비서
biseo[ˈpi(ː)sʰʌ̹]
The English word 'secretary' can be translated into Korean as 비서 (biseo) or 서기.
Meaning: person keeping records and handling clerical work (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 비서 | biseo | [ˈpi(ː)sʰʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 서기 | seogi | [sʰʌ̹ɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
비서 is the standard term used for a personal assistant or an executive secretary within a business context. To show respect when addressing or referring to a secretary, you can add the suffix -님 to the end of 비서 or 비서관.
Which one should you use?
비서 refers to a personal or executive secretary, whereas 서기 refers to a clerk or a person responsible for recording minutes in a formal or administrative setting.
How do you pronounce it?
biseo
Did you know?
- The term 비서 (biseo) is composed of two Hanja characters that literally translate to 'secret' and 'book'.
- In Korean political circles, the term 비서관 is used for high-level presidential secretaries who often hold significant political power, far beyond clerical work.
Examples in context
- 그 비서는 예쁘기만 한 게 아니라 영어도 잘해.The secretary is good at English in addition to being beautiful.Tatoeba #13755176 by qlTmalffk, translation #44376 by CM
- 저희 회사의 비서님을 만나고자 합니다.I would like to meet our company's secretary.
- 비서실로 전화해 주세요.Please call the secretary's office.
- 새로운 비서를 구하고 있어요.saeroun biseoreul guhago isseoyo.We are looking for a new secretary.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are discussing a job opening at the office.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 이번에 비서 자리가 났어요.Minji ssi, ibeone biseo jariga nasseoyo.Minji, a secretary position has opened up.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 어떤 분을 찾으시나요?Jeongmallyo? Eotteon buneul chajeusinayo?Really? What kind of person are you looking for?
- 도현 Do-hyeon꼼꼼한 비서가 필요해요.Kkomkkoman biseoga piryohaeyo.We need a meticulous secretary.
- 민지 Min-ji제 친구를 소개해 줄게요.Je chingureul sogaehae julgeyo.I will introduce my friend to you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “secretary” translations and entries 비서, 서기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 비서, 서기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
