일하다 (il-ha-da, ilhada) · 근무하다 (geun-mu-ha-da, geunmuhada)
Both 일하다 and 근무하다 mean 'to work,' but 일하다 is a general, everyday term, while 근무하다 is formal and mainly used in workplace or official contexts.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To do work or tasks; a general term for 'to work'
When to use
Everyday tasks, Housework, Part-time jobs, Freelance work
The nuance
일하다 can be used in everyday and various contexts, referring to any kind of work including jobs, chores, or part-time work.
To work officially during set hours at a workplace or institution
When to use
Company work, Government office work, Regular working hours, Official duties
The nuance
근무하다 refers mainly to working official hours at formal workplaces like companies or government offices and sounds somewhat formal or stiff in casual conversation.
나는 매일 아침 9시부터 6시까지 회사에서 일해요.
na-neun mae-il a-chim 9si-bu-teo 6si-kka-ji hoe-sa-e-seo il-hae-yo., na neun mae il a chim 9si bu teo 6si kka ji hoe sa e seo il hae yo.
일하다 naturally applies to work done at a company in general contexts.
나는 매일 아침 9시부터 6시까지 회사에서 근무해요.
na-neun mae-il a-chim 9si-bu-teo 6si-kka-ji hoe-sa-e-seo geun-mu-hae-yo., na neun mae il a chim 9si bu teo 6si kka ji hoe sa e seo geun mu hae yo.
근무하다 fits formal situations of working set hours at a company.
주말에는 집에서 근무해요.
ju-mal-e-neun jip-e-seo geun-mu-hae-yo., ju mal e neun jip e seo geun mu hae yo.
Working at home is not an official work context, so 근무하다 sounds odd; 일하다 is correct.
저는 프리랜서로 일해요.
jeo-neun peu-ri-raen-seo-ro il-hae-yo., jeo neun peu ri raen seo ro il hae yo.
For freelancers without official hours, 일하다 is used.
저는 프리랜서로 근무해요.
jeo-neun peu-ri-raen-seo-ro geun-mu-hae-yo., jeo neun peu ri raen seo ro geun mu hae yo.
Freelancers lack official hours/locations, so 근무하다 sounds unnatural.
회사에서 근무하는 동안 휴대폰 사용이 금지되어 있어요.
hoe-sa-e-seo geun-mu-ha-neun dong-an hyu-dae-pon sa-yong-i geum-ji-doe-eo iss-eo-yo., hoe sa e seo geun mu ha neun dong an hyu dae pon sa yong i geum ji doe eo iss eo yo.
근무하다 appropriately describes official work situations.
나는 집에서 일해요.
na-neun jip-e-seo il-hae-yo., na neun jip e seo il hae yo.
Working at home is naturally expressed with 일하다.
나는 집에서 근무해요.
na-neun jip-e-seo geun-mu-hae-yo., na neun jip e seo geun mu hae yo.
Home is not an official workplace, so 근무하다 sounds awkward here.
Which word is most appropriate for official workplace duties?
What is the most natural expression for a freelancer talking about their work?
Which word is appropriate for work done at home?
What does it mean?
