500+ Basic Words And Phrases In Korean: Useful List

Basic words and phrases in the Korean language (한국어 / hangugeo) can be easily learned nowadays. It is one of the most popular languages among southeast Asian countries because of the prevalence of Korean culture through Korean popular posts, Korean drama/movies, Korean music, and even Korean food.

People have different reasons why they want to learn this language and many people want to learn Korean to expand their vocabulary and understand how their favorite Korean actors and Kpop biases speak. Whatever the reason is, it is undeniable that the Korean language has taken a big step to know not just in Asia but all over the world.

Today, there are lots of people who speak English as their second language because it has been widely used all over the world, but learning to speak Korean will definitely step up your game. It will widen your vocabulary and give you a deeper understanding of Koreans. So, are you ready to learn new Korean words and Korean phrases? Let’s go! (가자! / gaja!)

Page Contents

• What Are The Top 10 Basic Words In Korean?
• Other Basic Korean Phrases And Words You Should Learn
• A List Of 365 Common Korean Words To Improve Your Vocabulary
• Korean Language That Reflects Korean Culture
• About The Korean Language
• Start Learning Korean Now!

What Are The Top 10 Basic Words In Korean?

If you are wondering which essential Korean words you should learn first, have a look at the list below:

• Yes: 네 (ne) / 예 (ye)
• No: 아니오 (a-ni-yo)
• Okay: 괜찮아요 (gwaen-chan-a-yo)
• Hello: 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo)
• Please (for requests): 주세요 (ju-se-yo)
• Thank you: 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) / 고마워요 (go-ma-wo-yo)
• You’re welcome: 천만에요 (cheon-man-e-yo)
• Excuse me: 실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da)
• Sorry: 미안합니다 (mi-an-ham-ni-da) / 미안해 (mi-an-he)
• Goodbye: 안녕히 계세요 (an-nyeong-hi-gye-se-yo)

Meanings And Sounds Of The Basic Words And Phrases in Korean You Should Lean

There is a special reason why people want to learn Korean words and Korean phrases. It can be because they are inspired by the Korean music, Korean books or Korean dramas they are listening to and watching.

It may also be a requirement for an elective subject in school. Most of all, people want to start learning Korean because they want to travel to Korea and start conversations with locals.

Whatever the reason is, it is really commendable for you to start learning Korean, so here’s a list of Basic Words and Phrases in Korean for you to start with:

1. 네 (ne)

English Translation: Yes

네 (ne) is used the same way it is used in the English language. As a traveler, this is really essential, especially in airports, shopping, dining, and traveling around the country. You can also hear people say 예 (ye) to say “Yes” in Korean, which has the same meaning as 네(ne). But in some cases, older people might consider 예 (ye) a more polite way to say “Yes.” 

2. 아니요 (a-ni-yo)

English Translation: No

No is also one of the basic but most important words to learn in Korean. It is as important as the word Yes because you will not say Yes all the time.

On the other hand, when you are in doubt or unsure about something, 아마도 / amado is the right word for you. Of course, there will be a lot of things that you won’t be so sure about when you begin to learn Korean. 

3. 괜찮아요 (gwaen-chan-a-yo)

English Translation: Ok

The common way of agreeing is saying Ok (괜찮아요 / gwaenchanayo). This is just a word, but it is really important and useful in many different situations. 

4. 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo)

English Translation: Hello

안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is one of the most common words in the Korean language you will hear anywhere. Koreans love to welcome people with a greeting. This is the easiest Korean greeting that you can use in many situations. This is also a great conversation starter and icebreaker when communicating with the locals.

5. 주세요 (ju-se-yo)

English Translation: Please

Koreans really value respect and politeness. It is clearly reflected in Koreans when you go to their country or even just watch their movies and dramas that is why the word Please (주세요 / juseyo) is used often. As a traveler, this is important to show politeness to the locals in different situations, such as dining in a restaurant and shopping. 

6. 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da)

English Translation: Thank you

Saying Thank you(감사합니다 / gamsahamnida) in Korean is really important, especially when you visit Korea. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) is used in formal conversations, and you could also hear 고마워요 (gomawoyo), which is used in casual conversations. This is also a common Korean phrase or expression that is really important in daily conversations.

