김비서
gimbiseo
김비서 (gimbiseo) is the Korean way to say "secretary kim".
In Korean, professional titles are used as substitutes for personal names when addressing someone. This phrase is used to address or refer to a secretary whose surname is Kim.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the surname 김 (Kim) followed by the job title 비서 (secretary).
How do you pronounce it?
gimbiseo
Did you know?
- The phrase 김비서 became a massive cultural phenomenon due to a 2018 romantic comedy drama of the same name. This show popularized the specific way professional-romance dynamics are played out in Korean workspaces.
- In a Korean office, calling someone just by their name 'Kim' would be considered incredibly rude or even an insult. Instead, you must attach a title like 비서 to the name to show proper respect.
- If you were to address 'Secretary Kim' more formally in a high-stakes meeting, you might add the honorific suffix 님 to create 김비서님. This adds an extra layer of politeness and distance.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요, 김 비서님. 일이 잘 되셨나요?Hello, Secretary Kim. Have you been doing well with work?
- 김비서, 이 서류 좀 확인해 주세요.Gim-biseo, i seoryu jom hwaginhae juseyo.Secretary Kim, please check this document.
- 김비서님은 오늘 휴가예요.Gim-biseonimeun oneul hyugaye-yo.Secretary Kim is on leave today.
Example conversation
Minjun is asking for a coffee in the office.
- 민준 Min-jun김비서, 커피 한 잔만 부탁해요.Gimbiseo, keopi han janman butakaeyo.Secretary Kim, a cup of coffee, please.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 알겠습니다. 바로 가져올게요.Ne, algetseumnida. Baro gajyeoolgeyo.Yes, I understand. I will bring it right away.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요, 김비서.Gomawoyo, Gimbiseo.Thank you, Secretary Kim.
- 지은 Ji-eun천만에요, 민준 님.Cheonmaneyo, Minjun nim.You're welcome, Mr. Minjun.
