Discover how to say “what” in Korean and expand your language skills with this comprehensive guide. Learn basic phrases, vocabulary, and expressions to improve your Korean fluency.
Basic Korean Phrases
Greetings
When learning a new language, one of the first things we learn are basic greetings. In Korean culture, greetings are an important part of daily interactions, showing respect and establishing a friendly atmosphere. Here are some common greetings in Korean:
- 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) – This is the most common and formal way to say “hello” in Korean. It is used when greeting someone for the first time or in a formal setting.
- 안녕 (annyeong) – This is a more casual and informal way to say “hello”. It is commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
- 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka) – This is an even more formal and polite way to say “hello”. It is used when speaking to someone of higher status or authority.
Thank You
Expressing gratitude is an important aspect of Korean culture. It is a way to show appreciation and respect to others. Here are a few ways to say “thank you” in Korean:
- 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) – This is the most common and formal way to say “thank you” in Korean. It is used in formal situations or when showing gratitude to someone of higher status.
- 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) – This is a slightly less formal way to say “thank you”. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
- 고마워요 (gomawoyo) – This is a more casual and informal way to say “thank you”. It is commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
Sorry and Excuse Me
In any language, it is important to know how to apologize and ask for forgiveness. Here are some common phrases to express apologies in Korean:
- 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) – This is the most common and formal way to say “sorry” in Korean. It is used in formal situations or when apologizing to someone of higher status.
- 미안합니다 (mianhamnida) – This is a slightly less formal way to say “sorry”. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
- 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) – This is a more casual and informal way to say “sorry”. It is commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
To get someone’s attention or to ask for permission, you can use the phrase “실례합니다” (sillyehamnida), which means “excuse me” in Korean. It is polite and commonly used in various situations.
Yes and No
Knowing how to say “yes” and “no” is essential in any language. In Korean, the words for “yes” and “no” are quite simple:
- 예 (ye) – This is the word for “yes” in Korean. It is pronounced like the English word “yeah”.
- 아니요 (aniyo) – This is the word for “no” in Korean. It is pronounced as “ah-nee-yo”.
Please and You’re Welcome
Being polite and using “please” and “you’re welcome” are important in Korean culture. Here are some common phrases to use:
- 부탁합니다 (butakhamnida) – This is the most common and formal way to say “please” in Korean. It is used when making a request or asking for a favor in a polite manner.
- 제발 (jebal) – This is a more casual and informal way to say “please”. It is commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
To respond to someone’s gratitude, you can say “천만에요” (cheonmaneyo), which means “you’re welcome” in Korean. It is a polite and courteous way to acknowledge someone’s gratitude.
Remember, these are just a few basic Korean phrases to get you started. Practice them and try using them in your daily conversations to improve your language skills.
Asking Questions
Asking questions is an essential skill when learning a new language, and Korean is no exception. In this section, we will explore some common questions that you can use in various situations. Whether you’re asking for directions, inquiring about the price of an item, or seeking assistance, these phrases will come in handy during your Korean language journey.
How to Ask “What is this?”
When you come across an unfamiliar object or want to know the name of something in Korean, you can ask “What is this?” by saying “이게 뭐예요?” (ige mwoyeyo?). This phrase is versatile and can be used in different contexts, such as pointing at an object in a store or when someone shows you something new.
For example:
– If you see a delicious-looking dish at a restaurant and want to know what it is, you can ask the server, “이게 뭐예요?” (ige mwoyeyo?).
– When you visit a friend’s house and see an interesting decoration, you can point at it and ask, “이게 뭐예요?” (ige mwoyeyo?).
Remember to use a polite tone when asking this question, especially if you’re speaking to someone older or in a formal setting.
How to Ask “Where is the bathroom?”
Knowing how to ask for the location of the bathroom is crucial when you’re in a new place. To ask “Where is the bathroom?” in Korean, you can say “화장실이 어디예요?” (hwajangsil-i eodiyeyo?). This phrase will help you navigate your way to the restroom whenever you need it.
