: |
        <p>Basic verb meaning "to teach."</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 영어를 **가르쳐요**
          en: I **teach** English
        - ko: 그 선생님은 수학을 잘 **가르쳐요**
          en: That teacher **teaches** math well
        - ko: 저에게 한국어를 **가르쳐** 주세요
          en: Please **teach** me Korean

    - ko: 배우다
      en: to learn
      notes: |
        <p>Basic verb meaning "to learn."</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 한국어를 **배워요**
          en: I **learn/am learning** Korean
        - ko: 새로운 것을 **배우는** 게 재미있어요
          en: "**Learning** new things is fun"
        - ko: 어디에서 그걸 **배웠어요**?
          en: Where did you **learn** that?

    - ko: 듣다
      en: to hear (used when "taking" a class)
      notes: |
        <p>Literally means "to hear/listen," but is used idiomatically with 수업 to mean "to take a class." An irregular ㄷ verb.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 이 수업을 **들어요**
          en: I'm **taking** this class
        - ko: 어떤 수업을 **듣고** 있어요?
          en: What classes are you **taking**?
        - ko: 그 강의를 **들은** 적이 있어요
          en: I've **taken** that lecture before

    - ko: 이해하다
      en: understand
      notes: |
        <p>Basic verb meaning "to understand."</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 이제 **이해했어요**
          en: Now I **understand**
        - ko: 그 설명을 **이해하기** 힘들었어요
          en: It was hard to **understand** that explanation
        - ko: 완전히 **이해했어요**?
          en: Do you fully **understand**?

    - ko: 이해가 안 되다
      en: to not understand
      notes: |
        <p>Literally "understanding doesn't happen/come." A common alternative to negating 이해하다 directly, often used to express confusion in the moment.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 이 문제가 **이해가 안 돼요**
          en: I **don't understand** this problem
        - ko: 아직도 **이해가 안 돼요**
          en: I still **don't understand**

    - ko: 설명하다
      en: to explain
      notes: |
        <p>Basic verb meaning "to explain."</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 다시 **설명해** 주세요
          en: Please **explain** it again
        - ko: 선생님이 자세히 **설명했어요**
          en: The teacher **explained** it in detail
        - ko: 이걸 어떻게 **설명해야** 할지 모르겠어요
          en: I don't know how to **explain** this

    - ko: 평가하다
      en: to evaluate
      notes: |
        <p>Basic verb meaning "to evaluate" or "assess."</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 선생님이 학생들을 **평가해요**
          en: The teacher **evaluates** the students
        - ko: 이 과제는 어떻게 **평가돼요**?
          en: How is this assignment **evaluated**?

    - ko: 시험을 보다
      en: to take an exam
      notes: |
        <p>Common collocation using 보다 ("to see/take") with 시험 ("exam") to mean "to take an exam."</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 내일 **시험을 봐요**
          en: I'm **taking an exam** tomorrow
        - ko: "**시험을 잘 봤어요**"
          en: I **did well on the exam**
        - ko: 언제 **시험을 봐요**?
          en: When are you **taking the exam**?

    - ko: 채점하다
      en: to mark or grade an exam
      notes: |
        <p>Verb used specifically for grading/marking exams or assignments.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 선생님이 시험지를 **채점하고** 있어요
          en: The teacher is **grading** the exam papers
        - ko: 아직 **채점이** 안 끝났어요
          en: The **grading** isn't finished yet

  other:
    - ko: 방과 후 수업
      en: after school class (also refers to a class during the vacation)
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to an after-school class, or can also refer to a special class held during school vacation.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**방과 후 수업**에서 그림을 배워요"
          en: I learn drawing in **after school class**
        - ko: "**방과 후 수업**은 몇 시에 끝나요?"
          en: What time does **after school class** end?

