Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tutoring" in Korean
“Tutoring” in Korean is 과외 (pronounced "Gwaoe").
과외
Gwaoe
Usage & Context
Private tutoring (과외) is a thriving industry in Korea, involving one-on-one instruction in subjects like math, English, and sciences. Families with means hire university students or professional tutors for their children. Top 과외 tutors can earn very high hourly rates. The practice reflects Korea's immense investment in educational outcomes and competitive pressure.
Example Sentence
수학 과외 선생님을 구하고 있어요.
I'm looking for a math tutoring teacher.
How to use 과외 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tutoring” is 과외, romanized as Gwaoe.
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 과외.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 과 (gwa), sounds like 'gwa' in 'guava' but with a slightly more rounded 'o' sound. The second syllable, 외 (oe), is a diphthong that sounds like 'weh' or 'way' but with your lips more rounded, almost like 'woe' quickly. Put it together as 'Gwah-weh'.
More Example Sentences
A parent discussing educational options with another parent.
저희 아이 영어 과외 좀 알아보고 있어요.
I'm looking into English tutoring for my child.
A student telling a friend about their new study routine.
이번 학기부터 수학 과외 시작했어요.
I started math tutoring this semester.
Someone complaining about the high cost of private education.
과외비가 너무 비싸서 부담돼요.
The tutoring fee is too expensive, it's a burden.
Cultural Context
Private tutoring (과외) is a massive industry in Korea, driven by intense academic competition. Many university students work as 과외 teachers to earn extra money, while 'star tutors' (일타 강사) can command extremely high fees. It's a common sight for students to attend 과외 sessions after school, often at home or in small, private settings, reflecting the national emphasis on educational achievement.
Editorial note
We review entries like 과외 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
과외 선생님
Tutoring teacher
과외하다
To tutor (verb form)
과외 받다
To receive tutoring
Related Expressions
학원
hagwon
Private academy, cram school
개인 지도
gaein jido
Individual instruction (more formal term for tutoring)
사교육
sagyo-yuk
Private education (broader term)
입시 경쟁
ipsi gyeongjaeng
University entrance exam competition
More Education Words
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