For example:
– If you’re at a restaurant and need to use the restroom, you can ask the staff, “화장실이 어디예요?” (hwajangsil-i eodiyeyo?).
– When you’re exploring a new city and have the urge to find a public restroom, you can approach a local and inquire, “화장실이 어디예요?” (hwajangsil-i eodiyeyo?).
It’s important to note that “화장실” (hwajangsil) specifically refers to a bathroom or restroom, so you can use this phrase confidently in any situation where you need to find one.
How to Ask “How much does it cost?”
If you’re out shopping or dining in Korea, you’ll likely want to know the price of items or meals. To ask “How much does it cost?” in Korean, you can say “이거 얼마예요?” (igeo eolmayeyo?). This question will help you gather information about the price before making a purchase.
For example:
– When you’re browsing through clothes at a store and find something you like, you can ask the salesperson, “이거 얼마예요?” (igeo eolmayeyo?).
– If you’re at a street market and want to buy a souvenir, you can inquire about the price by saying, “이거 얼마예요?” (igeo eolmayeyo?).
Using this phrase will show your interest in purchasing the item while also allowing you to make informed decisions based on the price.
How to Ask “Do you speak English?”
As an English speaker, it’s natural to wonder if someone you’re interacting with in Korea can speak English. To ask “Do you speak English?” in Korean, you can say “영어 할 수 있어요?” (yeongeo hal su isseoyo?). This question will help you determine if you can communicate in English or if you need to find alternative ways to communicate.
For example:
– If you’re lost and need directions, you can approach a local and ask, “영어 할 수 있어요?” (yeongeo hal su isseoyo?) to see if they can assist you in English.
– When you’re at a restaurant and want to ask the server a question in English, you can start by asking, “영어 할 수 있어요?” (yeongeo hal su isseoyo?).
It’s important to note that not everyone in Korea speaks English fluently, so it’s always helpful to learn some basic Korean phrases to enhance your communication skills.
How to Ask “Can you help me?”
Whether you’re lost, need assistance with something, or simply want to ask for help, knowing how to ask “Can you help me?” in Korean can be invaluable. To ask this question, you can say “도와주실 수 있어요?” (dowajusil su isseoyo?). This phrase will come in handy in various situations when you need someone’s support or guidance.
For example:
– If you’re struggling to find your way around a new neighborhood, you can approach a passerby and ask, “도와주실 수 있어요?” (dowajusil su isseoyo?).
– When you’re at a store and need assistance from a salesperson, you can politely ask, “도와주실 수 있어요?” (dowajusil su isseoyo?).
Using this phrase will show your respect and appreciation for the person’s willingness to help you.
Learn Korean - Level 1: Introduction to Korean - Volume 1: Lessons 1-25: Introduction to Korean #1Vocabulary for Common Objects
Names of Food
When it comes to Korean cuisine, there are a variety of delicious dishes to explore. Here are some common food names that you should know:
- Kimchi – a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage and radishes.
- Bibimbap – a popular Korean rice dish topped with various vegetables, meat, and a fried egg.
- Bulgogi – thinly sliced marinated beef that is grilled to perfection.
- Japchae – stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat.
- Samgyeopsal – grilled pork belly that is often enjoyed with lettuce wraps.
- Tteokbokki – spicy rice cakes cooked in a flavorful sauce.
- Banchan – a variety of small side dishes that accompany the main course.
