Discussing changes to deadlines requires careful communication, especially in a professional setting. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights for explaining a deadline shift to a teammate, ensuring clarity and maintaining a good working relationship, particularly in common scenarios like discussing work over lunch.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 마감일 변경
Pronunciation: ma-gam-il byeon-gyeong
Meaning: Deadline change (This noun phrase is the core concept.)
Explaining the Situation
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Expression: 점심 먹으면서 잠깐 얘기 좀 할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: jeom-sim meok-eu-myeon-seo jam-kkan yae-gi jom hal su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can we talk for a moment while having lunch? -
Expression: 드릴 말씀이 있어요.
Pronunciation: deu-ril mal-sseum-i i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I have something to tell you. (Polite) -
Expression: 사실 마감일에 대해 할 말이 있는데요.
Pronunciation: sa-sil ma-gam-il-e dae-hae hal mal-i it-neun-de-yo.
Meaning: Actually, I have something to say about the deadline. -
Expression: 프로젝트 마감일이 좀 변경되었어요.
Pronunciation: peu-ro-jek-teu ma-gam-il-i jom byeon-gyeong-dwae-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The project deadline has been changed a bit. -
Expression: 마감일을 좀 미뤄야 할 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: ma-gam-il-eul jom mi-rwo-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think we need to postpone the deadline a bit. -
Expression: 예상치 못한 문제가 생겨서요.
Pronunciation: ye-sang-chi mot-han mun-je-ga saeng-gyeo-seo-yo.
Meaning: An unexpected problem came up. -
Expression: 클라이언트 요청으로 일정이 변경됐어요.
Pronunciation: keul-la-i-eon-teu yo-cheong-eu-ro il-jeong-i byeon-gyeong-dwae-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The schedule changed due to the client’s request. -
Expression: 다른 급한 일이 먼저 생겨서 일정이 늦어졌어요.
Pronunciation: da-reun geup-han il-i meon-jeo saeng-gyeo-seo il-jeong-i neut-jeo-jeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The schedule got delayed because another urgent matter came up first. -
Expression: 제 실수로 시간이 좀 더 필요하게 됐어요.
Pronunciation: je sil-su-ro si-gan-i jom deo pil-yo-ha-ge dwae-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Due to my mistake, I need a bit more time. -
Expression: 자료가 늦게 도착해서 시작이 늦어졌어요.
Pronunciation: ja-ryo-ga neut-ge do-chak-hae-seo si-jak-i neut-jeo-jeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The start was delayed because the materials arrived late. -
Expression: 생각보다 작업량이 많아서 시간이 부족해요.
Pronunciation: saeng-gak-bo-da jak-eom-nyang-i man-a-seo si-gan-i bu-jok-hae-yo.
Meaning: The workload is larger than expected, so I don’t have enough time. -
Expression: 이 부분 때문에 전체 일정이 영향을 받게 됐어요.
Pronunciation: i bu-bun ttae-mun-e jeon-che il-jeong-i yeong-hyang-eul bat-ge dwae-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Because of this part, the entire schedule has been affected.
Proposing a New Deadline
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Expression: 그래서 마감일을 [날짜]로 변경해야 할 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: geu-rae-seo ma-gam-il-eul [nal-jja]-ro byeon-gyeong-hae-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: So, I think we need to change the deadline to [Date]. -
Expression: 혹시 마감일을 [날짜]까지 연장할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ma-gam-il-eul [nal-jja]-kka-ji yeon-jang-hal su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could we possibly extend the deadline until [Date]? -
Expression: [날짜]까지 마무리하는 건 어떨까요?
Pronunciation: [nal-jja]-kka-ji ma-mu-ri-ha-neun geon eo-tteol-kka-yo?
Meaning: How about finishing it by [Date]? -
Expression: 새로운 마감일은 [날짜]입니다.
Pronunciation: sae-ro-un ma-gam-il-eun [nal-jja]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The new deadline is [Date]. -
Expression: 이틀 정도 더 시간을 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i-teul jeong-do deo si-gan-eul ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you give me about two more days? -
Expression: 다음 주 월요일까지 가능할까요?
Pronunciation: da-eum ju wol-yo-il-kka-ji ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would next Monday be possible? -
Expression: 새 마감일에 맞춰서 다시 계획을 세워야겠어요.
Pronunciation: sae ma-gam-il-e mat-chwo-seo da-si gye-hoek-eul se-wo-ya-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’ll have to make a new plan according to the new deadline. -
Expression: 변경된 일정에 대해 팀 전체에 공지할게요.
Pronunciation: byeon-gyeong-doen il-jeong-e dae-hae tim jeon-che-e gong-ji-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I will notify the entire team about the changed schedule. -
Expression: 혹시 이 일정 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si i il-jeong gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this schedule okay with you, by any chance? -
Expression: 다른 의견 있으시면 말씀해주세요.
Pronunciation: da-reun ui-gyeon i-sseu-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please let me know if you have any other opinions. -
Expression: 최대한 빨리 마무리하도록 노력할게요.
Pronunciation: choe-dae-han ppal-li ma-mu-ri-ha-do-rok no-ryeok-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I will try my best to finish it as quickly as possible. -
Expression: 새 마감일은 꼭 지키겠습니다.
Pronunciation: sae ma-gam-il-eun kkok ji-ki-ge-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will definitely meet the new deadline.
Expressing Apology and Understanding
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Expression: 갑자기 변경하게 되어 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: gap-ja-gi byeon-gyeong-ha-ge doe-eo joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I am sorry for the sudden change. -
Expression: 일정에 차질을 드려 죄송해요.
Pronunciation: il-jeong-e cha-jil-eul deu-ryeo joe-song-hae-yo.
Meaning: I’m sorry for causing disruption to the schedule. -
Expression: 불편을 드렸다면 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: bul-pyeon-eul deu-ryeot-da-myeon joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize if this caused any inconvenience. -
Expression: 이해해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: i-hae-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your understanding. -
Expression: 괜찮으시겠어요?
Pronunciation: gwaen-chan-eu-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Would that be okay with you? / Are you alright with that? -
Expression: 혹시 [이름] 씨 일정에는 문제없으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si [i-reum] ssi il-jeong-e-neun mun-je-eop-seu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: By any chance, does this cause any problems with your schedule, [Name]? -
Expression: 네, 괜찮아요. 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, gwaen-chan-a-yo. al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, it’s okay. Thank you for letting me know. (Possible response) -
Expression: 알겠습니다. 그럼 새 마감일에 맞춰 진행할게요.
Pronunciation: al-ge-sseum-ni-da. geu-reom sae ma-gam-il-e mat-chwo jin-haeng-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: Understood. Then I’ll proceed according to the new deadline. (Possible response) -
Expression: 혹시 제가 도울 일이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si je-ga do-ul il-i i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything I can help with? (Offering help) -
Expression: 걱정 마세요. 같이 해결해 봐요.
Pronunciation: geok-jeong ma-se-yo. ga-chi hae-gyeol-hae bwa-yo.
Meaning: Don’t worry. Let’s figure it out together. (Supportive response) -
Expression: 미리 알려주셔서 고맙습니다.
Pronunciation: mi-ri al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo go-map-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for letting me know in advance. -
Expression: 협조해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: hyeop-jo-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your cooperation.
Korean Culture Notes
Indirect Communication: Koreans often prefer indirect communication, especially when delivering potentially inconvenient news like a deadline change. Phrases like “마감일을 좀 미뤄야 할 것 같아요” (I think we need to postpone the deadline a bit) are softer than direct statements.
Importance of ‘Nunchi’ (눈치): Be mindful of your teammate’s reaction and workload (‘nunchi’). Explaining the reason clearly and apologizing sincerely shows consideration. Offering help can also soften the impact.
Team Harmony (조화 – Johwa): Maintaining harmony within the team is crucial. Frame the deadline change as a necessary adjustment for the project’s success, rather than a personal failing (unless it truly is, in which case a sincere apology is needed).
Hierarchy Awareness: While speaking to a teammate (동료 – dong-nyo) might be less formal than speaking to a superior, using polite language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal, e.g., using -요/-ㅂ니다 endings) is standard in most Korean workplaces, especially when discussing potentially sensitive topics like schedule changes.
Explaining the ‘Why’: Providing a brief, clear reason for the delay is generally expected and appreciated. It shows transparency and helps the teammate understand the situation.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two colleagues, Minjun (A) and Sora (B), are having lunch together. Minjun needs to inform Sora about a delay in his part of a shared project, which affects the overall deadline.
Roles:
* A: Minjun (민준), the worker explaining the deadline shift.
* B: Sora (소라), the teammate receiving the news.
