Choosing the Highest-Impact Task | Learn Korean in English

Korean lesson set in a contemporary Seoul everyday setting: At work, two adults prioritize an email, a report, and a design review by urgency, impact, and teammate dependencies..

EN → KO / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Choosing the Highest-Impact Task to practice Korean conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

저는 네 가지 작업이 있는데, 모두 중요하게 느껴져요.

juh-nuhn nay GAH-jee jah-GUP-ee INN-nuhn-day, moh-DOO joong-YOH-hah-geh noo-KYUH-juh-yoh. I have four tasks, and they all feel important.
B

순서를 정하기 전에 긴급성과 영향력을 구분하세요.

soon-SUH-rul juhng-HAH-gee juhn-eh gin-GOOP-suhng-gwah yuhng-HYANG-nyuhk-ul goo-boon-HAH-say-yoh. Separate urgency from impact before you choose the order.
A

이메일은 긴급하지만, 보고서는 내일 고객 회의에 영향을 줘요.

ee-MAY-il-un gin-GOOP-hah-jee-man, boh-GOH-suh-nuhn nay-ILL goh-GYUHNG hweh-EE-eh yuhng-HYANG-ul JWOH-yoh. The email is urgent, but the report affects tomorrow's client meeting.
B

특히 다른 사람들이 그 보고서에 의존한다면, 보고서의 영향력이 더 커요.

too-HEE DAH-run sah-ram-DEU-ree guh boh-GOH-suh-eh oo-ee-JOHN-han-dah-myun, boh-GOH-suh-eh yuhng-HYANG-nyuhk-ee duh KUH-yoh. The report has higher impact, especially if others depend on it.
A

디자인 검토 때문에 다른 팀원도 일을 진행하지 못하고 있어요.

dee-ZINE guh m-TOH ttae-MOON-ay DAH-run teem-WON-doh ee-RUL jin-HANG-hah-jee moh-TAH-goh iss-UH-yoh. The design review also blocks another teammate.
B

그렇다면 금방 끝낼 수 있을 때 팀원의 일을 막고 있는 디자인 검토부터 처리하세요.

guh-ruh-TAH-myun guhm-BAHNG kkeun-NAIL soo ISS-uhl ttae teem-WON-eh ee-RUL mahk-GOH IN-nuhn dee-ZINE guh m-TOH-boo-tuh chuh-REE-hah-say-yoh. Then handle the review that is blocking your teammate first if it will be quick.
A

그다음에는 아무도 방해하지 않고 제가 보고서에 집중할 수 있어요.

guh-dah-um-eh-nuhn ah-moo-doh bang-HAE-hah-jee an-GOH jay-gah boh-GOH-suh-eh jip-JOONG-hal soo iss-UH-yoh. After that, I can focus on the report without interrupting anyone.
B

작업 간 의존 관계에 따라 어떤 작업을 먼저 해야 하는지가 달라질 수 있어요.

jah-GUP gahn oo-ee-JOHN gwahn-GYEH-eh ttah-rah uh-GUHN jah-GUH-bul muhn-JUH HAE-yah hah-nuhn-jee-gah dah-lah-jil soo iss-UH-yoh. Dependencies can change which task should come first.
A

긴급한 이메일은 보고서 초안을 먼저 작성한 뒤에 처리해도 돼요.

gin-GOOP-han ee-MAY-il-un boh-GOH-suh choh-AHN-ul muhn-JUH jahng-SUNG-han dwee-eh chuh-REE-hae-doh dwae-yoh. The urgent email can wait until after the report draft.
B

우선순위를 정할 때는 압박감만이 아니라 결과도 생각해야 해요.

oo-SUN-soon-WEE-rul juhng-HAL ttae-nuhn ahp-PPACK-kkahm-man-ee ah-nee-rah kyuhl-GWAH-doh seng-GAHK-hae-yah HAE-yoh. Prioritizing is about consequences, not just pressure.

Word by Word

저는 “저는” means “as for me” in this sentence. “저” means “I” in a polite way, and “는” marks the topic. A common pattern is “저는 …” when introducing your situation or opinion.
네 “네” means “four” here and counts the tasks in “네 가지 작업”. It is placed before “가지” to express the number of items. A reusable pattern is “네 가지 + noun” for four kinds or items.
가지 “가지” counts kinds or items in “네 가지 작업”. Here it helps present the four tasks as a group. A common pattern is “여러 가지 + noun” for several kinds or items.
작업이 “작업이” means “tasks” as the subject of the sentence. “작업” is a task or piece of work, and “이” marks it as the subject. It can be used before a description such as “작업이 중요해요” in a new example.
있는데 “있는데” says that something exists or is available and introduces the next thought. In “네 가지 작업이 있는데”, it sets up the speaker’s situation before describing the tasks. A reusable pattern is “N이/가 있는데 …” when giving background.
모두 “모두” means “all” in “모두 중요하게 느껴져요”. It refers to all four tasks together. A common pattern is “모두 + description” when describing every item in a group.
중요하게 “중요하게” means “as important” in “중요하게 느껴져요”. It is the form of “중요하다” used to describe how something feels. A reusable pattern is “N이/가 중요하게 느껴지다” when something seems important.
느껴져요 “느껴져요” means “feels” or “seems” here, as in the tasks feeling important. It presents the impression as something the speaker experiences. A common pattern is “N이/가 …하게 느껴져요” for saying how something feels.
순서를 “순서를” means “the order” as the object of deciding in “순서를 정하기 전에”. “를” marks “순서” as the object. A reusable expression is “순서를 정하다” for decide the order.
정하기 “정하기” means “deciding” or “setting” in “정하기 전에”. It presents the action of deciding in a form that can be followed by “전에”. The common pattern “V-기 전에” means before doing something.
전에 “전에” means “before” in “정하기 전에”. It places the following action before the action named before it. A reusable pattern is “V-기 전에” for before doing something.
긴급성과 “긴급성과” means “urgency and” in “긴급성과 영향력을 구분하세요”. “긴급성” is urgency, and “과” connects it to the next noun. It can be reused when listing urgency together with another consideration.
영향력을 “영향력을” means “impact” or “influence” as the object of distinguishing. “를” marks “영향력” as the object in “긴급성과 영향력을 구분하세요”. A common pattern is “영향력을 + verb” when discussing an effect or level of influence.
구분하세요 “구분하세요” means “distinguish” or “separate” and gives a polite instruction. In “긴급성과 영향력을 구분하세요”, it tells the listener to treat urgency and impact as different factors. A reusable pattern is “A와 B를 구분하세요” for distinguish A from B.
이메일은 “이메일은” means “as for the email”. “은” marks “이메일” as the topic and sets it up for comparison with the report. A common pattern is “N은/는 …” when describing or contrasting a topic.
긴급하지만 “긴급하지만” means “is urgent, but”. It combines the idea that the email is urgent with a contrasting point about the report. A reusable pattern is “A지만 B” for saying A, but B.
보고서는 “보고서는” means “as for the report”. “는” marks “보고서” as the topic of the contrasting clause. It is useful when comparing the report with the email or another task.
내일 “내일” means “tomorrow” in “내일 고객 회의”. It specifies when the client meeting will occur. A common pattern is “내일 + event or schedule” when referring to tomorrow’s plans.
고객 “고객” means “client” or “customer” and describes the meeting in “고객 회의”. It identifies the people connected with the meeting. A reusable pattern is “고객 + business noun”, such as “고객 회의” in this dialogue.
회의에 “회의에” means “to the meeting” as the thing affected in “회의에 영향을 줘요”. “에” marks the target of the impact. A common expression is “N에 영향을 주다” for have an effect on N.
영향을 “영향을” means “an effect” or “impact” as the object of “줘요”. It appears in the expression “회의에 영향을 줘요”. The reusable pattern is “N에 영향을 주다” for affect N.
줘요 “줘요” means “gives” in the expression “영향을 줘요”, which means “has an effect”. It is the polite form used to complete the expression for causing an impact. A common pattern is “A가 B에 영향을 줘요” for A affects B.
특히 “특히” means “especially” and highlights the condition that follows. Here it emphasizes the impact when other people depend on the report. It can be placed before a particularly important reason or condition.
다른 “다른” means “other” in “다른 사람들이”. It describes people who are not the speaker or the already mentioned person. A common pattern is “다른 + noun” for another or different person or thing.
사람들이 “사람들이” means “people” as the subject of depending on the report. “사람들” refers to people, and “이” marks them as the subject. It can be used before an action such as “사람들이 의존하다” in a new example.
그 “그” means “that” or “the” and points back to the report already mentioned. In “그 보고서에”, it identifies the specific report under discussion. A common pattern is “그 + noun” when referring to a known person or thing.
보고서에 “보고서에” means “on” or “in relation to the report” in “보고서에 의존한다면”. “에” marks the thing that someone depends on. The reusable pattern is “N에 의존하다” for depend on N.
의존한다면 “의존한다면” means “if someone depends” in this sentence. It gives the condition that other people depend on the report. A common pattern is “N에 의존한다면” for if someone depends on N.
보고서의 “보고서의” means “of the report”. “의” links the report to the impact that belongs to or is associated with it. A reusable pattern is “N의 영향력” for N’s impact or influence.
영향력이 “영향력이” means “impact” or “influence” as the subject of “더 커요”. “이” marks the impact as what is greater. A common pattern is “영향력이 크다” for have a large impact.
더 “더” means “more” or “higher” in “더 커요”. It marks a comparison with another level of impact. A reusable pattern is “더 + adjective” when describing something as more or greater.
커요 “커요” means “is greater” here, referring to the report’s impact. The citation form is “크다”, and “커요” is its polite form in this sentence. “더 커요” is a common expression for saying that something is greater.
디자인 “디자인” means “design” and describes the review in “디자인 검토”. It identifies the subject of the review. A reusable pattern is “디자인 + noun” when naming a design-related task or item.
검토 “검토” means “review” in “디자인 검토”. It names the task of examining the design. A common work-related pattern is “디자인 검토” for design review.
때문에 “때문에” means “because of” and introduces the reason in “검토 때문에”. Here the design review is the reason the teammate cannot make progress. A reusable pattern is “N 때문에” for because of N.
팀원도 “팀원도” means “the teammate also” or “the teammate too”. “도” adds the teammate to the situation already being discussed. A common pattern is “N도” when adding another person or thing.
일을 “일을” means “the work” or “the task” as the object of making progress. “를” marks “일” as the object in “일을 진행하지 못하고 있어요”. A reusable pattern is “일을 진행하다” for make progress on work.
진행하지 “진행하지” is the form of “진행하다” used before “못하고” in “진행하지 못하고 있어요”. It contributes the action of proceeding or making progress to the expression of being unable to do so. A common pattern is “V-지 못하다” for be unable to do V.
못하고 “못하고” means “being unable to do” and links the inability to the current state in “진행하지 못하고 있어요”. Together with “진행하지”, it says the teammate cannot make progress. A reusable pattern is “V-지 못하고 있다” for be unable to continue doing V.
있어요 “있어요” shows that the situation is currently continuing in “못하고 있어요”. It completes the expression that the teammate is in a state of being unable to proceed. A common pattern is “V-고 있어요” for an ongoing action or state.
그렇다면 “그렇다면” means “then” or “in that case”. It responds to the information about the teammate being blocked and introduces the recommendation that follows. A common pattern is “그렇다면 + suggestion” when drawing a practical conclusion.
금방 “금방” means “quickly” or “soon” in “금방 끝낼 수 있을 때”. It describes finishing the review in a short time. A reusable pattern is “금방 끝내다” for finish quickly.
끝낼 “끝낼” means “finish” in “끝낼 수 있을 때”. It is the form of “끝내다” used before “수” in a possibility expression. A common pattern is “V-(으)ㄹ 수 있다” for can do V.
수 “수” expresses possibility or ability in “끝낼 수 있을 때”. It is used with the preceding verb form to make the pattern “can finish”. A reusable pattern is “V-(으)ㄹ 수 있다” for being able to do something.
있을 “있을” means “be possible” in “끝낼 수 있을 때”. It is the form of “있다” used before “때” to describe the time when finishing is possible. A common pattern is “V-(으)ㄹ 수 있을 때” for when it is possible to do V.
때 “때” means “when” or “the time” in “있을 때”. It identifies the condition or time at which the review can be finished quickly. A reusable pattern is “V-(으)ㄹ 때” for when doing or being able to do something.
팀원의 “팀원의” means “of the teammate”. “의” links “팀원” to the work that belongs to or concerns the teammate. The dialogue uses it in “팀원의 일을 막고 있는”, and a common pattern is “사람의 + noun” for someone’s work or item.
막고 “막고” means “blocking” in “팀원의 일을 막고 있는”. It is the linking form of “막다” before “있는”. A reusable pattern is “N을 막고 있다” for be blocking N.
있는 “있는” means “that is” or “being” in the relative expression “막고 있는 검토”. It describes the review as the one currently blocking the teammate’s work. A common pattern is “V-고 있는 + noun” for a noun that is currently doing V.
검토부터 “검토부터” means “the review first” in “검토부터 처리하세요”. “부터” marks the starting point of the ordered actions. A reusable pattern is “N부터” for starting with N.
처리하세요 “처리하세요” means “handle” or “process” as a polite instruction. Here it tells the listener to deal with the review first. A common pattern is “N을 처리하세요” for please handle N.
그다음에는 “그다음에는” means “after that” and marks the next step in the plan. “는” gives this next stage a topic-like emphasis. A common pattern is “그다음에는 + action” when describing what happens next.
아무도 “아무도” means “anyone” in the phrase “아무도 방해하지 않고”, which means without interrupting anyone. With a negative or non-doing expression, it refers to no person being affected. A common pattern is “아무도 + negative expression” for no one.
방해하지 “방해하지” means “interrupt” or “disturb” in “방해하지 않고”. It is the form used before “않고” to express not doing the action. A reusable pattern is “아무도 방해하지 않고” for without disturbing anyone.
