Meaning and Usage
The word '근로자' specifically refers to a laborer or worker, typically someone employed in a workplace performing physical or mental labor. It is a formal term often used in legal, business, and official contexts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see '근로자' in discussions about labor rights, workplace safety, employment laws, and union activities. It emphasizes the role of the individual as a worker within an employment relationship.
Collocations and Patterns
- 근로자 보호 (protection of laborers): used in legal or policy contexts.
- 근로자 대표 (labor representative): refers to elected or appointed worker representatives.
- 근로자 임금 (labor wages): relates to salary or payment for work.
Register and Politeness
'근로자' is a neutral to formal noun. It is appropriate in formal writing, news reports, and official documents. In casual conversation, people might use '직원' (employee) or '일하는 사람' (working person) instead.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '근로자' with '노동자'. While both mean 'worker', '노동자' often has a broader or more political connotation related to labor movements, whereas '근로자' is more neutral and legalistic. Use '근로자' when referring to workers in formal or official contexts.