We all know that saying Thank you is a sign of showing appreciation and gratitude to another person, which is very important in Koreans. There are a lot more Korean phrases that you can use to say Thank you, but this is the most common one you can use in both speaking and writing. 

7. 천만에요 (cheon-man-e-yo)

English Translation: You’re welcome

You should also know how to respond when somebody expresses gratitude to you by simply just saying You’re welcome (천만에요 / cheonmaneyo) in Korean. This is also a sign of politeness toward other people. Korean phrases like this are really important to keep the conversation going and be nice. 

8. 실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da)

English Translation: Excuse me

There will also be times when you need to use the phrase Excuse me (실례합니다 / sillyehamnida). This phrase is used to apologize, but there are different usages for this phrase. One example is 저기요 (jeogiyo), which is used to get attention. Another example is 잠시만요 (jamsimanyo), which is used to pass someone. 

9. 미안합니다 (mi-an-ham-ni-da)

English Translation: Sorry

Both Korean phrases have the same meaning, but they are used in different situations. 미안합니다 / (mianhamnida) is formal, and you could also hear 미안해 (mianhe), which is more casual. Saying sorry is a sign of humility and respect. 

10. 안녕히 계세요 (an-nyeong-hi-gye-se-yo)

English Translation: Goodbye

Knowing how to say Goodbye (안녕히 계세요 / annyeonghi gyeseyo) in Korean is also important, especially if you are a tourist. It is one of the most common Korean greetings, which is mostly used in daily conversations.

These 10 basic words and phrases in the Korean language are just the simplest and easiest that you can learn. As a person who doesn’t know how to speak Korean, these phrases and words are a good starting point in your journey in language learning. For people who speak English, learning Korean may be challenging, especially in written form, since it is complicated. But with a lot of practice and continuous reading of blogs like this, you will surely learn little by little. 

Other Basic Korean Phrases And Words You Should Learn

Speaking Korean will require you to learn more vocabulary other than the 10 mentioned above. Now that you have learned the 10 basic words and phrases in the Korean language let us learn more. Take note, we are only learning the basic words, phrases, and sentences, there are separate blog posts for other topics as well. Here is a list of additional Korean phrases and words to learn in different categories:

1. For Everyday Life Conversations

There are plenty of Korean phrases and vocabulary that are commonly used in everyday conversation. There are Koreans who speak English, but there are also those who don’t. Learning basic words and phrases in the Korean language, as well as sentences, will make it easier when you are talking to the locals. Here is a list of words and phrases that are used in everyday life:

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
Good	좋아요	joayo
Bad	안 좋아요	an joayo
That’s ok	괜찮아요	gwaenchanayo
Just a moment!	잠깐만요!	jamkkanmanyo!
I understand	이해해요	ihaehaeyo
I don’t know	몰라요	mollayo
I know	알아요	arayo
Don’t worry!	걱정 하지 마세요!	geokjeong haji maseyo!
No problem!	문제 없어요	munje eopseoyo
What is this?	이게 뭐예요	ige mwoyeyo
My name is …	제 이름은 … 입니다	je ireum-eun … imnida
It is nice to meet you!	만나서 반가워요	mannaseo bangawoyo.
Do you speak English?	영어 하실 줄 아세요?	yeong eo hasil jul aseyo?
Do you speak Korean?	한국말 하실 줄 아세요?	hangungmal hasil jul aseyo?
I can speak a little Korean	한국말을 조금 할 수 있어요	hangungmareul jogeum hal su isseoyo
I can’t speak Korean	한국말을 못해요	hangungmareul motaeyo

 

2. Korean Words For Shopping 

Shopping is part of a great adventure in Korea. Even if you don’t plan to go to Korea, there may be times when you want to buy something in a Korean store. One of the reasons why people admire Koreans is the products they use in everyday life. Here are some words that may help your shopping experience easier:

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
shopping	쇼핑	syoping
How much is this?	이거 얼마예요?	igeo eolmayeyo?
Can I pay with a credit card?	카드 돼요?	kadeu dwaeyo?
What time do you close?	몇시에 문 닫아요?	myeotsie mun dadayo?
Please give me a discount	좀 깎아 주세요	jom kkakka juseyo
Please give me a receipt	영수증 주세요	yeongsujeung juseyo
Please give me a refund	환불해 주세요	hwanbulhae juseyo
How much is the total?	모두 얼마예요?	modu eolmayeyo?

