제 전공은
je jeongong-eun
The English phrase "my major is" is translated into Korean as 제 전공은 (je jeongong-eun).
This phrase is used to introduce the primary subject one is studying at a college or university.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 제 (my – polite), 전공 (major) and the topic marker 은 (is/as for).
Which one should you use?
While 제 전공은 is a standard way to start the sentence, you may also hear 전공이 [Field of Study]입니다. for a formal structure, or the more casual 내 전공은 [Field of Study]이야. and 나 [Field of Study] 전공이야. in informal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 제 전공은 uses the humble pronoun 제, making it appropriate for speaking to teachers, elders or in formal introductions. In casual settings with friends or people younger than you, you would replace 제 with 내 as seen in 내 전공은.
How do you pronounce it?
je jeongong-eun
Did you know?
- In Korean university culture, students often refer to their 'major' not just as a subject, but as a social identity that determines their 'department' 학과, which functions as a tight-knit community.
- While 전공 means 'major' in an academic sense, the word is derived from Chinese characters meaning 'specialized study' and can be used to describe an expert's lifelong forte or specialty outside of school.
- When introducing a major in a social setting, Koreans may use the term 복수전공 to indicate a 'double major', a common practice that carries significant prestige in the competitive job market.
Examples in context
- 전공이 경영학입니다.My major is Business Administration.
- 경제학을 전공으로 공부하고 있습니다.I am studying Economics as my major.
- 내 전공은 역사야.My major is History.
- 나 음악 전공이야.I am a Music major.
- 전공이 컴퓨터 공학입니다.My major is Computer Science.
- 전공은 인문학이야.My major is Humanities.
- 제 전공은 컴퓨터 공학입니다.je jeon-gong-eun keom-pyu-teo gong-hak-im-ni-da.My major is computer engineering.
- 제 전공은 디자인이에요.je jeon-gong-eun di-ja-in-i-e-yo.My major is design.
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time at a university orientation.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 대학에서 무엇을 공부하세요?Ji-hun ssi, daehag-eseo mueos-eul gongbu-haseyo?Ji-hun, what are you studying at college?
- 지훈 Ji-hun제 전공은 경제학이에요. 민지 씨는요?je jeongong-eun gyeongjehak-ieyo. Min-ji ssi-neun-yo?My major is economics. How about you, Min-ji?
- 민지 Min-ji저는 디자인을 전공하고 있어요.jeoneun dijain-eul jeongong-hago isseoyo.I am majoring in design.
- 지훈 Ji-hun와, 정말 멋진 전공이네요!wa, jeongmal meot-jin jeongong-ineyo!Wow, that is a really cool major!
