Words and phrases

Every word and phrase taught in the lessons, with audio and an example.

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464 items

• 아이ai · childnounAny young child, a boy or a girl. Two syllables, a-i — not the English word “eye” said in one beat.Example: 아이가 있어요 — I have a child. / There is a child.Lesson: Two more vowels: ㅡ and ㅣ
• 오이oi · cucumbernounTwo syllables, o-i. Keep them apart; it is not the single sound of English “oy”.Example: 오이를 먹어요 — I eat cucumberLesson: Two more vowels: ㅡ and ㅣ
• 나무namu · treenounAlso the material: wood.Example: 나무가 있어요 — There is a tree.Lesson: First consonants: ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ
• 머리meori · headnounAlso means the hair on your head.Example: 민수 씨는 머리가 좋아요 — Minsu is smart.Lesson: First consonants: ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ
• 다리dari · legnounA different word with the same spelling means “bridge”.Example: 고양이는 다리가 네 개예요 — A cat has four legs.Lesson: First consonants: ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ
• 고기gogi · meatnounExample: 고기를 안 먹어요 — I don’t eat meat.Lesson: First consonants: ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ
• 나라nara · countrynounA nation, as in “which country?” — not the countryside.Example: 어느 나라 사람이에요? — Which country are you from?Lesson: First consonants: ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ
• 어머니eomeoni · mothernounThe standard, respectful word, used to speak about or to your mother politely.Example: 어머니는 의사예요 — My mother is a doctorLesson: First consonants: ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ
• 누구nugu · whoquestion wordExample: 누구를 만나요? — Who are you meeting?Lesson: First consonants: ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ
• 거기geogi · there (near you)pronounThe place where the listener is, or a place that was just mentioned.Example: 거기예요 — It is there (near you).Lesson: First consonants: ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ
• 바다bada · seanounExample: 바다에 가요 — I go to the sea.Lesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 버스beoseu · busnounBorrowed from English. Korean adds the vowel ㅡ after the final s sound, so it has two beats.Example: 버스가 와요 — The bus is coming.Lesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 아버지abeoji · fathernounThe standard, respectful word, the partner of 어머니.Example: 아버지는 회사원이에요 — My father is an office workerLesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 모자moja · hatnounAny hat or cap.Example: 이거 모자예요 — This is a hat.Lesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 지도jido · mapnounExample: 지도가 있어요 — I have a map. / There is a map.Lesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 바지baji · trousersnounAmerican English: pants.Example: 바지가 비싸요 — The trousers are expensive.Lesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 가수gasu · singernounExample: 저는 가수예요 — I am a singerLesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 도시dosi · citynounExample: 어느 도시에 가요? — Which city are you going to?Lesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 주스juseu · juicenounBorrowed from English, with ㅡ added after the final s sound.Example: 주스 한 잔 주세요 — One glass of juice, please.Lesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 하루haru · one daynounA day as a length of time: a single day, a whole day.Example: 하루에 커피를 두 잔 마셔요 — I drink two cups of coffee a day.Lesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 저jeo · I (humble)pronounThe polite word for yourself, used with anyone you are not close to. It is the only “I” this course uses.Example: 저는 학생이에요 — I am a studentLesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 어디eodi · wherequestion wordExample: 어디 가요? — Where are you going?Lesson: More consonants: ㅂ ㅅ ㅈ ㅎ
• 우유uyu · milknounExample: 우유 주세요 — Milk, pleaseLesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 여자yeoja · womannounAlso used as a label: the sign on the women’s restroom reads 여자.Example: 여자 화장실이 어디예요? — Where is the women’s restroom?Lesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 요리yori · cookingnounBoth the activity and a dish of food.Example: 저는 요리를 좋아해요 — I like cookingLesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 야구yagu · baseballnounExample: 친구는 야구를 좋아해요 — My friend likes baseballLesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 뉴스nyuseu · newsnounBorrowed from English, with a light ㅡ after the final s sound.Example: 뉴스를 봐요 — I watch the newsLesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 여기yeogi · herepronounThe place where the speaker is. Its partner 거기 is the place where the listener is.Example: 여기예요 — It is here.Lesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 개gae · dognounExample: 저는 개를 좋아해요 — I like dogsLesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 네ne · yesexpressionPolite. Also said to show you are listening or have understood: “I see”, “right”.Example: 네, 저는 학생이에요 — Yes, I am a studentLesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 메뉴menyu · menunounBorrowed from English. The first vowel is spelled ㅔ, the second ㅠ.Example: 메뉴 주세요 — The menu, please.Lesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 노래norae · songnounExample: 지아 씨는 노래를 좋아해요 — Jia likes songsLesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 배bae · pearnounOther words with the same spelling mean “stomach” and “boat”.Example: 배가 맛있어요 — The pear is delicious.Lesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 가게gage · shopnounA small shop or store.Example: 가게에 가요 — I go to the shop.Lesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 드라마deurama · dramanounA TV series. Borrowed from English; ㅡ separates the d and the r.Example: 저는 드라마를 봐요 — I watch dramasLesson: Y-vowels and the pair ㅐ / ㅔ
• 커피keopi · coffeenounBorrowed from English. Korean has no f sound, so the f becomes ㅍ.Example: 저는 커피를 마셔요 — I drink coffeeLesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 코ko · nosenounExample: 개는 코가 좋아요 — Dogs have a good sense of smell.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 차cha · teanounA different word with the same spelling means “car”.Example: 차를 마셔요 — I drink teaLesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 포도podo · grapesnounExample: 저는 포도를 좋아해요 — I like grapesLesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 치마chima · skirtnounExample: 이거 제 치마예요 — This is my skirt.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 토마토tomato · tomatonounThree even beats: to-ma-to.Example: 토마토 세 개 주세요 — Three tomatoes, please.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 아빠appa · dadnounThe informal, family word. 아버지 is the more formal “father”.Example: 아빠가 집에 있어요 — Dad is at home.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 오빠oppa · older brother (of a woman)nounUsed only by girls and women, for an older brother or a slightly older male friend. Men use a different word.Example: 오빠가 있어요 — I have an older brother.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 토끼tokki · rabbitnounExample: 토끼가 있어요 — There is a rabbit. / I have a rabbit.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 카드kadeu · cardnounA bank card or any other card. Borrowed from English, with a light ㅡ after the d.Example: 카드 돼요? — Can I pay by card?Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 티셔츠tisyeocheu · T-shirtnounBorrowed from English: ti-syeo-cheu.Example: 티셔츠가 싸요 — The T-shirt is cheap.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 아저씨ajeossi · middle-aged man; misternounUsed to refer to or call a middle-aged man who is not a relative.Example: 아저씨, 이거 얼마예요? — Excuse me, sir, how much is this?Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 비싸요bissayo · it is expensiveadjectiveLearned here as one whole word. It is already a complete polite sentence.Example: 이거 비싸요 — This is expensive.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 카페kape · cafénounA coffee shop. Borrowed; the f sound becomes ㅍ.Example: 카페에 가요 — I go to a café.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 파티pati · partynounExample: 오늘 파티가 있어요 — There is a party today.Lesson: Three kinds of consonant: 가 · 카 · 까
• 산san · mountainnounExample: 주말에 산에 가요 — I go to the mountains at the weekend.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 문mun · doornounExample: 문이 저기 있어요 — The door is over there.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 눈nun · eyenounA different word with the same spelling means “snow”.Example: 저는 눈이 좋아요 — I have good eyesight.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 밤bam · nightnounA different word with the same spelling means “chestnut”.Example: 밤에 책을 읽어요 — I read a book at night.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 강gang · rivernounExample: 서울에 강이 있어요 — There is a river in Seoul.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 방bang · roomnounExample: 동생이 방에 있어요 — My younger sibling is in the room.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 빵ppang · breadnounStarts with the tense ㅃ: no puff of air.Example: 빵을 사요 — I buy bread.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 물mul · waternounExample: 물 주세요 — Water, pleaseLesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 말mal · speech; wordsnounWhat someone says, or a language. A different word with the same spelling means “horse”.Example: 친구는 말을 안 해요 — My friend doesn’t say anything.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 책chaek · booknounExample: 책을 읽어요 — I read a book.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 밥bap · cooked rice; a mealnounRice is the centre of a Korean meal, so the word also means the meal itself.Example: 밥을 먹어요 — I eat riceLesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 집jip · house; homenounExample: 친구가 집에 있어요 — My friend is at home.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 옷ot · clothesnounSaid with a stopped t at the end, not an s.Example: 옷을 사요 — I buy clothes.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 한국hanguk · KoreanounSouth Korea, in everyday use.Example: 한국에 가요 — I go to Korea.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 사람saram · personnounExample: 사람이 여덟 명 있어요 — There are eight people.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 이름ireum · namenounExample: 이름이 뭐예요? — What is your name?Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 학생haksaeng · studentnounA school pupil or a university student.Example: 저는 학생이에요 — I am a studentLesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 선생님seonsaengnim · teachernounAlso the respectful way to address a teacher: Koreans say this instead of the teacher’s name.Example: 누가 선생님이에요? — Who is the teacher?Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 친구chingu · friendnounExample: 친구를 만나요 — I meet a friend.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 가방gabang · bagnounExample: 이거 제 가방이에요 — This is my bag.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 김치gimchi · kimchinounSpicy fermented cabbage or other vegetables, served with most Korean meals.Example: 김치가 맛있어요 — The kimchi is delicious.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 서울seoul · SeoulnounTwo beats, seo-ul. It is not the English “soul”.Example: 서울에 가요 — I go to Seoul.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 학교hakgyo · schoolnounExample: 학교에 가요 — I go to school.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 식당sikdang · restaurantnounAn ordinary place to eat a meal.Example: 식당에 가요 — I go to a restaurant.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 시간sigan · timenounExample: 시간이 없어요 — There is no time. / I have no time.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 돈don · moneynounExample: 돈이 없어요 — I have no money.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 일본ilbon · JapannounExample: 친구는 일본 사람이에요 — My friend is JapaneseLesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 미국miguk · the USAnounThe United States.Example: 저는 미국 사람이에요 — I am AmericanLesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 맥주maekju · beernounExample: 맥주 두 병 주세요 — Two bottles of beer, please.Lesson: Final consonants: the letter underneath
