Learning how to say “undergraduate” in Korean can be helpful, especially if you are studying or planning to study in Korea. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to express “undergraduate” in Korean, including both formal and informal terms. While regional variations exist, we’ll focus on the commonly used terms. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Term:
The formal term for “undergraduate” in Korean is “대학생” (daehaksaeng). This term is widely used in academic and formal contexts to refer to students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a university. Here’s an example of how to use it:
“그는 대학에서 대학생으로 공부하고 있습니다.” (Geuneun daehakeseo daehaksaeng-euro gongbu-hago isseumnida.)
“He is studying as an undergraduate at the university.”
When using this term, be sure to keep in mind that it is more formal and should be used in appropriate settings, such as interviews, official documents, or when talking to professors and other respected individuals.
Informal Terms:
When it comes to informal ways of saying “undergraduate” in Korean, there are a few commonly used terms. These are suitable for casual conversations with friends or peers. Let’s take a look:
- “대생” (daeseong): This term is a shorter version of “대학생” and is widely used among students to refer to themselves or their friends who are studying at a university. It carries a friendly and informal tone. Here’s an example:
“나는 대학 대생이야.” (Naneun daehak daeseong-iya.)
“I am an undergraduate student.”
- “대숙” (daesuk): This term is a slang abbreviation of “대학력자” (daehakryeokja), which translates to “person with university education.” It is often used humorously, and popular among young people. Here’s an example:
“우리 친구는 대숙이야. 엄청 똑똑해.” (Uri chinguneun daesuk-iya. Eomchung ttokttokhae.)
“Our friend is an undergraduate. He is very smart.”
It’s worth mentioning that the term “대숙” is more colloquial and might not be suitable for formal discussions in academic or professional settings.
Other Expressions:
Aside from the terms discussed above, you may also come across the expression “학부생” (hakbusaeng), which is technically the literal translation of “undergraduate” in Korean. Although you can use this term, it is less commonly used compared to “대학생.”
Additionally, if you want to be more specific about the field of study, you can add the relevant major before the term “대학생.” For instance:
“화학 대학생” (hwahak daehaksaeng) – Chemistry undergraduate
“경제학 대생” (gyeongjehak daeseong) – Economics undergraduate
This allows you to specify your area of study while referring to yourself or others as an undergraduate.
Conclusion:
Now that you are familiar with the various ways to express “undergraduate” in Korean, both formally and informally, you can confidently use these terms in different situations. Remember to adjust your choice of words based on the formality of the setting and the relationship with the person you are talking to. Learning these Korean terms will make it easier for you to communicate with native speakers and navigate academic environments in Korea. Best of luck with your studies!
