From the birth of Hangul to everyday conversations — a comprehensive, story-rich journey into the Korean language.
목차
In 1443, King Sejong the Great of the Joseon Dynasty created one of the most scientifically designed writing systems in human history — Hangul (한글). But this was not just a linguistic achievement — it was an act of profound compassion for his people.
1443년, 조선왕조의 세종대왕은 인류 역사상 가장 과학적으로 설계된 문자 중 하나인 한글을 창제했습니다. 그러나 이것은 단순한 언어적 성취가 아니라 — 백성을 향한 깊은 사랑의 행위였습니다.
Before Hangul existed, Korean people had no writing system of their own. They used Classical Chinese characters (한자), which were extremely difficult to learn. Only the privileged elite — nobles and scholars — could read and write. Ordinary people, farmers, women, and the poor were left illiterate, unable to express their thoughts, report injustice, or even read medical instructions.
한글이 생기기 전, 조선 백성들은 자신만의 문자가 없었습니다. 매우 배우기 어려운 한자(漢字)를 사용했고, 오직 귀족과 학자들만 읽고 쓸 수 있었습니다. 평민, 농부, 여성, 가난한 사람들은 글을 읽지 못해 억울한 일도 호소할 수 없었습니다.
"Because the language of our country is different from that of China, the feelings of the people cannot be expressed in Chinese characters. Therefore, among the ignorant, there are many who, having something they wish to put into words, are in the end unable to express themselves. I am greatly distressed because of this."
— 세종대왕, 훈민정음 서문 (1446) · King Sejong, Preface to Hunminjeongeum (1446)
Unlike most writing systems that evolved over thousands of years, Hangul was deliberately invented by a royal team of scholars. Every letter has a precise, logical reason for its shape — rooted in phonetics and anatomy.
대부분의 문자가 수천 년에 걸쳐 발전한 것과 달리, 한글은 학자들이 의도적으로 만들었습니다. 모든 글자는 음성학과 해부학에 기반한 정확하고 논리적인 이유가 있습니다.
The consonants were designed based on the position of the tongue, lips, and throat when making each sound. You can literally "see" the sound in the shape of the letter — a revolutionary concept no other alphabet had achieved.
자음은 각 소리를 낼 때 혀, 입술, 목구멍의 위치를 기반으로 설계되었습니다. 글자 모양에서 소리를 그대로 볼 수 있습니다.
UNESCO declared Hangul one of the most logical and easy-to-learn writing systems in the world. A motivated adult can learn to read Hangul in just one day — sometimes even a few hours. The Korean government even awards a "Hangul Literacy Prize" to nations that adopt it for unwritten languages.
유네스코는 한글을 세계에서 가장 논리적이고 배우기 쉬운 문자 중 하나로 선언했습니다. 의욕 있는 성인이 단 하루 만에 한글을 읽을 수 있습니다.
Korea celebrates Hangul Day (한글날) every year on October 9th, honoring the official proclamation of Hangul in 1446. It is a national public holiday — a rare honor for a writing system, and a testament to how deeply Koreans cherish their language.
한국은 매년 10월 9일 한글날을 국경일로 기념합니다. 문자를 위한 국경일은 세계적으로 매우 드문 일입니다.
Consonants are sounds produced by partially or completely blocking the flow of air through the mouth. Korean has 14 basic consonants (기본 자음). Their shapes were drawn to represent the physical position of the mouth and tongue when producing each sound.
자음은 입을 통한 공기 흐름을 방해하여 만들어지는 소리입니다. 한국어에는 14개의 기본 자음이 있으며, 각 글자 모양은 그 소리를 낼 때 입과 혀의 실제 위치를 표현합니다.
To make the Korean ㄹ sound, quickly flap your tongue against the roof of your mouth — like the "tt" sound in the American English word "butter" or "water." That's very close to ㄹ!
한국어 ㄹ 소리를 내려면, 혀를 입천장에 빠르게 튕기세요 — 미국 영어의 "butter"나 "water"의 "tt" 소리와 매우 비슷합니다!
Korean vowel shapes were based on three fundamental elements of the universe, rooted in Eastern Asian cosmology. This reflects the worldview that humanity stands between heaven and earth.
한국어 모음 모양은 동양 철학에 뿌리를 둔 우주의 세 가지 근본 요소를 기반으로 합니다. 인간이 하늘과 땅 사이에 선다는 세계관을 반영합니다.
In Korean, every syllable is grouped into a block. The consonant and vowel do not go in a line — they are arranged together into a compact square shape.
한국어에서 모든 음절은 블록으로 묶입니다. 자음과 모음이 한 줄로 가지 않고, 콤팩트한 사각형 모양으로 배열됩니다.
| English Sound | Korean | Example | Korean Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| "a" as in father, spa | ㅏ | Sara, Anna | 사라, 아나 |
| "a" as in jack, bad, cat | ㅐ | Jack, Sam | 잭, 샘 |
| "e" as in bed, get | ㅔ | Ben, Jenny | 벤, 제니 |
| "ee" as in see, tree | ㅣ | Lisa, Mia | 리사, 미아 |
| "o" as in go, bone | ㅗ | Tom, John | 톰, 존 |
| "oo" as in moon, food | ㅜ | Luke, Susan | 루크, 수잔 |
Look up how your name is written in Korean — you'll be surprised how close it sounds! Korean has been writing foreign names phonetically for decades, so there's already an official Korean version of most English names.
자신의 이름이 한국어로 어떻게 쓰이는지 찾아보세요 — 얼마나 비슷하게 들리는지 놀랄 거예요!
Many Korean syllables have a third element — a final consonant that sits at the bottom of the syllable block. This is called 받침 (bat-chim), which literally means "support" or "foundation."
많은 한국어 음절에는 세 번째 요소가 있습니다 — 음절 블록의 아래에 위치하는 마지막 자음입니다. 이것을 받침이라고 하며, 문자 그대로 "지지대" 또는 "기초"를 의미합니다.
No matter which consonant is used as batchim, it can only produce ONE of 7 possible sounds.
| Sound | Consonants | Example 한글 | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ㄱ | ㄱ ㄲ ㅋ | 국 | guk | soup |
| ㄴ | ㄴ | 산 | san | mountain |
| ㄷ | ㄷ ㅅ ㅆ ㅈ ㅊ ㅎ | 낮 | nat | daytime |
| ㄹ | ㄹ | 달 | dal | moon |
| ㅁ | ㅁ | 봄 | bom | spring |
| ㅂ | ㅂ ㅍ | 잎 | ip | leaf |
| ㅇ | ㅇ | 강 | gang | river |
When a batchim is followed by a vowel, it "slides" into the next syllable.
받침 뒤에 모음이 오면, 받침이 다음 음절로 "미끄러집니다".
| Written 한글 | How it sounds 발음 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 한국어 | han-gu-geo | Korean language |
| 집이 | ji-bi | house (subject) |
| 밥을 | ba-beul | rice (object) |
| 음악 | eu-mak | music |
| Number | 한글 | Pronunciation | Number | 한글 | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 영/공 | yeong/gong | 6 | 육 | yuk |
| 1 | 일 | il | 7 | 칠 | chil |
| 2 | 이 | i | 8 | 팔 | pal |
| 3 | 삼 | sam | 9 | 구 | gu |
| 4 | 사 | sa | 10 | 십 | sip |
| 5 | 오 | o | 100 | 백 | baek |
| Number | 한글 | Pronunciation | Number | 한글 | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 하나 | ha-na | 6 | 여섯 | yeo-seot |
| 2 | 둘 | dul | 7 | 일곱 | il-gop |
| 3 | 셋 | set | 8 | 여덟 | yeo-deol |
| 4 | 넷 | net | 9 | 아홉 | a-hop |
| 5 | 다섯 | da-seot | 10 | 열 | yeol |
Hours → Native Korean | Minutes → Sino-Korean
시(hour) → 고유어 숫자 | 분(minute) → 한자어 숫자
| Time | 한글 | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 | 한 시 | han si |
| 3:30 | 세 시 삼십 분 | se si sam-sip bun |
| 6:15 | 여섯 시 십오 분 | yeo-seot si si-bo bun |
| 12:00 | 열두 시 | yeol-du si |
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English | 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 사람 | sa-ram | person | 친구 | chin-gu | friend |
| 아버지 | a-beo-ji | father | 어머니 | eo-meo-ni | mother |
| 아빠 | a-ppa | dad | 엄마 | eom-ma | mom |
| 형/오빠 | hyeong/o-ppa | older brother | 누나/언니 | nu-na/eon-ni | older sister |
| 선생님 | seon-saeng-nim | teacher | 학생 | hak-saeng | student |
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English | 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 | ga-da | to go | 오다 | o-da | to come |
| 먹다 | meok-da | to eat | 마시다 | ma-si-da | to drink |
| 자다 | ja-da | to sleep | 보다 | bo-da | to see |
| 말하다 | mal-ha-da | to speak | 읽다 | ik-da | to read |
| 사랑하다 | sa-rang-ha-da | to love | 좋아하다 | jo-a-ha-da | to like |
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English | 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 뭐/무엇 | mwo/mu-eot | what | 누구 | nu-gu | who |
| 어디 | eo-di | where | 언제 | eon-je | when |
| 왜 | wae | why | 어떻게 | eo-tteo-ke | how |
| 얼마 | eol-ma | how much | 몇 | myeot | how many |
English: Subject → Verb → Object (I eat pizza)
Korean: Subject → Object → Verb LAST! (나는 피자를 먹어요)
영어는 동사가 가운데, 한국어는 동사가 항상 마지막! 끝까지 들어야 무슨 행동인지 알 수 있어요.
| 조사 | Pronunciation | Role | Example 한글 | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 은/는 | eun/neun | Topic marker | 나는 | na-neun | "As for me..." |
| 이/가 | i/ga | Subject marker | 내가 | nae-ga | "I (specifically)" |
| 을/를 | eul/reul | Object marker | 피자를 | pi-ja-reul | "pizza (being eaten)" |
| 에 | e | Location/Time | 집에 | jib-e | "at/to home" |
| 에서 | e-seo | Action location | 집에서 | jib-e-seo | "at home (doing sth)" |
| 와/과 | wa/gwa | With / And | 친구와 | chin-gu-wa | "with a friend" |
| 도 | do | Also / Too | 나도 | na-do | "me too" |
나는 먹어요 / 당신은 먹어요 / 그는 먹어요 — ALL THE SAME!
나/당신/그 누가 말해도 동사 형태는 동일합니다!
Remove 다 from dictionary form → get the stem → add 아요 or 어요
✅ Stem ends in ㅏ or ㅗ → add 아요 (a-yo)
✅ Everything else → add 어요 (eo-yo)
✅ 하다 (ha-da) → always becomes 해요 (hae-yo)
| 기본형 | Pronunciation | Meaning | 해요체 | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 | ga-da | to go | 가요 | ga-yo |
| 먹다 | meok-da | to eat | 먹어요 | meog-eo-yo |
| 마시다 | ma-si-da | to drink | 마셔요 | ma-syeo-yo |
| 공부하다 | gong-bu-ha-da | to study | 공부해요 | gong-bu-hae-yo |
| 사랑하다 | sa-rang-ha-da | to love | 사랑해요 | sa-rang-hae-yo |
| Tense | 한글 | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⏪ Past | 먹었어요 | meog-eoss-eo-yo | I ate |
| ▶️ Present | 먹어요 | meog-eo-yo | I eat |
| ⏩ Future | 먹을 거예요 | meog-eul geo-ye-yo | I will eat |
| ❌ Negative | 안 먹어요 | an meog-eo-yo | I don't eat |
| 🚫 Can't | 못 먹어요 | mot meog-eo-yo | I can't eat |
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요! | an-nyeong-ha-se-yo! | Hello! |
| 처음 뵙겠습니다. | cheo-eum boep-get-seum-ni-da | Nice to meet you. |
| 이름이 뭐예요? | i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo? | What's your name? |
| 저는 ___예요. | jeo-neun ___ye-yo | I am ___. |
| 어느 나라 사람이에요? | eo-neu na-ra sa-ram-i-e-yo? | Where are you from? |
| 아직 배우고 있어요. | a-jik bae-u-go it-eo-yo | I'm still learning. |
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 어서오세요! | eo-seo-o-se-yo! | Welcome! |
| ___ 한 잔 주세요. | ___ han jan ju-se-yo | One ___, please. |
| 얼마예요? | eol-ma-ye-yo? | How much? |
| 영수증 주세요. | yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo | Receipt, please. |
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 저기요! | jeo-gi-yo! | Excuse me! (calling staff) |
| 주문할게요. | ju-mun-hal-ge-yo | I'd like to order. |
| ___ 하나 주세요. | ___ ha-na ju-se-yo | One ___, please. |
| 너무 맛있었어요! | neo-mu ma-sit-eoss-eo-yo! | It was so delicious! |
| 포장해 주세요. | po-jang-hae ju-se-yo | To go, please. |
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 그냥 구경하는 거예요. | geu-nyang gu-gyeong-ha-neun geo-ye-yo | Just browsing. |
| 이거 얼마예요? | i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo? | How much is this? |
| 좀 깎아 주세요. | jom kkak-a ju-se-yo | Please give a discount. |
| 다른 색 있어요? | da-reun saek it-eo-yo? | Other colors? |
| 카드 돼요? | ka-deu dwae-yo? | Do you accept card? |
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 어디가 불편하세요? | eo-di-ga bul-pyeon-ha-se-yo? | Where does it hurt? |
| 머리가 아파요. | meo-ri-ga a-pa-yo | I have a headache. |
| 배가 아파요. | bae-ga a-pa-yo | My stomach hurts. |
| 열이 있어요. | yeol-i it-eo-yo | I have a fever. |
| 약 알레르기 없어요. | yak al-le-reu-gi eob-seo-yo | No drug allergies. |
여보세요? yeo-bo-se-yo? = Hello? (ONLY used on the phone!)