• 사과sagwa · applenounA different word with the same spelling means “apology”.Example: 사과 두 개 주세요 — Two apples, please.Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 뭐mwo · whatquestion wordExample: 이거 뭐예요? — What is this?Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 의사uisa · doctornounA medical doctor.Example: 저는 의사예요 — I am a doctorLesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 회사hoesa · companynounA business, and also the place where you work: the office.Example: 회사에 가요 — I go to work (to the office).Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 귀gwi · earnounExample: 고양이는 귀가 좋아요 — Cats have good hearing.Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 왜wae · whyquestion wordExample: 왜 한국어를 공부해요? — Why do you study Korean?Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 병원byeongwon · hospitalnounAlso covers a doctor’s clinic. Koreans “go to the 병원” to see any doctor.Example: 병원에 가요 — I go to the hospital.Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 화장실hwajangsil · restroomnounToilet, bathroom. The standard, polite word.Example: 화장실이 어디예요? — Where is the restroom?Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 영화yeonghwa · filmnounAmerican English: movie.Example: 영화를 봐요 — I watch a filmLesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 의자uija · chairnounExample: 의자가 아홉 개 있어요 — There are nine chairs.Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 돼지dwaeji · pignounExample: 돼지가 자요 — The pig is sleeping.Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 한국어hangugeo · Korean (language)nounSaid [한구거]: the final ㄱ links onto the next block.Example: 한국어를 공부해요 — I study KoreanLesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 음악eumak · musicnounSaid [으막]: the final ㅁ links onto the next block.Example: 음악을 좋아해요 — I like musicLesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 회사원hoesawon · office workernounAn employee of a company. It is what many Koreans answer when asked what they do.Example: 저는 회사원이에요 — I am an office workerLesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 은행eunhaeng · banknounExample: 은행이 어디예요? — Where is the bank?Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 휴대폰hyudaepon · mobile phonenounAmerican English: cell phone. The last block is the English word “phone”.Example: 휴대폰이 없어요 — I don’t have a mobile phone. / My phone isn’t here.Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 편의점pyeonuijeom · convenience storenounSaid [펴니점]. A small shop open all hours, found on almost every Korean street.Example: 편의점이 어디예요? — Where is the convenience store?Lesson: Combined vowels and linking
• 안녕하세요annyeonghaseyo · HelloexpressionPolite, for any time of day. Literally a question: “Are you at peace?”Lesson: Hello, goodbye, thank you
• 안녕히 가세요annyeonghi gaseyo · Goodbye (to someone who is leaving)expressionLiterally “Go in peace”.Lesson: Hello, goodbye, thank you
• 안녕히 계세요annyeonghi gyeseyo · Goodbye (to someone who is staying)expressionLiterally “Stay in peace”. You say it when you are the one leaving.Lesson: Hello, goodbye, thank you
• 감사합니다gamsahamnida · Thank youexpressionA fixed formal phrase, safe with anyone. Said [감사함니다].Lesson: Hello, goodbye, thank you
• 고맙습니다gomapseumnida · Thank youexpressionA fixed formal phrase, as polite as 감사합니다 and used the same way. Said [고맙씀니다].Lesson: Hello, goodbye, thank you
• 아니요aniyo · noexpressionThe polite “no” in answer to a question. The partner of 네.Example: 아니요, 저는 의사예요 — No, I am a doctorLesson: Hello, goodbye, thank you
• 이에요/예요ieyo/yeyo · am / is / are (after a noun)endingPolite. 이에요 follows a noun that ends in a final consonant; 예요 follows a noun that ends in a vowel.Example: 저는 학생이에요 — I am a studentLesson: Introduce yourself: 저는 …이에요 / 예요
• 만나서 반갑습니다mannaseo bangapseumnida · Nice to meet youexpressionA fixed formal phrase. Literally “I am glad to have met you”. Said [만나서 반갑씀니다].Lesson: Introduce yourself: 저는 …이에요 / 예요
• 제je · my (humble)pronounThe “my” that goes with 저. It stands directly before the noun: 제 이름, my name.Example: 제 이름은 민수예요 — My name is MinsuLesson: Introduce yourself: 저는 …이에요 / 예요
• 씨ssi · Mr / Ms (after a name)nounA polite tag after someone else’s given name or full name. Never used after your own name.Example: 민수 씨는 회사원이에요 — Minsu is an office workerLesson: Introduce yourself: 저는 …이에요 / 예요
• 은/는eun/neun · topic marker (“as for …”)particleAttached to the noun the sentence is about. 은 after a final consonant, 는 after a vowel. English has no word for it.Example: 친구는 학생이에요 — My friend is a studentLesson: 은/는 and 이/가: what the sentence is about, and who
• 이/가i/ga · subject markerparticleAttached to the noun that is the answer to “who?” or “what?”. 이 after a final consonant, 가 after a vowel. English has no word for it.Example: 지아 씨가 선생님이에요 — Jia is the teacherLesson: 은/는 and 이/가: what the sentence is about, and who
• 누가nuga · who (as the subject)question word누구 and 가 fused into one word. Used when “who” is the one that is or does something.Example: 누가 선생님이에요? — Who is the teacher?Lesson: 은/는 and 이/가: what the sentence is about, and who
• 어느eoneu · whichquestion wordAlways followed by a noun: 어느 나라, which country.Example: 어느 나라 사람이에요? — Which country are you from?Lesson: 은/는 and 이/가: what the sentence is about, and who
• 한국 사람hanguk saram · Korean (person)nounLiterally “Korea person”. Said [한국 싸람].Example: 저는 한국 사람이에요 — I am KoreanLesson: 은/는 and 이/가: what the sentence is about, and who
• 미국 사람miguk saram · American (person)nounLiterally “USA person”. Said [미국 싸람].Example: 저는 미국 사람이에요 — I am AmericanLesson: 은/는 and 이/가: what the sentence is about, and who
• 일본 사람ilbon saram · Japanese (person)nounLiterally “Japan person”.Example: 친구는 일본 사람이에요 — My friend is JapaneseLesson: 은/는 and 이/가: what the sentence is about, and who
• 을/를eul/reul · object markerparticleAttached to the thing the action is done to. 을 after a final consonant, 를 after a vowel. English has no word for it.Example: 밥을 먹어요 — I eat riceLesson: Verb last: 을/를 and your first action sentences
• 먹어요meogeoyo · eatverbPolite. Said [머거요]. The same form serves for I, you, he, she, we and they.Example: 밥을 먹어요 — I eat riceLesson: Verb last: 을/를 and your first action sentences
• 마셔요masyeoyo · drinkverbPolite. The same form serves for every person.Example: 저는 커피를 마셔요 — I drink coffeeLesson: Verb last: 을/를 and your first action sentences
• 봐요bwayo · watch; seeverbPolite. Used for watching a film or TV and for seeing or looking at something.Example: 영화를 봐요 — I watch a filmLesson: Verb last: 을/를 and your first action sentences
• 공부해요gongbuhaeyo · studyverbPolite. The same form serves for every person.Example: 한국어를 공부해요 — I study KoreanLesson: Verb last: 을/를 and your first action sentences
• 좋아해요joahaeyo · likeverbPolite. Said [조아해요]: the ㅎ at the bottom of the first block is not heard.Example: 음악을 좋아해요 — I like musicLesson: Verb last: 을/를 and your first action sentences
• 죄송합니다joesonghamnida · I’m sorryexpressionA fixed formal apology, safe with anyone. Said [죄송함니다].Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 괜찮아요gwaenchanayo · It’s okayexpressionAlso “I’m fine” and a polite “no, thank you” when declining an offer. Said [괜차나요].Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 아니에요anieyo · Not at allexpressionThe usual reply to thanks, like “you’re welcome”. Literally “it is not”. Do not confuse it with 아니요, “no”.Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 저기요jeogiyo · Excuse me (to get attention)expressionCalls a waiter or a stranger. Literally “over there”. It is not an apology.Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 잠시만요jamsimanyo · Just a momentexpressionAsks someone to wait. Also said when squeezing past people, like “excuse me, coming through”.Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 주세요juseyo · Please give me …expressionFollows the thing you want: 물 주세요. The standard polite way to ask for something in a shop or restaurant.Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 잘 먹겠습니다jal meokgesseumnida · Thank you for the meal (said before eating)expressionA fixed formal phrase. Literally “I will eat well”. Said [잘 먹껟씀니다].Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 잘 먹었습니다jal meogeosseumnida · Thank you, that was good (said after eating)expressionA fixed formal phrase. Literally “I ate well”. Said [잘 머걷씀니다].Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 알겠어요algesseoyo · I see; understoodexpressionShows you have taken in what was said or will do as asked. Said [알게써요].Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 모르겠어요moreugesseoyo · I don’t knowexpressionAlso “I’m not sure”. A soft, polite way to say it. Said [모르게써요].Lesson: Polite phrases for daily life
• 이거igeo · this (thing near me)pronounSpoken form. Used without a particle in everyday speech.Example: 이거 뭐예요? — What is this?Lesson: This, that, and that over there
• 그거geugeo · that (thing near you)pronounNear the listener, or the thing just mentioned. English “that” covers both 그거 and 저거.Example: 그거 책이에요 — That (near you) is a book.Lesson: This, that, and that over there
• 저거jeogeo · that over there (far from both of us)pronounThe 저 here is not 저 “I”; it only looks the same.Example: 저거 뭐예요? — What is that over there?Lesson: This, that, and that over there
• 우산usan · umbrellanounExample: 이거 제 우산이에요 — This is my umbrella.Lesson: This, that, and that over there
• 펜pen · pennounA loanword from English. The vowel is ㅔ, and the ㅍ has a clear puff of air.Example: 그거 펜이에요 — That (near you) is a pen.Lesson: This, that, and that over there
• 지갑jigap · walletnounExample: 저거 제 지갑이에요 — That over there is my wallet.Lesson: This, that, and that over there
• 컴퓨터keompyuteo · computernounA loanword from English, three blocks: 컴-퓨-터.Example: 저거 컴퓨터예요 — That over there is a computer.Lesson: This, that, and that over there
• 저기jeogi · over there (far from both of us)pronounNot the same as 저기요 “excuse me”, which is a call for attention.Example: 저기예요 — It is over there.Lesson: Here, there, and where?
