행사
haengsa[hɛŋsʰa̠]
The English word 'occasion' (in the sense of a special event or function) is translated into Korean as 행사 (haengsa).
행사 is used to refer to organized, planned events, ceremonies or functions. This includes things like festivals, corporate events or official ceremonies.
Meaning: special event or function (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, 'occasion' can mean either a planned event or a specific time/chance. Korean distinguishes between these two meanings: use 행사 for a planned event and 기회 for a chance or opportunity.
How do you pronounce it?
haengsa
Did you know?
- In corporate Korea, the term 행사 is often used as a euphemism for mandatory team-building activities that employees might find exhausting. It frames a social obligation as a formal 'event'.
- While 행사 covers organized events, Koreans use the term 잔치 specifically for celebratory feasts or traditional parties. A wedding or a 60th birthday is more than just an 'event' and becomes a 잔치.
- The word 행사 can describe both a physical event and a promotional sale in a retail store. A 'special event' at a mall is called an 행사, regardless of whether there is a ceremony.
Examples in context
- 결혼식은 대한민국에서 가장 중요한 행사 중 하나입니다.A wedding is one of the most important occasions in South Korea.
- 이번 주말에는 특별한 수상 기념 행사가 있을 예정입니다.There will be a special award commemoration event this weekend.
- 오늘은 가족과 특별한 모임이 있어요.Today, there is a special family gathering.
- 친구의 생일을 축하하기 위해 잔치를 열었어요.We held a celebration in honor of my friend's birthday.
- 이번 주말에 특별한 행사가 있을 예정입니다.There will be a special occasion this weekend.
- 오늘 특별한 행사가 있어요.oneul teukbyeolhan haengsuga isseoyo.There is a special event today.
- 그 행사는 정말 즐거웠어요.geu haengsaneun jeongmal jeulgeowosseoyo.The event was really enjoyable.
- 회사 행사에 참석해야 해요.hoesa haengsange chamseokhaeya haeyo.I have to attend a company event.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are discussing a weekend plan.
- 지은 Ji-eun이번 주말에 무슨 행사가 있어요?ibeon jumare museun haengsaga isseoyo?Is there some occasion this weekend?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제 친구 결혼식 행사가 있어요.je chin-gu gyeolhonsik haengsaga isseoyo.There is a wedding occasion for my friend.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 축하할 일이네요!jeongmal chukhahal irineyo!That is something to really celebrate!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 그래서 옷을 새로 샀어요.ne, geuraeseo oseul saero sasseoyo.Yes, so I bought new clothes.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 행사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