    - ko: 학교 끝나고…
      en: after school
      notes: |
        <p>Literally "after school ends…", a common way to say "after school" when talking about plans.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**학교 끝나고** 뭐 할 거예요?"
          en: What will you do **after school**?
        - ko: "**학교 끝나고** 친구를 만났어요"
          en: I met a friend **after school**

    - ko: 수업 전에
      en: before class
      notes: |
        <p>Uses 전에 ("before") after 수업 ("class") to mean "before class."</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**수업 전에** 숙제를 확인했어요"
          en: I checked my homework **before class**
        - ko: "**수업 전에** 도착해야 해요"
          en: I have to arrive **before class**

    - ko: 수업 끝나고…
      en: after class
      notes: |
        <p>Literally "after class ends…", parallel in structure to 학교 끝나고.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**수업 끝나고** 뭐 할 거예요?"
          en: What will you do **after class**?
        - ko: "**수업 끝나고** 카페에 갔어요"
          en: I went to a cafe **after class**

  subjects:
    - ko: 외국어
      en: Foreign Languages
      notes: |
        <p>General term for "foreign language(s)," used to refer to the subject category rather than one specific language.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 **외국어**를 배우는 것을 좋아해요
          en: I like learning **foreign languages**
        - ko: "**외국어** 수업이 몇 개 있어요?"
          en: How many **foreign language** classes do you have?

    - ko: 영어
      en: English
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the English language/subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 **영어** 선생님이에요
          en: I am an **English** teacher
        - ko: 이 사람은 우리 학교(의) **영어** 원어민 선생님이에요
          en: This person is our school's native **English** teacher
        - ko: "**영어** 시험이 너무 어려웠어요"
          en: The **English** exam was so difficult

    - ko: 영어회화
      en: English Conversation
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to English conversation as a subject, as distinct from general English classes that may focus more on grammar or reading.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 **영어회화** 선생님이에요
          en: I am an **English conversation** teacher
        - ko: 저는 한국에서 **영어 회화**선생님이에요
          en: I am an **English conversation** teacher in Korea
        - ko: 저는 오늘 2교시에 **영어회화** 수업이 있어요
          en: I have an **English conversation** class today at 2nd period

    - ko: 중국어
      en: Chinese
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the Chinese language/subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 **중국어**를 배우고 싶어요
          en: I want to learn **Chinese**
        - ko: "**중국어**는 어려워요"
          en: "**Chinese** is difficult"

    - ko: 일본어
      en: Japanese
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the Japanese language/subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 **일본어**를 조금 할 수 있어요
          en: I can speak a little **Japanese**
        - ko: "**일본어** 수업을 듣고 있어요"
          en: I'm taking a **Japanese** class

    - ko: 독일어
      en: German
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the German language/subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**독일어**는 문법이 복잡해요"
          en: "**German** grammar is complicated"

    - ko: 스페인어
      en: Spanish
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the Spanish language/subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**스페인어**를 배우고 싶어요"
          en: I want to learn **Spanish**

    - ko: 프랑스어
      en: French
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the French language/subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**프랑스어** 발음이 예뻐요"
          en: "**French** pronunciation is pretty"

    - ko: 국어
      en: Korean
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to the Korean language as a school subject (literally "national language"), used specifically to refer to a Korean school's own native language class, as opposed to 한국어 which refers to Korean in a general/foreign-language-learning sense.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**국어** 시험이 어려웠어요"
          en: The **Korean** exam was difficult
        - ko: 1교시는 **국어** 수업이에요
          en: First period is **Korean** language class

    - ko: 문학
      en: Literature
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to literature as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**문학** 수업에서 시를 배웠어요"
          en: We learned poems in **literature** class

    - ko: 과학
      en: Science
      notes: |
        <p>General term for "science" as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 **과학**동아리에 가입했어요
          en: I entered the **science** club
        - ko: 저는 **과학**동아리를 하고 있어요
          en: I am in the **science** club
        - ko: 저는 **과학**동아리이에요
          en: I am in the **science** club

    - ko: 생물
      en: Biology
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to biology as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**생물** 시험을 잘 봤어요"
          en: I did well on the **biology** exam

    - ko: 화학
      en: Chemistry
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to chemistry as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**화학**은 너무 어려워요"
          en: "**Chemistry** is too difficult"

    - ko: 물리
      en: Physics
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to physics as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**물리** 문제를 못 풀었어요"
          en: I couldn't solve the **physics** problem

