준비 (jun-bi, junbi) · 진행 (jin-haeng, jinhaeng) · 마무리 (ma-mu-ri, mamuri)
‘준비’, ‘진행’, and ‘마무리’ represent the start, middle, and end stages of an activity, each with distinct correct usage.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The stage of getting things ready or planning before starting an activity
When to use
Before event, Before exam, Before trip
The nuance
Use ‘준비’ only before an activity starts, when arranging necessary items or plans. Do not use it during or after the activity.
The middle stage when the activity is actually happening and ongoing
When to use
During meeting, During project work, During event
The nuance
Use ‘진행’ only during the ongoing process after it has started and before it finishes. Not suitable for preparation or finishing stages.
The final stage of an activity, used when finishing or wrapping up
When to use
Finishing report, Event cleanup, Final project check
The nuance
Use ‘마무리’ when the activity is nearly finished or when wrapping up after completion. Not appropriate during preparation or ongoing stages.
시험 전에 충분히 준비를 해야 한다.
si-heom jeon-e chung-bun-hi jun-bi-reul hae-ya han-da., si heom jeon e chung bun hi jun bi reul hae ya han da.
‘준비’ correctly describes actions before the exam starts.
회의가 준비 중이다.
hoe-ui-ga jun-bi jung-i-da., hoe ui ga jun bi jung i da.
‘준비’ is for pre-start arrangements; during the meeting, use ‘진행’.
프로젝트가 잘 진행되고 있다.
peu-ro-jek-teu-ga jal jin-haeng-doe-go iss-da., peu ro jek teu ga jal jin haeng doe go iss da.
‘진행’ fits when the project is actively ongoing.
행사가 마무리 중이다.
haeng-sa-ga ma-mu-ri jung-i-da., haeng sa ga ma mu ri jung i da.
‘마무리’ is used when the event is wrapping up.
여행을 마무리하고 있다.
yeo-haeng-eul ma-mu-ri-ha-go iss-da., yeo haeng eul ma mu ri ha go iss da.
‘마무리’ is mainly for tasks/events; for trips, ‘끝내다’ is more natural.
보고서 작성 준비가 완료되었다.
bo-go-seo jak-seong jun-bi-ga wan-ryo-doe-eoss-da., bo go seo jak seong jun bi ga wan ryo doe eoss da.
‘준비’ correctly refers to pre-writing stage.
회의가 마무리 되었다.
hoe-ui-ga ma-mu-ri doe-eoss-da., hoe ui ga ma mu ri doe eoss da.
‘마무리’ fits when the meeting has ended and is being wrapped up.
프로젝트 준비 중이다.
peu-ro-jek-teu jun-bi jung-i-da., peu ro jek teu jun bi jung i da.
‘준비’ describes the pre-start phase of the project.
Which word to use before a meeting starts?
Which word fits when a project is actively happening?
Which word fits when an event is nearly finished?
