Chapter 3

Workplace Instructions & Requests

Build the vocabulary and sentence patterns you need to understand instructions from a supervisor and to ask for help when something is unclear.

Study Notes

Most workplace instructions use the object marker -을/를 before the verb — learning to spot it helps you find the key noun quickly.
"도와주세요" (please help me) is one of the most important phrases to have ready at all times.
If you don't understand an instruction, it's completely normal to ask the person to repeat it slowly.

Vocabulary

공장

gongjang

Workplace

Factory

저는 공장에서 일해요.

Jeoneun gongjangeseo ilhaeyo.

“I work at a factory.”

사장님

sajangnim

Workplace

Boss / company owner

사장님이 사무실에 계세요.

Sajangnimi samusile gyesyeoyo.

“The boss is in the office.”

월급

wolgeup

Workplace

Monthly salary

월급은 매달 25일에 나와요.

Wolgeobeun maedal isibo-ile nawayo.

“The salary comes out on the 25th every month.”

휴식 시간

hyusik sigan

Workplace

Break time

휴식 시간은 30분입니다.

Hyusik siganeun samsipbunimnida.

“Break time is 30 minutes.”

도와주세요

dowajuseyo

Workplace

Please help me

이거 좀 도와주세요.

Igeo jom dowajuseyo.

“Please help me with this.”

Grammar

-을/를

Beginner

Marking the object of a sentence

-을 follows a noun ending in a consonant and -를 follows a noun ending in a vowel, marking that noun as the object of the verb.

이 상자를 옮겨주세요.

I sangjareul omgyeojuseyo.

“Please move this box.”

-고 싶어요

Beginner

Saying what you want to do

Attach -고 싶어요 to a verb stem to say that you want to do that action.

다시 한번 배우고 싶어요.

Dasi hanbeon baeugo sipeoyo.

“I want to learn it one more time.”

Conversation Practice

Asking for Help with a Task

You don't understand a machine setting

You

사장님, 이거 좀 도와주세요.

Sajangnim, igeo jom dowajuseyo.

“Boss, please help me with this.”

Boss

무슨 문제예요?

Museun munjeyeyo?

“What's the problem?”

You

이 기계를 잘 모르겠어요.

I gigyereul jal moreugesseoyo.

“I don't understand this machine well.”

Boss

천천히 설명해 줄게요.

Cheoncheonhi seolmyeonghae julgeyo.

“I'll explain it slowly.”

Listening Practice

Supervisor Giving a Task

A supervisor is assigning tasks at the start of the shift. Listen for what needs to be done and by when.

Transcript

Supervisor: 이 상자들을 저기로 옮겨주세요.Please move these boxes over there.

Worker: 네, 알겠습니다. 언제까지 할까요?Yes, understood. By when should I do it?

Supervisor: 휴식 시간 전까지 끝내주세요.Please finish before break time.

Comprehension Check

1. What task is the worker asked to do?

2. By when should the task be finished?

Reading Practice

Factory Break Time Notice

휴식 시간은 오전 10시부터 10시 30분까지입니다.Break time is from 10:00 to 10:30 in the morning.

휴식 시간에 물을 마시고 쉬세요.During break time, drink water and rest.

문제가 있으면 사장님한테 말하세요.If there is a problem, tell the boss.

Comprehension Check

1. How long is break time according to the notice?

2. Who should you tell if there's a problem?

Chapter Quiz

1. What does "월급" mean?

2. Which sentence correctly asks for help?

3. In "상자를 옮겨주세요," what is marked by -를?

4. "다시 한번 배우고 싶어요" means: