Korean Dictionary
How to say "Discharge" in Korean
“Discharge” in Korean is 전역 (pronounced "Jeonyeok").
전역
Jeonyeok
Usage & Context
Military term related to discharge. Important vocabulary for understanding Korean military culture and defense terminology.
Example Sentence
이것은 전역에 대한 예문입니다.
This is an example sentence about discharge.
How to use 전역 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Discharge” is 전역, romanized as Jeonyeok.
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 전역.
Pronunciation Guide
For '전역', pronounce '전' like 'jeon' in 'Jeonju', similar to 'john' but with a softer 'j' and a slightly more open 'eo' sound. '역' is like 'yeok' in 'Yeoksam', rhyming with 'yolk' but with a sharper 'y' and 'eo' sound. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
A soldier excitedly telling friends about their upcoming discharge.
드디어 다음 달에 전역합니다!
I'm finally getting discharged next month!
A soon-to-be discharged soldier discussing future plans.
전역 후 뭘 할지 아직 고민 중이에요.
I'm still thinking about what to do after discharge.
Talking about someone's post-military career.
그는 전역하고 바로 취업에 성공했어요.
He succeeded in finding a job right after his discharge.
Cultural Context
'전역' is a significant milestone for all Korean men who complete their mandatory military service. It's often celebrated by family and friends as a return to civilian life. The period leading up to discharge is sometimes humorously referred to as '말년 병장' (malnyeon byeongjang - literally 'final year sergeant'), a time of anticipation. K-dramas or webtoons often depict the emotional journey of soldiers anticipating and experiencing their '전역'.
Editorial note
We review entries like 전역 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
전역 축하해!
Congratulations on your discharge!
전역일
Discharge date
전역 선물
Discharge gift
Related Expressions
제대
Jede
Discharge (general term, often interchangeable)
전역하다
Jeonyeokhada
To be discharged (verb form)
군 복무
Gun bokmu
Military service
예비군
Yebigun
Reserve forces (post-discharge obligation)
More Military Words
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