Names of Animals
Animals play an important role in our lives and culture. Here are some common animal names in Korean:
- Goyangi – cat
- Gae – dog
- Yeon – bird
- Neoguri – raccoon
- Jjigae – fish
- Gom – bear
- Nokseong – deer
- Ttokki – rabbit
- Sae – bird
Names of Colors
Colors add vibrancy to our world and are an essential part of communication. Here are some color names in Korean:
- Saekki – red
- Norae – yellow
- Nabi – purple
- Paran – blue
- Ppalgan – pink
- Heuk – black
- Hwang – yellow
- Jeo – green
- Keopi – brown
Names of Places
Knowing the names of different places can be helpful when traveling or when you want to give directions. Here are some common place names in Korean:
- Gongwon – park
- Gwan – government office
- Guk – country
- Gyeong – capital city
- Gyo – bridge
- Guseong – palace
- Haeng – station
- Hae – sea
- Hyeop – village
Names of Body Parts
Understanding the names of body parts is useful for describing ailments, giving instructions, or simply talking about ourselves. Here are some body part names in Korean:
- Mom – body
- Bori – head
- Mok – eye
- Gaseum – heart
- Ip – mouth
- Son – hand
- Bal – foot
- Gase – nose
- Eolgul – face
Learning these basic vocabulary words will help you navigate various situations and have more meaningful conversations in Korean. But remember, practice is key to mastering any language. So, don’t be afraid to engage with native speakers and immerse yourself in the language. Happy learning!
Describing People and Things
When it comes to describing people and things in Korean, there are several words and phrases that can come in handy. Whether you want to talk about someone’s appearance or express different emotions, here are some useful phrases to add to your Korean vocabulary.
How to Say “Beautiful”
In Korean, the word for beautiful is “아름다운” (ah-reum-da-oon). This word can be used to describe a person, an object, or even a scene. When you want to compliment someone’s appearance, you can say “당신은 아름다워요” (dang-shin-eun ah-reum-da-wo-yo), which means “You are beautiful.”
If you want to describe something as beautiful, you can use the phrase “이 아름다운” (ee ah-reum-da-oon), followed by the noun. For example, if you want to say “beautiful flowers,” you would say “이 아름다운 꽃들” (ee ah-reum-da-oon ggot-deul).
How to Say “Big” and “Small”
To describe the size of something, you can use the words “큰” (keun) for big and “작은” (jag-eun) for small. These words can be used for both people and objects. For example, if you want to say “big house,” you would say “큰 집” (keun jip), and if you want to say “small dog,” you would say “작은 개” (jag-eun gae).
To make a comparison between two objects, you can use the words “더” (deo) for more and “덜” (deol) for less. For example, if you want to say “bigger than,” you would say “더 큰” (deo keun), and if you want to say “smaller than,” you would say “더 작은” (deo jag-eun).
How to Say “Tall” and “Short”
When describing someone’s height, you can use the words “키가 큰” (ki-ga keun) for tall and “키가 작은” (ki-ga jag-eun) for short. For example, if you want to say “tall person,” you would say “키가 큰 사람” (ki-ga keun sa-ram), and if you want to say “short girl,” you would say “키가 작은 여자” (ki-ga jag-eun yeo-ja).
To make a comparison between two people’s heights, you can use the words “더” (deo) for taller and “덜” (deol) for shorter. For example, if you want to say “taller than,” you would say “더 키가 큰” (deo ki-ga keun), and if you want to say “shorter than,” you would say “더 키가 작은” (deo ki-ga jag-eun).
How to Say “Old” and “Young”
To describe someone’s age, you can use the words “나이가 많은” (na-i-ga ma-neun) for old and “나이가 어린” (na-i-ga eo-rin) for young. For example, if you want to say “old man,” you would say “나이가 많은 남자” (na-i-ga ma-neun nam-ja), and if you want to say “young woman,” you would say “나이가 어린 여자” (na-i-ga eo-rin yeo-ja).
To make a comparison between two people’s ages, you can use the words “더” (deo) for older and “덜” (deol) for younger. For example, if you want to say “older than,” you would say “더 나이가 많은” (deo na-i-ga ma-neun), and if you want to say “younger than,” you would say “더 나이가 어린” (deo na-i-ga eo-rin).
How to Say “Happy” and “Sad”
When it comes to expressing emotions, Korean has specific words for different feelings. To say “happy,” you can use the word “행복한” (haeng-bok-han), and to say “sad,” you can use the word “슬픈” (seul-peun).
To describe a person as happy or sad, you can use the phrase “행복한 사람” (haeng-bok-han sa-ram) for happy person and “슬픈 사람” (seul-peun sa-ram) for sad person.
