Meaning and Usage
"야근" specifically refers to working late into the night beyond regular working hours, commonly translated as "overtime" in English. It is often used in workplace contexts to describe extra hours worked after the usual schedule.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used when discussing work-life balance, health effects of long working hours, or compensation related to extra work. It often carries a slightly negative connotation due to the stress and fatigue associated with late-night work.
Collocations and Patterns
- 야근하다: to work overtime
- 야근 수당: overtime pay
- 야근 때문에: because of overtime
These collocations are essential for expressing common ideas about working late hours.
Register and Politeness
"야근" is a neutral noun used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with verbs like "하다" (to do), it forms a common expression for working overtime.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "야근" with "초과근무" (extra work), which is a more formal or legal term for overtime. "야근" is more colloquial and specifically implies working late at night, while "초과근무" can refer to any overtime hours.