않고 “않고” means “without doing” in “방해하지 않고”. It links the action that is not done to the following action. A common pattern is “V-지 않고” for without doing V.
제가 “제가” means “I” as the subject of “집중할 수 있어요”. “가” marks “저” as the subject in this clause. A common pattern is “제가 + action” when stating what I can or will do.
집중할 “집중할” means “focus” in “집중할 수 있어요”. It is the form of “집중하다” used before “수” in a possibility expression. A reusable pattern is “N에 집중할 수 있어요” for can focus on N.
작업 “작업” means “task” or “work” in “작업 간”. Here it identifies the tasks whose dependencies are being discussed. A common pattern is “작업 간” for between tasks.
간 “간” means “between” or “among” in “작업 간”. It connects the tasks to show a relationship between them. A reusable pattern is “N 간” when describing something between members of a group.
의존 “의존” means “dependence” in “의존 관계”. It names the way one task relies on another. A common pattern is “의존 관계” for a dependency relationship.
관계에 “관계에” means “in the relationship” in “의존 관계에 따라”. “에 따라” uses this relationship as the basis for deciding the order. A reusable expression is “N에 따라” for according to or depending on N.
따라 “따라” means “according to” or “depending on” in “관계에 따라”. It shows that the result changes based on the dependency relationship. A common pattern is “N에 따라 달라지다” for change depending on N.
어떤 “어떤” means “which” in “어떤 작업을”. It asks which particular task is being selected from the available tasks. A common pattern is “어떤 + noun” when asking which one or what kind.
작업을 “작업을” means “task” as the object of the action that should be done first. “를” marks the task as the object. A reusable pattern is “작업을 먼저 하다” for do a task first.
먼저 “먼저” means “first” or “before the others”. It specifies the order in which the task should be done. A common pattern is “먼저 + action” when saying what to do first.
해야 “해야” means “must do” or “should do” in “먼저 해야 하는지”. It expresses the required action inside the question of which task comes first. A common pattern is “V-아/어야 하다” for must or should do V.
하는지가 “하는지가” means “which action should be done” in “어떤 작업을 먼저 해야 하는지가”. “하는지” turns the choice into an indirect question, and “가” marks that clause as the subject of “달라질 수 있어요”. A common pattern is “무엇을 해야 하는지” for what one should do.
달라질 “달라질” means “change” or “differ” in “달라질 수 있어요”. It is the form of “달라지다” used before “수” to express possible change. A common pattern is “달라질 수 있다” for can change.
긴급한 “긴급한” means “urgent” and describes the email in “긴급한 이메일”. It is the form of “긴급하다” used before a noun. A common pattern is “긴급한 + noun” for an urgent matter or item.
보고서 “보고서” means “report” in “보고서 초안을”. It identifies the document whose draft is prepared first. A common pattern is “보고서 초안” for a report draft.
초안을 “초안을” means “the draft” as the object of preparing in “보고서 초안을 작성한 뒤에”. “를” marks the draft as the object. A reusable pattern is “초안을 작성하다” for prepare or write a draft.
작성한 “작성한” means “written” or “prepared” in “작성한 뒤에”. It describes the completed preparation of the report draft before the next action. A common pattern is “V-(으)ㄴ 뒤에” for after doing V.
뒤에 “뒤에” means “after” in “작성한 뒤에”. It places handling the email after the report draft has been prepared. A reusable pattern is “V-(으)ㄴ 뒤에” for after completing an action.
처리해도 “처리해도” means “even if or when handling” in “처리해도 돼요”. With “돼요”, it contributes to the expression that handling the email afterward is allowed. A common pattern is “V-아/어도 돼요” for may do V.
돼요 “돼요” means “is okay” or “is allowed” in “처리해도 돼요”. Together with “처리해도”, it gives permission to handle the email later. A common pattern is “V-아/어도 돼요” for saying that an action is permitted.
우선순위를 “우선순위를” means “priority” as the object of setting in “우선순위를 정할 때는”. “를” marks it as the object. A common expression is “우선순위를 정하다” for set priorities.
정할 “정할” means “decide” or “set” in “정할 때는”. It is the form of “정하다” used before “때”. A common pattern is “V-(으)ㄹ 때” for when doing V.
때는 “때는” means “when” or “when doing” in “우선순위를 정할 때는”. “는” emphasizes the situation in which priorities are being set. A reusable pattern is “V-(으)ㄹ 때는” when giving advice for a particular situation.
압박감만이 “압박감만이” means “pressure alone” or “only pressure” in “압박감만이 아니라”. “만” limits the focus to pressure, and “이” connects it to the following contrast. A common pattern is “A만이 아니라 B도” for not only A but also B.
아니라 “아니라” means “not … but …” in “압박감만이 아니라 결과도”. It rejects pressure as the only consideration and introduces consequences as another one. A reusable pattern is “A만이 아니라 B도” for not only A but also B.
결과도 “결과도” means “consequences too” or “the results also”. “도” adds results to pressure as something to consider. A common pattern is “결과도 생각하다” for consider the consequences too.
생각해야 “생각해야” means “must think about” or “should consider” in “결과도 생각해야 해요”. It expresses the required consideration of consequences. A common pattern is “N을/를 생각해야 하다” for must consider N.
해요 “해요” completes the polite expression “생각해야 해요”, meaning that one should or must think about it. It gives the advice a polite sentence ending. A common pattern is “V-아/어야 해요” for saying that someone should or must do V.

