Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 연수생 | yeonsusaeng | [ˈjɘ(ː)nsʰusʰɛŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈjɘ(ː)nsʰusʰe̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 실습생 | silseupsaeng | [ɕʰiɭsʰɯps͈ɛŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ɕʰiɭsʰɯps͈e̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term trainee is used to describe someone being formally trained in a workplace (noun). Depending on whether the focus is on structured study or hands-on practice, different words are used.
What does it mean word for word?
연수생 is composed of 연수 (training/study) and 생 (student/person), literally meaning 'training student'. 실습생 is composed of 실습 (practical training/practice) and 생 (student/person), literally meaning 'practical training student'.
Which one should you use?
연수생 is used for trainees undergoing theoretical or structured professional development programs. In contrast, 실습생 is used for trainees specifically engaged in hands-on, practical or field-based training (such as student teachers or medical interns).
How do you pronounce it?
yeonsusaeng
Did you know?
- While 연수생 refers to professional trainees, the word 연습생 describes a 'trainee' in the K-pop industry. These aspiring idols undergo years of rigorous training in dance and singing before they are officially allowed to debut.
- A person's seniority can temporarily vanish when they are sent on a corporate program. Even high-ranking employees are referred to as 연수생 when they are undergoing formal professional development or overseas training.
- The suffix 생 in both terms is the same character used to denote a 'birth' or 'living being', but in this context it functions to classify someone by their current status as a 'student' or 'learner'.
Examples in context
- 저는 회사의 연수생입니다.I am a trainee at the company.
- 나는 연습생으로 아이돌 그룹에 합류하였다.I joined an idol group as a trainee.
- 그는 이 회사의 수습생으로 일하고 있어요.He is working as a trainee in this company.
- 연수생들은 매우 성실합니다.yeon-su-saeng-deul-eun mae-u seong-sil-ham-ni-da.The trainees are very diligent.
- 이번 연수생은 누구예요?i-beon yeon-su-saeng-eun nu-gu-ye-yo?Who is this trainee?
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about a new staff member at the office.
- 지훈 Ji-hun새로 온 연수생이 누구예요?sae-ro on yeon-su-saeng-i nu-gu-ye-yo?Who is the new trainee?
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 저기 있는 분이에요.ji-hun ssi, jeo-gi it-neun bun-i-e-yo.Jihoon, it is the person over there.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨가 추천한 연수생인가요?su-bin ssi-ga chu-cheon-han yeon-su-saeng-in-ga-yo?Is that the trainee you recommended, Subin?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 맞아요.ne, ma-ja-yo.Yes, that's right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trainee” translations and entries 연수생, 실습생, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 실습생, 연수생, CC BY-SA 4.0.
