Korean · People & Family
"Boss" in Korean: 상사
상사sangsa
Boss in Korean is 상사 (sangsa). 상사 describes a superior at work; direct address commonly uses the person’s actual title.
Introducing someone
저분은 상사예요.jeobuneun sangsayeyo.
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How to pronounce 상사
Say it
sangsa
/saŋsa/
상사 (sangsa) has 2 Hangul syllables. 상사 ends in a vowel; do not add a final English consonant.
"Boss" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 상사sangsa | Boss Basic dictionary noun. | Basic dictionary noun. |
| 상사와 상담sangsawa sangdam | consultation with a boss A useful combination with 상사. | A useful combination with 상사. |
| 상사를sangsareul | Boss (as an object) Use 를 when 상사 is the object of an action. | Use 를 when 상사 is the object of an action. |
How to use 상사 in real life
- 1Introducing someone
저분은 상사예요.
jeobuneun sangsayeyo.
That person is a boss.
상사 appears in a complete sentence for boss.
- 2Finding someone
상사가 여기 있어요.
sangsaga yeogi isseoyo.
The boss is here.
상사가 marks 상사 as the subject.
- 3Asking to speak
상사와 이야기하고 싶어요.
sangsawa iyagihago sipeoyo.
I would like to talk with the boss.
상사 appears in a complete sentence for boss.
Mistakes English speakers make with 상사
Incorrect: 상사이 여기 있어요.
Correct: 상사가 여기 있어요.
When practicing boss, use the correct particle or copula after 상사; the final sound determines whether a linking consonant is needed.
Incorrect: 상사이에요.
Correct: 상사예요.
When practicing boss, when identifying something as 상사, use 상사예요. The vowel-final noun takes 예요 directly.
Good to know
상사 describes a superior at work; direct address commonly uses the person’s actual title. The combination 상사와 상담 (sangsawa sangdam) means consultation with a boss.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led people and family study exercise: two sentences with 상사
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
저분은 상사예요.
jeobuneun sangsayeyo.
That person is a boss.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
상사가 여기 있어요.
sangsaga yeogi isseoyo.
The boss is here.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Boss" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Boss" in Korean
What does 상사 mean in Korean?
Boss in Korean is 상사 (sangsa). 상사 describes a superior at work; direct address commonly uses the person’s actual title.
How do I use 상사와 상담?
상사와 상담 (sangsawa sangdam) means consultation with a boss. 상사 describes a superior at work; direct address commonly uses the person’s actual title.
Which object particle goes after 상사?
The object form is 상사를 because 상사 ends in a vowel.
How is 상사 pronounced?
상사 (sangsa) has 2 Hangul syllables. 상사 ends in a vowel; do not add a final English consonant.
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