    - ko: 지구과학
      en: Earth Sciences
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to earth science as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**지구과학**은 화산에 대해 배워요"
          en: In **earth science**, we learn about volcanoes

    - ko: 사회
      en: Social Studies
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to social studies as a school subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**사회** 수업이 있어요"
          en: I have **social studies** class

    - ko: 지리
      en: Geography
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to geography as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**지리** 시험에 지도가 나왔어요"
          en: A map appeared on the **geography** exam

    - ko: 역사
      en: History
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to history as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**역사** 수업은 재미있어요"
          en: "**History** class is fun"

    - ko: 윤리
      en: Ethics
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to ethics as a school subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**윤리** 시간에 철학자에 대해 배웠어요"
          en: In **ethics** class, we learned about philosophers

    - ko: 정치
      en: Politics
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to politics as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**정치** 수업에서 토론을 했어요"
          en: We had a debate in **politics** class

    - ko: 경제
      en: Economics
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to economics as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**경제** 시험이 다음 주에 있어요"
          en: There's an **economics** exam next week

    - ko: 예체능
      en: Arts and Physical Education
      notes: |
        <p>Umbrella term combining "arts" (예) and "physical education" (체능), used to refer to that category of subjects together.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**예체능** 수업은 오후에 있어요"
          en: "**Arts and PE** classes are in the afternoon"

    - ko: 미술
      en: Art
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to art as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**미술** 시간에 그림을 그렸어요"
          en: We drew pictures in **art** class

    - ko: 체육
      en: Physical Education
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to physical education (PE) as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 저는 처음에 **체육** 수업을 싫어했어요
          en: At first I didn't like **PE** class

    - ko: 수학
      en: Mathematics
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to mathematics as a subject.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: 제가 제일 좋아하는 과목은 **수학**이에요
          en: My favorite subject is **math**
        - ko: 그 선생님은 **수학**을 잘 가르쳐요
          en: That teacher teaches **math** well

    - ko: 미적분
      en: Calculus
      notes: |
        <p>Refers to calculus as a subject, more advanced/specific than 수학 (math) generally.</p>
      examples:
        - ko: "**미적분**은 정말 어려워요"
          en: "**Calculus** is really difficult"
---

# (Theme) Unit 1: #1 – School

## Introduction

I know this is a generalization, but the majority of foreign learners of Korean are teachers or exchange students in Korea. If you don’t fit into one of these categories, it is likely that you are a student somewhere. Of course, there will be some people studying Korean who are neither teachers nor students, but I feel that the majority of Korean learners have some relation with a school. As such – why not begin the Theme Lessons with a lesson about school?

First, let me introduce you to a variety of words that you can use in a school. The word “class” as it relates to schools is very difficult for English speakers. In English, the word “class” refers to many things, and each of these has a different word in Korean. Three common words that could translate to “class” are:

반 = <span class="md spoiler">class (group of people)</span>

<Details>

For example: “There are 30 students in my class”

</Details>

수업 = <span class="md spoiler">class (lesson that you receive)</span>

<Details>

For example: “We had 5 classes today”

</Details>

교실 = <span class="md spoiler">class (classroom)</span>

<Details>

For example: “He is in the classroom”

</Details>

Another word that could be confusing with these words is:

교시 = <span class="md spoiler">class period</span>

<Details>

This is usually translated as “period” in English

</Details>

If I was going to write the following sentence:

- Our class had PE class in the classroom during second period

Notice where I place each of those Korean words if I substituted them for the English word:

- Our 반 had PE수업 in the 교실 during second 교시

Below is a list of other vocabulary you may find useful in a school:

## Vocabulary

<VocabQuiz />

### Nouns

학교 = <span class="md spoiler">school</span>

학생 = <span class="md spoiler">student</span>

선생님 = <span class="md spoiler">teacher</span>

교사 = <span class="md spoiler">teacher</span>

담임선생님 = <span class="md spoiler">homeroom teacher</span>

교장선생님 = <span class="md spoiler">principal</span>

교감선생님 = <span class="md spoiler">vice principal</span>

원어민 선생님 = <span class="md spoiler">native speaking teacher</span>

과목 = <span class="md spoiler">subject</span>

반 = <span class="md spoiler">class (group of students)</span>

수업 = <span class="md spoiler">class (lesson)</span>

교실 = <span class="md spoiler">classroom</span>

교시 = <span class="md spoiler">period</span>

1교시 = <span class="md spoiler">first period</span> (“일 교시”)

2교시 = <span class="md spoiler">second period</span> (“이 교시”)

시간표 = <span class="md spoiler">timetable</span>

급식 = <span class="md spoiler">the lunch served at school</span>

동아리 = <span class="md spoiler">club</span>

시험 = <span class="md spoiler">exam</span>

중간고사 = <span class="md spoiler">midterm exam</span>

기말고사 = <span class="md spoiler">final exam</span>

문제 = <span class="md spoiler">problem/question</span>

질문 = <span class="md spoiler">question</span>

방학 = <span class="md spoiler">vacation</span>

초등학교 = <span class="md spoiler">elementary school</span>

중학교 = <span class="md spoiler">middle school</span>

고등학교 = <span class="md spoiler">high school</span>

국립고등학교 = <span class="md spoiler">public high school</span>

사립고등학교 = <span class="md spoiler">private high school</span>

학원 = <span class="md spoiler">after school private academy</span>

학년 = <span class="md spoiler">grade</span> (3학년 “삼학년” = <span class="md spoiler">third grade</span>)

학기 = <span class="md spoiler">semester</span> (1학기 “일학기” = <span class="md spoiler">first semester</span>)

수능 = <span class="md spoiler">Korean SAT</span> (short for 대학수학능력시험)

수행평가 = <span class="md spoiler">performance assessment</span>

### Verbs

가르치다 = <span class="md spoiler">to teach</span>

배우다 = <span class="md spoiler">to learn</span>

듣다 = <span class="md spoiler">to hear (used when “taking” a class)</span>

이해하다 = <span class="md spoiler">to understand</span>

이해가 안 되다 = <span class="md spoiler">to not understand</span>

설명하다 = <span class="md spoiler">to explain</span>

평가하다 = <span class="md spoiler">to evaluate</span>

시험을 보다 = <span class="md spoiler">to take an exam</span>

채점하다 = <span class="md spoiler">to mark or grade an exam</span>

### Adverbs and Other Words

방과 후 수업 = <span class="md spoiler">after school class (also refers to a class during the vacation)</span>

학교 끝나고… = <span class="md spoiler">after school</span>

수업 전에 = <span class="md spoiler">before class</span>

수업 끝나고… = <span class="md spoiler">after class</span>

Now let’s look at some specific sentences that you may find useful in a school:

## Sentences

### Being a teacher

저는 선생님이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am a teacher</span>

저는 영어회화 선생님이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am an English conversation teacher</span>

저는 영어 선생님이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am an English teacher</span>

저는 곧 선생님이 될 것입니다 = <span class="md spoiler">I will become a teacher soon</span>

저는 선생님이 되고 싶어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I want to be/become a teacher</span>

저는 언젠가 선생님이 되고 싶어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I want to become a teacher someday</span>

담임선생님은 누구예요? = <span class="md spoiler">Who is your homeroom teacher?</span>

저는 한국에서 영어 회화선생님이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am an English conversation teacher in Korea</span>

무슨 과목을 가르쳐요? = <span class="md spoiler">What subject do you teach?</span>

선생님이 왜 되고 싶었어요? = <span class="md spoiler">Why did you want to become a teacher?</span>

이 학교에서 언제부터 일했어요? = <span class="md spoiler">Since when have you been at this school?</span>

이 학교 일을 어떻게 구했어요? = <span class="md spoiler">How did you find this position (at this school)?</span>

학교에서 몇 시에 퇴근해요? = <span class="md spoiler">What time do you leave school?</span>

집에 몇 시에 가요? = <span class="md spoiler">What time will you go home?</span>

1주일에 수업을 몇 개 가르쳐요? = <span class="md spoiler">How many classes do you teach per week?</span>