3. Basic Korean Words And Phrases About Food And Dining

Another reason why people love Korean culture is because of their food. If you want to eat in local restaurants or if someone invited you for a meal, these are some phrases you need to know as a beginner. Take note of the pronunciation of these Basic words and phrases in the Korean language because it is really important.

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
Bon appétit	맛있게 드세요	masitge deuseyo
Eat up!	많이 먹어요	mani meogeoyo
It’s delicious!	맛있어요!	masisseoyo!
I’m thirsty	목 말라요	mok mallayo
I want to drink	마시고 싶어	masigo sipeo
It doesn’t taste good	맛없어요	mateopseoyo
I’m hungry	배고파요	baegopayo
Please give me a menu	메뉴판 주세요	menyupan juseyo
Do you have vegetarian dishes?	채식주의자용 식사 있어요?	chaesikjuuijayong siksa isseoyo?

4. Essential Phrases About Travel And Directions In Korean

Traveling is really hard if it is your first time, and it is even harder when you don’t know how to speak their native language. Even if you are with your friends and you only know how to speak English, traveling will be hard for all of you. If you decide to Korea, try learning the following phrases that the native speakers use:

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
Turn left	왼쪽으로 가세요	oenjjokeuro gaseyo
Turn right	오른쪽으로 가세요	oreunjjokeuro gaseyo
Go straight	직진하세요	jikjinhaseyo
I’m lost	길을 잃었어요	gireul irreosseoyo
How far is it from here?	여기에서 얼마나 걸리는지 아세요?	yeogieseo eolmana geollineunji aseyo?
How much is the bus fare?	버스 요금 얼마예요?	beoseu yogeum eolmayeyo?
Where does this bus go?	이 버스는 어디로 가요?	i beoseuneun eodiro gayo?
How much is a bus ticket to Seoul?	서울에 가는 버스 표가 얼마예요?	seoure ganeun beoseu pyoga eolmayeyo?
I’m sorry, I’m not from around here	미안하지만 저는 이 근처 사람이 아니예요	mianhajiman jeoneun i geuncheo sarami aniyeyo

5. Korean Phases About Clarification

Being a non-native speaker will really give you a hard time understanding conversations and interactions. So, it’s nice to learn some basic words and phrases in the Korean language that you can use to make things clear. Surely, Koreans will be kind enough to clarify things for you.

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
Please say that one more time.	다시 한 번 말해 주세요	dasi han beon malhae juseyo
Please speak slowly.	천천히 말해 주세요	cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo
I don’t understand	이해 못했어요	ihae mothaesseoyo

 

6. Words And Phrases About Emergency In Korean

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. You never know when and where it will happen. You may feel comfortable if you always have a doctor like Kang Mo-Yeon (in Descendants of the Sun) or a responsive police officer like Choi Eun-Cheol (in Hometown Cha-cha-cha) by your side. But, if you don’t have people like them at all times, you must learn some basic words and phrases in Korean to be used for emergencies like the following:

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
emergency	비상	bisang
police	경찰	gyeongchal
It’s my emergency phone number	비상 전화번호예요	bisang jeonhwabeonhoyeyo
Fire!	불이야	buriya
Be careful.	조심하세요!	josimhaseyo!
I’m scared.	무서워요	museowoyo
Help me!	도와주세요!	dowajuseyo!
Call the police, please.	경찰을 불러 주세요	Gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo.
Call an ambulance!	구급차 불러요!	gugeupcha bulleoyo!
Someone has stolen my bag.	누군가 제 가방을 훔쳐갔어요	nugun-ga je gabangeul humchyeogasseoyo

7. Korean Phrases About Accommodation 

Going to a place as wonderful as South Korea will bring you different sorts of adventures which can be tiring but fulfilling. One of the first things you’ll do when you arrive in Korea is to look for accommodation that is really budget-friendly but can still give you the Korean cultural experience. Learn these basic words and phrases in the Korean language that are related to accommodation to have smooth transactions.

