Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tardy" in Korean
“Tardy” in Korean is 지각 (pronounced "jigak").
지각
jigak
Usage & Context
Being late to class or school. Tardies are recorded separately from absences. Multiple tardies can result in consequences.
Example Sentence
지각이 많다.
I have many tardies.
How to use 지각 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tardy” is 지각, romanized as jigak.
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 지각.
Pronunciation Guide
지 (ji) sounds like 'jee' in 'jeep.' 각 (gak) sounds like 'gahk,' similar to 'lock' but with a 'g' sound. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on 'ji.'
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
지각합니다
jigakhamnida
Formal declarative form of 'to be tardy' (from 지각하다).
Casual (반말)
지각해
jigakhae
Casual declarative form of 'to be tardy' (from 지각하다).
More Example Sentences
A student explaining their tardiness to a friend.
버스 놓쳐서 오늘 또 지각했어요.
I missed the bus, so I was late again today.
A teacher warning students about school rules.
지각하면 벌점 받아요.
If you're tardy, you get demerit points.
An employee apologizing to colleagues or a superior.
회의에 지각해서 죄송합니다.
I apologize for being late to the meeting.
Cultural Context
Punctuality is highly valued in Korean culture, whether in school, work, or social settings. Being '지각' (tardy) is generally seen as disrespectful and irresponsible. In schools, repeated tardiness can lead to demerit points (벌점) or other disciplinary actions, reflecting the strong emphasis on discipline and time management from a young age.
Editorial note
We review entries like 지각 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
지각하다
to be tardy/late
지각생
a tardy student
지각비
late fee (e.g., for library books)
Related Expressions
정시
jeongsi
on time (antonym)
늦다
neutda
to be late (general verb)
일찍
iltjik
early
조퇴
jotwe
early leave
More School Life Words
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