하루에 (보통) 수업을 몇 개 가르쳐요? = <span class="md spoiler">How many classes do you (usually) teach per day?</span>

이 사람은 우리 학교(의) 영어 원어민 선생님이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">This person is our school’s native English teacher</span>

교장선생님은 선생님들에게 존경 받아요 = <span class="md spoiler">The principal is respected by the teachers</span>

학생들은 수업 시간 동안 자고 있었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">The students were sleeping during class</span>

그 사람이 선생님인지 아닌지 몰라요 = <span class="md spoiler">I don’t know if that person is a teacher or not</span>

내가 선생님이면 학생들을 잘 가르칠 거야 = <span class="md spoiler">If/When I am a teacher, I would teach students well</span>

만약 제가 선생님이라면 학생들에게 존경을 받고 싶을 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">If I were a teacher, I would want to be respected by students</span>

이렇게 많은 내용을 학생들에게 가르치려고 고생을 많이 했어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I worked hard/suffered in order to teach that much content to the students</span>

### Being a student

몇 반이에요? = <span class="md spoiler">What class are you in?</span>

몇 학년이에요? = <span class="md spoiler">What grade are you in?</span>

저는 1-2이에요 (“일학년-이반) = <span class="md spoiler">I am in class 1-2</span>

저는 3학년이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I’m in third grade</span>

저는 내년에 수능을 봐 야 돼요 = <span class="md spoiler">I need to write 수능 next year</span>

저는 심심해요 = <span class="md spoiler">I’m bored</span>

오늘 수업 시간 동안 뭐 할 거에요? = <span class="md spoiler">What are we going to do during class today?</span>

그 학생은 수업에 집중을 못 해요 = <span class="md spoiler">That student can’t concentrate during class</span>

제일 좋아하는 선생님이 누구예요? = <span class="md spoiler">Who is your favorite teacher?</span>

제일 좋아하는 과목이 뭐예요? = <span class="md spoiler">What is your favorite subject?</span>

다음 수업은 뭐에요? = <span class="md spoiler">What is the next class?</span>

저는 학교에 친구가 없어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I have no friends at school</span>

저는 학교에 친구가 많아요 = <span class="md spoiler">I have a lot of friends at school</span>

선생님, 어디 가세요? = <span class="md spoiler">Teacher, where are you going?</span>

저는 그 학생이 어느 대학교를 다니는 지 기억 안 나요 = <span class="md spoiler">I don’t remember which university that student attends</span>

그 학생이 학교에서 왕따인 것 같아 = <span class="md spoiler">That student is probably an outcast at school</span>

너는 고등학생 같이 보여 = <span class="md spoiler">You look like a high school student</span>

초등학생과 같아요 = <span class="md spoiler">You’re like an elementary school student</span>

### Learning/Studying

열심히 공부해요! = <span class="md spoiler">Study hard!</span>

저는 교감선생님에게서 한국어를 배웠어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I learned Korean from my vice principal</span>

선생님, 저는 이 것이 이해가 안 돼요 = <span class="md spoiler">Teacher, I don’t understand this</span>

저는 선생님이 그 것을 언제 가르친 지 기억 안 나요 = <span class="md spoiler">I don’t remember when the teacher taught</span>

선생님은 우리를 너무 잘 가르치셨어 = <span class="md spoiler">Our teacher taught us really well</span>

수업이 4시쯤에 시작될 예정이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">The class is scheduled to start at about 4:00</span>

제가 공부했을 때 문법만 공부했어요 = <span class="md spoiler">When I studied, I only studied grammar</span>

제가 공부를 하면 엄마는 TV를 꺼요 = <span class="md spoiler">When I study, my mother turns off the TV</span>

(만약) 공부한다면 성공할 거야 = <span class="md spoiler">If you study, you will succeed</span>

대학교에 가고 싶다면 열심히 공부해 야 해요 = <span class="md spoiler">If you want to go to university, you have to study hard</span>

내일 공부하러 독서실에 갈래요? = <span class="md spoiler">Shall we go to the library tomorrow to study?</span>