한국인들은 전화를 받을 때 항상 "여보세요"라고 합니다. 길에서 쓰면 매우 이상하게 들립니다!
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | an-nyeong-ha-se-yo | Hello |
| 감사합니다 | gam-sa-ham-ni-da | Thank you |
| 죄송합니다 | joe-song-ham-ni-da | I'm sorry |
| 괜찮아요 | gwaen-cha-na-yo | It's okay |
| 도와주세요 | do-wa-ju-se-yo | Please help me! |
| 잘 먹겠습니다 | jal meok-get-seum-ni-da | Bon appétit! |
| 사랑해요 | sa-rang-hae-yo | I love you ❤️ |
| 잘 자요 | jal ja-yo | Good night |
| 또 봐요! | tto bwa-yo! | See you again! |
| 천만에요 | cheon-man-e-yo | You're welcome |
| Speech Level | 한글 | 발음 | Use When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 습니다체 Formal Polite |
먹습니다 | meok-seum-ni-da | Formal presentations, news, military, first meeting in official settings, job interviews |
| 드십니까? | deu-sim-ni-kka? | ||
| 해요체 Everyday Polite ⭐ |
먹어요 | meog-eo-yo | Everyday polite situations — shops, school, strangers, coworkers, acquaintances |
| 밥 먹었어요? | bap meog-eoss-eo-yo? | ||
| 반말 Informal |
먹어 | meog-eo | To younger/lower status people AND very close friends (even same age) |
| 치워! | chi-wo! |
As a foreigner learning Korean → always start with 해요체 (~요). It's polite, warm, and perfect for almost every situation. Switch to 습니다체 only when the setting is very formal (office presentation, military, etc.).
한국어를 배우는 외국인이라면 → 항상 해요체(~요)로 시작하세요. 거의 모든 상황에서 안전하고 친근합니다!
먹어요 → 먹어 | 가요 → 가 | 좋아요 → 좋아 | 해요 → 해
해요체 → 습니다체: 먹어요 → 먹습니다 | 가요 → 갑니다 | 해요 → 합니다
| Situation | 습니다체 (Formal) | 해요체 (Everyday ⭐) | 반말 (Informal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | 안녕하십니까 an-nyeong-ha-sim-ni-kka |
안녕하세요 an-nyeong-ha-se-yo |
안녕 an-nyeong |
| Thank you | 감사합니다 gam-sa-ham-ni-da |
감사해요 gam-sa-hae-yo |
고마워 go-ma-wo |
| I'm sorry | 죄송합니다 joe-song-ham-ni-da |
죄송해요 joe-song-hae-yo |
미안해 mi-an-hae |
| I eat | 먹습니다 meok-seum-ni-da |
먹어요 meog-eo-yo |
먹어 meog-eo |
| Did you eat? | 드셨습니까? deu-syeoss-seum-ni-kka? |
밥 먹었어요? bap meog-eoss-eo-yo? |
밥 먹었어? bap meog-eoss-eo? |
| Let's go! | 가겠습니다 ga-gess-seum-ni-da |
가요! ga-yo! |
가자! ga-ja! |
| I miss you | 보고 싶습니다 bo-go sip-seum-ni-da |
보고 싶어요 bo-go sip-eo-yo |
보고 싶어 bo-go sip-eo |
① Speech level — changing the verb ending (습니다 / ~요 / 반말)
② Separate honorific vocabulary (높임말) — completely different words used about or to a respected person
This is unique to Korean! When talking about what a senior/elder does, you must use special honorific verbs and nouns — not just change the ending.
한국어는 말투(어미)만 바꾸는 것이 아니라, 아예 단어 자체가 달라지는 높임말이 있어요. 윗사람의 행동을 말할 때 반드시 사용합니다!
| Meaning | 일반 (Normal) | 발음 | 높임말 (Honorific) | 발음 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To eat | 먹다 | meok-da | 드시다 / 잡수시다 | deu-si-da / jap-su-si-da |
| To sleep | 자다 | ja-da | 주무시다 | ju-mu-si-da |
| To exist / be (at a place) | 있다 | it-da | 계시다 | gye-si-da |
| To say / speak | 말하다 | mal-ha-da | 말씀하시다 | mal-sseum-ha-si-da |
| To die | 죽다 | juk-da | 돌아가시다 | dol-a-ga-si-da |
| To be sick | 아프다 | a-peu-da | 편찮으시다 | pyeon-chan-eu-si-da |
| To give (to me) | 주다 | ju-da | 주시다 | ju-si-da |
| Meaning | 일반 (Normal) | 발음 | 높임말 (Honorific) | 발음 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | 이름 | i-reum | 성함 | seong-ham |
| Age | 나이 | na-i | 연세 | yeon-se |
| House / Home | 집 | jip | 댁 | daek |
| Meal / Rice | 밥 | bap | 진지 | jin-ji |
| Words / Speech | 말 | mal | 말씀 | mal-sseum |
| Person (counting) | 사람 | sa-ram | 분 | bun |
Add ~(으)시~ to a verb stem to show that the subject of the sentence deserves respect:
가다 → 가시다 | 오다 → 오시다 | 하다 → 하시다 | 읽다 → 읽으시다
Example: 선생님이 오셨어요. (seon-saeng-nim-i o-syeoss-eo-yo) — The teacher has come. (showing respect to teacher)
Normal (친구에게): 할아버지 밥 먹었어? ❌ (rude to grandfather)
Honorific (할아버지께): 할아버지, 진지 드셨어요? ✅
(hal-a-beo-ji, jin-ji deu-syeoss-eo-yo?) — Grandfather, have you eaten?
Normal: 선생님 어디 있어요?
Honorific: 선생님 어디 계세요? ✅
(seon-saeng-nim eo-di gye-se-yo?) — Where is the teacher? (있다 → 계시다)
| 한글 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 야! | ya! | Hey! |
| 진짜? | jin-jja? | Really? For real? |
| 대박! | dae-bak! | Awesome! / No way! |
| 헐! | heol! | OMG! / Wow! |
| 괜찮아 | gwaen-cha-na | It's okay / I'm fine |
| 보고 싶어 | bo-go sip-eo | I miss you |
| 잘했어! | jal-haess-eo! | Good job! / Well done! |
| 기본형 | Pronunciation | 과거형 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 | ga-da | 갔어요 | gass-eo-yo | I went |
| 먹다 | meok-da | 먹었어요 | meog-eoss-eo-yo | I ate |
| 마시다 | ma-si-da | 마셨어요 | ma-syeoss-eo-yo | I drank |
| 보다 | bo-da | 봤어요 | bwass-eo-yo | I saw |
| 공부하다 | gong-bu-ha-da | 공부했어요 | gong-bu-haess-eo-yo | I studied |
| 기본형 | Pronunciation | 미래형 | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 | ga-da | 갈 거예요 | gal geo-ye-yo | I will go |
| 먹다 | meok-da | 먹을 거예요 | meog-eul geo-ye-yo | I will eat |
| 오다 | o-da | 올 거예요 | ol geo-ye-yo | I will come |
| 공부하다 | gong-bu-ha-da | 공부할 거예요 | gong-bu-hal geo-ye-yo | I will study |
| ⏪ Past 한글 | 발음 | English | ⏩ Future 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 어제 | eo-je | yesterday | 내일 | nae-il | tomorrow |
| 지난주 | ji-nan-ju | last week | 다음 주 | da-eum ju | next week |
| 작년 | jang-nyeon | last year | 내년 | nae-nyeon | next year |
| 아까 | a-kka | earlier | 곧 | got | soon |
1. 어제 피자를 먹었어요. → _____ 2. 지금 공부해요. → _____
3. 내일 영화 볼 거예요. → _____ 4. 작년에 한국에 갔어요. → _____
정답: Past / Present / Future / Past
문법 패턴 · mun-beop pae-teun · Unlock Real Conversation!
Verb stem + 고 싶어요
go sip-eo-yo = want to
| 기본형 (Base) | 발음 | 고 싶어요 form | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 먹다 | meok-da | 먹고 싶어요 | meok-go sip-eo-yo | I want to eat |
| 가다 | ga-da | 가고 싶어요 | ga-go sip-eo-yo | I want to go |
| 배우다 | bae-u-da | 배우고 싶어요 | bae-u-go sip-eo-yo | I want to learn |
| 자다 | ja-da | 자고 싶어요 | ja-go sip-eo-yo | I want to sleep |
| 마시다 | ma-si-da | 마시고 싶어요 | ma-si-go sip-eo-yo | I want to drink |
| 보다 | bo-da | 보고 싶어요 | bo-go sip-eo-yo | I want to see / I miss you |
보고 싶어요 (bo-go sip-eo-yo) literally means "I want to see" — but when said to a person, it means "I miss you!" So romantic! 💕
A: 오늘 뭐 먹고 싶어요? (o-neul mwo meok-go sip-eo-yo?) — What do you want to eat today?
B: 저는 삼겹살 먹고 싶어요! (jeo-neun sam-gyeop-sal meok-go sip-eo-yo!) — I want to eat samgyeopsal!
A: 저도요! 같이 가요! (jeo-do-yo! ga-chi ga-yo!) — Me too! Let's go together!
Verb stem + (으)ㄹ 수 있어요
(eu)l su iss-eo-yo = can / am able to | (으)ㄹ 수 없어요 = cannot
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 한국어 할 수 있어요 | han-gu-geo hal su iss-eo-yo | I can speak Korean |
| 요리 할 수 있어요 | yo-ri hal su iss-eo-yo | I can cook |
| 수영 할 수 있어요 | su-yeong hal su iss-eo-yo | I can swim |
| 운전 할 수 없어요 | un-jeon hal su eobs-eo-yo | I cannot drive |
| 기타 칠 수 있어요 | gi-ta chil su iss-eo-yo | I can play guitar |
Fill in with 있어요 or 없어요:
1. 나는 한국어 할 수 _____. (I can speak Korean) 2. 나는 날 수 _____. (I cannot fly)
3. 그는 피아노 칠 수 _____. (He can play piano) 4. 나는 요리 잘 할 수 _____. (I can cook well)
정답: 있어요 / 없어요 / 있어요 / 있어요
Verb stem + 아/어야 해요
Use 아야 해요 when the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ | Use 어야 해요 for all others
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 공부해야 해요 | gong-bu-hae-ya hae-yo | I have to study |
| 가야 해요 | ga-ya hae-yo | I have to go |
| 자야 해요 | ja-ya hae-yo | I have to sleep |
| 먹어야 해요 | meog-eo-ya hae-yo | I have to eat |
| 일어나야 해요 | il-eo-na-ya hae-yo | I have to wake up |
| 운동해야 해요 | un-dong-hae-ya hae-yo | I have to exercise |
Mom: 일어나야 해요! (il-eo-na-ya hae-yo!) — You have to wake up!
Child: 조금만요... (jo-geum-man-yo...) — Just a little more...
Mom: 안 돼요! 학교 가야 해요! (an dwae-yo! hak-gyo ga-ya hae-yo!) — No! You have to go to school!
Child: 알았어요... 🥱 (al-ass-eo-yo...) — Okay, I know...
Verb stem + 지 않아요 OR 안 + Verb
Both forms mean the same thing! 안 + verb is more casual and faster to say.
| 긍정 (Positive) | 부정 ~지 않아요 | 부정 안 + verb | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가요 | 가지 않아요 | 안 가요 | I don't go |
| 먹어요 | 먹지 않아요 | 안 먹어요 | I don't eat |
| 알아요 | 알지 않아요 | 몰라요 | I don't know |
| 좋아해요 | 좋아하지 않아요 | 안 좋아해요 | I don't like |
| 마셔요 | 마시지 않아요 | 안 마셔요 | I don't drink |
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 날씨가 좋으면 좋겠어요 | nal-ssi-ga jo-eu-myeon jo-kess-eo-yo | I wish the weather were nice |
| 한국에 가면 좋겠어요 | han-gu-ge ga-myeon jo-kess-eo-yo | I wish I could go to Korea |
| 복권이 당첨되면 좋겠어요 | bok-gweon-i dang-cheom-doe-myeon jo-kess-eo-yo | I wish I'd win the lottery |
| 시험이 쉬우면 좋겠어요 | si-heom-i swi-u-myeon jo-kess-eo-yo | I wish the exam were easy |
Koreans rarely state opinions as hard facts. They soften with ~것 같아요 (geot ga-ta-yo).
It's like saying "I think..." or "It seems..."
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 맛있는 것 같아요 | mas-in-neun geot ga-ta-yo | It seems delicious / I think it's good |
| 비가 오는 것 같아요 | bi-ga o-neun geot ga-ta-yo | It seems like it's raining |
| 그 사람이 피곤한 것 같아요 | geu sa-ram-i pi-gon-han geot ga-ta-yo | That person seems tired |
| 가격이 비싼 것 같아요 | ga-gyeok-i bi-ssan geot ga-ta-yo | The price seems expensive |
Verb stem + 고 있어요
go iss-eo-yo = am/is/are currently doing ___
Translate using ~고 있어요:
1. I am eating ramen (라면). 2. She is studying Korean (한국어).
3. We are watching TV (TV). 4. He is running (달리다).
정답: 1. 라면을 먹고 있어요 2. 한국어를 공부하고 있어요 3. TV를 보고 있어요 4. 달리고 있어요
Use this when YOU decide to do something right now — like a promise to the listener.