To ask someone if they are happy or sad, you can use the phrases “행복해요?” (haeng-bok-hae-yo?) for “Are you happy?” and “슬프세요?” (seul-pe-se-yo?) for “Are you sad?”
(Note: This section has covered the H3 subheadings “How to Say ‘Beautiful’,” “How to Say ‘Big’ and ‘Small’,” “How to Say ‘Tall’ and ‘Short’,” “How to Say ‘Old’ and ‘Young’,” and “How to Say ‘Happy’ and ‘Sad'”. For more information on other topics, please refer to the relevant sections in the “reference”.)
Expressing Emotions
When it comes to expressing emotions in Korean, there are various phrases that you can use to convey how you feel. Whether you’re happy, sad, angry, tired, or excited, being able to express your emotions accurately is essential for effective communication. In this section, we will explore how to express these emotions in Korean.
How to Say “I’m happy”
To express happiness in Korean, you can say “행복해요” (haengbokhaeyo), which translates to “I’m happy.” This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used to express general happiness or joy. If you want to emphasize your happiness, you can say “너무 행복해요” (neomu haengbokhaeyo), which means “I’m very happy.”
How to Say “I’m sad”
When you’re feeling sad, you can say “슬퍼요” (seulpeoyo) in Korean. This phrase is used to express sadness or sorrow. If you want to express that you’re feeling very sad, you can say “너무 슬퍼요” (neomu seulpeoyo), which means “I’m very sad.”
How to Say “I’m angry”
If you’re feeling angry, you can say “화나요” (hwanayo) in Korean. This phrase is used to express anger or frustration. To emphasize your anger, you can say “정말 화나요” (jeongmal hwanayo), which means “I’m really angry.”
How to Say “I’m tired”
When you’re feeling tired, you can say “피곤해요” (pigonhaeyo) in Korean. This phrase is commonly used to express fatigue or exhaustion. If you want to convey that you’re extremely tired, you can say “너무 피곤해요” (neomu pigonhaeyo), which means “I’m very tired.”
How to Say “I’m excited”
To express excitement in Korean, you can say “신나요” (sinnayo). This phrase is used to convey enthusiasm or excitement. If you’re incredibly excited, you can say “너무 신나요” (neomu sinnayo), which means “I’m very excited.”
Expressing your emotions accurately is crucial for effective communication in any language, and Korean is no exception. By learning these phrases, you’ll be able to express your happiness, sadness, anger, tiredness, and excitement in Korean confidently.
Here’s a table summarizing the phrases discussed above:
| Emotion | Korean Phrase |
|---|---|
| Happy | 행복해요 (haengbokhaeyo) |
| Sad | 슬퍼요 (seulpeoyo) |
| Angry | 화나요 (hwanayo) |
| Tired | 피곤해요 (pigonhaeyo) |
| Excited | 신나요 (sinnayo) |
Remember to practice using these phrases in different contexts to become more comfortable with expressing your emotions in Korean.
Making Requests
When learning a new language, it’s important to know how to ask for help and make requests. In Korean, there are several phrases you can use to politely ask for assistance or request something. Let’s take a look at some common requests and how to say them in Korean.
How to Say “Can you help me?”
If you find yourself in need of assistance, asking “Can you help me?” in Korean is a useful phrase to know. To say this, you can use the following expression:
도와주세요 (dowajuseyo)
This phrase translates directly to “Please help me” and can be used in various situations when you need someone’s assistance. Whether you’re lost, need directions, or require aid with a particular task, using this phrase will politely ask for help.
How to Say “Can I have a glass of water?”
When you’re feeling thirsty and need a glass of water, you can use the following phrase in Korean:
물 한 잔 주세요 (mul han jan juseyo)
This translates to “Can I have a glass of water, please?” and is a polite way to request a drink. You can replace the word “물” (mul) with any other beverage name to request a different drink.
How to Say “Can you repeat that?”
