비공식 (bi-gong-sik, bigongsik) · 캐주얼 (kae-ju-eol, kaejueol) · 편하게 (pyeon-ha-ge, pyeonhage)
비공식 means unofficial situations, 캐주얼 refers to informal style or atmosphere, and 편하게 describes a relaxed attitude or behavior, so choosing the right word depends on the context.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Refers to a state or situation that does not follow official procedures or rules.
When to use
Unofficial event, Unofficial document, Informal meeting
The nuance
Used when something is not official, such as events, documents, or procedures; contrasts with formal or official contexts.
Refers to a relaxed, informal style or atmosphere, mainly used for clothing, conversation, or gatherings.
When to use
Casual dress, Casual conversation, Casual gathering
The nuance
Used when describing a relaxed, informal style or tone, especially in fashion, conversation, or social gatherings.
Describes a relaxed, comfortable manner of acting or speaking without burden.
When to use
Speak comfortably, Rest comfortably, Act comfortably
The nuance
Used when behavior or speech is natural and unburdened; also used to encourage someone to feel comfortable.
이번 모임은 비공식이라서 정장 안 입어도 돼.
i-beon mo-im-eun bi-gong-sik-i-ra-seo jeong-jang an ip-eo-do dwae., i beon mo im eun bi gong sik i ra seo jeong jang an ip eo do dwae.
Correctly indicates that the meeting is unofficial, so formal dress is unnecessary.
이번 모임은 캐주얼이라서 정장 안 입어도 돼.
i-beon mo-im-eun kae-ju-eol-i-ra-seo jeong-jang an ip-eo-do dwae., i beon mo im eun kae ju eol i ra seo jeong jang an ip eo do dwae.
Casual means informal dress style, so this sentence is appropriate.
이번 모임은 편하게라서 정장 안 입어도 돼.
i-beon mo-im-eun pyeon-ha-ge-ra-seo jeong-jang an ip-eo-do dwae., i beon mo im eun pyeon ha ge ra seo jeong jang an ip eo do dwae.
편하게 describes attitude or behavior, so using it for dress is incorrect; 캐주얼 should be used.
비공식 문서에는 회사 공식 로고가 없다.
bi-gong-sik mun-seo-e-neun hoe-sa gong-sik ro-go-ga eop-da., bi gong sik mun seo e neun hoe sa gong sik ro go ga eop da.
An unofficial document lacks official logos, so this is correct.
캐주얼 문서에는 회사 공식 로고가 없다.
kae-ju-eol mun-seo-e-neun hoe-sa gong-sik ro-go-ga eop-da., kae ju eol mun seo e neun hoe sa gong sik ro go ga eop da.
캐주얼 does not describe documents; 비공식 is correct.
편하게 이야기해도 돼요.
pyeon-ha-ge i-ya-gi-hae-do dwae-yo., pyeon ha ge i ya gi hae do dwae yo.
편하게 appropriately encourages speaking in a relaxed manner.
캐주얼 이야기해도 돼요.
kae-ju-eol i-ya-gi-hae-do dwae-yo., kae ju eol i ya gi hae do dwae yo.
캐주얼 refers to style or atmosphere, so this sentence is unnatural.
비공식 회의는 정식 회의보다 자유롭게 의견을 나눈다.
bi-gong-sik hoe-ui-neun jeong-sik hoe-ui-bo-da ja-yu-rop-ge ui-gyeon-eul na-nun-da., bi gong sik hoe ui neun jeong sik hoe ui bo da ja yu rop ge ui gyeon eul na nun da.
An unofficial meeting is less formal, so this sentence is correct.
Which word fits when describing a situation not following official procedures?
Which word best describes informal dress or atmosphere?
Which expression is used to encourage someone to act naturally without burden?