• 역yeok · station (train or subway)noun역이 is pronounced exactly like 여기 “here”.Example: 역이 어디예요? — Where is the station?Lesson: Here, there, and where?
• 어디예요?eodiyeyo? · Where is it?expression어디 “where” + 예요. Built like 뭐예요?Lesson: Here, there, and where?
• 있어요isseoyo · there is; (I) haveverbOne word for both “there is” and “have”. Pronounced [이써요].Example: 물이 있어요 — There is water. / I have water.Lesson: There is, I have: 있어요 and 없어요
• 없어요eopseoyo · there is not; (I) don’t haveadjectiveThe opposite of 있어요, a word of its own. Pronounced [업써요].Example: 시간이 없어요 — There is no time. / I have no time.Lesson: There is, I have: 있어요 and 없어요
• 에e · at, in (a place)particleParticle attached to a place. Same form after a vowel or a consonant.Example: 친구가 집에 있어요 — My friend is at home.Lesson: There is, I have: 있어요 and 없어요
• 동생dongsaeng · younger siblingnounA younger brother or a younger sister; the word does not say which.Example: 동생이 없어요 — I don’t have a younger sibling.Lesson: There is, I have: 있어요 and 없어요
• 고양이goyangi · catnounExample: 고양이가 있어요 — I have a cat. / There is a cat.Lesson: There is, I have: 있어요 and 없어요
• 일il · one (Sino-Korean)numberSino-Korean number: used for prices and minutes, not for counting things.Example: 일, 이, 삼 — One, two, three.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 이i · two (Sino-Korean)numberSino-Korean number. Spelled like the particle 이; a number is never attached to a noun the way the particle is.Example: 만 이천 원이에요 — It is 12,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 삼sam · three (Sino-Korean)numberSino-Korean number: used for prices and minutes, not for counting things.Example: 삼만 원이에요 — It is 30,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 사sa · four (Sino-Korean)numberSino-Korean number: used for prices and minutes, not for counting things.Example: 사천 원이에요 — It is 4,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 오o · five (Sino-Korean)numberSino-Korean number: used for prices and minutes, not for counting things.Example: 오천 원이에요 — It is 5,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 육yuk · six (Sino-Korean)numberSino-Korean number: used for prices and minutes, not for counting things.Example: 육천 원이에요 — It is 6,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 칠chil · seven (Sino-Korean)numberSino-Korean number: used for prices and minutes, not for counting things.Example: 칠천 원이에요 — It is 7,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 팔pal · eight (Sino-Korean)numberSino-Korean number: used for prices and minutes, not for counting things.Example: 팔천 원이에요 — It is 8,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 구gu · nine (Sino-Korean)numberSino-Korean number: used for prices and minutes, not for counting things.Example: 구천 원이에요 — It is 9,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 십sip · ten (Sino-Korean)numberTen is plain 십, never 일십.Example: 십만 원이에요 — It is 100,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 백baek · hundred (100)numberOne hundred is plain 백, with no 일 in front.Example: 오백 원이에요 — It is 500 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 천cheon · thousand (1,000)numberOne thousand is plain 천, with no 일 in front.Example: 천 원이에요 — It is 1,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 만man · ten thousand (10,000)numberA unit of its own. Large numbers are grouped by 만, not by thousands: 30,000 is 삼만.Example: 만 원이에요 — It is 10,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 원won · won (Korean currency)counterWritten with a space after the number: 오천 원.Example: 오천 원이에요 — It is 5,000 won.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 얼마예요?eolmayeyo? · How much is it?expression얼마 “how much” + 예요.Lesson: Numbers for prices: 일, 이, 삼
• 하나hana · one (native Korean)numberBecomes 한 directly before a counter.Example: 사과 하나 주세요 — One apple, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 둘dul · two (native Korean)numberBecomes 두 directly before a counter.Example: 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷 — One, two, three, four.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 셋set · three (native Korean)numberBecomes 세 directly before a counter. Pronounced [섿].Example: 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷 — One, two, three, four.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 넷net · four (native Korean)numberBecomes 네 directly before a counter. Pronounced [넫].Example: 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷 — One, two, three, four.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 다섯daseot · five (native Korean)numberNative Korean number: used for counting things and people, and for hours.Example: 사과 다섯 개 주세요 — Five apples, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 여섯yeoseot · six (native Korean)numberNative Korean number: used for counting things and people, and for hours.Example: 빵 여섯 개 주세요 — Six pieces of bread, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 일곱ilgop · seven (native Korean)numberNative Korean number: used for counting things and people, and for hours.Example: 펜이 일곱 개 있어요 — There are seven pens. / I have seven pens.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 여덟yeodeol · eight (native Korean)numberPronounced [여덜]: of the two final consonants only ㄹ is heard.Example: 사람이 여덟 명 있어요 — There are eight people.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 아홉ahop · nine (native Korean)numberNative Korean number: used for counting things and people, and for hours.Example: 의자가 아홉 개 있어요 — There are nine chairs.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 열yeol · ten (native Korean)numberNative Korean number: used for counting things and people, and for hours.Example: 사과 열 개 주세요 — Ten apples, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 한han · one (before a counter)numberThe form of 하나 used directly before a counter: 한 개, 한 잔.Example: 우유 한 잔 주세요 — One glass of milk, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 두du · two (before a counter)numberThe form of 둘 used directly before a counter: 두 개, 두 병.Example: 사과 두 개 주세요 — Two apples, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 세se · three (before a counter)numberThe form of 셋 used directly before a counter: 세 명.Example: 빵 세 개 주세요 — Three pieces of bread, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 네ne · four (before a counter)numberThe form of 넷 used before a counter. A different word from 네 “yes”.Example: 학생이 네 명 있어요 — There are four students.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 개gae · counter for thingscounterThe general counter for objects. A different word from 개 “dog”.Example: 사과 두 개 주세요 — Two apples, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 명myeong · counter for peoplecounterPeople are counted with 명, never with 개.Example: 친구가 세 명 있어요 — I have three friends.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 잔jan · counter for cups and glassescounterCounts drinks by the cup or glass: 커피 한 잔.Example: 우유 한 잔 주세요 — One glass of milk, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 병byeong · counter for bottlescounterCounts drinks by the bottle: 물 한 병.Example: 물 한 병 주세요 — One bottle of water, please.Lesson: Counting things: 하나, 둘, 셋
• 비빔밥bibimbap · bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables and toppings)nounPronounced [비빔빱].Example: 비빔밥 하나 주세요 — One bibimbap, please.Lesson: Ordering and paying
• 김밥gimbap · gimbap (rice rolled in seaweed)nounPronounced [김빱].Example: 김밥 맛있어요 — The gimbap is delicious.Lesson: Ordering and paying
• 싸요ssayo · it is cheapadjectiveOne syllable shorter than its opposite, 비싸요 “it is expensive”.Example: 이거 싸요 — This is cheap.Lesson: Ordering and paying
• 맛있어요masisseoyo · it is delicious, it tastes goodadjectivePronounced [마시써요]. Learned here as a whole word.Example: 김밥 맛있어요 — The gimbap is delicious.Lesson: Ordering and paying
• 여기요yeogiyo · Excuse me! (calling staff)expressionLiterally “here”. The usual way to call a server. Not the same as 여기예요 “it is here”.Lesson: Ordering and paying
• 카드 돼요?kadeu dwaeyo? · Can I pay by card?expressionLiterally “does card work?”. A fixed phrase.Lesson: Ordering and paying
• 가요gayo · goverbPolite present form. Also “goes”, “am going”, “are going”: the verb is the same for every person.Example: 학교에 가요 — I go to school.Lesson: Everyday verbs: go, come, buy, meet
• 와요wayo · comeverbMovement toward where the speaker is.Example: 집에 와요 — I come home.Lesson: Everyday verbs: go, come, buy, meet
• 자요jayo · sleepverbExample: 고양이가 자요 — The cat is sleeping.Lesson: Everyday verbs: go, come, buy, meet
• 사요sayo · buyverbNot 싸요 “it is cheap”, which has the tense ㅆ.Example: 빵을 사요 — I buy bread.Lesson: Everyday verbs: go, come, buy, meet
• 만나요mannayo · meetverbThe person you meet takes 을/를: 친구를 만나요.Example: 친구를 만나요 — I meet a friend.Lesson: Everyday verbs: go, come, buy, meet
• 읽어요ilgeoyo · readverbPronounced [일거요].Example: 책을 읽어요 — I read a book.Lesson: Everyday verbs: go, come, buy, meet
• 일해요ilhaeyo · workverb일 “work” + 해요 “do”. This 일 is not the number 일 “one”.Example: 저는 일해요 — I work.Lesson: Everyday verbs: go, come, buy, meet
• 해요haeyo · doverbA verb on its own, and the second half of 공부해요 and 일해요.Example: 뭐 해요? — What are you doing?Lesson: Everyday verbs: go, come, buy, meet
• 언제eonje · whenquestion wordExample: 언제 와요? — When are you coming?Lesson: Asking questions
• 안an · not (before a verb)adverbWritten as a separate word, directly in front of the verb. Not used with 이에요/예요 or 있어요.Example: 안 가요 — I’m not going.Lesson: Saying no: 안 and 아니에요
• 지금jigeum · nowadverbTakes no particle.Example: 지금 세 시예요 — It is three o’clock now.Lesson: Time and your day
