Korean Dictionary
How to say "Absent" in Korean
“Absent” in Korean is 결석 (pronounced "gyulseok").
결석
gyulseok
Usage & Context
Not being present at school or class. Absences are recorded and can affect grades. Students must provide reasons for absences.
Example Sentence
결석을 했다.
I was absent.
How to use 결석 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Absent” is 결석, romanized as gyulseok.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 결석.
Pronunciation Guide
결 (gyul) sounds like 'gyool' in 'pool,' but with a soft 'g' at the start and a quick 'y' glide. 석 (seok) sounds like 'sock,' but with the 'eo' vowel similar to the 'uh' in 'butter.' The stress is fairly even.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
결석합니다
gyulseokhamnida
Formal declarative form of 'to be absent' (from 결석하다).
Casual (반말)
결석해
gyulseokhae
Casual declarative form of 'to be absent' (from 결석하다).
More Example Sentences
A teacher asking about absent students.
오늘 수업에 결석한 학생은 누구예요?
Who is absent from class today?
A student explaining their absence to a friend or teacher.
감기 때문에 이틀 동안 결석했어요.
I was absent for two days because of a cold.
School staff reminding students about administrative procedures.
결석계는 꼭 제출해야 해요.
You must submit an absence report.
Cultural Context
In Korean schools, attendance is taken very seriously. Unexcused absences (무단 결석) can significantly impact a student's grades and even their graduation prospects. Students are usually required to submit a doctor's note or a parent's explanation (결석계) for any absence, reflecting the strict academic environment and emphasis on responsibility.
Editorial note
We review entries like 결석 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
결석하다
to be absent
결석 처리되다
to be marked absent
무단 결석
unexcused absence
Related Expressions
출석
chulseok
attendance (antonym)
결근
gyeolgeun
absence from work
조퇴
jotwe
early leave (from school/work)
결석계
gyulseokgye
absence report/note
More School Life Words
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