강사
gangsa[ˈka̠(ː)ŋsʰa̠]
The Korean word for instructor is 강사 (gangsa).
강사 is used for people hired to provide specialized instruction in professional contexts. This includes those teaching specific skills, such as a 요가 강사 (yoga instructor) or a 스키 강사 (ski instructor).
Meaning: one who instructs, a teacher (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 선생님 is the general term for 'teacher' used in schools, 강사 specifically refers to someone hired to give specialized instruction, such as a private tutor, a gym instructor or a lecturer at a language academy. Additionally, 교수님 is the specific term used for professors.
How do you pronounce it?
gangsa
Did you know?
- In the competitive world of Korean hagwons, being a top-tier 강사 is a high-status career. These instructors are often treated like celebrity figures by their students and even have their own dedicated fan bases.
- In the high-pressure world of 학원, some star 강사 can earn salaries that rival or exceed those of top corporate executives or university professors.
- Depending on the gym or studio, a 강사 might be called 쌤 by students, which is a cute and highly informal contraction of 선생님.
Examples in context
- 메리는 스키 강사야, 아니야?Mary is a ski instructor, isn't she?This sentence is useful for identifying if someone is a 스키 강사.Tatoeba #13118635 by romzzo, translation #7376753 by CF
- 안녕하세요, 국어 강사님.Hello, Korean language instructor.
- 선생님, 제가 문제를 이해 못 했어요.Teacher, I didn't understand the problem.
- 그분은 요가 강사예요.geubun-eun yoga gangsa-ye-yo.That person is a yoga instructor.
- 새로운 영어 강사를 찾고 있어요.saeroun yeongeo gangsa-reul chatgo isseoyo.I am looking for a new English instructor.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are discussing a fitness class at the gym.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 필라테스 강사가 누구예요?Hyunwoo ssi, pilates gangsa-ga nugue-ye-yo?Hyunwoo, who is the Pilates instructor?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제 친구가 그 강사예요.Je chin-gu-ga geu gangsa-ye-yo.My friend is that instructor.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말요? 정말 친절하시겠어요.Jeong-mal-yo? Jeong-mal chin-jeol-ha-si-get-seo-yo.Really? She must be very kind.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 수빈 씨도 수업 들어보세요.Ne, Subin ssi-do sueop deul-eo-bo-se-yo.Yes, Subin, you should try the class too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 강사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
