KOREAN LEVEL UP › Korean phrases › Work, school & formal › 오늘은 일찍 퇴근해요
How to Say “I’m leaving work early today” in Korean
오늘은 일찍 퇴근해요
oneureun iljjik toegeunhaeyo
Meaning
I’m leaving work early today.
Usage note
퇴근 means leaving work for the day, and its opposite is 출근 (going to work). 일찍 means “early” and pairs with 늦게 (“late”).
Romanization follows the Revised Romanization system and is a guide to pronunciation.
How to pronounce it
In natural speech, sounds link and shift across words. The table below reads each word separately, as it sounds when said on its own.
| Syllable | Letters (consonant + vowel + final) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 오늘은 | ||
| 오 | ㅇ+ㅗ | o |
| 늘 | ㄴ+ㅡ+ㄹ | [느] neu |
| 은 | ㅇ+ㅡ+ㄴ | [른] reun |
| 일찍 | ||
| 일 | ㅇ+ㅣ+ㄹ | il |
| 찍 | ㅉ+ㅣ+ㄱ | jjik |
| 퇴근해요 | ||
| 퇴 | ㅌ+ㅚ | toe |
| 근 | ㄱ+ㅡ+ㄴ | geun |
| 해 | ㅎ+ㅐ | hae |
| 요 | ㅇ+ㅛ | yo |
A ㅇ at the start of a syllable is silent; at the end of a syllable it sounds like “ng”.
Sound changes in this phrase
- Linking: when a syllable ending in a consonant (patchim) is followed by a syllable that starts with a vowel, the consonant moves over to the next syllable. 늘은 → [느른]
Speech style
Ends in -요. The everyday polite style, and a safe choice with shop staff, colleagues, strangers and anyone older than you.
Words in this phrase
These words from the TOPIK vocabulary lists appear in the phrase (shown in dictionary form).
| Korean | Part of speech | Meaning | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 퇴근하다 | verb | to leave work | TOPIK level 2 |
Phrases that use the same word
Phrases with “일찍”
- 일찍 자는 습관을 들이려고 해요I’m trying to build a habit of going to bed early
Phrases with “오늘은”
- 오늘은 행복한 하루였어요Today was a happy day
- 오늘은 제가 쏠게요Today’s on me
- 오늘은 집에서 쉴 거예요I’ll rest at home today
- 오늘은 제가 대접하겠습니다It’s my treat today
Quick self-check
Test yourself before you move on. Tap an answer.
Question 1 What does “오늘은 일찍 퇴근해요” mean?
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Answer: I’m leaving work early today
Question 2 How do you say “I’m leaving work early today” in Korean?
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Answer: 오늘은 일찍 퇴근해요 oneureun iljjik toegeunhaeyo
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Practice in the gameMore phrases for this situation
- 학교에서 한국어를 배워요I study Korean at school
- 이메일 보내 드릴게요I’ll send you an email. (polite)
- 몇 시에 끝나요?What time does it finish
- 잠깐 시간 괜찮으세요?Do you have a moment? (polite)
- 지금 회의 중이에요I’m in a meeting now
- 내일 시험이 있어요I have an exam tomorrow
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