Korean Dictionary
How to say "Chores" in Korean
“Chores” in Korean is 집안일 (pronounced "Jibannil").
집안일
Jibannil
Usage & Context
Household tasks assigned to children. Korean parents teach children responsibility through age-appropriate chores.
Example Sentence
아이들은 집안일을 도와야 합니다.
Children should help with chores.
How to use 집안일 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Chores” is 집안일, romanized as Jibannil.
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 집안일.
Pronunciation Guide
"집안일" (jibannil) sounds like "Jee-bahn-nil" (like 'jeep-bahn-nil'). The 'n' sound from '반' (ban) flows into '일' (nil). The stress is fairly even across syllables.
More Example Sentences
A family member asking about the chore schedule or rotation.
오늘은 누가 집안일을 할 차례야?
Whose turn is it to do chores today?
A parent discussing child-rearing philosophies with another parent.
아이들에게 집안일을 시키는 것이 중요해요.
It's important to have children do chores.
Someone complaining about the amount of housework they have to do.
집안일이 너무 많아서 힘들어요.
There are so many chores, I'm tired.
Cultural Context
In traditional Korean culture, "집안일" was often seen as the primary responsibility of women. However, modern Korean society is shifting, with more men participating in household chores. Teaching children to help with "집안일" is common, emphasizing responsibility and contributing to the family unit. While not always tied to allowance, it's a way to instill a sense of duty and teamwork. K-dramas often show family members, including children, pitching in, especially during meal preparation or cleaning up.
Editorial note
We review entries like 집안일 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
집안일을 하다
To do chores/housework
집안일을 돕다
To help with chores
집안일 분담
Division of household chores
Related Expressions
가사
gasa
Household affairs (more formal/general)
청소
cheongso
Cleaning
설거지
seolgeoji
Dishwashing
빨래
ppallae
Laundry
More Parenting & Family Life Words
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