• 오늘oneul · todaynounTakes no particle: never 오늘에.Example: 오늘 학교에 가요 — I am going to school today.Lesson: Time and your day
• 내일naeil · tomorrownounTakes no particle. The verb keeps its usual form; 내일 alone shows it is about the future.Example: 내일 친구를 만나요 — I am meeting a friend tomorrow.Lesson: Time and your day
• 아침achim · morning; breakfastnounThe time of day and the meal eaten then.Example: 아침에 커피를 마셔요 — I drink coffee in the morning.Lesson: Time and your day
• 점심jeomsim · lunch; middaynounMost often the meal: 점심을 먹어요 “I eat lunch”.Example: 점심을 먹어요 — I eat lunch.Lesson: Time and your day
• 저녁jeonyeok · evening; dinnernounThe time of day and the meal eaten then.Example: 저녁에 영화를 봐요 — I watch a film in the evening.Lesson: Time and your day
• 주말jumal · weekendnounExample: 주말에 친구를 만나요 — I meet a friend at the weekend.Lesson: Time and your day
• 시si · o’clock (hour)counterUsed with the native numbers in their counting form: 한 시, 두 시, 세 시.Example: 지금 세 시예요 — It is three o’clock now.Lesson: Time and your day
• 분bun · minutecounterUsed with the Sino-Korean numbers: 십 분, 삼십 분.Example: 두 시 삼십 분이에요 — It is two thirty.Lesson: Time and your day
• 반ban · half (past)nounReplaces 삼십 분: 두 시 반 is 2:30.Example: 두 시 반이에요 — It is half past two.Lesson: Time and your day
• 몇 시예요?myeot siyeyo? · What time is it?expressionLiterally “how-many o’clock is it?”. Pronounced [멷 씨예요].Lesson: Time and your day
• 일어나요ireonayo · get upverbPronounced [이러나요].Example: 일곱 시에 일어나요 — I get up at seven o’clock.Lesson: Time and your day
• 같이gachi · togetheradverbPronounced [가치]. 같이 가요 said to someone means “let’s go together”.Example: 그럼 같이 가요. — Then let’s go together.Lesson: A full conversation
• 그럼geureom · then, in that caseadverbStarts a sentence that follows from what was just said.Example: 그럼 같이 가요. — Then let’s go together.Lesson: A full conversation
• 좋아요joayo · it is good; sounds goodadjectivePronounced [조아요]. Not 좋아해요 “to like”, which takes an object with 을/를.Example: 네, 좋아요. — Yes, sounds good.Lesson: A full conversation
• 살아요sarayo · live (in a place)verbDictionary form 살다. The place takes 에: 서울에 살아요.Example: 서울에 살아요 — I live in Seoul.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• 놀아요norayo · play; hang outverbDictionary form 놀다. For children playing and for adults spending free time with friends. Not used for sports or instruments.Example: 아이가 놀아요 — The child is playing.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• 열어요yeoreoyo · openverbDictionary form 열다.Example: 문을 열어요 — I open the door.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• 닫아요dadayo · close, shutverbDictionary form 닫다.Example: 문을 닫아요 — I close the door.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• 앉아요anjayo · sit, sit downverbDictionary form 앉다. Where you sit takes 에: 의자에 앉아요.Example: 의자에 앉아요 — I sit on the chair.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• 쉬어요swieoyo · rest, take a breakverbDictionary form 쉬다. Written in full: 쉬 and 어 do not merge.Example: 주말에 쉬어요 — I rest at the weekend.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• 운동해요undonghaeyo · exercise, work outverbDictionary form 운동하다: 운동 “exercise” + 하다 “do”.Example: 아침에 운동해요 — I exercise in the morning.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• 요리해요yorihaeyo · cookverbDictionary form 요리하다: 요리 “cooking” + 하다 “do”.Example: 저녁에 요리해요 — I cook in the evening.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• 배워요baewoyo · learnverbDictionary form 배우다. 배우 + 어요 is written 배워요.Example: 저는 한국어를 배워요 — I am learning Korean.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• 기다려요gidaryeoyo · wait (for)verbDictionary form 기다리다. English says “wait for someone”; Korean takes a plain object: 친구를 기다려요.Example: 친구를 기다려요 — I am waiting for a friend.Lesson: The dictionary form and how 요-forms are built
• -았/었어요asseoyo/eosseoyo · past tense ending (did; have done)ending았어요 after a stem whose last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, 었어요 after any other vowel; 하다 becomes 했어요.Example: 점심을 먹었어요 — I had lunch. / I have had lunch.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• 어제eoje · yesterdaynounUsed without 에, like 오늘 and 내일.Example: 어제 학교에 갔어요 — I went to school yesterday.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• 지난주jinanju · last weeknounTakes 에 in a sentence: 지난주에.Example: 지난주에 친구를 만났어요 — I met a friend last week.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• 작년jangnyeon · last yearnounPronounced [장년]. Takes 에 in a sentence: 작년에.Example: 작년에 서울에 살았어요 — I lived in Seoul last year.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• 아까akka · a little while ago, earlier (today)adverbOnly for a short time back on the same day. Used without 에.Example: 아까 커피를 마셨어요 — I had a coffee a little while ago.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• 벌써beolsseo · alreadyadverbOften carries surprise that something happened so soon.Example: 영화가 벌써 끝났어요 — The film is already over.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• 받아요badayo · receive, getverbDictionary form 받다.Example: 돈을 받아요 — I receive money. / I get paid.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• 줘요jwoyo · giveverbDictionary form 주다. The verb inside 주세요 “please give me”.Example: 친구가 커피를 줘요 — My friend gives me coffee.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• 시작해요sijakaeyo · start, beginverbDictionary form 시작하다. Pronounced [시자캐요].Example: 영화가 일곱 시에 시작해요 — The film starts at seven.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• 끝나요kkeunnayo · end, finish, be oververbDictionary form 끝나다. Pronounced [끈나요]. The thing that ends is the subject: 영화가 끝나요.Example: 학교가 세 시에 끝나요 — School finishes at three.Lesson: The past tense: 갔어요, 먹었어요, 했어요
• -(으)ㄹ 거예요(eu)l geoyeyo · future ending (am going to; will)endingㄹ 거예요 after a stem ending in a vowel, 을 거예요 after a consonant. Written as two words; 거예요 is pronounced [꺼예요] here.Example: 내일 김밥을 먹을 거예요 — I’m going to eat gimbap tomorrow.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 여행yeohaeng · trip, travelnounA noun. 여행을 가요 is “go on a trip”.Example: 주말에 여행을 가요 — I’m going on a trip at the weekend.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 여행해요yeohaenghaeyo · travelverbDictionary form 여행하다. The place travelled around takes 을/를: 한국을 여행해요.Example: 친구는 지금 한국을 여행해요 — My friend is travelling around Korea at the moment.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 쇼핑해요syopinghaeyo · go shopping, shopverbDictionary form 쇼핑하다. Shopping as an activity; for buying one thing, use 사요.Example: 주말에 쇼핑해요 — I go shopping at the weekend.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 전화해요jeonhwahaeyo · phone, callverbDictionary form 전화하다: 전화 “telephone” + 하다.Example: 저녁에 전화해요 — I call in the evening.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 청소해요cheongsohaeyo · clean, tidy up (a room, a house)verbDictionary form 청소하다. For cleaning a space, not for washing hands or dishes.Example: 방을 청소해요 — I clean my room.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 다음 주daeum ju · next weeknounTwo words. Takes 에 in a sentence: 다음 주에.Example: 다음 주에 한국에 갈 거예요 — I’m going to Korea next week.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 내년naenyeon · next yearnounTakes 에 in a sentence: 내년에.Example: 내년에 서울에 살 거예요 — I’m going to live in Seoul next year.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 나중에najunge · lateradverbAlready ends in 에; nothing more is added.Example: 나중에 전화할 거예요 — I’ll call later.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 곧got · soonadverbUsed without a particle.Example: 버스가 곧 와요 — The bus is coming soon.Lesson: Plans and the future: 갈 거예요
• 커요keoyo · is bigadjectiveDictionary form 크다. Also “tall” for a person’s height.Example: 가방이 커요 — The bag is big.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 작아요jagayo · is smalladjectiveDictionary form 작다. About size. Do not confuse with 적어요, which is about amount.Example: 방이 작아요 — The room is small.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 많아요manayo · is a lot; there are manyadjectiveDictionary form 많다. Pronounced [마나요]. 친구가 많아요 is how Korean says “I have many friends”.Example: 친구가 많아요 — I have a lot of friends.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 적어요jeogeoyo · is few; there is littleadjectiveDictionary form 적다. About amount or number, not size.Example: 사람이 적어요 — There are few people.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 바빠요bappayo · is busyadjectiveDictionary form 바쁘다.Example: 오늘 조금 바빠요 — I’m a bit busy today.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 나빠요nappayo · is badadjectiveDictionary form 나쁘다. 눈이 나빠요 means “I have bad eyesight”.Example: 저는 눈이 나빠요 — I have bad eyesight.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 예뻐요yeppeoyo · is prettyadjectiveDictionary form 예쁘다. For people, clothes, places and objects alike.Example: 옷이 정말 예뻐요 — The clothes are really pretty.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 재미있어요jaemiisseoyo · is fun, is interestingadjectiveDictionary form 재미있다. Literally “fun exists”: 재미 + 있어요.Example: 영화가 재미있어요 — The film is fun.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 재미없어요jaemieopseoyo · is boring, is no funadjectiveDictionary form 재미없다. Literally “there is no fun”.Example: 드라마가 재미없어요 — The drama is boring.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 맛없어요madeopseoyo · tastes bad, is not tastyadjectiveDictionary form 맛없다. Pronounced [마덥써요]. Blunt; not something to say to the cook.Example: 빵이 맛없어요 — The bread doesn’t taste good.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 아주aju · veryadverbExample: 가방이 아주 커요 — The bag is very big.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 너무neomu · too; so, reallyadverbStrictly “too (much)”, but in everyday speech very often just a strong “so”: 너무 예뻐요 is a compliment.Example: 이거 너무 비싸요 — This is too expensive.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 조금jogeum · a little, a bitadverbExample: 오늘 조금 바빠요 — I’m a bit busy today.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• 정말jeongmal · really, trulyadverbExample: 옷이 정말 예뻐요 — The clothes are really pretty.Lesson: Describing things: 커요, 작아요, 바빠요