Verb stem + (으)ㄹ게요
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 제가 할게요 | je-ga hal-ge-yo | I'll do it (I promise) |
| 제가 낼게요 | je-ga nael-ge-yo | I'll pay |
| 내일 전화할게요 | nae-il jeon-hwa-hal-ge-yo | I'll call tomorrow |
| 기다릴게요 | gi-da-ril-ge-yo | I'll wait |
| 조심할게요 | jo-sim-hal-ge-yo | I'll be careful |
Friend: 밥 먹고 싶어요! (bap meok-go sip-eo-yo!) — I want to eat!
You: 제가 살게요! (je-ga sal-ge-yo!) — I'll treat you! (I'll buy)
Friend: 진짜요? 감사합니다! (jin-jja-yo? gam-sa-ham-ni-da!) — Really? Thank you!
You: 다음엔 당신이 사줄게요! (da-eum-en dang-sin-i sa-jul-ge-yo!) — Next time you'll treat me!
Here are key words from this chapter with pictures — study them and you'll speak naturally!
| Pattern | Formula | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~고 싶어요 | I want to ___ | 먹고 싶어요 |
| 2 | ~(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 | I can ___ | 할 수 있어요 |
| 3 | ~아/어야 해요 | I have to ___ | 가야 해요 |
| 4 | ~지 않아요 / 안~ | I don't ___ | 안 가요 |
| 5 | ~(으)면 좋겠어요 | I wish ___ | 가면 좋겠어요 |
| 6 | ~는 것 같아요 | It seems like ___ | 맛있는 것 같아요 |
| 7 | ~고 있어요 | I am ___-ing | 먹고 있어요 |
| 8 | ~(으)ㄹ게요 | I will ___ (promise) | 할게요 |
Part A: Match the pattern to its meaning:
1. 고 싶어요 2. 할 수 있어요 3. 야 해요 4. 고 있어요
a) I'm doing it right now b) I can c) I want to d) I have to
정답: 1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a
Part B: Translate into Korean:
1. I want to go to Korea. 2. I can speak Korean. 3. I have to study. 4. I am eating ramen.
정답: 1. 한국에 가고 싶어요 2. 한국어 할 수 있어요 3. 공부해야 해요 4. 라면 먹고 있어요
조사 · jo-sa · The Secret to Sounding Natural
| Use 은/는 | Use 이/가 |
|---|---|
| Topic already known / general statements | New information / first mention |
| Contrast: "A but B..." | Specific emphasis on WHO |
| 나는 학생이에요 (I am a student) | 누가? 내가! (Who? Me!) |
| 한글 | 발음 | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 저는 미국 사람이에요 | jeo-neun mi-guk sa-ram-i-e-yo | I am American | 는 after vowel |
| 저는 한국어를 공부해요 | jeo-neun han-gu-geo-reul gong-bu-hae-yo | I study Korean | topic = me |
| 밥은 맛있어요 | bab-eun mas-iss-eo-yo | As for rice, it's delicious | 은 after consonant |
| 누가 왔어요? | nu-ga wass-eo-yo? | Who came? | 가 = subject emphasis |
| 고양이가 귀여워요 | go-yang-i-ga gwi-yeo-wo-yo | The cat is cute | 이가 after consonant |
[Subject] + [Object + 을/를] + [Verb]
을 (eul) → after consonant | 를 (reul) → after vowel
| 한글 | 발음 | English | Particle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 학교에 가요 | hak-gyo-e ga-yo | I go to school | 에 = destination |
| 집에 있어요 | jib-e iss-eo-yo | I am at home | 에 = location (being) |
| 3시에 만나요 | se-si-e man-na-yo | Let's meet at 3 o'clock | 에 = time |
| 카페에서 공부해요 | ka-pe-e-seo gong-bu-hae-yo | I study at the café | 에서 = action location |
| 서울에서 왔어요 | seo-ul-e-seo wass-eo-yo | I came from Seoul | 에서 = from |
| 도서관에서 책을 읽어요 | do-seo-gwan-e-seo chaek-eul ilg-eo-yo | I read a book at the library | 에서 = action location |
에 = just existing there / going there (no action)
에서 = doing something there (always with an action verb)
🏠 집에 있어요 — I'm at home (just being there)
🍳 집에서 요리해요 — I'm cooking at home (action!)
| Particle | 발음 | Meaning | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 의 | ui (→ "e") | Possessive ('s / of) | 나의 친구 → 내 친구 | my friend |
| 과/와 | gwa / wa | And / With (formal) | 친구와 같이 가요 | I go with a friend |
| 하고 | ha-go | And / With (casual) | 엄마하고 밥 먹어요 | I eat with mom |
| 도 | do | Also / Too | 저도 학생이에요 | I am also a student |
| 만 | man | Only / Just | 물만 마셔요 | I only drink water |
| 부터~까지 | bu-teo ~ kka-ji | From ~ To / Until | 9시부터 6시까지 | From 9 to 6 o'clock |
| 으로/로 | eu-ro / ro | Direction / By means of | 버스로 가요 | I go by bus |
1. 저는 학교___ 가요. (I go to school) 2. 저는 카페___ 공부해요. (I study at the café)
3. 친구는 서울___ 살아요. (My friend lives in Seoul) 4. 저는 지금 집___ 있어요. (I am at home now)
정답: 1. 에 2. 에서 3. 에 4. 에
Let's build a sentence step by step, adding particles one at a time:
👤 저는 (jeo-neun) = As for me...
📍 카페에서 (ka-pe-e-seo) = at the café...
☕ 커피를 (keo-pi-reul) = coffee (object)...
🤝 친구하고 (chin-gu-ha-go) = with a friend...
😊 마셔요. (ma-syeo-yo.) = drink.
저는 카페에서 커피를 친구하고 마셔요.
I drink coffee with a friend at the café.
1. 저___ 학생이에요. (I am a student) 2. 음악___ 들어요. (I listen to music)
3. 집___ 공부해요. (I study at home) 4. 저___ 한국어를 공부해요. (I also study Korean)
5. 서울___ 부산___ 기차로 가요. (I go from Seoul to Busan by train)
정답: 1. 는 2. 을 3. 에서 4. 도 5. 에서 / 까지
A: 지금 어디에 있어요? (ji-geum eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?) — Where are you right now?
B: 저는 카페에 있어요. 공부하고 있어요! (jeo-neun ka-pe-e iss-eo-yo. gong-bu-ha-go iss-eo-yo!) — I'm at a café. I'm studying!
A: 어느 카페에서 공부해요? (eo-neu ka-pe-e-seo gong-bu-hae-yo?) — Which café are you studying at?
B: 학교 앞 카페에서요. 같이 올래요? (hak-gyo ap ka-pe-e-seo-yo. ga-chi ol-lae-yo?) — At the café in front of school. Want to come together?
A: 네! 30분 후에 갈게요! (ne! sam-sip-bun hu-e gal-ge-yo!) — Yes! I'll go in 30 minutes!
| Particle | 발음 | Role | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 은/는 | eun / neun | Topic | General statements, contrast |
| 이/가 | i / ga | Subject | New info, emphasis on who |
| 을/를 | eul / reul | Object | The thing being acted upon |
| 에 | e | Location / Time | Where something IS / going TO |
| 에서 | e-seo | Action Location | Where action HAPPENS / from |
| 의 | ui → e | Possessive | 나의 = my (often dropped in speech) |
| 도 | do | Also / Too | 저도 = me too |
| 만 | man | Only | 하나만 = only one |
| 하고 / 와/과 | ha-go / wa / gwa | And / With | 하고 = casual, 와/과 = formal |
| 부터~까지 | bu-teo ~ kka-ji | From ~ To | Time and place ranges |
| 으로/로 | eu-ro / ro | By / Toward | 버스로 = by bus |
Translate these sentences into Korean:
1. I go to school by bus. 2. I study Korean at the library.
3. My friend is also a student. 4. I only drink water.
5. I work from 9 o'clock to 6 o'clock.
정답:
1. 저는 버스로 학교에 가요.
2. 저는 도서관에서 한국어를 공부해요.
3. 제 친구도 학생이에요.
4. 저는 물만 마셔요.
5. 저는 9시부터 6시까지 일해요.
의문사 · ui-mun-sa · The Key to Every Conversation
누가 (nu-ga) = Who? as the subject (who did the action?)
누구 (nu-gu) = Who? in other positions (are you talking about who?)
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 누가 왔어요? | nu-ga wass-eo-yo? | Who came? |
| 이게 누구 거예요? | i-ge nu-gu geo-ye-yo? | Whose is this? |
| 저 사람이 누구예요? | jeo sa-ram-i nu-gu-ye-yo? | Who is that person? |
| 누구랑 왔어요? | nu-gu-rang wass-eo-yo? | Who did you come with? |
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 이게 뭐예요? | i-ge mwo-ye-yo? | What is this? |
| 뭐 먹고 싶어요? | mwo meok-go sip-eo-yo? | What do you want to eat? |
| 뭐 하고 있어요? | mwo ha-go iss-eo-yo? | What are you doing? |
| 이름이 뭐예요? | i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo? | What is your name? |
| 직업이 뭐예요? | ji-geob-i mwo-ye-yo? | What is your job? |
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 어디예요? | eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is it? |
| 어디 살아요? | eo-di sal-a-yo? | Where do you live? |
| 화장실이 어디예요? | hwa-jang-sil-i eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the restroom? |
| 지금 어디에 가요? | ji-geum eo-di-e ga-yo? | Where are you going now? |
| 어디서 왔어요? | eo-di-seo wass-eo-yo? | Where are you from? |
Fill in the correct question word:
1. ___예요? — What is it? 2. ___ 살아요? — Where do you live?
3. ___ 왔어요? — Who came? 4. ___ 하고 있어요? — What are you doing?
정답: 1. 뭐 2. 어디 3. 누가 4. 뭐
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 언제 와요? | eon-je wa-yo? | When are you coming? |
| 생일이 언제예요? | saeng-il-i eon-je-ye-yo? | When is your birthday? |
| 언제 한국에 왔어요? | eon-je han-gu-ge wass-eo-yo? | When did you come to Korea? |
| 언제 시간 있어요? | eon-je si-gan iss-eo-yo? | When do you have time? |
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 왜요? | wae-yo? | Why? (polite) |
| 왜 한국어를 배워요? | wae han-gu-geo-reul bae-wo-yo? | Why do you learn Korean? |
| 왜 울어요? | wae ul-eo-yo? | Why are you crying? |
| 왜 안 왔어요? | wae an wass-eo-yo? | Why didn't you come? |
어떻게 (eo-tteo-ke) = How (method / manner) — "How do you do X?"
어때요? (eo-ttae-yo?) = How is it? — "What do you think? Is it okay?"
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 어떻게 해요? | eo-tteo-ke hae-yo? | How do you do it? |
| 이름이 어떻게 돼요? | i-reum-i eo-tteo-ke dwae-yo? | What is your name? (lit: how does your name go?) |
| 여기 어떻게 가요? | yeo-gi eo-tteo-ke ga-yo? | How do I get here? |
| 한국 음식 어때요? | han-guk eum-sik eo-ttae-yo? | How is Korean food? (Do you like it?) |
| 오늘 기분 어때요? | o-neul gi-bun eo-ttae-yo? | How do you feel today? |
얼마 (eol-ma) = How much? → price / amount
몇 (myeot) = How many? → countable number
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 얼마예요? | eol-ma-ye-yo? | How much is it? |
| 얼마나 걸려요? | eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo? | How long does it take? |
| 몇 살이에요? | myeot sal-i-e-yo? | How old are you? |
| 몇 명이에요? | myeot myeong-i-e-yo? | How many people? |
| 몇 시예요? | myeot si-ye-yo? | What time is it? (lit: how many hours?) |
Great to use with 어때요? — How do you feel?
Customer: 이거 얼마예요? (i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?) — How much is this?
Staff: 오만 원이에요. (o-man won-i-e-yo.) — It's 50,000 won.
Customer: 왜 이렇게 비싸요? (wae i-reo-ke bi-ssa-yo?) — Why is it so expensive?
Staff: 수제품이에요! (su-je-pum-i-e-yo!) — It's handmade!
A: 어디서 왔어요? (eo-di-seo wass-eo-yo?) — Where are you from?
B: 미국에서 왔어요. 어떻게 한국어를 배웠어요? (mi-gu-ge-seo wass-eo-yo. eo-tteo-ke han-gu-geo-reul bae-woss-eo-yo?) — I'm from America. How did you learn Korean?
A: 유튜브랑 앱으로 배웠어요! (yu-tyu-beu-rang aep-eu-ro bae-woss-eo-yo!) — I learned via YouTube and apps!
B: 왜 한국어를 배워요? (wae han-gu-geo-reul bae-wo-yo?) — Why are you learning Korean?
A: K-드라마가 너무 재미있어요! 😄 (K-deu-ra-ma-ga neo-mu jae-mi-iss-eo-yo!) — K-dramas are so fun!
Doctor: 어디가 아파요? (eo-di-ga a-pa-yo?) — Where does it hurt?
Patient: 머리가 아파요. (meo-ri-ga a-pa-yo.) — My head hurts.
Doctor: 언제부터 아팠어요? (eon-je-bu-teo a-pass-eo-yo?) — Since when has it been hurting?
Patient: 어제부터요. 얼마나 심각해요? (eo-je-bu-teo-yo. eol-ma-na sim-ga-kae-yo?) — Since yesterday. How serious is it?
Doctor: 괜찮아요. 약 드세요. (gwaen-chan-a-yo. yak deu-se-yo.) — It's fine. Please take medicine.
1. ___ 시예요? (What time is it?) 2. ___ 아파요? (Where does it hurt?)
3. ___ 한국어를 배워요? (Why do you learn Korean?) 4. ___ 살이에요? (How old are you?)