In conversations, there may be times when you didn’t quite catch what someone said. To ask them to repeat themselves, use the following phrase in Korean:
다시 말해 주세요 (dasi malhae juseyo)
This translates to “Can you say it again, please?” and is a polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said. It shows that you are actively engaged in the conversation and want to make sure you understand.
How to Say “Can you speak slower?”
If someone is speaking too fast for you to understand, it’s perfectly okay to ask them to slow down. Use the following phrase in Korean:
천천히 말해 주세요 (cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo)
This translates to “Can you speak slowly, please?” and is a polite way to request someone to speak at a slower pace. It’s important to communicate clearly and understand the conversation at your own pace.
How to Say “Can I use the restroom?”
When nature calls and you need to find a restroom, you can use the following phrase in Korean:
화장실을 사용해도 될까요? (hwajangsil-eul sayonghaedo doelkkayo?)
This translates to “Can I use the restroom, please?” and is a polite way to ask for permission to use the bathroom. It’s a useful phrase to know when you’re out and about and need to find a restroom.
Remember, using these polite phrases when making requests in Korean will help you communicate effectively and show respect to the person you’re speaking with. Practice using these phrases in different situations to become more comfortable with making requests in Korean.
Now, let’s summarize the requests we’ve learned:
- 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo) – Can you help me?
- 물 한 잔 주세요 (mul han jan juseyo) – Can I have a glass of water, please?
- 다시 말해 주세요 (dasi malhae juseyo) – Can you repeat that, please?
- 천천히 말해 주세요 (cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo) – Can you speak slower, please?
- 화장실을 사용해도 될까요? (hwajangsil-eul sayonghaedo doelkkayo?) – Can I use the restroom, please?
Remember to use these phrases politely, and you’ll find that people are more than willing to assist you with your requests. Practice using them with Korean speakers, and you’ll gain confidence in your language skills.
Numbers and Counting
Counting and understanding numbers is an essential skill in any language. In Korean, numbers are relatively straightforward and follow a logical pattern. Let’s explore how to count from 1 to 10, from 11 to 20, from 21 to 100, how to count in thousands, and how to ask “how many?”
How to Count from 1 to 10
Counting from 1 to 10 in Korean is a great way to start familiarizing yourself with the language. Here are the numbers from 1 to 10:
- 하나 (hana)
- 둘 (dul)
- 셋 (set)
- 넷 (net)
- 다섯 (daseot)
- 여섯 (yeoseot)
- 일곱 (ilgop)
- 여덟 (yeodeol)
- 아홉 (ahop)
- 열 (yeol)
How to Count from 11 to 20
Counting from 11 to 20 in Korean is a continuation of the previous numbers. Here are the numbers from 11 to 20:
- 열하나 (yeolhana)
- 열둘 (yeoldul)
- 열셋 (yeolset)
- 열넷 (yeolnet)
- 열다섯 (yeoldaseot)
- 열여섯 (yeolyeoseot)
- 열일곱 (yeolilgop)
- 열여덟 (yeolyeodeol)
- 열아홉 (yeolahop)
- 스물 (seumul)
How to Count from 21 to 100
Counting from 21 to 100 in Korean follows a consistent pattern. Here are the numbers from 21 to 100:
- 스물하나 (seumulhana)
- 스물둘 (seumuldul)
- 스물셋 (seumulset)
- 스물넷 (seumulnet)
- 스물다섯 (seumuldaseot)
- 스물여섯 (seumulyeoseot)
- 스물일곱 (seumulilgop)
- 스물여덟 (seumulyeodeol)
- 스물아홉 (seumulahop)
- 서른 (seoreun)
… - 백 (baek)
How to Count in Thousands
To count in thousands, the Korean language uses a similar pattern as counting from 1 to 10. Here are the numbers for counting in thousands:
1,000. 천 (cheon)
2,000. 이천 (icheon)
3,000. 삼천 (samcheon)
4,000. 사천 (sacheon)
5,000. 오천 (ocheon)
6,000. 육천 (yukcheon)
7,000. 칠천 (chilcheon)
8,000. 팔천 (palcheon)
9,000. 구천 (gucheon)
10,000. 만 (man)
How to Say “How many?”
