B1 noun Neutral

동료

[toŋ.njːo]

A person that you work with, especially in a profession or a business. Common in IELTS tasks discussing workplace relationships.

Examples

3 of 5
1

동료들과 협력하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to cooperate with colleagues.

2

내 동료들은 정말 친절해.

My colleagues are really kind.

3

새로운 동료를 소개하겠습니다.

I will introduce the new colleague.

Word Family

Noun
동료
💡

Memory Tip

Dong (together) + Ryo (companion). Companions together.

Quick Quiz

회사 ___들과 함께 프로젝트를 진행하고 있습니다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 동료

Examples

1

동료들과 협력하는 것이 중요합니다.

formal

It is important to cooperate with colleagues.

2

내 동료들은 정말 친절해.

informal

My colleagues are really kind.

3

새로운 동료를 소개하겠습니다.

business

I will introduce the new colleague.

4

연구 동료들과 데이터를 분석했다.

academic

I analyzed the data with my research colleagues.

5

그는 믿을 수 있는 동료이다.

everyday

He is a reliable colleague.

Word Family

Noun
동료

Common Collocations

직장 동료 work colleague
동료 관계 relationship with colleagues
동료애 comradery
친한 동료 close colleague
입사 동료 colleague who joined at the same time

Common Phrases

동료들과 어울리다

to hang out with colleagues

동료의 도움을 받다

to get help from a colleague

동료 사이

between colleagues

Often Confused With

동료 vs 친구

친구 is a personal friend; 동료 is specifically someone you work with.

📝

Usage Notes

Useful when describing teamwork or work environments in IELTS Task 2.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Pronunciation changes to [동뇨] because of the 'ㅇ' followed by 'ㄹ'.

💡

Memory Tip

Dong (together) + Ryo (companion). Companions together.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 同僚 (Same companion).

Grammar Patterns

~와/과 동료이다 동료를 돕다
🌍

Cultural Context

In Korea, colleagues often eat lunch together as a group to build rapport.

Quick Quiz

회사 ___들과 함께 프로젝트를 진행하고 있습니다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 동료

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