• -(으)ㄴ(eu)n · ending that puts an adjective before a nounendingㄴ after a stem ending in a vowel (큰), 은 after a consonant (작은). Words built on 있다 / 없다 take 는 instead (맛있는).Example: 저는 작은 가방을 샀어요 — I bought a small bag.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 사람들saramdeul · peoplenoun사람 + the plural marker 들. The plural is optional in Korean; 사람 alone can also mean “people”.Example: 사람들이 많아요 — There are a lot of people.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 음식eumsik · foodnounPrepared food, dishes. 한국 음식 is “Korean food”.Example: 맛있는 음식을 먹었어요 — I ate delicious food.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 따뜻해요ttatteutaeyo · is warmadjectiveDictionary form 따뜻하다. Pronounced [따뜨태요]. Pleasantly warm: weather, a room, a drink.Example: 날씨가 따뜻해요 — The weather is warm.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 조용해요joyonghaeyo · is quietadjectiveDictionary form 조용하다. For places and for people.Example: 영화관이 조용해요 — The cinema is quiet.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 날씨nalssi · weathernounExample: 날씨가 따뜻해요 — The weather is warm.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 영화관yeonghwagwan · cinema, movie theaternoun영화 “film” + 관 “hall”.Example: 영화관이 조용해요 — The cinema is quiet.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 짧아요jjalbayo · is short (in length)adjectiveDictionary form 짧다. Pronounced [짤바요]. For length and duration, not for a person’s height.Example: 치마가 짧아요 — The skirt is short.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 길어요gireoyo · is longadjectiveDictionary form 길다. Before a noun it becomes 긴: the ㄹ disappears.Example: 바지가 길어요 — The trousers are long.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 새sae · newadjectiveOnly ever stands before a noun, as a separate word, and never changes: 새 가방. It cannot end a sentence.Example: 새 휴대폰을 샀어요 — I bought a new phone.Lesson: Adjectives before nouns: 큰 가방, 좋은 친구
• 못mot · cannot (before a verb)adverbStands where 안 stands: directly before the verb, as a separate word. Its final sound changes with what follows; listen to each example.Example: 못 가요 — I can’t go.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 수영해요suyeonghaeyo · swimverbDictionary form 수영하다: 수영 “swimming” + 하다.Example: 주말에 수영해요 — I swim at the weekend.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 운전해요unjeonhaeyo · driveverbDictionary form 운전하다: 운전 “driving” + 하다.Example: 아버지가 운전해요 — My father drives. / My father is driving.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 잘해요jalhaeyo · be good at, do wellverbDictionary form 잘하다. One word. The skill takes 을/를: 영어를 잘해요.Example: 지아 씨는 영어를 잘해요 — Jia is good at English. / Jia speaks English well.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 못해요motaeyo · be bad at, be no good atverbDictionary form 못하다. One word, pronounced [모태요]. The skill takes 을/를. Different from 못 + 해요 written apart, which is “cannot do”.Example: 저는 수영을 못해요 — I’m bad at swimming.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 영어yeongeo · English (language)nounExample: 지아 씨는 영어를 잘해요 — Jia is good at English. / Jia speaks English well.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 잘jal · welladverbAn adverb; stands directly before the verb: 잘 쳐요.Example: 피아노를 잘 쳐요 — (He / She) plays the piano well.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 한국말hangungmal · Korean (as spoken)nounPronounced [한궁말]. The everyday word, literally “Korea speech”. 한국어 is the more neutral, classroom word.Example: 저는 한국말을 잘 못해요 — I don’t speak Korean very well.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 노래해요noraehaeyo · singverbDictionary form 노래하다: 노래 “song” + 하다.Example: 친구가 노래해요 — My friend is singing.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 춤춰요chumchwoyo · danceverbDictionary form 춤추다. With 잘 or 못 it opens up: 춤을 잘 춰요.Example: 사람들이 춤춰요 — People are dancing.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 피아노piano · pianonounExample: 피아노를 쳐요 — I play the piano.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 쳐요chyeoyo · play (piano, guitar, drums); hitverbDictionary form 치다. Pronounced [처요]. Used for instruments you strike or pluck.Example: 피아노를 쳐요 — I play the piano.Lesson: Can’t, and how well: 못, 잘해요, 못해요
• 에서eseo · at, in (where an action happens); from (a place)particleSame form after a vowel or a consonant. Compare 에, which marks where something is or where it is heading.Example: 도서관에서 공부해요 — I study at the library.Lesson: Where things happen: 에서, and 부터 … 까지
• 부터buteo · from, starting at (a time)particleMarks the start of a stretch of time: 아홉 시부터.Example: 아홉 시부터 여섯 시까지 일해요 — I work from nine to six.Lesson: Where things happen: 에서, and 부터 … 까지
• 까지kkaji · until, up to, as far asparticleMarks the end point, for times and for places: 여섯 시까지, 학교까지.Example: 아홉 시부터 여섯 시까지 일해요 — I work from nine to six.Lesson: Where things happen: 에서, and 부터 … 까지
• 도서관doseogwan · librarynounExample: 도서관에서 공부해요 — I study at the library.Lesson: Where things happen: 에서, and 부터 … 까지
• 공원gongwon · parknounExample: 공원에서 운동해요 — I exercise in the park.Lesson: Where things happen: 에서, and 부터 … 까지
• 시장sijang · marketnounA traditional market with stalls, not a supermarket.Example: 시장에서 사과를 사요 — I buy apples at the market.Lesson: Where things happen: 에서, and 부터 … 까지
• 백화점baekhwajeom · department storenounPronounced [배콰점].Example: 백화점에서 옷을 샀어요 — I bought clothes at the department store.Lesson: Where things happen: 에서, and 부터 … 까지
• 일il · work; job, tasknounThe noun inside 일해요. A different word from the number 일 “one”, which is spelled the same.Example: 오늘 일이 많아요 — I have a lot of work today.Lesson: Where things happen: 에서, and 부터 … 까지
• 점심시간jeomsimsigan · lunch break, lunchtimenoun점심 “lunch” + 시간 “time”.Example: 점심시간은 한 시부터 두 시까지예요 — The lunch break is from one to two.Lesson: Where things happen: 에서, and 부터 … 까지
• 도do · too, alsoparticleAttaches to the word that is “also”. Replaces 은/는, 이/가 and 을/를; added after 에 and 에서.Example: 저도 학생이에요 — I’m a student too.Lesson: Too, only, and whose: 도, 만, 의
• 만man · only, justparticleAttaches to the word that is “only”. Replaces 을/를 and the like; added after 에 and 에서.Example: 물만 마셔요 — I only drink water.Lesson: Too, only, and whose: 도, 만, 의
• 의ui · of; ’s (possession)particlePronounced [에] in this use. Usually left out in speech: 친구 가방. 저 + 의 becomes 제.Example: 이거 친구의 가방이에요 — This is my friend’s bag.Lesson: Too, only, and whose: 도, 만, 의
• 우리uri · we; ourpronounAlso the normal word for “my” with things shared with others: 우리 집 my home, 우리 어머니 my mother.Example: 우리 가족은 세 명이에요 — There are three people in my family.Lesson: Too, only, and whose: 도, 만, 의
• 거geo · thing; one (as in “mine”, “Minsu’s”)nounSpoken form of 것. 제 거 is “mine”; 거 + 예요 gives 거예요.Example: 제 거예요 — It’s mine.Lesson: Too, only, and whose: 도, 만, 의
• 누구 거nugu geo · whose (thing)expressionLiterally “who thing”. 이거 누구 거예요? Whose is this?Example: 이거 누구 거예요? — Whose is this?Lesson: Too, only, and whose: 도, 만, 의
• 혼자honja · alone, by oneselfadverbAn adverb; takes no particle.Example: 저는 혼자 살아요 — I live alone.Lesson: Too, only, and whose: 도, 만, 의
• 가족gajok · familynounExample: 우리 가족은 세 명이에요 — There are three people in my family.Lesson: Too, only, and whose: 도, 만, 의
• 선물seonmul · present, giftnounExample: 선물도 샀어요 — I bought a present too.Lesson: Too, only, and whose: 도, 만, 의
• 하고hago · and (between nouns); with (a person)particleSpoken style. Same form after a vowel or a consonant.Example: 친구하고 영화를 봤어요 — I watched a film with a friend.Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• (이)랑(i)rang · and (between nouns); with (a person)particleCasual spoken style. 랑 after a vowel, 이랑 after a final consonant.Example: 동생이랑 공원에 갔어요 — I went to the park with my younger brother (or sister).Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• 한테hante · to (a person or animal)particleSpoken style. Marks who receives something or who is asked. For a place, use 에.Example: 친구한테 선물을 줬어요 — I gave a present to a friend. / I gave my friend a present.Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• 에게ege · to (a person or animal)particleThe same as 한테, in written style: letters, books, formal texts.Example: 친구에게 편지를 보내요 — I send a letter to a friend.Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• 이야기해요iyagihaeyo · talk, chat; tellverbDictionary form 이야기하다: 이야기 “story, talk” + 하다.Example: 친구하고 이야기해요 — I talk with a friend. / I’m chatting with a friend.Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• 보내요bonaeyo · sendverbDictionary form 보내다.Example: 친구에게 편지를 보내요 — I send a letter to a friend.Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• 편지pyeonji · letter (that you post)nounExample: 친구에게 편지를 보내요 — I send a letter to a friend.Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• 이메일imeil · emailnounExample: 민수 씨한테 이메일을 보냈어요 — I sent Minsu an email.Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• 질문jilmun · questionnounExample: 질문이 있어요 — I have a question.Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• 물어봐요mureobwayo · askverbDictionary form 물어보다. The person asked takes 한테: 선생님한테 물어봐요.Example: 선생님한테 물어봐요 — I ask the teacher. / Ask the teacher.Lesson: And, with, and to a person: 하고, (이)랑, 한테
