Korean · Real conversations
Work updates: useful Korean phrases
Explain progress and agree on a priority.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Korean |
|---|---|
| to work | 일하다ilhada to work |
| to finish | 끝내다kkeutnaeda to finish |
| to start | 시작하다sijakhada to start |
| Busy | 바쁘다bappeuda Busy |
| I'm working on ... | … 작업하고 있어요.... jageopago isseoyo. Show English translationI'm working on … |
| I've finished ... | … 끝냈어요.... kkeunnaesseoyo. Show English translationI've finished … |
| I need more time. | 시간이 더 필요해요.sigani deo piryohaeyo. Show English translationI need more time. |
| What's the deadline? | 마감이 언제예요?magami eonjeyeyo? Show English translationWhat's the deadline? |
| What should I prioritize? | 무엇을 먼저 해야 할까요?mueoseul meonjeo haeya halkkayo? Show English translationWhat should I prioritize? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
오늘은 무슨 일을 하고 계세요?oneureun museun ireul hago gyeseyo?
What are you working on today?
You
보고서를 작성하고 있어요.bogoseoreul jakseonghago isseoyo.
I'm working on the report.
Partner
보고서는 얼마나 진행됐어요?bogoseoneun eolmana jinhaengdwaesseoyo?
How far have you got with the report?
You
초안을 완성했어요.choaneul wanseonghaesseoyo.
I've finished the first draft.
Work updates in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
