Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hierarchy" in Korean
“Hierarchy” in Korean is 계층 구조 (pronounced "gyecheung gujo").
계층 구조
gyecheung gujo
Usage & Context
The organizational structure with levels of authority. Hierarchy in Korean companies is clearly defined and respected. It affects communication and decision-making processes.
Example Sentence
회사의 계층 구조가 명확합니다.
The company hierarchy is clear.
How to use 계층 구조 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hierarchy” is 계층 구조, romanized as gyecheung gujo.
Usage tip
Business Korean usually needs polite or formal endings, especially in emails, meetings, and customer situations.
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 계층 구조.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '계층 구조' is pronounced 'Gye-cheung Gu-jo'. 'Gye' sounds like 'gyay' (similar to 'gay'). 'Cheung' is like 'chung' (as in 'chungus'). 'Gu' is like 'goo'. 'Jo' is like 'joh' (as in 'Joe').
More Example Sentences
Discussing social structures or cultural characteristics of Korea.
한국 사회는 여전히 강한 계층 구조를 가지고 있습니다.
Korean society still has a strong hierarchical structure.
Critiquing an organization's structure and its impact on efficiency.
회사의 계층 구조가 너무 복잡해서 의사 결정이 느립니다.
The company's hierarchy is too complex, so decision-making is slow.
Proposing organizational changes for better collaboration.
수평적인 조직 문화를 위해 계층 구조를 단순화해야 합니다.
To foster a horizontal organizational culture, we need to simplify the hierarchy.
Cultural Context
Hierarchy ('계층 구조') is a fundamental aspect of Korean society and business. Respect for elders and superiors (상사, seongsa) is deeply ingrained, influencing communication styles, decision-making processes, and social interactions. While modern companies are increasingly trying to adopt more '수평적인' (su-pyeong-jeok-in, horizontal) structures, the awareness and influence of hierarchy remain significant. Understanding this concept is key to navigating Korean workplaces and social settings.
Editorial note
We review business terms like 계층 구조 for formality, so the example fits emails, meetings, or workplace conversations instead of casual speech.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
사회 계층 구조
Social hierarchy
회사 계층 구조
Company hierarchy
계층 구조 개편
Hierarchy restructuring
Related Expressions
서열
seoyeol
Rank/Order (social or organizational)
직급
jikgeup
Job title/Position level
상하 관계
sangha gwangye
Superior-subordinate relationship
조직 문화
jojik munhwa
Organizational culture
More Business Words
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