Meaning and Usage
The word '결석' (gyeolseok) primarily means 'absence' and is commonly used to refer to being absent from school, work, meetings, or other scheduled events. It is a formal noun often used in official or academic contexts.
Common Contexts
- School: Students use '결석' to indicate missing classes.
- Work: Employees might report '결석' when they do not attend work.
- Meetings or appointments: Missing these can also be described as '결석'.
Collocations and Patterns
- 결석하다: to be absent
- 결석 사유서: absence excuse form
- 무단 결석: unexcused absence
- 장기 결석: long-term absence
These collocations help specify the type or reason for absence.
Register and Politeness
'결석' is a neutral, formal noun. When speaking politely, use '결석했습니다' or '결석했습니다' for past tense. It is not used in casual conversation to describe skipping something intentionally; in such cases, verbs like '빼먹다' might be used.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '결석' with '지각' (being late). Remember, '결석' means not attending at all, while '지각' means arriving late but still attending.
Understanding '결석' helps learners discuss attendance clearly in academic and professional settings.