나는 선생님에게 열심히 공부했다고 말했어 = <span class="md spoiler">I told the teacher that I studied hard</span>

그는 공부하지 않았다고 했어요 = <span class="md spoiler">He said that he didn’t study</span>

선생님은 학생들에게 열심히 공부하라고 했어요 = <span class="md spoiler">The teacher told the students to study hard</span>

학생들이 너무 시끄러워서 저는 교수님의 말을 못 들었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">The students were too loud, so I couldn’t hear the professor</span>

지금 공부를 하고 있기 때문에 너랑 통화하고 싶지 않아 = <span class="md spoiler">I don’t want to talk with you on the phone because I’m studying now</span>

저는 내년에 대학교에 갈 것이기 때문에 지금 열심히 공부하고 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">Because I will be going to university next year, I am studying hard now</span>

요즘에 한국어를 열심히 공부하고 있지만 아직도 잘 말할 수 없어요 = <span class="md spoiler">Even though I am studying Korean hard these days, I still can’t speak well</span>

### School

이 학교는 우리 학교와 같아요 = <span class="md spoiler">This school and our school are (exactly) the same</span>

저는3일 동안 학교에 안 갔어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I didn’t go to school for 3 days</span>

고등학교는 한국에서 어려워요 = <span class="md spoiler">High school is difficult in Korea</span>

저는 학교에서 멀리 살고 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I live far from school</span>

- 저는 3시부터 학교에 있을 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I will be at school from 3:00</span>
- 저는 작년부터 한국어를 배웠어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I have been learning Korean since last year</span>

밥은 학교에 제공되었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">food is provided by the school</span>

우리학교에서 식당까지 10분 걸려요 = <span class="md spoiler">It takes 10 minutes to get from our school to the restaurant</span>

저는 학교에 가서 공부할 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I will go to school and then study</span>

### Classes

오늘 수업이 몇 개 있어요? = <span class="md spoiler">How many classes do you have today?</span>

저는 오늘 1교시 수업이 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I have a class first period today</span>

저는 오늘 2교시에 영어회화 수업이 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I have an English conversation class today at 2<sup>nd</sup> period</span>

오늘 수업 시간 동안 뭐 할까요? = <span class="md spoiler">What should we do during class today?</span>

오늘 수업 시간 동안 뭐 하고 싶어요? = <span class="md spoiler">What do you want to do during class today?</span>

제일 좋아하는 수업은 뭐예요? = <span class="md spoiler">What is your favorite class?</span>

제일 재미있는 수업은 뭐예요? = <span class="md spoiler">What is the most fun class?</span>

각 수업은 50분이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">Each class is 50 minutes</span>

저는 10분 후에 1학년3반 수업이 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I have a class (lesson) with class 1-3 in 10 minutes</span>

이 것은 저의 마지막 수업이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">This is my last class</span>

저는 처음에 체육 수업을 싫어했어요 = <span class="md spoiler">At first I didn’t like PE class</span>

저는 지난 수업을 안 들었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I didn’t go to/attend the last class</span>

저는 3일에 수업을 들었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I went to class on the 3rd (day of the month)</span>

저는 3일 동안 수업을 들었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I went to class for three days</span>

저는 2달 동안 한국어 수업을 들었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I took a Korean class for 2 months</span>

저는 2개월 동안 한국어 수업을 들었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I took a Korean class for 2 months</span>

수업은 2 분 후에 끝날 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">Class will finish 2 minutes from now</span>

### Exams

학생들은 다음 주에 중간고사를 볼 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">Students will write the midterm next week</span>

학생들은 다음 주에 기말고사를 볼 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">Students will write the final exam next week</span>

영어 시험이 너무 어려웠어요 = <span class="md spoiler">The English exam was so difficult</span>

저는 시험문제를 만들고 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am making exam questions</span>

저는 시험문제를 만들어야 돼요 = <span class="md spoiler">I need to make exam questions</span>

우리는 시험 문제를 언제까지 내야 돼요? = <span class="md spoiler">When do we need to submit the exam questions by?</span>

저는 시험을 채점하고 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am marking the exams</span>

