인적 자원
The English phrase human resource is 인적 자원 in Korean.
인적 자원 is the literal translation of the phrase 'human resource'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 인적 (human/person-related) and 자원 (resource).
Which one should you use?
While 인적 자원 is the literal translation of 'human resource', the term 인사 is much more commonly used in professional settings to refer to the HR department or personnel management. In a corporate context, instead of saying 'human resource department', people usually say 인사팀 (HR team).
Did you know?
- The common term for HR, 인사, is also the word for 'greeting'. In a company, an 인사 mistake could mean either a personnel error or a failure to bow properly.
- The word 인적 is a homonym that can also mean 'human traces' or 'footprints' when using the Hanja 人跡, describing the physical signs left behind by people.
- Because 자원 also means 'to volunteer', saying 인적 자원 can occasionally sound more like 'human volunteers' in very specific, non-corporate contexts.
Examples in context
- 인사 부서에서 근로자들을 관리하고 근로 계약을 체결합니다.(In the Human Resources department, we manage employees and establish employment contracts.)
- 인사팀에 연락하면 도와줄 거야.(If you contact the Human Resources team, they will help you.)
- 우리 회사는 인적 자원을 중요하게 생각해요.uri hoesaneun injeok jawoneul jungyohage saenggakhaeyo.Our company values human resources highly.
- 효율적인 인적 자원 관리가 필요합니다.hyoyuljeogin injeok jawon gwaniga piryohamnida.Efficient human resource management is necessary.
- 기술의 발전이 인적 자원의 역할을 바꿨어요.gisului baljeongi injeok jawonui yeokhalreul bakkwosseoyo.The advancement of technology changed the role of human resources.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are discussing business strategy in a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun성공을 위해서는 인적 자원이 가장 중요해요.seonggongul wihaeseoneun injeok jawoni gajang jungyohaeyo.Human resources are the most important factor for success.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨 말이 맞아요.minjun ssi mari majayo.You are right, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun그래서 인재 채용에 힘을 써야 해요.geuraeseo injae chaeyonge himeul sseoya haeyo.That is why we must focus on recruiting talent.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요, 좋은 인재가 최고의 자산이죠.majayo, joeun injaega choegoui jasanijyo.True, good talent is the best asset.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 인적, 자원, CC BY-SA 4.0.