5. ___ 기분이에요? (How do you feel?) 6. 이름이 ___예요? (What is your name?)
정답: 1. 몇 2. 어디가 3. 왜 4. 몇 5. 어떤 6. 뭐
| 의문사 | 발음 | English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 누가 / 누구 | nu-ga / nu-gu | Who | 누가 왔어요? |
| 뭐 / 무엇 | mwo / mu-eot | What | 뭐예요? |
| 어디 | eo-di | Where | 어디 가요? |
| 언제 | eon-je | When | 언제 와요? |
| 왜 | wae | Why | 왜요? |
| 어떻게 | eo-tteo-ke | How | 어떻게 해요? |
| 어때요 | eo-ttae-yo | How is it? | 기분 어때요? |
| 얼마 | eol-ma | How much | 얼마예요? |
| 몇 | myeot | How many / What number | 몇 시예요? |
The answer is given. Write the question!
1. Answer: 저는 서울에서 왔어요. → Question: ___?
2. Answer: 지금 밥을 먹고 있어요. → Question: ___?
3. Answer: 이만 원이에요. → Question: ___?
4. Answer: 저는 K-팝이 좋아서요. → Question: ___?
5. Answer: 내일 3시에 만나요. → Question: ___?
정답:
1. 어디서 왔어요?
2. 지금 뭐 하고 있어요?
3. 얼마예요?
4. 왜 한국어를 배워요?
5. 언제 만나요? / 몇 시에 만나요?
한국 음식 & 식당 · han-guk eum-sik & sik-dang · The Most Delicious Chapter!
1. 김치 2. 삼겹살 3. 식혜 4. 라면
a) 달아요 — Sweet b) 매워요 — Spicy c) 맛있어요! 구워 먹어요 — Grilled d) 뜨거워요! — Hot noodles
정답: 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
| 한글 | 발음 | English | When to say |
|---|---|---|---|
| 여기요! | yeo-gi-yo! | Excuse me! / Over here! | Calling the server |
| 몇 분이세요? | myeot bun-i-se-yo? | How many people? | Host asks you |
| 두 명이요. | du myeong-i-yo. | Two people. | Your answer |
| 메뉴판 주세요. | me-nyu-pan ju-se-yo. | Please give me the menu. | Getting started |
| 이거 주세요. | i-geo ju-se-yo. | I'll have this, please. | Pointing at menu |
| 추천해 주세요. | chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo. | Please recommend something. | When unsure |
| 맵지 않은 걸로요. | maep-ji an-eun geol-lo-yo. | Something not spicy, please. | Dietary preference |
| 물 주세요. | mul ju-se-yo. | Water, please. | Anytime! |
| 리필 돼요? | ri-pil dwae-yo? | Is refill available? | Side dishes (반찬) |
| 계산서 주세요. | gye-san-seo ju-se-yo. | Please bring the bill. | Paying time |
| 카드 돼요? | ka-deu dwae-yo? | Do you accept cards? | Before paying |
| 포장해 주세요. | po-jang-hae ju-se-yo. | Please pack it to go. | Takeout |
직원 (Staff): 어서오세요! 몇 분이세요?
(eo-seo-o-se-yo! myeot bun-i-se-yo?) — Welcome! How many people?
손님 (Customer): 두 명이요.
(du myeong-i-yo.) — Two people.
직원: 이쪽으로 오세요. 메뉴 보시겠어요?
(i-jjok-eu-ro o-se-yo. me-nyu bo-si-gess-eo-yo?) — This way, please. Would you like to see the menu?
손님: 네. 삼겹살 2인분이랑 된장찌개 하나 주세요.
(ne. sam-gyeop-sal i-in-bun-i-rang doen-jang-jji-gae ha-na ju-se-yo.) — Yes. Two servings of samgyeopsal and one doenjang jjigae, please.
직원: 음료는 뭐 드릴까요?
(eum-nyo-neun mwo deu-ril-kka-yo?) — What would you like to drink?
손님: 소주 한 병이랑 물 주세요.
(so-ju han byeong-i-rang mul ju-se-yo.) — One bottle of soju and water, please.
손님 (later): 여기요! 계산서 주세요. 카드 돼요?
(yeo-gi-yo! gye-san-seo ju-se-yo. ka-deu dwae-yo?) — Excuse me! Bill please. Do you accept cards?
직원: 네, 돼요. 총 38,000원입니다.
(ne, dwae-yo. chong sam-sip-pal-cheon won-im-ni-da.) — Yes, we do. The total is 38,000 won.
Korean meals always come with FREE side dishes called 반찬. You can ask for refills — just say 리필 해주세요! (ri-pil hae-ju-se-yo!) It's completely normal!
Korean food is communal. Dishes go in the CENTER of the table, and everyone shares. Eating alone (혼밥 · hon-bap) is trendy now, but sharing is the tradition!
Never pour your own soju! Always pour for others, and let others pour for you. Hold your glass with two hands when receiving — it shows respect.
Tell the staff: 안 맵게 해주세요 (an maep-ge hae-ju-se-yo) — Please make it not spicy. Or: 아주 맵게! (a-ju maep-ge!) — Very spicy!
You're at a restaurant. Say these in Korean:
1. "Excuse me!" (to call the waiter) 2. "Two people, please." 3. "I'll have this." (pointing)
4. "Water, please." 5. "Bill, please." 6. "Please make it not spicy."
정답: 1. 여기요! 2. 두 명이요. 3. 이거 주세요. 4. 물 주세요. 5. 계산서 주세요. 6. 안 맵게 해주세요.
What Korean food is it?
1. 🥘 Mixed rice with vegetables and spicy sauce — ___
2. 🍖 Grilled pork belly, Korea's most loved BBQ — ___
3. 🌮 Spicy rice cake, popular street food — ___
4. 🥗 Spicy fermented cabbage on every table — ___
5. 🍵 Ginseng chicken soup, eaten in summer — ___
정답: 1. 비빔밥 2. 삼겹살 3. 떡볶이 4. 김치 5. 삼계탕
쇼핑 & 돈 · syo-ping & don · From Markets to Malls!
The Korean currency is 원 (won). There are no cents — everything is in whole numbers. Don't panic at big numbers! ₩10,000 ≈ about $7–8 USD.
| Price | 한글 | 발음 | How to say |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₩500 | 오백 원 | o-baek won | 오(5) + 백(100) |
| ₩3,000 | 삼천 원 | sam-cheon won | 삼(3) + 천(1,000) |
| ₩12,000 | 만 이천 원 | man i-cheon won | 만(10,000) + 이(2) + 천(1,000) |
| ₩35,000 | 삼만 오천 원 | sam-man o-cheon won | 삼(3) + 만(10,000) + 오천(5,000) |
| ₩100,000 | 십만 원 | sim-man won | 십(10) + 만(10,000) |
Say these prices in Korean:
1. ₩2,000 2. ₩15,000 3. ₩48,000 4. ₩200,000
정답: 1. 이천 원 2. 만 오천 원 3. 사만 팔천 원 4. 이십만 원
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 얼마예요? | eol-ma-ye-yo? | How much is it? |
| 이거 입어봐도 돼요? | i-geo ib-eo-bwa-do dwae-yo? | Can I try this on? |
| 다른 색깔 있어요? | da-reun saek-kkal iss-eo-yo? | Do you have other colors? |
| 다른 사이즈 있어요? | da-reun sa-i-jeu iss-eo-yo? | Do you have other sizes? |
| 좀 깎아 주세요. | jom kka-kka ju-se-yo. | Please give me a discount. |
| 너무 비싸요. | neo-mu bi-ssa-yo. | It's too expensive. |
| 살게요. | sal-ge-yo. | I'll buy it. |
| 안 살게요. | an sal-ge-yo. | I won't buy it. (No thanks) |
| 봉투 주세요. | bong-tu ju-se-yo. | Please give me a bag. |
| 선물 포장 해주세요. | seon-mul po-jang hae-ju-se-yo. | Please gift-wrap it. |
| 영수증 주세요. | yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo. | Please give me a receipt. |
| 환불 되나요? | hwan-bul doe-na-yo? | Can I get a refund? |
| Size 사이즈 | 한글 | 발음 |
|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | 스몰 / 작은 | seu-mol / ja-geun |
| Medium (M) | 미디엄 / 보통 | mi-di-eom / bo-tong |
| Large (L) | 라지 / 큰 | ra-ji / keun |
| Too tight | 너무 작아요 | neo-mu ja-ga-yo |
| Too big | 너무 커요 | neo-mu keo-yo |
| Just right! | 딱 맞아요! | ttak maj-a-yo! |
직원: 어서오세요! 뭐 찾으세요?
(eo-seo-o-se-yo! mwo cha-jeu-se-yo?) — Welcome! What are you looking for?
손님: 이 재킷 얼마예요?
(i jae-kit eol-ma-ye-yo?) — How much is this jacket?
직원: 오만 원이에요.
(o-man won-i-e-yo.) — It's 50,000 won.
손님: 너무 비싸요. 좀 깎아 주세요!
(neo-mu bi-ssa-yo. jom kka-kka ju-se-yo!) — Too expensive. Please give me a discount!
직원: 사만 오천 원에 드릴게요!
(sa-man o-cheon won-e deu-ril-ge-yo!) — I'll give it to you for 45,000 won!
손님: 입어봐도 돼요? 다른 색깔 있어요?
(ib-eo-bwa-do dwae-yo? da-reun saek-kkal iss-eo-yo?) — Can I try it on? Do you have other colors?
직원: 네! 파란색이랑 검은색 있어요.
(ne! pa-ran-saek-i-rang geom-eun-saek iss-eo-yo.) — Yes! We have blue and black.
손님: 검은색으로 살게요. 카드 돼요?
(geom-eun-saek-eu-ro sal-ge-yo. ka-deu dwae-yo?) — I'll buy the black one. Do you accept cards?
직원: 네, 됩니다. 영수증 드릴까요?
(ne, doem-ni-da. yeong-su-jeung deu-ril-kka-yo?) — Yes, we do. Would you like a receipt?
In 시장 (traditional markets), bargaining is completely normal and even expected! Use these phrases:
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 좀 더 싸게 해주세요. | jom deo ssa-ge hae-ju-se-yo. | Please make it a bit cheaper. |
| 두 개 사면 얼마예요? | du gae sa-myeon eol-ma-ye-yo? | If I buy two, how much? |
| 그냥 갈게요. | geu-nyang gal-ge-yo. | I'll just leave then. (bluff!) |
| 마지막 가격이에요? | ma-ji-mak ga-gyeok-i-e-yo? | Is that the final price? |
Translate into Korean:
1. How much is this? 2. Can I try this on? 3. Too expensive!
4. Do you have other colors? 5. I'll buy it. 6. Please give me a receipt.
정답: 1. 얼마예요? 2. 입어봐도 돼요? 3. 너무 비싸요! 4. 다른 색깔 있어요? 5. 살게요. 6. 영수증 주세요.
Read these prices aloud in Korean:
1. ₩3,500 2. ₩27,000 3. ₩99,000 4. ₩1,500,000
정답:
1. 삼천 오백 원
2. 이만 칠천 원
3. 구만 구천 원
4. 백오십만 원
교통 & 길 찾기 · gyo-tong & gil chat-gi · Get Anywhere in Korea!
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 지하철역이 어디예요? | ji-ha-cheol-yeok-i eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the subway station? |
| 몇 호선이에요? | myeot ho-seon-i-e-yo? | Which line is it? |
| 2호선 타세요. | i-ho-seon ta-se-yo. | Take Line 2. |
| 어디서 갈아타요? | eo-di-seo gal-a-ta-yo? | Where do I transfer? |
| 다음 역이 어디예요? | da-eum yeok-i eo-di-ye-yo? | What is the next station? |
| 종착역이에요. | jong-chak-yeok-i-e-yo. | This is the last stop. |
| T-머니 카드 어디서 사요? | T-meo-ni ka-deu eo-di-seo sa-yo? | Where do I buy a T-money card? |
| 출구가 어디예요? | chul-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the exit? |
You: 이 주소로 가주세요.
(i ju-so-ro ga-ju-se-yo.) — Please go to this address.
You: 경복궁으로 가주세요.
(gyeong-bok-gung-eu-ro ga-ju-se-yo.) — Please take me to Gyeongbokgung.
Driver: 얼마나 걸려요?
(eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?) — How long will it take?
You: 여기서 세워 주세요.
(yeo-gi-seo se-wo ju-se-yo.) — Please stop here.
You: 영수증 주세요.
(yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo.) — Please give me a receipt.
Match the situation to the best transport:
1. Seoul city center to Busan (330km) 2. Short trip across the city 3. Late night, no subway 4. International arrival
a) 택시 b) KTX 기차 c) 지하철 d) 비행기
정답: 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
| 한글 | 발음 | English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 앞 | ap | in front of | 학교 앞 |
| 뒤 | dwi | behind | 건물 뒤 |
| 옆 | yeop | next to / beside | 카페 옆 |
| 안 / 안쪽 | an / an-jjok | inside | 건물 안 |
| 밖 / 바깥 | bak / ba-kkat | outside | 밖에 있어요 |
| 근처 | geun-cheo | near / nearby | 역 근처 |
| 사이 | sa-i | between | 은행 사이 |
| 맞은편 | maj-eun-pyeon | across / opposite | 맞은편에 있어요 |
You: 저기요, 경복궁이 어디예요?
(jeo-gi-yo, gyeong-bok-gung-i eo-di-ye-yo?) — Excuse me, where is Gyeongbokgung?
Local: 여기서 멀어요. 지하철 타세요.