Grammar Points

-지만

이메일은 긴급하지만 보고서는 중요해요.

ee-MAY-il-un gin-GOOP-hah-jee-man boh-GOH-suh-nuhn joong-YOH-hae-yoh.

The email is urgent, but the report is important.

Attach -지만 to an adjective or verb to connect contrasting ideas. It means “but” or “although.”

-아/어야 해요

우선순위를 정해야 해요.

oo-SUN-soon-WEE-rul juhng-HAE-yah HAE-yoh.

We have to set priorities.

Attach -아/어야 해요 to express obligation or necessity: “must” or “have to.”

Korean Vocabulary

고객 noun
goh-GYUHNG client; customer
구분하다 verb
goo-boon-HAH-dah to distinguish; to separate 구분하세요
긴급성 noun
gin-GOOP-ssuhng urgency
긴급하다 adj
gin-GOOP-hah-dah to be urgent 긴급하지만
느껴지다 verb
noo-KYUH-jee-dah to feel; to seem 느껴져요
보고서 noun
boh-GOH-suh report
순서 noun
soon-SUH order; sequence
영향력 noun
yuhng-HYANG-nyuhk impact; influence
이메일 noun
ee-MAY-il email
작업 noun
jah-GUP task
정하다 verb
juhng-HAH-dah to decide; to set 정하기
중요하다 adj
joong-YOH-hah-dah to be important 중요하게

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Separate urgency from impact before you choose the order.

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Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to be important

Show Answer중요하게

to distinguish; to separate

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to feel; to seem

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to be urgent

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