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
a hotel	호텔	hotel
a room key	방 열쇠	bang yeolsoe
to reserve	예약하다	yeyakada
a single room	싱글룸	singgeullum
check-in	체크인	chekeuin
check-out	체크아웃	chekeuaut
We want to stay here for two nights.	우리는 여기에서 이틀 밤을 머물고 싶어요	urineun yeogieseo iteul bameul meomulgo sipeoyo
I want to reserve two rooms for four people.	나는 4(네)명의 사람들을 위해 방 2(두)개를 예약하고 싶어요	naneun 4(ne)myeongui saramdeureul wihae bang 2(du)gaereul yeyakago sipeoyo
I want to reserve a single room for one night.	나는 하룻밤 묵을 싱글룸을 예약하고 싶어요	naneun harutbam mugeul singgeullumeul yeyakago sipeoyo
Can I leave my room key at reception?	제 방 열쇠를 안내 데스크에 맡겨도 되나요?	je bang yeolsoereul annae deseukeue matgyeo-do doenayo?
Does the hotel provide Internet?	그 호텔은 인터넷을 제공하나요?	geu hotereun inteoneseul jegonghanayo?
I want to rest in my room.	나는 내 방에서 쉬고 싶어요	naneun nae bangeseo swigo sipeoyo

8. Korean Words And Phrases Related To Love And Relationships 

We cannot talk about basic words and phrases in the Korean language without some love and relationship phrases. After all, I bet one of the reasons why you’re here is because of your favorite Oppa and bias. And hey, pretty sure that the K-dramas never failed to make you fall in love or believe in true love, even in mermaids like “Legend of the Blue Sea” and aliens like “My Love from the Star.”

Falling in love with Koreans is not hard because, let’s admit it, what’s not to love about them? So, here are some basic words related to love and relationships:

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
love	사랑	sarang
kiss	키스	kiseu
date	데이트	de-i-teu
friend	친구	chin-gu
boyfriend	남자친구	namja-chin-gu
girlfriend	여자친구	yeoja-chin-gu
I miss you.	보고 싶어	bogo sipeo
I love you.	사랑해	saranghae
I like you.	좋아해	joahae
I’ve got a crush on you.	나는 너에게 반했어	naneun neo-ege banhaesseo
I want to see you.	만나고 싶어	mannago sipeo
I’m yours	나는 니꺼야	naneun nikkeoya
You are pretty!	예쁘네요!	yeppeuneyo!
You are so cute!	너무 귀여워요!	neomu gwiyeowoyo!
You are so sweet!	정말 친절하네요!	jeongmal chinjeolhaneyo!
It was love at first sight.	첫눈에 반했어	cheonnune banhaesseo
You mean so much to me.	당신은 나에게 무척 소중해요	dangsineun naege mucheok sojunghaeyo
Do you still not have a boyfriend?	아직도 남자친구가 없어요?	ajikdo namjachinguga eopseoyo?

9. Basic Words For Family In The Korean Language

Guided by the teachings of Confucianism, Korean families strictly value filial piety and respect for elders. Koreans are known to be family-oriented people. Family members are extremely devoted to one another. It is well-reflected in their K-dramas like “Reply 1988”. If you watched this K-drama, you could see the Korean culture in terms of family. Elders are well-respected. Parents are responsible for molding their children to be good and responsible citizens by providing them with education and teaching them Korean culture. Children are supposed to be obedient and respectful to their parents and pursue education to become successful in the future.