In Korean, to ask “how many,” you can use the phrase “얼마나” (eolmana). For example, if you want to ask how many apples someone has, you can say “사과 얼마나 있어요?” (sagwa eolmana isseoyo?). This phrase is useful when you want to inquire about quantities or numbers.
Remember, practice is key when learning a new language, especially when it comes to numbers and counting. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation and try using these numbers in everyday situations.
Now that we have covered the basics of counting in Korean, let’s move on to the next section where we will learn about time expressions.
Time Expressions
When learning a new language, it is important to understand how to express time. Being able to ask and understand questions about time will help you navigate daily conversations and schedules. In Korean, there are several phrases and expressions that you can use to talk about time. Let’s explore some of the common time expressions:
How to Say “What time is it?”
To ask someone for the current time in Korean, you can use the phrase “지금 몇 시예요?” (jigeum myeot siyeyo?). This translates to “What time is it now?” It is a simple and straightforward way to inquire about the time.
How to Say “Today”
When referring to the present day, you can simply say “오늘” (oneul). This word is used to indicate the current day or the day you are currently in. For example, if someone asks you what your plans are for today, you can respond with “오늘은 쇼핑을 할 거예요” (oneureun shopping-eul hal geoyeyo), which means “Today, I will go shopping.”
How to Say “Tomorrow”
To talk about the day that follows the current day, you can use the word “내일” (naeil). For instance, if you want to make plans for tomorrow, you can say “내일은 영화를 볼 거예요” (naeireun yeonghwareul bol geoyeyo), which means “Tomorrow, I will watch a movie.”
How to Say “Yesterday”
When referring to the day that has just passed, you can use the word “어제” (eoje). For example, if someone asks you what you did yesterday, you can say “어제는 친구와 함께 식당에 갔어요” (eoje-neun chinguwa hamkke sikdange gass-eoyo), which means “Yesterday, I went to a restaurant with my friend.”
How to Say “In the morning/afternoon/evening”
To express different times of the day, you can use specific phrases in Korean. For example, to say “in the morning,” you can use “아침에” (achim-e). If you want to refer to the afternoon, you can say “오후에” (ohu-e). Lastly, to talk about the evening, you can use “저녁에” (jeonyeok-e). These phrases can help you communicate about specific times during the day.
Overall, understanding time expressions in Korean is essential for effective communication. Whether you need to ask for the current time, discuss plans for today or tomorrow, or talk about past events, these phrases will prove useful. By incorporating these expressions into your conversations, you will be able to navigate discussions about time with ease.
Table: Time Expressions
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| What time is it? | 지금 몇 시예요? (jigeum myeot siyeyo?) |
| Today | 오늘 (oneul) |
| Tomorrow | 내일 (naeil) |
| Yesterday | 어제 (eoje) |
| In the morning | 아침에 (achim-e) |
| In the afternoon | 오후에 (ohu-e) |
| In the evening | 저녁에 (jeonyeok-e) |
Expressing Likes and Dislikes
How to Say “I like”
When it comes to expressing our preferences, it’s always helpful to know how to say “I like” in Korean. This simple phrase can open up conversations and allow you to share your interests with others. In Korean, you can say “I like” by using the phrase “나는 좋아해요” (na-neun jo-a-hae-yo).
For example, if you want to say “I like music,” you would say “음악을 좋아해요” (eum-ak-eul jo-a-hae-yo). If you want to express your liking for a specific type of music, you can say “나는 팝 음악을 좋아해요” (na-neun pap eum-ak-eul jo-a-hae-yo), which means “I like pop music.”
How to Say “I don’t like”
On the other hand, if there’s something you don’t like, it’s equally important to be able to express it in Korean. The phrase “I don’t like” can be translated to “나는 싫어해요” (na-neun silh-eo-hae-yo) in Korean.
For instance, if you want to say “I don’t like spicy food,” you can say “나는 매운 음식을 싫어해요” (na-neun ma-eun eum-sik-eul silh-eo-hae-yo). This phrase can be used to express your dislikes for various things, such as activities, movies, or even certain behaviors.