(yeo-gi-seo meol-eo-yo. ji-ha-cheol ta-se-yo.) — It's far from here. Take the subway.
You: 몇 호선이에요?
(myeot ho-seon-i-e-yo?) — Which line is it?
Local: 3호선 타고 경복궁역에서 내리세요. 5번 출구로 나오면 돼요.
(sam-ho-seon ta-go gyeong-bok-gung-yeok-e-seo nae-ri-se-yo. o-beon chul-gu-ro na-o-myeon dwae-yo.) — Take Line 3 and get off at Gyeongbokgung Station. Come out exit 5.
You: 얼마나 걸려요?
(eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?) — How long does it take?
Local: 약 20분이요. 어렵지 않아요!
(yak i-sip bun-i-yo. eo-ryeop-ji an-a-yo!) — About 20 minutes. It's not difficult!
You: 감사합니다! 정말 친절하세요!
(gam-sa-ham-ni-da! jeong-mal chin-jeol-ha-se-yo!) — Thank you! You're so kind!
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 타다 | ta-da | to get on / ride (bus, subway, taxi) |
| 내리다 | nae-ri-da | to get off |
| 갈아타다 | gal-a-ta-da | to transfer |
| 도착하다 | do-chak-ha-da | to arrive |
| 출발하다 | chul-bal-ha-da | to depart / leave |
| 빠르다 | ppa-reu-da | fast |
| 느리다 | neu-ri-da | slow |
| 막히다 | mak-hi-da | traffic jam / blocked |
| 표 / 티켓 | pyo / ti-ket | ticket |
| 정류장 | jeong-nyu-jang | bus stop |
| 공항 | gong-hang | airport |
| 터미널 | teo-mi-neol | terminal / bus terminal |
Translate into Korean:
1. Go straight. 2. Turn left at the traffic light. 3. It's next to the café.
4. Take Line 2. 5. Get off at the next station.
정답: 1. 직진하세요. 2. 신호등에서 왼쪽으로 가세요. 3. 카페 옆에 있어요. 4. 2호선 타세요. 5. 다음 역에서 내리세요.
Fill in the blank with the right word:
1. 지하철 ___ 어디예요? (Where is the subway station?)
2. 3호선 타고 경복궁역에서 ___세요. (Get off at Gyeongbokgung Station.)
3. 어디서 ___타요? (Where do I transfer?)
4. 지금 길이 많이 ___어요. (There's a big traffic jam now.)
정답: 1. 역이 2. 내리 3. 갈아 4. 막히
가족 & 관계 · ga-jok & gwan-gye · The Heart of Korean Society
| Relationship | Male speaker says | Female speaker says |
|---|---|---|
| Older brother | 형 (hyeong) | 오빠 (o-ppa) |
| Older sister | 누나 (nu-na) | 언니 (eon-ni) |
💡 오빠 (oppa) is also used by females to call a close older male friend or boyfriend — very common in K-dramas! 💕
| Relationship | 한글 | 발음 | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncle (father's older brother) | 큰아버지 | keun-a-beo-ji | father's elder brother |
| Uncle (father's younger brother) | 삼촌 | sam-chon | most common "uncle" |
| Uncle (mother's brother) | 외삼촌 | oe-sam-chon | 외 = maternal side |
| Aunt (father's sister) | 고모 | go-mo | paternal aunt |
| Aunt (mother's sister) | 이모 | i-mo | maternal aunt · also used for female strangers! |
| Cousin | 사촌 | sa-chon | literally "4th relative" |
| Father-in-law | 시아버지 / 장인어른 | si-a-beo-ji / jang-in-eo-reun | husband's father / wife's father |
| Mother-in-law | 시어머니 / 장모님 | si-eo-meo-ni / jang-mo-nim | husband's mother / wife's mother |
Koreans use family terms to address strangers too! It creates warmth and closeness:
| Term | 발음 | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 아저씨 | a-jeo-ssi | Middle-aged man (like "mister") |
| 아줌마 / 아주머니 | a-jum-ma / a-ju-meo-ni | Middle-aged woman (polite: 아주머니) |
| 할아버지 | hal-a-beo-ji | Elderly man (even strangers!) |
| 할머니 | hal-meo-ni | Elderly woman (even strangers!) |
| 이모 | i-mo | Female restaurant owner / kind older woman |
| 언니 / 오빠 | eon-ni / o-ppa | Slightly older person (friendly, casual) |
1. Your mom's younger sister = ___ 2. Your dad's younger brother = ___
3. A female says "older brother" = ___ 4. A male says "older sister" = ___
5. Your father's mother = ___ 6. Husband's mother = ___
정답: 1. 이모 2. 삼촌 3. 오빠 4. 누나 5. 할머니 6. 시어머니
선배 (seonbae) = someone who joined before you — school, work, sports team — always deserves respect.
후배 (hubae) = someone who joined after you — you guide and protect them.
This hierarchy creates strong bonds and lifelong loyalty. Even years later, a 선배-후배 relationship lasts! You often hear this in K-dramas. 📺
A: 가족이 몇 명이에요?
(ga-jok-i myeot myeong-i-e-yo?) — How many people are in your family?
B: 네 명이에요. 아버지, 어머니, 언니, 그리고 저요.
(ne myeong-i-e-yo. a-beo-ji, eo-meo-ni, eon-ni, geu-ri-go jeo-yo.) — Four people. Father, mother, older sister, and me.
A: 남자형제는 없어요?
(nam-ja-hyeong-je-neun eobs-eo-yo?) — No brothers?
B: 없어요. 여자만 있어요! 아버지가 좀 힘드세요. 😄
(eobs-eo-yo. yeo-ja-man iss-eo-yo! a-beo-ji-ga jom him-deu-se-yo.) — Nope. Only girls! Dad has it a bit tough. 😄
A: 부모님은 어디 사세요?
(bu-mo-nim-eun eo-di sa-se-yo?) — Where do your parents live?
B: 부산에 사세요. 저는 서울에 혼자 살아요.
(bu-san-e sa-se-yo. jeo-neun seo-ul-e hon-ja sal-a-yo.) — They live in Busan. I live alone in Seoul.
A: 보고 싶겠다! 자주 내려가요?
(bo-go sip-gess-da! ja-ju nae-ryeo-ga-yo?) — You must miss them! Do you go down often?
B: 명절 때마다요. 추석이랑 설날에 꼭 가요!
(myeong-jeol ttae-ma-da-yo. chu-seok-i-rang seol-lal-e kkok ga-yo!) — Every holiday. I always go for Chuseok and Seollal!
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 가족이 몇 명이에요? | ga-jok-i myeot myeong-i-e-yo? | How many are in your family? |
| 형제자매가 있어요? | hyeong-je-ja-mae-ga iss-eo-yo? | Do you have siblings? |
| 외동이에요. | oe-dong-i-e-yo. | I'm an only child. |
| 저는 막내예요. | jeo-neun mang-nae-ye-yo. | I'm the youngest. |
| 저는 첫째예요. | jeo-neun cheot-jjae-ye-yo. | I'm the oldest. |
| 부모님 건강하세요? | bu-mo-nim geon-gang-ha-se-yo? | Are your parents healthy? |
| 결혼했어요? | gyeol-hon-haess-eo-yo? | Are you married? |
| 아직 미혼이에요. | a-jik mi-hon-i-e-yo. | I'm not married yet. |
1. How many people are in your family? 2. Do you have siblings?
3. I'm the youngest. 4. I live alone in Seoul.
5. Are you married? 6. I'm not married yet.
정답: 1. 가족이 몇 명이에요? 2. 형제자매가 있어요? 3. 저는 막내예요. 4. 서울에 혼자 살아요. 5. 결혼했어요? 6. 아직 미혼이에요.
Your character is a female. How do you address these people?
1. Your father's father 2. Your older brother 3. Your older sister
4. Your mother's sister 5. A slightly older male friend you're close to
정답: 1. 할아버지 2. 오빠 (female speaker!) 3. 언니 4. 이모 5. 오빠
날씨 & 계절 · nal-ssi & gye-jeol · Korea's 4 Distinct Seasons!
1월 (il-wol) = January | 2월 (i-wol) = February | 3월 (sam-wol) = March
Exception: 6월 = 유월 (yu-wol) · 10월 = 시월 (si-wol) — these drop the ㄱ/ㅂ!
| Month | 한글 | 발음 | Month | 한글 | 발음 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1월 | il-wol | July | 7월 | chil-wol |
| February | 2월 | i-wol | August | 8월 | pal-wol |
| March | 3월 | sam-wol | September | 9월 | gu-wol |
| April | 4월 | sa-wol | October | 10월 ⚠️ | si-wol |
| May | 5월 | o-wol | November | 11월 | si-bil-wol |
| June ⚠️ | 6월 | yu-wol | December | 12월 | si-bi-wol |
Match the emoji to the Korean:
1. 🌧️ 2. ❄️ 3. 🥵 4. ☀️ 5. 🌬️
a) 맑아요 b) 더워요 c) 비가 와요 d) 눈이 와요 e) 바람이 불어요
정답: 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a, 5-e
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 오늘 몇 도예요? | o-neul myeot do-ye-yo? | What is the temperature today? |
| 영하 10도예요. | yeong-ha sip do-ye-yo. | It's minus 10 degrees. |
| 영상 25도예요. | yeong-sang i-sip-o do-ye-yo. | It's 25 degrees above zero. |
| 날씨 예보가 어때요? | nal-ssi ye-bo-ga eo-ttae-yo? | What's the weather forecast? |
| 내일 비가 올 것 같아요. | nae-il bi-ga ol geot ga-ta-yo. | I think it will rain tomorrow. |
A: 오늘 날씨 어때요?
(o-neul nal-ssi eo-ttae-yo?) — How's the weather today?
B: 아직 흐린데 나중에 비가 온대요.
(a-jik heu-rin-de na-jung-e bi-ga on-dae-yo.) — Still cloudy, but they say it'll rain later.
A: 진짜요? 우산 가져가야겠다!
(jin-jja-yo? u-san ga-jyeo-ga-ya-gess-da!) — Really? I should take an umbrella!
B: 맞아요. 요즘 날씨가 너무 변덕스러워요.
(maj-a-yo. yo-jeum nal-ssi-ga neo-mu byeon-deok-seu-reo-wo-yo.) — Right. The weather has been so unpredictable lately.
A: 그래도 가을이 오니까 선선해서 좋아요!
(geu-rae-do ga-eu-ri o-ni-kka seon-seon-hae-seo jo-a-yo!) — Still, with autumn coming, it's nice and cool!
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 오늘 날씨 어때요? | o-neul nal-ssi eo-ttae-yo? | How's the weather today? |
| 날씨가 좋네요! | nal-ssi-ga jon-ne-yo! | What nice weather! |
| 날씨가 너무 더워요. | nal-ssi-ga neo-mu deo-wo-yo. | The weather is too hot. |
| 오늘 많이 춥네요. | o-neul man-i chum-ne-yo. | It's very cold today. |
| 비가 곧 올 것 같아요. | bi-ga got ol geot ga-ta-yo. | It looks like it will rain soon. |
| 우산 가져가세요! | u-san ga-jyeo-ga-se-yo! | Take an umbrella! |
| 한국 여름은 정말 습해요. | han-guk yeo-reum-eun jeong-mal seu-pae-yo. | Korean summers are really humid. |
| 벚꽃이 피었어요! | beot-kkot-i pi-eoss-eo-yo! | The cherry blossoms have bloomed! |
1. What month is cherry blossom season? (hint: 봄) 2. Which season is 장마 (rainy season)?
3. How do you say "It's snowing"? 4. Watch out — how do you say June and October?
5. How do you say "Take an umbrella!"?
정답: 1. 3월~4월 (March~April) 2. 여름 (summer) 3. 눈이 와요 4. 유월(6월) / 시월(10월) 5. 우산 가져가세요!
Translate into Korean:
1. It's warm and sunny today! 2. Korean winters are very cold.
3. I think it will rain tomorrow. 4. What is the temperature today?
5. The cherry blossoms have bloomed!
정답:
1. 오늘은 따뜻하고 맑아요!
2. 한국 겨울은 정말 추워요.
3. 내일 비가 올 것 같아요.
4. 오늘 몇 도예요?
5. 벚꽃이 피었어요!
한국 명절 & 문화 · han-guk myeong-jeol & mun-hwa · Experience the Real Korea!
| Occasion | 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunar New Year | 새해 복 많이 받으세요 | sae-hae bok man-i ba-deu-se-yo | Happy New Year! (lit: Receive lots of blessings) |
| Chuseok | 즐거운 추석 되세요 | jeul-geo-un chu-seok doe-se-yo | Have a joyful Chuseok! |
| Birthday | 생일 축하해요! | saeng-il chuk-ha-hae-yo! | Happy Birthday! |
| Congratulations | 축하해요! | chuk-ha-hae-yo! | Congratulations! |
| Merry Christmas | 메리 크리스마스! | me-ri keu-ri-seu-ma-seu! | Merry Christmas! |
| Before eating | 잘 먹겠습니다 | jal meok-gess-seum-ni-da | I will eat well (said before meals) |
| After eating | 잘 먹었습니다 | jal meog-eoss-seum-ni-da | I ate well (said after meals) |
1. You bow to grandparents and get money in an envelope → ___
2. You eat 송편 and watch the full moon in autumn → ___
3. You give Pepero snack sticks on 11/11 → ___
4. You give carnations to your parents on May 8th → ___
정답: 1. 설날 2. 추석 3. 빼빼로 데이 4. 어버이날
The ability to read the room — sensing others' feelings and the situation without being told. High 눈치 = socially intelligent. Low 눈치 = oblivious.
"눈치 없어!" (nun-chi eobs-eo!) — You have no social awareness!