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Expression: A: 소라 씨, 점심 맛있게 드세요. 다름이 아니라, 프로젝트 관련해서 드릴 말씀이 있어서요.
Pronunciation: so-ra ssi, jeom-sim ma-sit-ge deu-se-yo. da-reum-i a-ni-ra, peu-ro-jek-teu gwal-lyeon-hae-seo deu-ril mal-sseum-i i-sseo-seo-yo.
Meaning: Sora, enjoy your lunch. It’s nothing major, but I have something to tell you regarding the project. -
Expression: B: 네, 민준 씨. 무슨 일인데요?
Pronunciation: ne, min-jun ssi. mu-seun il-in-de-yo?
Meaning: Yes, Minjun. What is it? -
Expression: A: 사실 제가 맡은 부분에서 예상치 못한 문제가 좀 생겨서요. 그래서 원래 마감일인 이번 주 금요일까지는 어려울 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: sa-sil je-ga mat-eun bu-bun-e-seo ye-sang-chi mot-han mun-je-ga jom saeng-gyeo-seo-yo. geu-rae-seo wol-lae ma-gam-il-in i-beon ju geum-yo-il-kka-ji-neun eo-ryeo-ul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: Actually, an unexpected issue came up in the part I’m responsible for. So, I don’t think I can make the original deadline this Friday. -
Expression: B: 아, 그래요? 얼마나 더 필요하실 것 같아요?
Pronunciation: a, geu-rae-yo? eol-ma-na deo pil-yo-ha-sil geot ga-ta-yo?
Meaning: Oh, really? How much more time do you think you’ll need? -
Expression: A: 죄송하지만, 다음 주 화요일까지로 마감일을 미룰 수 있을까요? 그때까지는 확실히 마무리할 수 있을 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, da-eum ju hwa-yo-il-kka-ji-ro ma-gam-il-eul mi-rul su i-sseul-kka-yo? geu-ttae-kka-ji-neun hwak-sil-hi ma-mu-ri-hal su i-sseul geot ga-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but could we possibly postpone the deadline to next Tuesday? I’m confident I can definitely finish it by then. -
Expression: B: 다음 주 화요일이요… 알겠습니다. 그럼 제 파트도 그 일정에 맞춰서 조정해야겠네요. 미리 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: da-eum ju hwa-yo-il-i-yo… al-ge-sseum-ni-da. geu-reom je pa-teu-do geu il-jeong-e mat-chwo-seo jo-jeong-hae-ya-gen-ne-yo. mi-ri al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Next Tuesday… Okay, understood. Then I’ll have to adjust my part according to that schedule too. Thanks for letting me know in advance. -
Expression: A: 네, 갑자기 변경해서 정말 죄송해요. 소라 씨 일정에 차질을 드린 건 아닌지 걱정되네요.
Pronunciation: ne, gap-ja-gi byeon-gyeong-hae-seo jeong-mal joe-song-hae-yo. so-ra ssi il-jeong-e cha-jil-eul deu-rin geon a-nin-ji geok-jeong-doe-ne-yo.
Meaning: Yes, I’m really sorry for the sudden change. I’m worried if this disrupts your schedule, Sora. -
Expression: B: 괜찮아요. 아직 시간 여유가 좀 있으니 조정 가능해요. 혹시 제가 도울 일 있으면 말씀하세요.
Pronunciation: gwaen-chan-a-yo. a-jik si-gan yeo-yu-ga jom i-sseu-ni jo-jeong ga-neung-hae-yo. hok-si je-ga do-ul il i-sseu-myeon mal-sseum-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: It’s okay. I still have some time, so it’s adjustable. Let me know if there’s anything I can help with. -
Expression: A: 정말 감사합니다! 최대한 빨리 마무리해서 공유 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da! choe-dae-han ppal-li ma-mu-ri-hae-seo gong-yu deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: Thank you so much! I’ll finish it as quickly as possible and share it with you.
Practice Tips
Practicing these phrases is key to sounding natural and polite! Try role-playing with a study partner, imagining different reasons for a deadline shift~. Pay attention to using polite speech endings like ‘-요’ (-yo) or ‘-ㅂ니다/습니다’ (-m-ni-da / -seum-ni-da) in a work context. You can also practice writing short dialogues explaining a delay. Remember, clear communication and showing consideration are highly valued in Korean workplaces. Good luck! 화이팅! (hwaiting! – You can do it!)
