집안일
jibanil[t͡ɕiba̠niɭ]
The English phrase housework can be translated into Korean as 집안일 (jibanil). Wiktionary also lists 가사 (gasa).
Meaning: domestic household chores (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 집안일 | jibanil | [t͡ɕiba̠niɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 가사 | gasa | [ka̠sʰa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to domestic household chores. To say "to do housework" naturally, you should use the verb 하다 (to do) with the noun 집안일, forming the expression 집안일을 하다. Other related chores include 빨래 (laundry or washing clothes) and 요리 (cooking).
Which one should you use?
집안일 is the common, everyday term for housework. In contrast, 가사 is a more formal, academic or technical term that can also be translated as "domestic affairs."
How does it change in a sentence?
집안일 is an uncountable noun in Korean and does not typically take a plural marker in common usage.
How do you pronounce it?
jibanil
Did you know?
- When discussing the division of housework, Koreans often use the phrase 독박 (sole responsibility), which literally means 'hitting the jackpot' in a negative sense, to describe one person doing all the chores.
- The formal word 가사 is a homonym for three other completely different concepts: song lyrics, a state of suspended animation or 'apparent death', and the saffron-colored robes worn by Buddhist monks.
- In traditional Korean culture, housework was strictly gendered, and the term 안방 (inner room) refers to the space where the woman of the house managed the domestic affairs.
Examples in context
- 이 시간은 메리에게 맞는데, 아침에 집안일을 도와주기 때문입니다.These hours suit Mary because she helps her mother with the housework in the mornings.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the word 집안일 when discussing helping with chores.
- 나는 주로 빨래를 담당해.I'm mainly responsible for doing the laundry.
- 방청소를 도와줄까요?Shall I help with cleaning the room?
- 집안일은 끝이 없어요.jibanireun kkeuchi eopseoyo.Housework never ends.
- 저는 집안일을 자주 해요.jeoneun jibanireul jaju haeyo.I do housework often.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their weekend chores.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 오늘 집안일 좀 도와줄래요?minjun ssi, oneul jibanil jom dowajullaeyo?Minjun, can you help with the housework today?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 제가 집안일을 다 할게요.ne, jega jibanireul da halgeyo.Yes, I will do all the housework.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 고마워요.jeongmal gomawoyo.Thank you so much.
- 민준 Min-jun아니에요, 같이 해요.anieyo, gachi haeyo.No problem, let's do it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “housework” translations and entries 집안일, 가사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가사, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