Here are some words and phrases related to the family that you should learn as a beginner:

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
dad	아빠	appa
mom	엄마	eomma
son	아들	adeul
daughter	딸	ttal
grandfather (paternal)	할아버지	harabeoji
grandfather (maternal)	외할아버지	oe harabeoji
grandmother (paternal)	할머니	halmeoni
grandmother (maternal)	외할머니	oe halmeoni
husband	남편	nampyeon
wife	아내	anae
I go on a trip with my family	가족들과 함께 여행을 가요	gajokdeulgwa hamkke yeohaengeul gayo
We are a family of five	우리 가족은 5(다섯)명이에요	uri gajogeun 5(daseot) myeongieyo
My dad is kind	우리 아빠는 친절하세요	uri appaneyb chinjeolhaseyo

10. Korean Verbs And Adjectives 

Verbs and adjectives are essential parts of the sentence structure. If you know the basic verbs and adjectives, it will be easier for you to understand and write sentences in Korean. Remember, the Korean language is meant to be learned and understood easily. At first, it seems like it’s hard to learn, especially if you’re from a western country, but after learning the Korean alphabet, you’ll realize that it’s not hard to learn Korean. Here are some basic verbs and adjectives you’ll need to know.

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
to eat	먹다	meokda
to drink	마시다	masida
to sleep	자다	jada
to give	주다	juda
to buy	사다	sada
to see	보다	boda
to laugh	웃다	utda
to cry	울다	ulda
to wear	입다	ipda
to walk	걷다	geotda
to meet	만나다	mannada
to study	공부하다	gongbuhada
to learn	배우다	baeuda
to read	읽다	iktta
to be good	좋다	jota
to hate	싫다	silta
to be easy	쉽다	swipda
to be difficult	어렵다	eoryeopda
to be clean	깨끗하다	kkaekkeuthada
to be dirty	더럽다	deoreopda
to be interesting	재미있다	jaemiitda
to be boring	재미없다	jaemieopda
to be hot	덥다	deopda
to be cold	춥다	chupda

11. Words About Time In Korean 

One thing to learn about Koreans is they are really organized. Everything is fast-paced to keep productivity but remember, fast-paced doesn’t always compromise quality. They still care about details and quality of work. If you’re following a K-pop group, they spend time before releasing new songs, but they make sure that their comebacks are a blast.

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
today	오늘	oneul
yesterday	어제	eoje
tomorrow	내일	naeil
now	지금	jigeum
time	시간	sigan

12. Korean Slang Words 

In learning basic words and phrases in the Korean language, we shouldn’t miss Korean slang words. If you have a strong grasp of this, understanding Korean jokes and watching K-dramas will be much easier. Also, if you start making friends, you will talk more casually. Usually, these are the terms that you’ll commonly use.

Korean slang words are not usually taught in the classroom. They are learned through interacting with other people and, of course, the internet.

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
a lot of fun	꿀잼	kkuljaem
not funny or boring	노잼	nojaem
fighting!	화이팅!	hwaiting!
my heart skipped  a beat	심쿵	simkung
TBH (to be honest)	솔까말	solkkamal
OMG, WTF	헐	heol
charming act	애교	aegyo
selfie	셀카	selka
TGIF (literal Burning Friday or Golden Friday)	불금	bulgeum
It’s lit	오졌다	ojyeotda
badly	더럽게	deoreopge
beginner level or noob	쪼렙	jjolep
swag	간지	ganji
mental breakdown	멘붕	menbung
Chicken and beer, the perfect pairing	치맥	chimaek
impulse shopping	홧김비용	hwatgimbiyong
mask	마스크	maseukeu
Fucking delicious	존맛탱	jonmattaeng (JMT)
prettiest in the world	세젤예	sejelye
IDK (short for 몰라, molla)	ㅁㄹ	m l
sorry (short for 죄송합니다, joesonghamnida)	ㅈㅅ	j s
ty (short for 감사합니다, gamsahamnida)	ㄱㅅ	g s

13. K-Drama Words And Phrases

“Crash Landing On You,” “Reply 1988,” and “Goblin.” These are just three of the most iconic K-dramas that made history in the K-drama world. If you’re an OG K-drama fan, you have surely unconsciously picked up words commonly used in K-dramas. Wondering what it means? Check out these basic Korean phrases used in K-dramas. 

