“동료” (donglyo) is a Korean word that means colleague, companion, or fellow worker. It refers to someone who works or associates with you in a shared environment, such as a workplace or a team.
Workplace 👔
직장 동료 (jigjang donglyo) = Work colleague
“나는 동료들과 회의를 했다.” (I had a meeting with my colleagues.)
“좋은 동료와 함께 일하면 즐겁다.” (Working with great colleagues makes it enjoyable.)
Team or group setting 🏆
팀 동료 (tim donglyo) = Teammate
“팀 동료들과 함께 프로젝트를 진행하고 있다.” (I am working on a project with my teammates.)
“우리는 동료로서 서로 도와야 한다.” (As teammates, we must help each other.)
General companionship 🤝
동료 관계 (donglyo gwangye) = Comradeship or peer relationship
“오랜 동료와 다시 만나서 반가웠다.” (I was happy to reunite with an old companion.)
“그는 내 가장 믿을 수 있는 동료다.” (He is my most trustworthy companion.)
The -다 ending is often used in dictionary forms of verbs and adjectives, but in this case, it is part of a sentence structure.
- 그는 나의 동료다. → “He is my colleague.” (동료 + 이다).
동료 is a great word to use when talking about teamwork and cooperation!