• (으)로(eu)ro · by, with, in (means); toward (direction)particle로 after a vowel and after ㄹ (버스로, 지하철로); 으로 after any other final consonant (손으로).Example: 학교에 버스로 가요 — I go to school by bus.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 지하철jihacheol · subway, undergroundnounWith 로 the two ㄹ run together into a long l sound: 지하철로.Example: 지하철로 회사에 가요 — I go to work by subway.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 택시taeksi · taxinounPronounced [택씨].Example: 택시로 왔어요 — I came by taxi.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 기차gicha · trainnounA long-distance or intercity train. The city subway is 지하철.Example: 기차로 서울에 가요 — I go to Seoul by train.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 비행기bihaenggi · plane, aeroplanenounExample: 비행기로 일본에 갈 거예요 — I’m going to fly to Japan.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 자전거jajeongeo · bicyclenounExample: 자전거를 타요 — I ride a bicycle.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 걸어서georeoseo · on footadverbA fixed word that takes no particle: 걸어서 가요, “go on foot, walk there”.Example: 학교에 걸어서 가요 — I walk to school.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 타요tayo · ride, take, get on (a vehicle)verbDictionary form 타다. The vehicle is its object: 버스를 타요.Example: 버스를 타요 — I take the bus. / I get on the bus.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 내려요naeryeoyo · get off (a vehicle)verbDictionary form 내리다. The place where you get off takes 에서: 역에서 내려요.Example: 역에서 내려요 — I get off at the station.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 젓가락jeotgarak · chopsticksnounPronounced [젇까락].Example: 젓가락으로 먹어요 — I eat with chopsticks.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• 손son · handnounExample: 빵은 손으로 먹어요 — Bread, you eat with your hands.Lesson: By bus, with chopsticks, in Korean: (으)로
• -고-go · and (joining two verbs or adjectives)endingAttaches to the stem: 보다 → 보고, 먹다 → 먹고. Tense is marked only on the last verb.Example: 어제 영화를 보고 밥을 먹었어요 — Yesterday I watched a film and had a meal.Lesson: And, but: joining sentences with -고 and -지만
• -지만-jiman · but (joining two verbs or adjectives)endingAttaches to the stem: 비싸다 → 비싸지만, 맵다 → 맵지만.Example: 비싸지만 맛있어요 — It’s expensive but tasty.Lesson: And, but: joining sentences with -고 and -지만
• 그리고geurigo · and; and alsoadverbA separate word that begins a new sentence. Between two nouns, “and” is 하고.Example: 방이 넓어요. 그리고 깨끗해요. — The room is spacious. And it’s clean.Lesson: And, but: joining sentences with -고 and -지만
• 하지만hajiman · but, howeveradverbA separate word that begins a new sentence.Example: 김치는 매워요. 하지만 맛있어요. — Kimchi is spicy. But it’s tasty.Lesson: And, but: joining sentences with -고 and -지만
• 매워요maewoyo · is spicy, is hotadjectiveDictionary form 맵다. Learn 매워요 as a whole word for now; with 고 and 지만 the stem is 맵: 맵고, 맵지만.Example: 김치는 매워요. 하지만 맛있어요. — Kimchi is spicy. But it’s tasty.Lesson: And, but: joining sentences with -고 and -지만
• 피곤해요pigonhaeyo · is tiredadjectiveDictionary form 피곤하다.Example: 오늘 피곤해요 — I’m tired today.Lesson: And, but: joining sentences with -고 and -지만
• 넓어요neolbeoyo · is spacious, is wideadjectiveDictionary form 넓다. Pronounced [널버요]. For rooms, homes, roads.Example: 방이 넓어요. 그리고 깨끗해요. — The room is spacious. And it’s clean.Lesson: And, but: joining sentences with -고 and -지만
• 깨끗해요kkaekkeutaeyo · is cleanadjectiveDictionary form 깨끗하다. Pronounced [깨끄태요].Example: 방이 넓어요. 그리고 깨끗해요. — The room is spacious. And it’s clean.Lesson: And, but: joining sentences with -고 and -지만
• -아/어서-aseo/eoseo · because, so (giving a reason)endingMade from the 해요 form: remove 요, add 서. The reason comes first and carries no tense.Example: 아파서 병원에 가요 — I’m sick, so I’m going to the hospital.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 그래서geuraeseo · so, thereforeadverbA separate word that begins a new sentence.Example: 비가 와요. 그래서 집에 있어요. — It’s raining. So I’m staying at home.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 아파요apayo · is sick; hurtsadjectiveDictionary form 아프다. Both “I’m ill” and “it hurts”: 머리가 아파요, “my head hurts”.Example: 머리가 아파요 — I have a headache.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 늦어요neujeoyo · is lateadjectiveDictionary form 늦다. Pronounced [느저요]. What you are late for takes 에: 회사에 늦었어요.Example: 친구가 늦어요 — My friend is late.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 배고파요baegopayo · is hungryadjectiveDictionary form 배고프다. Literally “the stomach is empty”.Example: 배고파서 밥을 먹어요 — I’m hungry, so I’m eating.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 비가 와요biga wayo · It’s raining.expressionLiterally “rain comes”.Example: 비가 와요. 그래서 집에 있어요. — It’s raining. So I’m staying at home.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 눈이 와요nuni wayo · It’s snowing.expressionLiterally “snow comes”. 눈 “snow” is spelled like 눈 “eye”.Example: 눈이 와서 학교에 못 가요 — It’s snowing, so I can’t go to school.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 약yak · medicinenounKorean “eats” medicine: 약을 먹어요, “take medicine”.Example: 아파서 약을 먹었어요 — I was sick, so I took some medicine.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 일찍iljjik · earlyadverbExample: 피곤해서 일찍 잤어요 — I was tired, so I went to bed early.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 늦게neutge · late (adverb)adverbPronounced [늗께]. Says when you do something: 늦게 일어나요. “Is late” is 늦어요.Example: 늦게 일어나서 회사에 늦었어요 — I got up late, so I was late for work.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• 왜요?waeyo? · Why?expression왜 + the polite 요. A complete one-word question.Lesson: So and because: -아/어서 and 그래서
• -고 싶어요-go sipeoyo · want to (do)endingDictionary form minus 다, plus 고 싶어요. For your own wishes and for asking about the listener’s. Follows a verb, never a noun.Example: 집에 가고 싶어요 — I want to go home.Lesson: I want to: -고 싶어요
• 고향gohyang · hometownnounThe place you come from and grew up in; for someone abroad it can be the home country.Example: 고향에 가고 싶어요 — I want to go to my hometown.Lesson: I want to: -고 싶어요
• 콘서트konseoteu · concertnounExample: 콘서트에 가고 싶어요 — I want to go to a concert.Lesson: I want to: -고 싶어요
• 사진sajin · photo, picturenounExample: 사진을 찍어요 — I take a photo.Lesson: I want to: -고 싶어요
• 찍어요jjigeoyo · take (a photo)verbDictionary form 찍다. Pronounced [찌거요]. 사진을 찍어요, “take a photo”.Example: 사진을 찍어요 — I take a photo.Lesson: I want to: -고 싶어요
• 만들어요mandeureoyo · makeverbDictionary form 만들다. Pronounced [만드러요].Example: 김밥을 만들어요 — I make gimbap.Lesson: I want to: -고 싶어요
• 써요sseoyo · write; useverbDictionary form 쓰다. The ㅡ of the stem drops in the 해요 form, as in 바쁘다 → 바빠요.Example: 여기에 이름을 써요 — I write my name here.Lesson: I want to: -고 싶어요
• -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요-(eu)l su isseoyo · can, be able toendingㄹ after a vowel stem, 을 after a consonant stem, then 수 있어요. 수 is pronounced [쑤] here. “Cannot” is 수 없어요.Example: 할 수 있어요 — I can do it.Lesson: Can and can’t: -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 / 없어요
• 도와줘요dowajwoyo · helpverbDictionary form 도와주다. Written as one word.Example: 친구가 도와줘요 — My friend helps me.Lesson: Can and can’t: -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 / 없어요
• 고쳐요gochyeoyo · fix, repairverbDictionary form 고치다. Pronounced [고처요].Example: 컴퓨터를 고쳐요 — I fix the computer.Lesson: Can and can’t: -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 / 없어요
• 이해해요ihaehaeyo · understandverbDictionary form 이해하다.Example: 네, 이해해요 — Yes, I understand.Lesson: Can and can’t: -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 / 없어요
• 한자hanja · Chinese charactersnounPronounced [한짜]. The characters as used in Korean; not the Chinese language.Example: 한자를 읽을 수 있어요 — I can read Chinese characters.Lesson: Can and can’t: -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 / 없어요
• 매운 음식maeun eumsik · spicy foodnoun매운 is 매워요 in its before-noun form. Learn the phrase as a whole for now.Example: 매운 음식을 좋아해요 — I like spicy food.Lesson: Can and can’t: -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 / 없어요
• -아/어야 해요-a/eoya haeyo · must, have toending해요 form minus 요, plus 야 해요: 가야 해요, 먹어야 해요.Example: 지금 가야 해요 — I have to go now.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• -아/어도 돼요-a/eodo dwaeyo · may, be allowed toending해요 form minus 요, plus 도 돼요. As a question it asks permission: 앉아도 돼요?Example: 여기 앉아도 돼요? — May I sit here?Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• -(으)면 안 돼요-(eu)myeon an dwaeyo · must not, may notendingDictionary stem + 면 (으면 after a consonant) + 안 돼요. A prohibition, not “don’t have to”.Example: 아니요, 들어가면 안 돼요 — No, you can’t go in.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• 숙제sukje · homeworknounPronounced [숙쩨].Example: 숙제를 해야 해요 — I have to do my homework.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• 시험siheom · exam, testnounExample: 내일 시험이 있어서 공부해야 해요 — I have an exam tomorrow, so I have to study.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• 표pyo · ticketnounExample: 표를 사야 해요 — You have to buy a ticket.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• 예약해요yeyakaeyo · reserve, bookverbDictionary form 예약하다. Pronounced [예야캐요].Example: 식당을 예약해요 — I book a restaurant.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• 들어가요deureogayo · go in, enterverbDictionary form 들어가다. Pronounced [드러가요].Example: 방에 들어가요 — I go into the room.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• 담배dambae · cigarette; tobacconounExample: 저는 담배를 안 피워요 — I don’t smoke.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• 피워요piwoyo · smoke (a cigarette)verbDictionary form 피우다. 담배를 피워요, “smoke”.Example: 저는 담배를 안 피워요 — I don’t smoke.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• 여권yeogwon · passportnounPronounced [여꿘].Example: 여권이 있어야 해요 — You need a passport.Lesson: Must, may, must not: -아/어야 해요, -아/어도 돼요, -(으)면 안 돼요