시험을 잘 봤어요? = <span class="md spoiler">Did you do well on the exam?</span>

시험을 잘 봤어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I did well on the exam</span>

시험을 망했어요! = <span class="md spoiler">I messed up the exam!</span>

저는 이번 시험에 벼락치기를 했어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I crammed for this exam</span>

저는 지금 시험 감독을 해 야 돼요 = <span class="md spoiler">I need to proctor an exam now</span>

학생들을 평가하려고 내일 시험을 볼 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">In order to evaluate the students, they will do an exam tomorrow</span>

저는 공부하지 않아서 시험을 못 봤어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I didn’t study, therefore, I didn’t do well on the exam</span>

제가 공부했더라면 시험을 합격했을 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">If I studied, I would have passed the test</span>

저는 6월 20일에 시험을 봐 야 되어서 지금 열심히 공부해 야 돼요 = <span class="md spoiler">Because I have to write an exam on June 20<sup>th</sup>, I need to study really hard now</span>

### Clubs

저는 과학동아리에 가입했어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I entered the science club</span>

저는 동아리 친구들이랑 같이 봉사를 했어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I volunteered with my friends in my club</span>

In order to say “<span class="md spoiler">What club are you in?</span>” there are a few ways that don’t seem like they would be natural. Some of the ways you could say this are:

- 저는 과학동아리에 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am in the science club</span>
- 저는 과학동아리를 하고 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am in the science club</span>
- 저는 과학동아리이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am in the science club</span>

The first one seems like it would be most correct but that is probably used least often in Korean. The second and third sentences are probably best, even if the grammar looks strange.

### After school and Vacation

방학식은 언제예요? = <span class="md spoiler">When is the last day of school?</span>

개학식은 언제예요? = <span class="md spoiler">When is the first day of school?</span>

졸업식은 언제예요? = <span class="md spoiler">When is the graduation ceremony?</span>

방학 언제 해요? = <span class="md spoiler">When is your vacation?</span>

방학 동안 뭐 할 거에요? = <span class="md spoiler">What are you going to do during the vacation?</span>

여름 방학 동안 뭐 할 거에요? = <span class="md spoiler">What are you going to do during summer vacation?</span>

저는 오늘 학교 끝나고 친구를 만날 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I’m going to meet a friend after school</span>

저는 방학 동안 방과 후 수업을 들을 거에요 = <span class="md spoiler">I’m going to take a class during the vacation</span>

방학 동안 저는 학교에 있고 싶지 않아요 = <span class="md spoiler">I don’t want to be at school during vacation</span>

## School Subjects

The following are the common subjects you would find at a Korean school:

- 외국어 = <span class="md spoiler">Foreign Languages</span>
- 영어 = <span class="md spoiler">English</span>
- 영어회화 = <span class="md spoiler">English Conversation</span>
- 중국어 = <span class="md spoiler">Chinese</span>
- 일본어 = <span class="md spoiler">Japanese</span>
- 독일어 = <span class="md spoiler">German</span>
- 스페인어 = <span class="md spoiler">Spanish</span>
- 프랑스어 = <span class="md spoiler">French</span>

---

- 국어 = <span class="md spoiler">Korean</span>
- 문학 = <span class="md spoiler">Literature</span>

---

- 과학 = <span class="md spoiler">Science</span>
- 생물 = <span class="md spoiler">Biology</span>
- 화학 = <span class="md spoiler">Chemistry</span>
- 물리 = <span class="md spoiler">Physics</span>
- 지구과학 = <span class="md spoiler">Earth Sciences</span>

---

- 사회 = <span class="md spoiler">Social Studies</span>
- 지리 = <span class="md spoiler">Geography</span>
- 역사 = <span class="md spoiler">History</span>
- 윤리 = <span class="md spoiler">Ethics</span>
- 정치 = <span class="md spoiler">Politics</span>
- 경제 = <span class="md spoiler">Economics</span>

---

- 예체능 = <span class="md spoiler">Arts and Physical Education</span>
- 미술 = <span class="md spoiler">Art</span>
- 체육 = <span class="md spoiler">Physical Education</span>

---

- 수학 = <span class="md spoiler">Mathematics</span>
- 미적분 = <span class="md spoiler">Calculus</span>

## Korean Schools

If you have never been to Korea before, you might not be aware of many of the differences between a Korean school and the school that you are used to in your home country. The school year starts at the beginning of March, and is divided into two semesters (학기). The first semester usually ends sometime in July, at which time there is about a one month summer vacation (여름방학). School starts up again sometime in August and runs until the end of December, right before the start of a two month winter vacation (겨울방학).

