박사
baksa[pa̠ks͈a̠]
The English phrase 'phd' is translated into Korean as 박사 (baksa).
박사 is used to refer to the academic degree of a PhD or to a person who holds that degree. It is common to see it paired with the word 학위 (degree) to form 박사 학위 or 박사학위 when specifically referring to the PhD degree itself.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish 박사 from 의사. While 박사 refers to an academic doctor with a PhD, 의사 refers to a medical doctor or practitioner.
How do you pronounce it?
baksa
Did you know?
- The word 박사 shares a linguistic ancestor with the word 박수, which refers to a male shaman in traditional Korean religion.
- In a casual setting, calling someone 박사님 (Doctor) can sometimes be used sarcastically to mock someone who is acting like a know-it-all.
- In historical contexts, 박사 was not always a university degree but a title for government officials who were experts in specific fields of administration.
Examples in context
- 그는 의사가 아니라, 박사다.He's a PhD-doctor, not a doctor-doctor.This sentence is useful for distinguishing between an academic PhD and a medical doctor when using 박사.Tatoeba #2654581 by KoreanBeaver, translation #2654392 by KoreanBeaver
- 너는 박사학위를 받았니?Have you received a PhD degree?
- 네, 박사가 되기 위해 노력했어요.Yes, I worked hard to become a PhD holder.
- 그는 경제학 박사예요.geuneun gyeongjehak baksa-yeyo.He has a PhD in economics.
- 박사 학위를 따고 싶어요.baksa hagwiri ttago sipeoyo.I want to get a PhD.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their future career goals.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨는 나중에 무엇이 되고 싶어요?hyeonu ssineun najunge mueosi doego sipeoyo?Hyunwoo, what do you want to be in the future?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저는 대학에서 박사가 되고 싶어요.jeoneun daehageseo baksaga doego sipeoyo.I want to become a PhD at a university.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 정말 멋진 목표네요!wa, jeongmal meotjin mokpyoneyo!Wow, that is a really cool goal!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요, 민지 씨.gomawoyo, minji ssi.Thank you, Minji.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 박사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 박사, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