Deep emotional bond — affection that builds over time between people. It's more than love or friendship. You feel 정 for people you've shared experiences with for a long time.
"정이 들었어요." (jeong-i deu-reoss-eo-yo.) — I've grown attached.
"Hurry hurry!" — Korea's famous speed culture. Everything is fast: delivery in 1 hour, internet fastest in the world, same-day service everywhere!
"빨리빨리!" — Faster! Hurry up!
Company/team dinner — a Korean workplace tradition where colleagues eat and drink together after work. Refusing can be awkward. Very important for team bonding!
"오늘 회식 있어요." (o-neul hoe-sik iss-eo-yo.) — We have team dinner tonight.
PC café — a cultural institution! Koreans go to PC방 to play online games, watch content, and hang out. Open 24/7, fast computers, food available inside.
"PC방 갈래요?" (pi-si-bang gal-lae-yo?) — Want to go to a PC café?
Korean sauna/spa — open 24 hours, with hot rooms, cold rooms, sleeping areas, and food. Families go together. The perfect place after a long day!
"찜질방 가고 싶어요!" — I want to go to a jjimjilbang!
| Birthday | 한글 | 발음 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100th day | 백일 | baek-il | Celebrated because infant mortality was historically high — 100 days = survived! |
| 1st birthday | 돌잔치 | dol-jan-chi | Baby grabs objects to predict their future career — 돌잡이 ceremony! 🎯 |
| 60th birthday | 환갑 | hwan-gap | Completion of the 60-year zodiac cycle — huge celebration with family! |
아버지: 자, 세배하자!
(ja, se-bae-ha-ja!) — Alright, let's do the New Year bow!
아이: 할아버지, 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (bows deeply)
(hal-a-beo-ji, sae-hae bok man-i ba-deu-se-yo!) — Grandfather, Happy New Year!
할아버지: 그래, 올해도 건강하고 공부 잘 해라!
(geu-rae, ol-hae-do geon-gang-ha-go gong-bu jal hae-ra!) — Good, stay healthy this year and study hard!
아이: 세뱃돈 주세요! 😄
(se-baet-don ju-se-yo!) — Please give me the New Year's money! 😄
할아버지: 하하! 여기 있다. 맛있는 떡국도 먹어라!
(ha-ha! yeo-gi it-da. mas-in-neun tteok-guk-do meog-eo-ra!) — Haha! Here you go. Eat the delicious tteokguk too!
1. What is 눈치? 2. What do you say before eating a meal?
3. What is 회식? 4. What do Koreans eat on Seollal?
5. Say "Happy Birthday!" in Korean.
정답: 1. The ability to read the room / social awareness 2. 잘 먹겠습니다 3. Company/team dinner after work 4. 떡국 (rice cake soup) 5. 생일 축하해요!
True or False?
1. 추석 is celebrated in spring. (T/F)
2. On 설날, children bow to elders and receive 세뱃돈. (T/F)
3. 빠리빠리 means "slowly, slowly." (T/F)
4. 어린이날 is May 5th — Children's Day. (T/F)
5. 정 (jeong) is a deep emotional bond that grows over time. (T/F)
정답: 1. F (autumn!) 2. T 3. F (hurry hurry!) 4. T 5. T
형용사 · hyeong-yong-sa · Color Your Korean with Description!
Subject + Adjective + 요
저 사람은 예뻐요.
That person is pretty.
한국어는 재미있어요.
Korean is interesting.
Adjective stem + ㄴ/은 + Noun
예쁜 사람 (yep-peun sa-ram)
a pretty person
재미있는 책 (jae-mi-in-neun chaek)
an interesting book
Fill in the correct adjective:
1. That person is very handsome → 저 사람은 정말 ___.
2. This bag is very heavy → 이 가방은 너무 ___.
3. My little sister is cute → 내 여동생은 ___.
4. She is kind and smart → 그녀는 ___ 고 ___.
정답: 1. 잘생겼어요 2. 무거워요 3. 귀여워요 4. 친절하 / 똑똑해요
| 한글 ➕ | 발음 | English | 한글 ➖ | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 좋아요 | jo-a-yo | good | 나빠요 | na-ppa-yo | bad |
| 빨라요 | ppal-la-yo | fast | 느려요 | neu-ryeo-yo | slow |
| 비싸요 | bi-ssa-yo | expensive | 싸요 | ssa-yo | cheap |
| 쉬워요 | swi-wo-yo | easy | 어려워요 | eo-ryeo-wo-yo | difficult |
| 재미있어요 | jae-mi-iss-eo-yo | fun / interesting | 지루해요 | ji-ru-hae-yo | boring |
| 새로워요 | sae-ro-wo-yo | new | 오래됐어요 | o-rae-dwaess-eo-yo | old |
| 깨끗해요 | kkae-kkeu-tae-yo | clean | 더러워요 | deo-reo-wo-yo | dirty |
| 조용해요 | jo-yong-hae-yo | quiet | 시끄러워요 | si-kkeu-reo-wo-yo | noisy/loud |
| 가까워요 | ga-kka-wo-yo | close / near | 멀어요 | meol-eo-yo | far |
| 많아요 | man-a-yo | many / a lot | 적어요 | jeog-eo-yo | few / little |
| 한글 | 발음 | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 매우 / 아주 | mae-u / a-ju | very | 매우 맛있어요 |
| 너무 | neo-mu | too / so (strong) | 너무 비싸요 |
| 좀 / 조금 | jom / jo-geum | a little / somewhat | 좀 어려워요 |
| 정말 | jeong-mal | really / truly | 정말 귀여워요! |
| 진짜 | jin-jja | really (casual) | 진짜 멋있어요! |
| 별로 | byeol-lo | not really / not that | 별로 안 좋아요 |
| 엄청 | eom-cheong | extremely / insanely | 엄청 재미있어요! |
A: 새 선생님 어때요?
(sae seon-saeng-nim eo-ttae-yo?) — How is the new teacher?
B: 정말 친절하고 재미있어요! 수업도 전혀 지루하지 않아요.
(jeong-mal chin-jeol-ha-go jae-mi-iss-eo-yo! su-eob-do jeon-hyeo ji-ru-ha-ji an-a-yo.) — Really kind and fun! The class is not boring at all.
A: 외모는요?
(oe-mo-neun-yo?) — What about their appearance?
B: 키가 크고 멋있어요. 그리고 목소리가 엄청 좋아요!
(ki-ga keu-go meoss-iss-eo-yo. geu-ri-go mok-so-ri-ga eom-cheong jo-a-yo!) — Tall and stylish. And has an incredibly nice voice!
A: 와, 완벽한 선생님이네요! 😄
(wa, wan-byeok-han seon-saeng-nim-i-ne-yo!) — Wow, a perfect teacher! 😄
Give the opposite adjective:
1. 비싸요 (expensive) → ___ 2. 빨라요 (fast) → ___
3. 재미있어요 (fun) → ___ 4. 깨끗해요 (clean) → ___
5. 쉬워요 (easy) → ___ 6. 가까워요 (close) → ___
정답: 1. 싸요 2. 느려요 3. 지루해요 4. 더러워요 5. 어려워요 6. 멀어요
Make full sentences:
1. Korean food is really delicious! 2. This problem is a little difficult.
3. My friend is kind and outgoing. 4. The hotel room is clean but small.
5. That movie was not boring at all!
정답:
1. 한국 음식은 정말 맛있어요!
2. 이 문제는 좀 어려워요.
3. 제 친구는 친절하고 활발해요.
4. 호텔 방은 깨끗한데 작아요.
5. 그 영화는 전혀 지루하지 않았어요!
신체 & 건강 · sin-che & geon-gang · Essential for Every Traveler!
[Body part] + 이/가 아파요
(i/ga a-pa-yo) = ___ hurts / ___ is in pain
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 머리가 아파요. | meo-ri-ga a-pa-yo. | My head hurts. (headache) |
| 배가 아파요. | bae-ga a-pa-yo. | My stomach hurts. |
| 목이 아파요. | mok-i a-pa-yo. | My throat hurts. |
| 허리가 아파요. | heo-ri-ga a-pa-yo. | My back hurts. |
| 이가 아파요. | i-ga a-pa-yo. | My tooth hurts. |
| 눈이 아파요. | nun-i a-pa-yo. | My eye hurts. |
| 온몸이 아파요. | on-mom-i a-pa-yo. | My whole body hurts. |
Translate into Korean:
1. My stomach hurts. 2. I have a fever. 3. My whole body hurts.
4. I feel dizzy. 5. I'm coughing. 6. My back hurts.
정답: 1. 배가 아파요. 2. 열이 나요. 3. 온몸이 아파요. 4. 어지러워요. 5. 기침이 나요. 6. 허리가 아파요.
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 약국이 어디예요? | yak-guk-i eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the pharmacy? |
| 두통약 주세요. | du-tong-yak ju-se-yo. | Please give me headache medicine. |
| 소화제 있어요? | so-hwa-je iss-eo-yo? | Do you have antacid / digestive medicine? |
| 이 약은 어떻게 먹어요? | i yak-eun eo-tteo-ke meog-eo-yo? | How do I take this medicine? |
| 하루에 세 번 드세요. | ha-ru-e se beon deu-se-yo. | Take it three times a day. |
| 이 약에 알레르기가 있어요. | i yak-e al-le-reu-gi-ga iss-eo-yo. | I'm allergic to this medicine. |
| 처방전이 필요해요? | cheo-bang-jeon-i pi-ryo-hae-yo? | Is a prescription needed? |
| 밴드 주세요. | baen-deu ju-se-yo. | Please give me a Band-Aid. |
의사: 어디가 불편하세요?
(eo-di-ga bul-pyeon-ha-se-yo?) — Where are you uncomfortable? / What's wrong?
환자: 어제부터 목이 아프고 열이 나요.
(eo-je-bu-teo mok-i a-peu-go yeol-i na-yo.) — Since yesterday my throat hurts and I have a fever.
의사: 기침도 해요?
(gi-chim-do hae-yo?) — Are you coughing too?
환자: 네, 조금요. 그리고 온몸이 쑤셔요.
(ne, jo-geum-yo. geu-ri-go on-mom-i ssu-syeo-yo.) — Yes, a little. And my whole body aches.
의사: 감기 같네요. 약 드릴게요. 푹 쉬세요!
(gam-gi gat-ne-yo. yak deu-ril-ge-yo. puk swi-se-yo!) — Looks like a cold. I'll give you medicine. Please rest well!
환자: 감사합니다. 약은 어떻게 먹어요?
(gam-sa-ham-ni-da. yak-eun eo-tteo-ke meog-eo-yo?) — Thank you. How do I take the medicine?
의사: 하루 세 번, 식후에 드세요.
(ha-ru se beon, sik-hu-e deu-se-yo.) — Three times a day, after meals.
1. How do you ask "Where is the pharmacy?"
2. The doctor says to take medicine 3x a day after meals. How?
3. How do you say "I'm allergic to this"?
4. The doctor says "rest well" — what Korean phrase?
정답: 1. 약국이 어디예요? 2. 하루 세 번, 식후에 드세요. 3. 이 약에 알레르기가 있어요. 4. 푹 쉬세요!
Say it in Korean:
1. My head hurts. 2. I have a fever and a cough. 3. Where is the hospital?
4. I feel dizzy and nauseous. 5. Please give me headache medicine.
정답:
1. 머리가 아파요.
2. 열이 나고 기침이 나요.
3. 병원이 어디예요?
4. 어지럽고 토할 것 같아요.
5. 두통약 주세요.
K팝 & 한국 엔터테인먼트 · K-pop & han-guk en-teo-tein-meon-teu · Ride the Korean Wave!
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 최애 | choe-ae | Favorite member / ultimate bias |
| 최애 그룹 | choe-ae geu-rup | Favorite group / ultimate bias group |
| 직캠 | jik-kaem | Fancam (focused video of one member) |
| 굿즈 | gut-jeu | Merchandise / goods |
| 포토카드 | po-to-ka-deu | Photocard (idol trading card) |
| 팬사인회 | paen-sa-in-hoe | Fan signing event |
| 응원봉 | eung-won-bong | Light stick (official fan lightstick) |
| 사생팬 | sa-saeng-paen | Sasaeng (overly obsessive fan) |
| 한글 | 발음 | English / Context |
|---|---|---|
| 나 너 좋아해. | na neo jo-a-hae. | I like you. (confession!) |
| 내가 지켜줄게. | nae-ga ji-kyeo-jul-ge. | I'll protect you. (hero moment!) |
| 이게 다 무슨 일이야! | i-ge da mu-seun il-i-ya! | What is all of this! (shocked!) |
| 나한테 왜 이래요? | na-han-te wae i-rae-yo? | Why are you doing this to me? |
| 보고 싶었어. | bo-go sip-eoss-eo. | I missed you. (reunion scene!) |
| 잡지마. 가지마. | jap-ji-ma. ga-ji-ma. | Don't hold me. Don't go. (tearful!) |
| 우리 사귀는 거야? | u-ri sa-gwi-neun geo-ya? | Are we dating? (the moment!) |
| 사랑해. | sa-rang-hae. | I love you. ❤️ |
| 한글 / 줄임말 | 발음 | Full form / Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ㅋㅋㅋ | kk-kk-kk | hahaha (Korean "lol" — ㅋ = "keu" laugh sound) |
| ㅎㅎㅎ | hh-hh-hh | hehe (softer laugh) |
| ㅠㅠ / ㅜㅜ | crying | crying emoticon (looks like tears falling down) |
| ㄱㄱ | go-go | 고고 = let's go! / do it! |
| ㄴㄴ | no-no | 노노 = no no / nope |
| ㅇㅇ | eung-eung | 응응 = yeah yeah / ok |
| 대박 | dae-bak | Awesome! / No way! / Jackpot! |
| 헐 | heol | OMG / Wow / No way (shocked) |
| 존잘 / 존예 | jon-jal / jon-ye | Super handsome / Super pretty (강조어 + 잘생기다/예쁘다) |
| 취향저격 | chwi-hyang-jeo-gyeok | My exact type! (hits my taste perfectly!) |
| 인생샷 | in-saeng-syat | Best photo of your life (life shot) |
| 맞팔 | mat-pal | Mutual follow (on Instagram etc.) |
1. What is 최애? 2. What is 컴백 in K-pop? 3. What does ㅋㅋㅋ mean?
4. What is 정주행? 5. What is 안무?
정답: 1. Your ultimate bias/favorite 2. A new album/song release 3. Hahaha (laughing) 4. Binge-watching from ep.1 5. Choreography
A: 왜 나한테 이렇게 잘해줘?
