서기 — meaning in English: clerk

seogi · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for clerk

여행

yeohaeng

구리

guli

효과

hyogwa

서기

seogi

기계

gigye

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Korean for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

formal common

Usage

Native speakers use the word '서기' (seogi) in formal and professional environments, such as government offices, businesses, and educational institutions. For instance, when discussing job roles during a meeting, one might refer to a '서기' as someone responsible for maintaining records and handling correspondence.

Synonyms & nuances

'서기' is often compared to '사무원' (samuwon), which also means 'office worker.' However, while '서기' specifically refers to a clerk with duties related to documentation and administration, '사무원' is a broader term that can encompass various roles within an office setting. You would choose '서기' when you want to emphasize the clerical aspect of the job.

Culture

'서기' finds its roots in the historical context of Korean bureaucracy, where clerks played essential roles in administration. Traditionally, clerks were seen as the backbone of any organization, essential for ensuring smooth operations and communication, reflecting the value placed on meticulous record-keeping in Korean culture.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 서기 in English?

'서기' translates to 'clerk' in English, referring to a person responsible for administrative tasks such as record-keeping and correspondence.

Q.How do you use 서기 in a sentence?

You can use '서기' in a sentence like, '그는 회사의 서기입니다' which translates to 'He is the clerk of the company.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 서기?

A common mistake is using '서기' interchangeably with more general terms like '직원' (jikwon), which means 'employee.' Remember that '서기' specifically denotes a clerk with clerical duties.

Learn korean with Maspeak →

Korean 2000