Definition
Work, a job, or a task that someone does. Can also mean an event or matter that happens.
Example
오늘 할 일이 너무 많아요.
Show translation
I have too much work to do today.
Etymology
Native Korean root 일, dating back to Old Korean. Distinct from the Sino-Korean 일(日, "day") and 일(一, "one") — same spelling, different meaning determined entirely by context.
Cultural note
In Korean culture, 일 carries significant weight: the phrase 일 중독 (work addiction / workaholic) reflects South Korea's historically intense work culture. You'll often hear 일 있어요? ("Do you have something going on?") as a soft way to ask if someone is busy or has plans — broader than just work.