Korean students attend elementary school from ages 8 to 13 and elementary school is from grade 1 – 6. You also might not be aware that the age system in Korea is different from the rest of the world, but I don’t want to get into that here. After elementary school, students move to middle school, which consists of grades 1 – 3. In Canada (and I’m sure most other western countries), we continue counting up from elementary school to high school. However, in Korea, when students enter their first year of middle school, they are now a 1<sup>st</sup> grade middle school (중학교 1학년) student. Likewise, a student who has been in middle school for three years is a 3<sup>rd</sup> grade middle school (중학교 3학년) student. After three years of middle school, students attend three years of high school, which again are referred to as 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> grade.

Competition to get into the best schools, especially for university and to a lesser extent high school is incredibly fierce. Korean students study all the time in order to improve their grades so that they can get into the best schools. This often comes at the expense of over-studying, lots of pressure and a system that measures students’ abilities using only exams.

The competitiveness and pressure is more apparent when students enter high school, but it is getting more and more common amongst middle school students and even elementary school students. The school day usually runs from around 8:00am to around 4:00pm, and the majority of students continue their studies after school by attending a Hagwon (학원). 학원 usually translates to “private school” in English, but this is not exactly what it is. A private school to me is a school – like a high school/middle school/elementary school – that is not funded by the government. This is true of Hagwons, but Hagwons are not an actual school. They are typically small companies run in offices that teach students after school. As businesses, most decisions are based on money or what makes the Hagwon look good on the outside (especially to parents).

During the day, at their actual school, students usually sit through lessons with very little activity or hands-on learning. This of course depends on the school, but most schools focus on exams – and any teaching that is not specifically related to solving exam questions is often seen as a waste of time by both students and teachers. A typical semester at school for any given class might have one or two evaluations outside of the final and midterm exams which are called 수행평가, which normally translates to “performance assessment.” The performance assessment usually consists of about 30% of a final grade, and the rest is made up from the midterm (중간고사) and final (기말고사) exams.

The scores that students receive for a class or on an exam do not determine if they fail or not. It is very rare for a student in Korea to have to re-do a grade at school. Rather, students are ranked with their peers in the same class and grade. If you ask a student about the score he/she received on an exam, he/she would more likely respond by telling you the _rank_ he/she fell in instead of telling you an actual score or percentage.

This sometimes creates a dilemma for students when selecting a high school. If a slightly-above-average student chooses to enter (and is accepted) to one of the top high schools, his grades may rank him at the bottom of pack when compared to other students in the same grade. However, if that same student enters a regular high school, his scores might be near the top of the pack in the same grade.

The three years of studying in high school ends when students write the Korean version of the SAT, 대학수학능력시험 (commonly referred to as 수능) sometime in mid-November each year. Most of the basis for getting into University is based on a student’s score on this test – and there is only one test per year. As such, students are under an extreme amount of pressure to do well. If you do poorly on the test you can re-write it, but you have to wait another year. Writing the test again is colloquially called “재수” (재 (再) is the Hanja which means “re-do” or “re-..”). A student who writes the test again is called a “재수생.”

All of this pressure and the desire to do well – whether good or bad – causes Korean students do study hard. Korean students are one of the brightest in the world, and are incredibly diligent in their studies.

That’s it for this lesson. [Click here to check out our next Theme Lesson.](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/theme/transportation/ "(Theme) Unit 1: #2 – Transportation")

Have something you want to include? Want to know how to say a sentence in Korean? Post in the [thread designated to this specific lesson](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=252) in our [Forum](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/forum/), and we will add it to this lesson.