Korean Dictionary
How to say "Probation" in Korean
“Probation” in Korean is 수습기간 (pronounced "sueupgigan").
수습기간
sueupgigan
Usage & Context
A trial period for new employees to demonstrate competence. Probation periods in Korea typically last three to six months. Performance during this time affects permanent employment status.
Example Sentence
수습기간 동안 열심히 일해야 합니다.
You must work hard during the probation period.
How to use 수습기간 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Probation” is 수습기간, romanized as sueupgigan.
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 수습기간.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'soo-seup-gee-gahn' — four syllables. 'Soo' rhymes with 'zoo,' 'seup' is a clipped 'soop,' and 'gee-gahn' flows like 'key-gone.' Business-speak cadence.
More Example Sentences
HR explaining an employment contract
수습기간이 끝나면 정규직으로 전환돼요.
Once the probation period ends, you'll be converted to a full-time employee.
reviewing a job offer with a friend
수습 3개월 동안 급여가 80%만 지급돼요.
During the 3-month probation, only 80% of the salary is paid.
warning a new hire about expectations
수습기간 평가가 나쁘면 계약이 끝날 수도 있어요.
If your probation evaluation is poor, the contract can be terminated.
Cultural Context
수습기간 in Korea is a real evaluation, not a formality — many companies legally pay only 80–90% of full salary during this 3-month period, and ending the contract is easier for employers. In Korean corporate culture, 수습사원 (probationary employee) is an in-between status with slightly less authority; they're often the ones fetching coffee or handling 잡일 (miscellaneous tasks). A distinct concept is 인턴 (intern), which is shorter-term and may not lead to full employment, while 수습 is the path to 정규직 (permanent employee).
Editorial note
We review business terms like 수습기간 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
수습기간이 3개월이에요.
The probation period is three months.
수습을 마쳤어요.
I've completed my probation.
수습 통과
Passing probation
Related Expressions
정규직
jeonggyujik
permanent/full-time employee
수습사원
suseup-sawon
probationary employee
인턴
inteon
intern
평가
pyeongga
evaluation / review
More Business Words
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