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
used by males when referring to older female siblings/relatives/close friends;	누나	noona
used by females when referring to older female siblings/relatives/close friends	언니	eonni/unni
used by males when referring to older male siblings/relatives/close friends	형	hyung/hyeong
used by females when referring to older male siblings/relatives/close friends/boyfriends; occasionally, idols/celebrities	오빠	oppa
middle-aged men/married men	아저씨	ahjussi
middle-aged women/married women	아줌마	ahjumma
Got it./Understood.	알았어	arasseo
No way!	안돼!	andwae
Indicate a deep sigh, Expressing frustration or pity; show surprise (occasionally)	아이구	aigoo
I am hungry.	배고파	baegopa
Call/Deal	콜	kol
Wow/Cool/Great	대박	daebak
Just a sec/Wait a minute./Hold on.	잠깐만	jamkkanman
Good night./Sleep well.	잘자	jalja
It’s a lie./Don’t lie.	거짓말이야	geojitmariya
Really?	진짜? 정말?	jinjja jeongmal
Are you crazy?	너 미쳤어?	neo michyeosseo
Oh yeah	아싸!	assa
Please.	제발	jebal
What to do?	어떡해?	eotteokhae?
Like this.	이렇게	ireohke
Alright/ Sure/Okay	그래	geurae
It’s fine./I’m okay.	괜찮아	gwaenchana
If so, then…/Of course.	그럼	geureom
Don’t do it./Stop it.	하지마	hajima
I’m happy.	행복해	haengbokhae
Oh my gosh.	어머	eomeo
Hurry/Faster	빨리	palli
Could it be…/By any chance…/Would it be possible if…	혹시	hokshi
Hello (Used for answering a call )	여보세요	yeoboseyo
You’re pretty.	예쁘다	yeppeuda
I Promise/Promise me	약속해	yaksokhae
used to address seniors	선배	sunbae
used to address juniors	후배	hoobae
In the world (literal); Oh my god!/My goodness!	세상에	sesange

14. Korean Words For Music

Just recently, Lisa, the main dancer of the Korean girl group Blackpink, dropped her first-ever single entitled “Lalisa.” This song really made the whole world stop, even non-Koreans, because it broke two Guinness World Records. “Lalisa” hits 73.6 million views in its first 24 hours, breaking Taylor Swift’s “Me!” with 65.2 million. It also set a new record for a solo K-pop artist’s most-viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours which was formerly held by her bandmate Rosé.

BTS also set billboard records with their song “Dynamite” and is now concurring the world’s music industry. Just recently, they released their song with Coldplay entitled “My Universe.”

These are just two of the internationally recognized Korean groups that really made their way to represent Korea. It is no doubt that the Korean music industry is a global trend and has a huge fanbase in different parts of the world.

English Translation	Korean	Pronunciation
K-pop	케이팝	keipap
music	음악	eumak
music industry	음악 산업	eumak saneop
musical instrument	악기	akki
music video	뮤직 비디오	myujik bidio
classical music	클래식 음악	keullaesik eumak
pop music	가요	gayo
rap music	랩	raep
jazz music	재즈 음악	jaejeu eumak
singer	가수	gasu
female singer	여성 가수	yeoseong gasu
opera singer	오페라 가수	opera gasu
band	밴드	baendeu
pop culture	대중문화	daejungmunhwa
What is your favorite K-pop group?	어떤 케이팝 그룹을 가장 좋아해요?	Eotteon keipap geurubeul gajang joahaeyo?
How long have you been listening to K-pop?	케이팝을 들은지 얼마나 되었어요?	Keipabeul deureunji eolmana doeeosseoyo?

 A List Of 365 Common Korean Words To Improve Your Vocabulary

Below are some of the basic vocabulary of common Korean words about everyday life, essential words such as Korean family words, most typical greetings, basic medical terms, directions, and other terms for everyday life.

