What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 일, which means "work" or "task" and 해라, which is the imperative form of the verb 하다 (to do).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the social context. The form 일해라 is a plain, non-polite imperative. The form 일해 is a casual and intimate version used between close friends or to someone younger. For formal situations, you can use 업무를 하세요 to say "Do your work", 일을 잘 해 주세요 to say "Do your work well" or 빠르게 일을 처리해 주세요 to say "Please quickly handle the tasks". Additionally, the informal phrase 일 열심히 해 means "Work hard", while 일 빨리 마무리 해 means "Finish the work quickly".
How does it change in a sentence?
This is a plain, non-polite imperative style typically used toward subordinates or in written commands.
How do you pronounce it?
ilhaera
Did you know?
- While 일해라 is a command, Koreans often use the phrase 수고하세요 when leaving a workplace to tell others to 'continue working', which functions as a polite 'goodbye'.
- Korean uses 'honorifics' so strictly that using 일해라 to a social superior could be interpreted as a grave insult or a sign of extreme aggression.
- In high-pressure environments, you might hear the term 빡세게 (ppaksege), an informal way to say 'intensely' or 'hard', added to work-related commands.
Examples in context
- 철수씨, 업무를 하세요.Mr. Cheolsu, please do your work.
- 회의까지 일을 잘 해 주세요.Please do your work well until the meeting.
- 업무를 빠르게 처리해 주세요.Please quickly handle the tasks.
- 혜진아, 일해.Hyejin, do your work.
- 일 좀 빨리 마무리 해.Finish the work quickly.
- 딴짓하지 말고 일해라.ttanjit-haji malgo il-hae-ra.Stop fooling around and do your work.
- 말대꾸하지 말고 얼른 일해라.maldaeguhaji malgo eolleun il-hae-ra.Stop talking back and just do your work.
Example conversation
Subin sees Minjun playing on his phone during work hours.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준, 지금 뭐 해?Minjun, jigeum mwo hae?Minjun, what are you doing right now?
- 민준 Min-jun잠깐만 쉴게요.jamkkanman swilgeyo.I'll just rest for a moment.
- 수빈 Su-bin쉴 시간 없어. 빨리 일해라.swil sigan eopseo. ppalli ilhaera.There is no time to rest. Do your work.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 알겠어요.ne, algetseoyo.Yes, I understand.
