Our linguists have also identified one of the major secrets of how to speak Korean: listening to native speakers in a natural setting. Because our brain is wired to absorb the information we hear, our experts made listening an essential part of learning Korean. As a result, during all our lessons you will hear natives speak in Korean clearly, correctly and in context. This way, you will pick up the natural Korean pronunciation of core words effortlessly.
Did you know that learning by doing is the most effective learning method? Practice Korean a little bit every day and you’ll speak like a fluent speaker forever! Start right now with these top 10 most common Korean words and phrases pronounced by native Korean speakers.
First impressions matter. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Learning as much as a simple “hello” in Korean can work wonders in your interactions with the natives. So here’s exactly how to pronounce it:
A polite thing to do next is to ask, "How are you?" Often, it's okay to skip saying hello and just ask about how someone is doing. Here's how you say it in Korean:
When traveling in Korea, you'll likely meet many new people, from the friendly person sitting next to you on the plane to your host or even your taxi driver. To ask them their name, here's the Korean phrase you can use:
Local people usually appreciate when you try to speak their language, seeing it as a gesture of respect for their culture. When you're meeting new people, another useful phrase to know is "nice to meet you." Click to hear how it's pronounced in Korean:
Manners are essential in every culture, and Korea is no exception. In Korean society, politeness and respect are deeply valued, especially in language. Using the right expressions at the right time can greatly influence social interactions. To express "please" in Korean, the equivalent phrase is "제발" (jebal).
Mothers are the best thing that ever happened to us. Not only did they raise us, but they also taught us basic manners like saying “thank you” in the proper contexts. Following their example, here’s how to say “thank you” in Korean:
Regardless of your location, common courtesy is universal. In Korean culture, responding politely is just as important as it is anywhere else. Here's how you would say "you're welcome" in Korean.
We only need 7 seconds to make an impression that may last a lifetime. And sometimes, the only difference between a good impression and a bad one is just a simple “excuse me”. Listen to how it's pronounced in Korean:
Shopping sprees are an essential part of every city break. The vacation isn’t over until you buy souvenirs for each member of your family. So here’s how to ask “how much does it cost?” in Korean:
If you want to maintain the good first impression you managed to make with your flawless Korean greetings and introductions, end the conversation by saying “goodbye” exactly like a native:
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In the world of languages, Korean stands out with its regional dialects, each offering a unique glimpse into Korea's rich cultural tapestry. While the standard Korean, based on the Seoul dialect, is widely taught and understood, the language's regional diversity is a fascinating aspect for learners and linguists alike.
Korea's regional dialects, known as 'saturi', vary across different parts of the Korean Peninsula. These dialects differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and sometimes even grammar. The major dialects include:
Seoul Dialect: This is the standard form of Korean, used in official settings, media, and education. It's considered the most neutral and widely understood dialect in South Korea.
Gyeongsang Dialect: Spoken in the southeastern regions, including cities like Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan, this dialect is known for its distinct intonation and strong accents.
Jeolla Dialect: Originating from the southwestern part of Korea, this dialect is often perceived as soft and musical.
Chungcheong Dialect: Spoken in the central region, it's known for its unique intonation patterns and softer speech.
Jeju Dialect: Perhaps the most distinctive, the Jeju dialect from Jeju Island can sometimes be difficult for even native Korean speakers from other regions to understand.
Despite these regional variations, the standard Seoul dialect remains the lingua franca among Koreans, ensuring mutual understanding across different regions.
Learning conversational Korean can be incredibly rewarding. It enables you to communicate effectively when visiting South Korea and engaging with Korean communities around the world. This ability enhances your travel experiences, opens up opportunities for cultural exchanges, and allows for deeper understanding and appreciation of Korean culture and society.
Wherever your travels may take you, speaking Korean will significantly enhance your experience, particularly when visiting Korea. You'll be able to immerse yourself in the culture like a native, gaining a more authentic and enriching experience in places like South Korea. Understanding Korean allows for deeper engagement with the local people, traditions, and customs, making your journey truly memorable.
Being able to speak Korean increases your employability significantly and makes you stand out from the crowd. This means that you will have better chances of getting a well paid job in the first place, better chances of getting promoted or getting a better job in an Korean speaking country.
Research suggests that learning multiple languages, including Korean, can increase the grey matter in your brain. This implies that adding Korean to your language skills could enhance your cognitive abilities. So why not start learning and give your brain a boost?
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