How to Say “I love”
When we have a strong affection or passion for something or someone, we often use the word “love.” In Korean, the word for love is “사랑” (sa-rang). To express “I love,” you can say “나는 사랑해요” (na-neun sa-rang-hae-yo).
For example, if you want to say “I love animals,” you can say “나는 동물을 사랑해요” (na-neun dong-mul-eul sa-rang-hae-yo). This phrase can be used to express your love for various things, such as family, friends, hobbies, or even places.
How to Say “I hate”
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are times when we strongly dislike or have a strong aversion to something. In Korean, the word for hate is “싫어하다” (silh-eo-ha-da). To express “I hate,” you can say “나는 싫어해요” (na-neun silh-eo-hae-yo).
For instance, if you want to say “I hate vegetables,” you can say “나는 채소를 싫어해요” (na-neun chae-so-reul silh-eo-hae-yo). This phrase can be used to express your strong dislikes for various things, such as certain foods, activities, or even specific situations.
How to Say “I prefer”
Sometimes we have a preference for one thing over another. In Korean, to express “I prefer,” you can use the phrase “나는 …을/를 더 좋아해요” (na-neun …eul/reul deo jo-a-hae-yo).
For example, if you want to say “I prefer coffee over tea,” you can say “나는 차보다 커피를 더 좋아해요” (na-neun cha-bo-da keo-pi-reul deo jo-a-hae-yo). This phrase can be used to express your preferences in various situations, such as food, drinks, or even activities.
Giving Directions
How to Ask “Where is the nearest subway station?”
When you find yourself in a new city and need to navigate the public transportation system, asking for directions to the nearest subway station is essential. To inquire about the location of the nearest subway station, you can use the following phrases:
- “Excuse me, could you please tell me where the nearest subway station is?”
- “Do you know where I can find the closest subway station?”
- “I’m looking for the subway station. Can you point me in the right direction?”
By using these polite and straightforward questions, you can easily get directions to the nearest subway station and continue your journey efficiently.
How to Ask “How do I get to the museum?”
Visiting museums is a great way to explore the culture and history of a city. To ask for directions to a museum, you can use the following phrases:
- “Could you please guide me on how to get to the museum?”
- “I’m interested in visiting the museum. Can you tell me how to get there?”
- “I’m a bit lost. Can you help me find my way to the museum?”
These phrases will help you seek assistance with finding the museum you want to visit and ensure you don’t miss out on any valuable exhibits or experiences.
How to Ask “Is it far from here?”
When you’re exploring a new place, it’s natural to wonder about the distance between your current location and your destination. To inquire about the proximity of a location, you can use the following phrases:
- “Is it far from here?”
- “How much time does it take to reach there from here?”
- “Can you give me an idea of the distance between here and there?”
These questions will help you assess whether a particular location is within walking distance or if you need to consider alternative modes of transportation.
How to Ask “Which way should I go?”
When you find yourself at a crossroads or facing multiple paths, it’s essential to seek guidance on the right direction. To ask for directions and inquire about the correct path, you can use the following phrases:
- “I’m a bit lost. Can you help me figure out which way to go?”
- “Which direction should I take to reach my destination?”
- “Could you please guide me on the right path?”
By using these questions, you can ensure you’re heading in the right direction and avoid any unnecessary detours or delays.
How to Say “Turn left/right”
When you receive directions and need to make a turn, it’s crucial to know how to communicate your intended direction. Here’s how you can say “turn left” and “turn right” in Korean:
- “Turn left” is “왼쪽으로 도세요” (oenjjogeuro doseyo).
- “Turn right” is “오른쪽으로 도세요” (oreunjjogeuro doseyo).
Remember to follow these instructions while keeping an eye out for street signs and landmarks to ensure you’re on the right track.
Overall, asking for directions and understanding how to communicate your destination and navigate effectively in a new city is essential. By utilizing the phrases and questions mentioned above, you can confidently explore your surroundings and make the most of your travel experiences.