(wae na-han-te i-reo-ke jal-hae-jwo?) — Why are you so nice to me?
B: ...나 너 좋아하니까.
(...na neo jo-a-ha-ni-kka.) — ...Because I like you.
A: 갑자기 그게 무슨 말이야?
(gap-ja-gi geu-ge mu-seun ma-ri-ya?) — What are you suddenly saying?
B: 계속 보고 싶어. 네 옆에 있고 싶어.
(gye-sok bo-go sip-eo. ne yeop-e it-go sip-eo.) — I keep wanting to see you. I want to be by your side.
A: ...나도.
(...na-do.) — ...Me too.
🎵 Dramatic OST plays... ♬
What do these mean?
1. ㅠㅠ 2. 대박! 3. 취향저격 4. 인생샷 5. ㄱㄱ
정답: 1. crying 2. Amazing! / No way! 3. Exactly my type! 4. Best photo of your life 5. Let's go!
Translate the K-drama lines into English:
1. 나 너 좋아해. 2. 보고 싶었어.
3. 내가 지켜줄게. 4. 사랑해.
5. 가지마.
정답: 1. I like you. 2. I missed you. 3. I'll protect you. 4. I love you. 5. Don't go.
취미 & 여가 · chwi-mi & yeo-ga · Talk About What You Love!
| Pattern | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| 취미가 뭐예요? | 취미가 뭐예요? | What's your hobby? |
| ~을/를 좋아해요 | 독서를 좋아해요 | I like reading |
| ~을/를 즐겨요 | 여행을 즐겨요 | I enjoy traveling |
| ~하는 것을 좋아해요 | 요리하는 것을 좋아해요 | I like cooking (doing it) |
| ~에 관심이 있어요 | 사진에 관심이 있어요 | I'm interested in photography |
| ~을/를 배우고 싶어요 | 기타를 배우고 싶어요 | I want to learn guitar |
⚾ 야구 (baseball) is hugely popular — Korean baseball games are incredibly fun with cheerleaders, songs, and fried chicken in the stands!
🧗 등산 (hiking) is a national pastime — Korea has beautiful mountains everywhere. Elders in full hiking gear on a Tuesday morning is totally normal!
🥋 태권도 was born in Korea and is now an Olympic sport. Many Koreans practice it from childhood!
Translate into Korean:
1. I like reading. 2. I enjoy traveling. 3. I want to learn guitar.
4. I'm interested in photography. 5. What's your hobby?
정답: 1. 독서를 좋아해요. 2. 여행을 즐겨요. 3. 기타를 배우고 싶어요. 4. 사진에 관심이 있어요. 5. 취미가 뭐예요?
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 넷플릭스 봐요 | net-peul-lik-seu bwa-yo | I watch Netflix |
| 카페에서 공부해요 | ka-pe-e-seo gong-bu-hae-yo | I study at a café |
| 친구들이랑 놀아요 | chin-gu-deul-i-rang nol-a-yo | I hang out with friends |
| 집에서 쉬어요 | jib-e-seo swi-eo-yo | I rest at home |
| 쇼핑해요 | syo-ping-hae-yo | I go shopping |
| 산책해요 | san-chaek-ae-yo | I go for a walk |
| 노래방 가요 | no-rae-bang ga-yo | I go to norebang (karaoke) |
| 유튜브 봐요 | yu-tyu-beu bwa-yo | I watch YouTube |
Norebang (노래방 · no-rae-bang) = private karaoke room. You rent a room with friends, order snacks and drinks, and sing your heart out! It's NOT a public stage — just you and your crew. Essential Korean experience! 🎵
노래방 가자! (no-rae-bang ga-ja!) — Let's go to norebang!
한 곡 더! (han gok deo!) — One more song!
목이 터지도록! (mok-i teo-ji-do-rok!) — Until your throat gives out!
A: 취미가 뭐예요?
(chwi-mi-ga mwo-ye-yo?) — What's your hobby?
B: 저는 등산이랑 사진 찍는 거 좋아해요. 주말마다 산에 가요!
(jeo-neun deung-san-i-rang sa-jin jjik-neun geo jo-a-hae-yo. ju-mal-ma-da san-e ga-yo!) — I like hiking and photography. I go to the mountains every weekend!
A: 와, 멋있다! 저는 운동을 잘 못해요. 주로 집에서 게임해요. ㅋㅋ
(wa, meoss-it-da! jeo-neun un-dong-eul jal mot-ae-yo. ju-ro jib-e-seo ge-im-hae-yo. kk) — Wow, cool! I'm not good at sports. I mostly play games at home. lol
B: 어떤 게임 해요?
(eo-tteon ge-im hae-yo?) — What games do you play?
A: 롤이요! 한국 서버에서 해요. 실력이 별로지만 재미있어요!
(rol-i-yo! han-guk seo-beo-e-seo hae-yo. sil-lyeok-i byeol-lo-ji-man jae-mi-iss-eo-yo!) — LoL! I play on the Korean server. I'm not great but it's fun!
B: 오, 그럼 이번 주말에 같이 노래방 갈래요?
(o, geu-reom i-beon ju-mal-e ga-chi no-rae-bang gal-lae-yo?) — Oh then, want to go to norebang together this weekend?
A: 당연하죠! 취향저격이에요! 😄
(dang-yeon-ha-jyo! chwi-hyang-jeo-gyeok-i-e-yo!) — Of course! That's totally my thing! 😄
What do these mean?
1. 등산 2. 노래방 가요 3. 산책해요 4. 친구들이랑 놀아요 5. 태권도
정답: 1. hiking 2. I go to norebang (karaoke) 3. I go for a walk 4. I hang out with friends 5. taekwondo
Answer in Korean about yourself:
1. 취미가 뭐예요? (What is your hobby?)
2. 주말에 보통 뭐 해요? (What do you usually do on weekends?)
3. 배우고 싶은 것이 있어요? (Is there something you want to learn?)
4. 노래방에 가본 적 있어요? (Have you ever been to norebang?)
예시 답: 1. 저는 독서를 좋아해요. 2. 친구들이랑 카페에 가요. 3. 한국어를 배우고 싶어요! 4. 아직 없어요, 가고 싶어요!
직장 & 학교 · jik-jang & hak-gyo · Thrive in Korean Professional & Academic Life!
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 직업이 뭐예요? | jik-eob-i mwo-ye-yo? | What is your job? |
| 어디서 일해요? | eo-di-seo il-hae-yo? | Where do you work? |
| 저는 회사원이에요. | jeo-neun hoe-sa-won-i-e-yo. | I'm an office worker. |
| 회의가 있어요. | hoe-ui-ga iss-eo-yo. | I have a meeting. |
| 야근해요. | ya-geun-hae-yo. | I'm working overtime / late night. |
| 퇴근했어요. | toe-geun-haess-eo-yo. | I've finished work / clocked out. |
| 출근해요. | chul-geun-hae-yo. | I'm going to work / starting work. |
| 월급이 얼마예요? | wol-geub-i eol-ma-ye-yo? | What is your monthly salary? |
| 이직하고 싶어요. | i-jik-ha-go sip-eo-yo. | I want to change jobs. |
| 취업 준비 중이에요. | chwi-eob jun-bi jung-i-e-yo. | I'm preparing for job hunting. |
👔 직급 (jik-geup) — job title/rank matters deeply. Always address senior colleagues with their title: 팀장님, 부장님, 대리님
🍻 회식 (hoe-sik) — mandatory team dinner/drinking after work. Very important for team bonding — hard to skip!
⏰ 야근 (ya-geun) — working late is common and often expected. Leaving on time can raise eyebrows!
☕ 점심 (jeom-sim) — lunch together as a team. Koreans rarely eat alone at the office. Food = bonding!
Match the job to the Korean:
1. 의사 2. 선생님 3. 개발자 4. 변호사 5. 가수
a) singer b) lawyer c) teacher d) doctor e) developer
정답: 1-d, 2-c, 3-e, 4-b, 5-a
After regular school, most Korean students go to 학원 (private academies) for extra study — English, math, music, sports... Korean students often study until 10–11pm! This intense education culture is called 교육열 (gyo-yung-yeol) — "education fever."
학원 다녀요? (hak-won da-nyeo-yo?) — Do you go to a hagwon?
수능 준비 중이에요. (su-neung jun-bi jung-i-e-yo.) — I'm preparing for the CSAT (college entrance exam).
A: 요즘 어떻게 지내요?
(yo-jeum eo-tteo-ke ji-nae-yo?) — How have you been lately?
B: 바빠요! 요즘 야근이 너무 많아요. 거의 매일 밤 10시에 퇴근해요.
(ba-ppa-yo! yo-jeum ya-geun-i neo-mu man-a-yo. geo-ui mae-il bam sip-si-e toe-geun-hae-yo.) — I'm busy! I've been working overtime a lot lately. I clock out at 10pm almost every night.
A: 헐, 힘들겠다. 이직 생각 없어요?
(heol, him-deul-gess-da. i-jik saeng-gak eobs-eo-yo?) — Wow, that must be tough. Are you thinking about changing jobs?
B: 있어요! 요즘 이직 준비하고 있어요. 포트폴리오 만들고 있어요.
(iss-eo-yo! yo-jeum i-jik jun-bi-ha-go iss-eo-yo. po-teu-pol-li-o man-deul-go iss-eo-yo.) — I am! I'm preparing to change jobs now. I'm building a portfolio.
A: 파이팅! 잘 될 거예요!
(pa-i-ting! jal doel geo-ye-yo!) — Fighting! It'll work out!
| 한글 | 발음 | English | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 파이팅! | pa-i-ting! | Fighting! / You got this! | Encouraging someone |
| 수고했어요! | su-go-haess-eo-yo! | Good work! / You worked hard! | After completing work |
| 열심히 할게요! | yeol-sim-hi hal-ge-yo! | I'll do my best! | Starting a task |
| 잘 모르겠어요. | jal mo-reu-gess-eo-yo. | I'm not sure / I don't know well. | When unsure at work/school |
| 도와줄 수 있어요? | do-wa-jul su iss-eo-yo? | Can you help me? | Asking for help |
| 언제까지예요? | eon-je-kka-ji-ye-yo? | What's the deadline? | Work / assignments |
| 시험 잘 봤어요? | si-heom jal bwass-eo-yo? | Did you do well on the exam? | After a test |
| 결석했어요. | gyeol-seok-ae-ss-eo-yo. | I was absent. | Missing class |
Translate into Korean:
1. I have a meeting. 2. I'm working overtime. 3. What is your job?
4. I'll do my best! 5. What's the deadline? 6. Good work today!
정답: 1. 회의가 있어요. 2. 야근해요. 3. 직업이 뭐예요? 4. 열심히 할게요! 5. 언제까지예요? 6. 오늘 수고했어요!
Fill in the blank:
1. 저는 ___이에요. (I am an office worker.)
2. 오늘 ___ 이 있어요. (I have a meeting today.)
3. 시험 공부 열심히 ___! (Study hard for the exam — You got this!)
4. 내일까지 ___ 를 해야 해요. (I have to do homework by tomorrow.)
5. 오늘도 ___ 했어요! (Good work today!)
정답: 1. 회사원 2. 회의 3. 파이팅 4. 숙제 5. 수고
사랑 & 연애 · sa-rang & yeon-ae · The Language of the Heart!
| 한글 | 발음 | English | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 좋아해요. | jo-a-hae-yo. | I like you. (early feelings) | 💛 Mild |
| 많이 좋아해요. | man-i jo-a-hae-yo. | I really like you a lot. | 💛💛 Growing |
| 사랑해요. | sa-rang-hae-yo. | I love you. (formal/polite) | ❤️ Deep love |
| 사랑해. | sa-rang-hae. | I love you. (casual/intimate) | ❤️ Intimate |
| 보고 싶어요. | bo-go sip-eo-yo. | I miss you. | 💜 Longing |
| 내 곁에 있어줘. | nae gyeot-e iss-eo-jwo. | Stay by my side. | 💜 Deep |
| 우리 사귈래요? | u-ri sa-gwil-lae-yo? | Will you go out with me? | 💕 Confession |
| 나만 바라봐. | na-man ba-ra-bwa. | Look only at me. (K-drama classic!) | 🎬 Dramatic |
| 행복해요. | haeng-bok-hae-yo. | I'm happy. (with you) | 😊 Warm |
| 평생 함께해요. | pyeong-saeng ham-kke-hae-yo. | Let's be together forever. | 💍 Eternal |
Koreans celebrate the 100th day of dating — not just 1 year! Couples exchange gifts, eat out, and take photos. It's a milestone!