• -고 있어요-go isseoyo · be doing (in the middle of an action)endingDictionary stem + 고 있어요. Only with actions; optional, since the plain 해요 form can also mean “now”.Example: 지금 밥을 먹고 있어요 — I’m eating right now.Lesson: In the middle of doing: -고 있어요
• 요즘yojeum · these days, latelyadverbExample: 요즘 바빠요 — I’m busy these days.Lesson: In the middle of doing: -고 있어요
• 찾아요chajayo · look for; findverbDictionary form 찾다. Pronounced [차자요]. 찾고 있어요 is “am looking for”.Example: 뭐 찾아요? — What are you looking for?Lesson: In the middle of doing: -고 있어요
• 통화해요tonghwahaeyo · be on the phone, talk on the phoneverbDictionary form 통화하다. The conversation itself; “make a call” is 전화해요.Example: 친구하고 통화해요 — I talk to a friend on the phone.Lesson: In the middle of doing: -고 있어요
• 회의hoeui · meeting (at work)nounExample: 세 시에 회의가 있어요 — There’s a meeting at three.Lesson: In the middle of doing: -고 있어요
• 준비해요junbihaeyo · prepare, get readyverbDictionary form 준비하다.Example: 저녁을 준비해요 — I get dinner ready.Lesson: In the middle of doing: -고 있어요
• 더deo · moreadverbStands directly before the adjective or verb: 더 빨라요, 더 싼 거. The adjective itself does not change.Example: 지하철이 더 빨라요 — The subway is faster.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 보다boda · thanparticleAttached, with no space, to the noun that something is compared against: 버스보다, “than the bus”.Example: 버스보다 지하철이 더 빨라요 — The subway is faster than the bus.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 제일jeil · most, the mostadverbThe everyday word. Stands where 더 stands: 제일 맛있어요.Example: 비빔밥이 제일 맛있어요 — The bibimbap is the tastiest.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 가장gajang · most, the mostadverbSame meaning as 제일; a little more at home in writing.Example: 비행기가 가장 빨라요 — The plane is the fastest.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 덜deol · lessadverbThe opposite of 더, and much rarer.Example: 오늘은 어제보다 덜 바빠요 — Today I’m less busy than yesterday.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 빨라요ppallayo · is fastadjectiveDictionary form 빠르다. Learn 빨라요 as a whole word.Example: 지하철이 더 빨라요 — The subway is faster.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 느려요neuryeoyo · is slowadjectiveDictionary form 느리다.Example: 버스가 더 느려요 — The bus is slower.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 높아요nopayo · is highadjectiveDictionary form 높다. Pronounced [노파요]. For mountains, buildings, prices.Example: 산이 높아요 — The mountain is high.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 낮아요najayo · is lowadjectiveDictionary form 낮다. Pronounced [나자요].Example: 의자가 너무 낮아요 — The chair is too low.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 키ki · height (of a person)noun키가 커요, “is tall”, literally “the height is big”. 키가 작아요, “is short”.Example: 민수 씨가 저보다 키가 더 커요 — Minsu is taller than me.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 나이nai · agenoun나이가 많아요, “is old / older”, literally “the age is much”.Example: 저는 민수 씨보다 나이가 더 많아요 — I’m older than Minsu.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 겨울gyeoul · winternounExample: 저는 겨울을 제일 좋아해요 — I like winter best.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• 여름yeoreum · summernounExample: 저는 여름보다 겨울을 더 좋아해요 — I like winter more than summer.Lesson: Comparing: 더, 보다, 제일
• -아/어 주세요-a/eo juseyo · please (do it) for meending해요 form minus 요, plus 주세요. Asks the listener for a favour.Example: 기다려 주세요 — Please wait.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• -(으)세요-(eu)seyo · please (do); polite instructionendingDictionary stem + 세요, or 으세요 after a final consonant. Tells the listener what to do, usually for their own sake.Example: 여기 앉으세요 — Please sit here.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• -지 마세요-ji maseyo · please don’tendingDictionary stem + 지 마세요. The negative of both request forms.Example: 가지 마세요 — Please don’t go.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• 천천히cheoncheonhi · slowlyadverbExample: 천천히 말해 주세요 — Please speak slowly.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• 다시dasi · againadverbExample: 다시 한번 말해 주세요 — Please say it once more.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• 한번hanbeon · onceadverb다시 한번, “once more”.Example: 다시 한번 말해 주세요 — Please say it once more.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• 말해요malhaeyo · say, speakverbDictionary form 말하다. From 말, “speech, words”.Example: 한국어로 말해요 — I speak in Korean.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• 보여줘요boyeojwoyo · showverbDictionary form 보여주다. As a request the course writes it in two words: 보여 주세요.Example: 친구한테 사진을 보여줘요 — I show my friend a photo.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• 조심하세요josimhaseyo · Be careful.expressionA set phrase: a warning, or a kind word as someone leaves.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• 걱정하지 마세요geokjeonghaji maseyo · Don’t worry.expressionA set phrase for reassuring someone.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• 잠깐만 기다려 주세요jamkkanman gidaryeo juseyo · Just a moment, please.expressionLiterally “please wait just a moment”. 잠깐만 is the everyday partner of 잠시만요.Lesson: Asking people to do things: -아/어 주세요, -(으)세요, -지 마세요
• 년nyeon · year (in dates)counterAfter a Sino-Korean number: 2026년, read 이천이십육 년.Example: 2026년 10월 5일 — 5 October 2026Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 월wol · month (in dates)counterAfter a Sino-Korean number: 3월, read 삼월.Example: 3월 8일 — 8 MarchLesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 일il · day (of the month)counterAfter a Sino-Korean number: 8일, read 팔 일. Spelled like 일 “one” and 일 “work”, but a different word.Example: 3월 8일 — 8 MarchLesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 요일yoil · day of the weeknounThe second half of every weekday name: 월요일, 화요일 …Example: 무슨 요일이에요? — What day of the week is it?Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 월요일woryoil · MondaynounPronounced [워료일].Example: 오늘은 월요일이에요 — Today is Monday.Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 화요일hwayoil · TuesdaynounExample: 화요일에 한국어를 공부해요 — I study Korean on Tuesdays.Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 수요일suyoil · WednesdaynounExample: 수요일에 시간이 있어요? — Do you have time on Wednesday?Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 목요일mogyoil · ThursdaynounPronounced [모교일].Example: 목요일에 병원에 가요 — I’m going to the hospital on Thursday.Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 금요일geumyoil · FridaynounPronounced [그묘일].Example: 금요일 저녁에 영화를 봐요 — I’m watching a film on Friday evening.Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 토요일toyoil · SaturdaynounExample: 토요일에 만나요 — Let’s meet on Saturday.Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 일요일iryoil · SundaynounPronounced [이료일].Example: 일요일에 집에서 쉬어요 — I rest at home on Sundays.Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 며칠myeochil · what date; which day of the monthquestion wordOne word, always spelled 며칠.Example: 오늘이 며칠이에요? — What’s the date today?Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 생일saengil · birthdaynounExample: 생일이 언제예요? — When is your birthday?Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 무슨museun · what, which, what kind of (before a noun)question word무슨 요일, “what day of the week”. Always followed by a noun.Example: 무슨 요일이에요? — What day of the week is it?Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 유월yuwol · JunenounIrregular: 육 loses its ㄱ. 유월, never 육월.Example: 제 생일은 유월이에요 — My birthday is in June.Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 시월siwol · OctobernounIrregular: 십 loses its ㅂ. 시월, never 십월.Example: 시월에 한국에 가요 — I’m going to Korea in October.Lesson: Dates and days of the week: 년, 월, 일, 요일
• 할아버지harabeoji · grandfathernounAlso a polite way to address any elderly man.Example: 할아버지는 방에 계세요 — Grandfather is in his room.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 할머니halmeoni · grandmothernounAlso a polite way to address any elderly woman.Example: 할머니, 어디 가세요? — Grandma, where are you going?Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 부모님bumonim · parentsnounThe 님 is a mark of respect, as in 선생님.Example: 부모님은 서울에 계세요 — My parents are in Seoul.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 형hyeong · older brother (of a man)nounUsed only by boys and men. A woman says 오빠.Example: 저는 형이 있어요 — I have an older brother.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 누나nuna · older sister (of a man)nounUsed only by boys and men. A woman says 언니.Example: 누나가 한 명 있어요 — I have one older sister.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 언니eonni · older sister (of a woman)nounUsed only by girls and women. A man says 누나.Example: 저는 언니가 있어요 — I have an older sister.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 남동생namdongsaeng · younger brothernoun남 “male” + 동생. The same word whoever is speaking.Example: 남동생은 학생이에요 — My younger brother is a student.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 여동생yeodongsaeng · younger sisternoun여 “female” + 동생. The same word whoever is speaking.Example: 여동생이 두 명 있어요 — I have two younger sisters.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 아들adeul · sonnounExample: 아들이 한 명 있어요 — I have one son.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 딸ttal · daughternounExample: 딸이 두 명 있어요 — I have two daughters.