회장
hoejang[ˈɸwe̞(ː)d͡ʑa̠ŋ]
The English phrase chairman is translated into Korean as 회장 (hoejang).
회장 refers to the chairman or president of a large corporation or a board.
Meaning: head of a corporate or governmental board (noun)
Which one should you use?
회장 is used for the chairman of a large conglomerate or a board, whereas 사장 is typically used for the president or head of a smaller company or business. Additionally, 의장 is used to refer to a chairman in formal contexts like official meetings or governmental structures.
How do you pronounce it?
hoejang
Did you know?
- The same spelling 회장 can also mean 'meeting place' or 'venue' depending on whether the character 'place' or 'chief' is used. This means a person might ask for the 회장 meaning the venue rather than the chairman.
- In many Korean dramas, characters often use the title 회장님 to address the wealthy patriarch of a family, even if he is not a formal chairman of a board. It has become a shorthand in pop culture for 'rich person'.
- In the context of Korean conglomerates, the 회장 is often the founder or the dynastic head of the family, holding far more power than a typical Western board chairman.
Examples in context
- 저희 회사의 회장님Our company's chairman
- 우리 반의 회장님Our class's chairman
- 그는 큰 기업의 회장입니다.geuneun keun gieobui hoejang-imnida.He is the chairman of a large corporation.
- 새로운 회장을 선출해야 합니다.saeroun hoejang-eul seonchul-haeya hamnida.We must elect a new chairman.
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Ji-eun are talking about their company's leadership.
- 지훈 Ji-hun오늘 회장님이 회사에 오신다고 들었어.oneul hoejangnim-i hoesa-e osindago deureosseo.I heard the chairman is coming to the office today.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말? 몇 시에 도착하신대?jeongmal? myeot si-e dochak-hasindae?Really? What time is he arriving?
- 지훈 Ji-hun오후 두 시쯤에 오신다고 하네.ohu du si-jjeum-e osindago hane.He said he'll be here around 2 p.m.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 미리 준비를 해야겠다.geureom miri junbi-reul haeyagetda.Then I should get ready in advance.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 회장, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 회장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
