If you’ve encountered the phrase ‘자기는 일 체질이래’ in Korean, you may be wondering how to properly translate it into English. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is particularly suited for or naturally inclined toward work. Let’s break it down and understand how to interpret it accurately.
1. Literal Translation
The literal translation of ‘자기는 일 체질이래’ is ‘He/she says that he/she is the type (or constitution) for work.’ The phrase is made up of ‘자기’ (he/she), ‘일’ (work), and ‘체질’ (constitution or type). The use of ‘래’ at the end is a conversational form often used in colloquial speech to quote or report what someone has said.
2. Natural Interpretation
In a more natural English context, this phrase could be understood as: ‘He/she says that they’re made for work,’ or ‘He/she is the type who is built for working.’ The expression highlights that the person feels comfortable and naturally suited to a hardworking lifestyle, often with a sense of pride in their work ethic.
3. Nuance and Context
The phrase often carries a slightly positive or neutral tone, but can also imply a sense of overwork or being obsessed with work. It can be used to describe someone who finds joy or fulfillment in constant activity, or conversely, someone who is seen as always busy and perhaps a bit workaholic.
4. Example in Context
For example, if someone often works long hours and doesn’t mind doing so, you might hear this phrase. It’s a way of saying that the person has a strong work ethic or a personality that thrives on being busy. It’s also sometimes used humorously or self-deprecatingly.
5. Conclusion
To sum up, ‘자기는 일 체질이래’ is an expression that describes someone’s inclination toward or suitability for work. Depending on the context, it can be translated as ‘He/she is made for work’ or ‘He/she is the type who thrives on work.’ Understanding the subtleties of the phrase helps in translating it more naturally in different contexts.


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