과외 교사
gwa-oe gyosa
The Korean word for tutor is 과외 교사 (gwa-oe gyosa).
A tutor is someone who teaches another. While 과외 교사 is the specific term for a private tutor, in casual conversation, people often use the word 과외 to refer to the act of private tutoring or to the tutor themselves.
Meaning: one who teaches another (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 과외, meaning private lesson or extra study and 교사, meaning teacher.
Which one should you use?
While 과외 교사 specifically refers to a private tutor, the term 선생님 (teacher) is more commonly used when addressing them directly.
How do you pronounce it?
gwa-oe gyosa
Did you know?
- In Korea, there is a specific type of high-end tutor called a 스타강사 or 'star lecturer'. These individuals are treated like celebrities, commanding enormous fees and appearing in commercials.
- Historically, private tutoring 과외 was strictly banned by the government in the 1980s to reduce the burden on students. This led to a 'secret' market where tutors operated in hidden locations.
- The word 교사 is a homonym with several starkly different meanings. Depending on the Chinese characters used, it can mean 'teacher', 'school building', 'instigation' or 'death by strangulation'.
Examples in context
- 저는 영어 과외선생님을 고용했어요.I hired an English tutor.
- 내 친구가 과외 선생이야.My friend is a tutor.
- 제 과외 교사는 친절해요.je gwadoe gyosaneun chinjeolhaeyo.My tutor is kind.
- 새 과외 교사를 구하고 있어요.sae gwadoe gyosareul guhago isseoyo.I am looking for a new tutor.
- 그분은 유능한 과외 교사예요.geubuneun yuneunghan gwadoe gyosayeyo.That person is a capable tutor.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are discussing Seoyeon's study schedule.
- 민준 Min-jun서연 씨, 과외 교사님이 오셨어요?Seoyeon ssi, gwadoe gyosanimi osyeosseoyo?Seoyeon, has your tutor arrived?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 방금 과외 교사님이 도착했어요.Ne, banggeum gwadoe gyosanimi dochakhaesseoyo.Yes, the tutor just arrived.
- 민준 Min-jun수업 잘 들으세요.Sueop jal deureuseyo.Have a good lesson.
- 서연 Seo-yeon감사합니다, 민준 씨.Gamsahabnida, Minjun ssi.Thank you, Minjun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 과외, 교사, CC BY-SA 4.0.