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 남편nampyeon · husbandnounExample: 남편은 회사원이에요 — My husband is an office worker.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 아내anae · wifenounExample: 아내는 의사예요 — My wife is a doctor.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 계세요gyeseyo · is (somewhere), stays — respectfulverbDictionary form 계시다. Replaces 있어요 for where a respected person is. Not used for “has”, and never about yourself.Example: 할아버지는 방에 계세요 — Grandfather is in his room.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 드세요deuseyo · eats; drinks — respectfulverbDictionary form 드시다. Replaces 먹어요, and covers drinking too. Said to someone, it means “please have some”.Example: 할머니는 차를 드세요 — Grandmother is drinking tea.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 주무세요jumuseyo · sleeps — respectfulverbDictionary form 주무시다. Replaces 자요.Example: 할아버지는 지금 주무세요 — Grandfather is asleep right now.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 연세yeonse · age (respectful word)nounReplaces 나이 when asking about an older person.Example: 연세가 어떻게 되세요? — May I ask how old you are?Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 성함seongham · name (respectful word)nounReplaces 이름 when asking an older person or a customer. Never used for your own name.Example: 성함이 어떻게 되세요? — May I ask your name?Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 성함이 어떻게 되세요?seonghami eotteoke doeseyo? · May I ask your name?expressionA fixed respectful question; learn it whole. Answer plainly: 제 이름은 …Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 연세가 어떻게 되세요?yeonsega eotteoke doeseyo? · May I ask how old you are?expressionA fixed respectful question for an older person; learn it whole.Lesson: Family, and showing respect: 형, 누나, -(으)세요, 계세요
• 어떻게eotteoke · howquestion wordPronounced [어떠케]. 어떻게 가요? “How do I get there?”Example: 은행에 어떻게 가요? — How do I get to the bank?Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 오른쪽oreunjjok · right, the right sidenounWith 으로 for a direction: 오른쪽으로, “to the right”.Example: 오른쪽으로 가세요 — Go right.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 왼쪽oenjjok · left, the left sidenounWith 으로 for a direction: 왼쪽으로, “to the left”.Example: 왼쪽으로 가세요 — Go left.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 똑바로ttokbaro · straight, straight aheadadverbAn adverb; takes no particle.Example: 똑바로 가세요 — Go straight on.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 길gil · road, street; waynounExample: 길이 넓어요 — The road is wide.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 사거리sageori · intersection, crossroadsnounLiterally “four-way street”.Example: 사거리에서 왼쪽으로 가세요 — Turn left at the intersection.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 신호등sinhodeung · traffic lightnounExample: 신호등에서 오른쪽으로 가세요 — Turn right at the traffic light.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 앞ap · front; in front ofnounFollows the reference place with no particle between: 학교 앞에. 앞에 is pronounced [아페].Example: 은행은 학교 앞에 있어요 — The bank is in front of the school.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 뒤dwi · back; behindnounFollows the reference place: 식당 뒤에, “behind the restaurant”.Example: 화장실은 식당 뒤에 있어요 — The restroom is behind the restaurant.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 옆yeop · side; next tonounFollows the reference place: 은행 옆에. 옆에 is pronounced [여페].Example: 카페는 은행 옆에 있어요 — The café is next to the bank.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 근처geuncheo · the area nearby; nearnounFollows the reference place: 역 근처에, “near the station”.Example: 편의점은 역 근처에 있어요 — The convenience store is near the station.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 건너편geonneopyeon · the other side (of the street); acrossnoun건너편에 있어요, “it’s across the street”.Example: 정류장은 건너편에 있어요 — The bus stop is across the street.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 정류장jeongnyujang · bus stopnounPronounced [정뉴장].Example: 정류장은 건너편에 있어요 — The bus stop is across the street.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 얼마나eolmana · how long; how muchquestion wordWith 걸려요 it asks about time: 얼마나 걸려요?Example: 역까지 얼마나 걸려요? — How long does it take to the station?Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 걸려요geollyeoyo · it takes (time)verbDictionary form 걸리다. The amount of time stands before it with no particle: 삼십 분 걸려요.Example: 한 시간 걸려요 — It takes an hour.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 가까워요gakkawoyo · is near, is closeadjectiveDictionary form 가깝다. Learn it whole for now; the next lesson shows the pattern behind it.Example: 역이 가까워요 — The station is close.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 멀어요meoreoyo · is faradjectiveDictionary form 멀다. Pronounced [머러요].Example: 학교가 멀어요 — The school is far away.Lesson: Finding the way: 오른쪽, 왼쪽, 똑바로, 얼마나 걸려요?
• 어때요?eottaeyo? · How is it?expressionAsks about the noun marked with 이/가: 날씨가 어때요? Learn it as a whole word.Example: 날씨가 어때요? — What’s the weather like?Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 추워요chuwoyo · is coldadjectiveDictionary form 춥다. For weather and for feeling cold yourself; not for cold food or drinks.Example: 오늘은 추워요 — It’s cold today.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 더워요deowoyo · is hotadjectiveDictionary form 덥다. For weather and for feeling hot yourself; not for hot food or drinks.Example: 오늘은 더워요 — It’s hot today.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 시원해요siwonhaeyo · is cool, refreshingadjectiveDictionary form 시원하다. Pleasantly cool: a breeze, autumn air, a cold drink.Example: 바람이 시원해요 — The breeze is nice and cool.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 맑아요malgayo · is clear, is sunnyadjectiveDictionary form 맑다. Pronounced [말가요].Example: 날씨가 맑아요 — The weather is clear.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 흐려요heuryeoyo · is cloudy, is overcastadjectiveDictionary form 흐리다.Example: 오늘은 흐려요 — It’s cloudy today.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 바람baram · wind, breezenounExample: 바람이 시원해요 — The breeze is nice and cool.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 봄bom · springnounExample: 봄은 따뜻해요 — Spring is warm.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 가을gaeul · autumn, fallnounExample: 가을은 시원해요 — Autumn is cool.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 어려워요eoryeowoyo · is difficultadjectiveDictionary form 어렵다. ㅂ turns into 우: 어려워요.Example: 시험이 어려워요 — The exam is difficult.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 쉬워요swiwoyo · is easyadjectiveDictionary form 쉽다. ㅂ turns into 우: 쉬워요. Not 쉬어요, which is “rest”.Example: 숙제가 쉬워요 — The homework is easy.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 기분gibun · mood, how one feelsnoun기분이 좋아요, “I feel good”; 기분이 나빠요, “I’m in a bad mood”.Example: 기분이 좋아요 — I feel good.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 행복해요haengbokaeyo · is happyadjectiveDictionary form 행복하다. Pronounced [행보캐요].Example: 저는 행복해요 — I’m happy.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 슬퍼요seulpeoyo · is sadadjectiveDictionary form 슬프다. The ㅡ drops, as in 바쁘다 → 바빠요.Example: 영화가 슬퍼요 — The film is sad.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• 화나요hwanayo · get angryverbDictionary form 화나다. A verb: it says anger arises. “Is angry” is usually said in the past: 화났어요.Example: 정말 화나요 — It makes me really angry.Lesson: Weather and feelings: 추워요, 더워요, 기분이 어때요?
• -(으)ㄹ까요?-(eu)lkkayo? · shall we …?endingStem + ㄹ까요? after a vowel, 을까요? after a consonant. A proposal that includes the listener; with a question word, “what / where / when shall we …?”Example: 같이 영화 볼까요? — Shall we watch a film together?Lesson: Making plans together: -(으)ㄹ까요?, -(으)면, 약속
• -(으)면-(eu)myeon · if; whenendingStem + 면, or 으면 after a final consonant. The condition comes first.Example: 시간이 있으면 같이 가요 — If you have time, let’s go together.Lesson: Making plans together: -(으)ㄹ까요?, -(으)면, 약속
• 약속yaksok · appointment, plans (with someone); promisenoun약속이 있어요, “I have plans”. Any arrangement to meet, not only a formal one.Example: 미안해요, 약속이 있어요. — Sorry, I have plans.Lesson: Making plans together: -(으)ㄹ까요?, -(으)면, 약속
• 미안해요mianhaeyo · I’m sorry.expressionPolite and friendly, for people you know. With strangers, customers and older people use 죄송합니다.Example: 늦어서 미안해요 — Sorry I’m late.Lesson: Making plans together: -(으)ㄹ까요?, -(으)면, 약속
• 그때geuttae · then, at that timenounPoints back to a time just mentioned: 그때 봐요, “see you then”.Example: 그럼 그때 봐요 — See you then, then.Lesson: Making plans together: -(으)ㄹ까요?, -(으)면, 약속
• 초대해요chodaehaeyo · inviteverbDictionary form 초대하다.Example: 생일 파티에 친구를 초대해요 — I’m inviting friends to my birthday party.Lesson: Making plans together: -(으)ㄹ까요?, -(으)면, 약속
• 고마워요gomawoyo · Thank you. (polite)expressionThe 해요-style partner of 감사합니다: warm, for people you know. From 고맙다, with ㅂ → 우.Lesson: Three ways to end a sentence: 해요, 합니다, 해
• 고마워gomawo · Thanks. (casual)expressionWithout 요: only for close friends, family and children.Lesson: Three ways to end a sentence: 해요, 합니다, 해
• 안녕하십니까?annyeonghasimnikka? · Good day. / Hello. (formal)expressionThe formal 안녕하세요, heard in announcements, on the news and from staff. Pronounced [안녕하심니까].Lesson: Three ways to end a sentence: 해요, 합니다, 해
• 안녕annyeong · Hi. / Bye. (casual)expressionBoth hello and goodbye, between friends and to children only.Lesson: Three ways to end a sentence: 해요, 합니다, 해
• 미안해mianhae · Sorry. (casual)expression미안해요 without 요: only for close friends, family and children.Lesson: Three ways to end a sentence: 해요, 합니다, 해