파업
pa'eop[ˈpʰa̠(ː)ʌ̹p̚]
In Korean, the English word 'strike' is translated as 파업 (pa'eop).
파업 refers specifically to a labor strike. If you are referring to an urgent or emergency strike, you can use the term 긴급파업. To describe the state of being 'on strike' or currently in the middle of a strike, the phrase 파업 중 is used.
Meaning: to hit (verb)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between types of strikes and physical actions. Use 파업 for a labor strike, but if you want to say 'to hit' or 'to strike' in the sense of a physical blow to someone or something, you must use the verb 때리다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 파업 is a noun. To use it as a verb meaning 'to strike' (as in a labor strike), you add the auxiliary verb 하다 to create 파업하다.
How do you pronounce it?
pa'eop
Did you know?
- While 파업 means a labor strike, a 'strike' in baseball is called 스트라이크, which is a phonetic loanword from English.
- The phrase 파업 중 can be used not only for humans but occasionally in a humorous or metaphorical way to describe a machine that has suddenly stopped working.
- Korean has a specific term 태업 for a 'slowdown' or 'strike' where workers continue to work but at a significantly reduced pace to protest.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about the news.
- 지은 Ji-eun뉴스 봤어? 지하철 파업한대.nyuseu bwasseo? jihacheol paeop-handae.Did you see the news? They say the subway is on strike.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말? 그럼 어떻게 출근해?jeongmal? geureom eotteoke chulgeun-hae?Really? Then how do I get to work?
- 지은 Ji-eun버스를 타거나 걸어가야겠지.beoseu-reul tageona georeogayagetji.You'll probably have to take the bus or walk.
- 도현 Do-hyeon파업이 빨리 끝났으면 좋겠다.paeop-i ppalli kkeunnatseumyeon joketda.I hope the strike ends quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 파업, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