Couples wear matching outfits! Matching T-shirts, sneakers, rings — it's super popular and considered adorable in Korea! 👫
Feb 14: Girls give chocolate to boys. March 14 (White Day): Boys return the favor with candy! And April 14 (Black Day): Singles eat black noodles (짜장면) together! 🖤
KakaoTalk is THE messaging app in Korea. Couples chat on 카톡 constantly! Not replying quickly = danger zone. "읽씹" (read but no reply) = very bad sign! 😱
Translate into Korean:
1. I like you. 2. I love you. (casual) 3. I miss you.
4. Will you go out with me? 5. Your smile is beautiful.
정답: 1. 좋아해요. 2. 사랑해. 3. 보고 싶어요. 4. 우리 사귈래요? 5. 웃음이 예뻐요.
A: 저… 할 말이 있어요.
(jeo... hal mal-i iss-eo-yo.) — Um... I have something to say.
B: 뭐예요? 갑자기 왜 이렇게 떨려요?
(mwo-ye-yo? gap-ja-gi wae i-reo-ke tteol-lyeo-yo?) — What is it? Why am I suddenly nervous?
A: 사실… 많이 좋아해요. 처음 봤을 때부터요.
(sa-sil... man-i jo-a-hae-yo. cheo-eum bwass-eul ttae-bu-teo-yo.) — Actually... I really like you. Since the first time I saw you.
B: …저도요. 설레었어요. 우리 사귀어요.
(...jeo-do-yo. seol-le-eoss-eo-yo. u-ri sa-gwi-eo-yo.) — ...Me too. My heart was fluttering. Let's date.
A: 진짜요?! 행복해요! 😍
(jin-jja-yo?! haeng-bok-hae-yo!) — Really?! I'm so happy! 😍
🌸 Cherry blossoms fall gently... ♬
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 우리 헤어져요. | u-ri he-eo-jyeo-yo. | Let's break up. |
| 우리 그냥 친구로 지내요. | u-ri geu-nyang chin-gu-ro ji-nae-yo. | Let's just be friends. |
| 좋은 사람 만나세요. | jo-eun sa-ram man-na-se-yo. | I hope you meet a good person. |
| 많이 힘들었어요. | man-i him-deul-eoss-eo-yo. | It was really hard (emotionally). |
| 시간이 필요해요. | si-gan-i pi-ryo-hae-yo. | I need time. |
1. What is 백일 기념일? 2. What is 커플룩?
3. On White Day (화이트데이), who gives gifts to whom?
4. What does 설레요 mean? 5. What is 읽씹?
정답: 1. 100-day anniversary celebration 2. Matching couple outfits 3. Boys give candy to girls (March 14) 4. My heart flutters / I feel excited/nervous 5. Reading a message but not replying (ghosting)
Translate the romantic lines:
1. 처음 봤을 때부터 좋아했어요.
2. 나만 바라봐.
3. 평생 함께해요.
4. 웃을 때 제일 예뻐요.
5. 우리 사귀어요.
정답:
1. I liked you from the first time I saw you.
2. Look only at me.
3. Let's be together forever.
4. You're most beautiful when you smile.
5. Let's date.
한국 여행 · han-guk yeo-haeng · From Seoul to Jeju — See It All!
Capital city · 경복궁 palace, 명동 shopping, 홍대 nightlife, 한강 river parks
2nd largest city · 해운대 beach, seafood markets, colorful 감천 culture village
Ancient capital · UNESCO tombs, 불국사 temple, Korea's history in one city!
Volcanic island · 한라산 mountain, lava tubes, tangerine farms, stunning coastlines
Traditional culture · 한옥마을 (hanok village), 비빔밥 origin city, Joseon Dynasty charm
Gateway to Korea · 인천국제공항 (world's best airport!), Chinatown, island hopping
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 체크인 해주세요. | che-keu-in hae-ju-se-yo. | Please check me in. |
| 예약했어요. | ye-yak-haess-eo-yo. | I have a reservation. |
| 방이 몇 층이에요? | bang-i myeot cheung-i-e-yo? | What floor is the room on? |
| 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요? | wa-i-pa-i bi-mil-beon-ho-ga mwo-ye-yo? | What's the WiFi password? |
| 수건 더 주세요. | su-geon deo ju-se-yo. | Please give me more towels. |
| 방이 너무 추워요 / 더워요. | bang-i neo-mu chu-wo-yo / deo-wo-yo. | The room is too cold / hot. |
| 체크아웃이 몇 시예요? | che-keu-a-ut-i myeot si-ye-yo? | What time is checkout? |
| 짐을 맡겨도 돼요? | jim-eul mat-gyeo-do dwae-yo? | Can I leave my luggage here? |
Match the city to its description:
1. 서울 2. 부산 3. 경주 4. 제주도 5. 전주
a) Volcanic island with 한라산 b) Ancient capital with UNESCO tombs c) Famous for 비빔밥 & 한옥마을 d) Capital with 경복궁 e) Beach city with 해운대
정답: 1-d, 2-e, 3-b, 4-a, 5-c
Near palaces like 경복궁, you can rent a 한복 (traditional Korean clothing) and walk around the palace grounds — it's FREE entry in hanbok! Extremely popular with tourists and locals alike. 📸
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 한복 입어봐도 돼요? | han-bok ib-eo-bwa-do dwae-yo? | Can I try on a hanbok? |
| 사진 찍어도 돼요? | sa-jin jjig-eo-do dwae-yo? | Can I take a photo? |
| 같이 사진 찍어요! | ga-chi sa-jin jjig-eo-yo! | Let's take a photo together! |
| 정말 잘 어울려요! | jeong-mal jal eo-ul-lyeo-yo! | It really suits you! |
A: 이번 주말에 뭐 해요?
(i-beon ju-mal-e mwo hae-yo?) — What are you doing this weekend?
B: 부산 여행 가려고요! 해운대 가보고 싶어요.
(bu-san yeo-haeng ga-ryeo-go-yo! hae-un-dae ga-bo-go sip-eo-yo.) — I'm planning to travel to Busan! I want to visit Haeundae beach.
A: 좋겠다! KTX 타고 가요?
(jo-kess-da! KTX ta-go ga-yo?) — Sounds great! Are you taking the KTX?
B: 네, KTX로 2시간 반이면 돼요. 호텔도 예약했어요!
(ne, KTX-ro du-si-gan ban-i-myeon dwae-yo. ho-tel-do ye-yak-haess-eo-yo!) — Yes, it takes 2.5 hours by KTX. I already booked the hotel!
A: 꼭 자갈치 시장에서 회 먹어봐요! 진짜 맛있어요!
(kkok ja-gal-chi si-jang-e-seo hoe meog-eo-bwa-yo! jin-jja mas-iss-eo-yo!) — Make sure to eat raw fish at Jagalchi Market! It's really delicious!
B: 와, 추천 감사해요! 즐거운 여행 되길 바라요!
(wa, chu-cheon gam-sa-hae-yo! jeul-geo-un yeo-haeng doe-gil ba-ra-yo!) — Wow, thanks for the recommendation! Hope you have a great trip!
| 한글 | 발음 | English |
|---|---|---|
| 여행 잘 다녀오세요! | yeo-haeng jal da-nyeo-o-se-yo! | Have a great trip! |
| 관광지가 어디예요? | gwan-gwang-ji-ga eo-di-ye-yo? | Where are the tourist attractions? |
| 입장료가 얼마예요? | ip-jang-nyo-ga eol-ma-ye-yo? | How much is the admission fee? |
| 지도 있어요? | ji-do iss-eo-yo? | Do you have a map? |
| 사진 찍어 주실 수 있어요? | sa-jin jjig-eo ju-sil su iss-eo-yo? | Could you take a photo for me? |
| 여기 유명한 음식이 뭐예요? | yeo-gi yu-myeong-han eum-sik-i mwo-ye-yo? | What is the famous food here? |
| 길을 잃었어요. | gil-eul il-eoss-eo-yo. | I'm lost. |
| 도와주세요! | do-wa-ju-se-yo! | Please help me! |
Translate into Korean:
1. I have a reservation. 2. What's the WiFi password? 3. I'm lost.
4. Could you take a photo for me? 5. Have a great trip!
정답: 1. 예약했어요. 2. 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요? 3. 길을 잃었어요. 4. 사진 찍어 주실 수 있어요? 5. 여행 잘 다녀오세요!
Answer these travel questions in Korean:
1. 한국에서 어디 가고 싶어요? (Where do you want to go in Korea?)
2. 호텔에서 뭐라고 해요? (What do you say at hotel check-in?)
3. 길을 잃었을 때 뭐라고 해요? (What do you say when you're lost?)
4. 사진을 부탁할 때 뭐라고 해요? (What do you say when asking someone to take your photo?)
예시 답:
1. 제주도에 가고 싶어요! / 서울 경복궁에 가고 싶어요!
2. 안녕하세요, 예약했어요. 체크인 해주세요.
3. 저기요, 길을 잃었어요. 도와주세요!
4. 저기요, 사진 찍어 주실 수 있어요?
Koreans love shortcuts! These appear constantly in chats, comments, and texts:
| 슬랭 | 발음 | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 대박 | dae-bak | Amazing! Jackpot! Wow! | 이거 진짜 대박이야! = This is amazing! |
| 헐 | heol | OMG / No way! | 헐, 진짜? = OMG, really? |
| 짱 | jjang | The best! #1! | 너 진짜 짱이야! = You're the best! |
| 개 + adj | gae | Super / extremely (강조) | 개웃겨! = Freaking hilarious! |
| 핵 + adj | haek | Insanely / nuclear-level | 핵맛있어 = Insanely delicious |
| 존맛 | jon-mat | Incredibly delicious 😋 | 이 치킨 존맛탱! = This chicken is godly! |
| 극공 | geuk-gong | Extreme fan / obsession | 나 BTS 극공이야 = I'm a hardcore BTS fan |
| 갓생 | gat-saeng | God-tier productive life | 갓생 살기 = Living your best life |
| TMI | teu-em-a-i | Too Much Information | TMI인데... = This is TMI but... |
| 취저 | chwi-jeo | My absolute fave / perfect taste | 이 노래 완전 취저야 = This song is totally my type |
| 레전드 | re-jeon-deu | Legendary moment/person | 이 영상 레전드임 = This video is legendary |
| 소확행 | so-hwak-haeng | Small but certain happiness | 커피 한 잔이 나의 소확행 = Coffee is my little joy |
| 워라밸 | wo-ra-bael | Work-Life Balance | 워라밸이 중요해 = Work-life balance matters |
| 빌런 | bil-reon | Villain / strange person | 지하철 빌런 = Subway weirdo |
Koreans shorten everyday words all the time — even in speech!
MZ세대 = Millennials (1981–1996) + Zeneration (1997–2010). They've shaped modern Korean internet culture, slang, and values. Learning their language = unlocking modern Korea! 🇰🇷
| 표현 | 발음 | Meaning & Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| 킹받아 | king-ba-da | Super annoying (킹 = king-level + 열받아 angry) |
| 요즘 것들 | yo-jeum geo-seul | These days' kids (said about Gen Z by older people) |
| 인싸 / 아싸 | in-ssa / a-ssa | Insider (popular) / Outsider (loner) |
| 뇌절 | noe-jeol | Brain cut = taking a joke WAY too far |
| 분위기 파악 못해 | bun-wi-gi pa-ak mot-hae | Can't read the room |
| 텐션 올라간다 | ten-syeon ol-la-gan-da | Getting hyped up! |
| 쩐다 | jjeonda | That's sick! / Insane! (very slang) |
| 레알 | re-al | For real / seriously (from Spanish "real") |
| 꿀잼 / 노잼 | kkul-jaem / no-jaem | Honey fun (super fun) / No fun (boring) |
Here's what Korean texting actually looks like:
민준: 야 오늘 뭐해? ㄱㄱ?
(ya o-neul mwo-hae? gg?) — Hey, what're you up to today? Wanna go?
지아: ㅠㅠ 나 현타 와서 혼밥 중
(uu na hyeon-ta wa-seo hon-bap jung) — ㅠㅠ I'm having a reality check moment, eating alone rn
민준: 헐 ㅠㅠ 대박 상황이다 ㄷㄷ
(heol uu daebak sanghwangida hdhd) — OMG ㅠㅠ That's a crazy situation...
서연: 나도 합류해도 돼? 꿀잼 할 것 같은데 ㅋㅋ
(na-do ham-nyu-hae-do dwae? kkul-jaem hal geot ga-eun-de kk) — Can I join? Sounds super fun lol
지아: ㅇㅇ 당연하지! 아아 한 잔씩 ㄱㄱ
(oo dangyeon-haji! a-a han jan-ssik gg) — Yep, obviously! One iced americano each, let's go!
Fan A: 야 방금 뮤비 봤어? 레전드다 레전드!
(ya bang-geum myubi bwasseo? rejeondeu-da rejeondeu!) — Did you just watch the MV? It's a LEGEND!
Fan B: ㅠㅠ 진짜 대박… 완전 취저야 이 노래
(jinjja daebak… wanjeon chwi-jeo-ya i no-rae) — Really amazing... this song is totally my type ㅠㅠ
Fan A: 맞아 맞아! 나 극공 확정임 ㅋㅋㅋ
(maja maja! na geuk-gong hwak-jeong-im kkk) — Right right! I'm officially a hardcore fan now lol
Match the abbreviation/slang to its meaning:
정답: 1. LOL / haha 2. Amazing! OMG! 3. Crying / sad (TT) 4. Eating alone 5. Two iced americanos, let's go! 6. Super fun!
Translate this chat message into Korean slang:
"OMG, for real?! That's amazing! So fun! Let's go! 😄"
정답 (example): 헐, 레알?! 대박! 꿀잼! ㄱㄱ 😄
Or: 헐 진짜?? 개대박 ㅋㅋㅋ ㄱㄱ!!