일하다 (il-ha-da, ilhada)
일하다 (ilhada) is a fundamental Korean verb meaning 'to work.' It's used commonly in daily life and business contexts.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
일하다 means to perform work or labor, usually referring to tasks done at a workplace or home.
Nuances
When to use
office, freelancer, housework
In context
일하다 is a verb used mainly with human subjects, conjugated into various tenses and honorific forms. Example: 저는 회사에서 일합니다 (I work at a company).
저는 매일 아침 9시에 회사에서 일해요.
jeo-neun mae-il a-chim 9si-e hoe-sa-e-seo il-hae-yo., jeo neun mae il a chim 9si e hoe sa e seo il hae yo.
Subject and verb tense match naturally.
그는 주말마다 카페에서 일한다.
geu-neun ju-mal-ma-da ka-pe-e-seo il-han-da., geu neun ju mal ma da ka pe e seo il han da.
일하다 appropriately expresses repetitive work.
나는 오늘 집에서 일했어요.
na-neun o-neul jip-e-seo il-haess-eo-yo., na neun o neul jip e seo il haess eo yo.
Work done at home can be expressed with 일하다.
기계가 일해요.
gi-gye-ga il-hae-yo., gi gye ga il hae yo.
일하다 can be used metaphorically for machines operating.
나는 일한다 회사에서.
na-neun il-han-da hoe-sa-e-seo., na neun il han da hoe sa e seo.
Incorrect particle placement makes the sentence ungrammatical.
그녀는 일해 학교.
geu-nyeo-neun il-hae hak-gyo., geu nyeo neun il hae hak gyo.
Incorrect combination of verb and location particle.
What is the meaning of '일하다'?
Which sentence is correct?
When can '일하다' be used metaphorically?
