매니저
maenijeo[mɛnid͡ʑʌ̹]
The English word manager is expressed in Korean using several different terms depending on the context. The default form is 매니저 (maenijeo). Wiktionary also lists 관리자 (gwallija) and 지배인 (jibaein).
Meaning: person whose job is to manage something (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 매니저 | maenijeo | [mɛnid͡ʑʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [me̞nid͡ʑʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 관리자 | gwallija | [kwa̠ʎʎid͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 지배인 | jibaein | [t͡ɕibɛin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [t͡ɕibe̞in] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 경영자 | gyeong'yeongja | [kjʌ̹ŋjʌ̹ŋd͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the word you choose for manager depends entirely on what is being managed, such as a person, a system or a business.
Which one should you use?
The loanword 매니저 is most commonly used for talent managers (like a celebrity's manager) or in casual workplace contexts. 관리자 is used for someone who manages systems, facilities or specific data/processes (an administrator). 지배인 is specifically used for a manager of a physical establishment, such as a hotel or a restaurant. 경영자 refers to a person who manages the actual business operations or a company (an executive or entrepreneur).
How do you pronounce it?
maenijeo
When do people say it?
Combining a job title with 님 is a common way to address someone formally in a business setting.
Did you know?
- While 지배인 refers to a manager, the word 지배 on its own can mean 'domination' or 'control' in a political or social context.
- The term 매니저 is often used for the personal assistants of K-pop idols, who handle everything from scheduling to security, rather than just business contracts.
- The component 者 found in 관리자 and 경영자 is a Sino-Korean character that literally translates to 'person', acting as a suffix to turn a verb into a noun.
Examples in context
- 톰은 좋은 매니저가 아니야.Tom isn't a good manager.This sentence shows how to use 매니저 in a negative context.Tatoeba #8396622 by Eunhee, translation #7734462 by CK
- 공장 경영자Factory Manager
- 록 밴드 매니저Rock Band Manager
- 매니저님, 도움이 필요한 게 있어요.Manager, I need your help with something.
- 제 매니저가 연락할 거예요.je maenijeoga yeonrakhal geoyeyo.My manager will contact you.
- 새로운 매니저를 구하고 있어요.saeroun maenijeoreul guhago isseoyo.We are looking for a new manager.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two coworkers are talking about a project issue.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이거 어떻게 해야 하죠?igeo eotteoke haeya hajyo?What should I do with this?
- 수빈 Su-bin매니저님께 확인해 보세요.maenijeonimkke hwaginhae boseyo.Please check with the manager.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지금 매니저님 계신가요?jigeum maenijeonim gyesingayo?Is the manager here now?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 사무실에 계세요.ne, samusire gyeseyo.Yes, they are in the office.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manager” translations and entries 매니저, 관리자, 지배인, 경영자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 경영자, 관리자, 매니저, 지배인, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