 

No.	English Translation	Korean Word
1	hello	안녕하세요
2	excuse me?	잠시만요
3	please in a desperate way	제발
4	really?	진짜?
5	please	주세요
6	sorry	죄송합니다
7	thank you	고맙습니다
8	yes	네
9	no	아니요
10	maybe	아마도
11	help	도와 주세요
12	excuse me	저기요
13	water	물
14	vegetables	야채
15	fruit	과일
16	meat	고기
17	bread	빵
18	fish	생선
19	coffee	커피
20	beer	맥주
21	soju	소주
22	friend	친구
23	family	가족
24	old sister (if you are male)	누나
25	old sister (if you are female)	언니
26	old brother (if you are male)	형
27	old brother (if you are female)	오빠
28	younger sibling	동생
29	younger brother	남동생
30	younger sister	여동생
31	dad	아빠
32	father (formal)	아버지
33	mom	엄마
34	mother (formal)	어머니
35	son	아들
36	daughter	딸
37	twins	쌍둥이
38	triplets	세 쌍둥이
39	uncle	삼촌
40	aunt	이모
41	boyfriend	남자 친구
42	girlfriend	여자 친구
43	marriage	결혼
44	husband	남편
45	wife	아내
46	human	사람
47	love	사랑
48	first love	첫사랑
49	secret crush	짝사랑
50	couple	커플
51	drama	드라마
52	once	한 번
53	twice	두 번
54	which	어느
55	who	누가
56	where	어디서
57	how	어떻게
58	when	언제
59	what	무엇을
60	why	왜
61	house	집
62	country	나라
63	job	직업
64	you’re welcome	천만에요
65	left	왼쪽
66	right	오른쪽
67	it’s fine	괜찮아
68	for a while	잠시동안
69	time	시간
70	now	지금
71	today	오늘
72	yesterday	어제
73	tomorrow	내일
74	to go	가다
75	to come	오다
76	to have	있다
77	to be	이다
78	to eat	먹다
79	to drink	마시다
80	to give	주다
81	to see	보다
82	to sleep	자다
83	to wake up or get up	일어나다
84	to buy	사다
85	to write or to use	쓰다
86	to laugh	웃다
87	to cry	울다
88	to wear	입다
89	to walk	걷다
90	to read	읽다
91	to learn	배우다
92	to study	공부하다
93	to meet	만나다
94	to like	좋다
95	to hate	싫다
96	to be hot	덥다
97	to be cold	춥다
99	to be sad	슬프다
100	to be sick or in pain	아프다
101	to be tired	피곤하다
102	to be interesting	재미있다
103	to be boring	재미없다
104	to be difficult	어렵다
105	to be easy	쉽다
106	to be clean	깨끗하다
107	to be dirty	더럽다
108	to be fast	빠르다
109	to be slow	느리다
110	fast	빨리
111	really	정말
112	slowly	천천히
113	sometimes	가끔
114	seldom	좀처럼
115	never	결코
116	never	절대
117	skin	피부, 살갗
118	eye	눈
119	body	신체/몸
120	head	머리
121	hair	머리카락
122	face	얼굴
123	dimple	보조개
124	forehead	이마
125	eyebrow	눈썹
126	shoulder	어깨
127	eyelid	눈꺼풀
128	eyelashes	속눈썹
129	pupil	눈동자
130	ear	귀
131	cheek	볼 / 뺨
132	nose	코
133	nostrils	콧구멍
134	mouth	입
135	tooth	이, 이빨
136	lips	입술
137	gum	잇몸
138	tongue	혀
139	chin	턱
140	neck	목
141	throat	목구멍
142	body parts	신체 부분
143	breast	가슴
144	breast	유방
145	back	등
146	abdomen	배
147	navel	배꼽
148	waist	허리
149	buttocks	엉덩이
150	vagina	질/보지
151	penis	음경/자지
152	hand	손
153	arm	팔
154	wrist	팔목
155	wrist	손목
156	elbow	팔꿈치
157	palm (hand)	손바닥
158	fist	주먹
159	finger	손가락
160	thumb	엄지
161	index finger	검지
162	ring finger	약지
163	fingernail	손톱
164	armpit	겨드랑이
165	leg	다리
166	thigh	허벅지
167	knee	무릎
168	foot	발
169	claw	발톱
170	ankle	발목
171	top of the foot	발등
172	heel	뒤꿈치
173	toe	발가락
174	brain	뇌
175	heart	심장
176	artery	혈관
177	liver	간
178	lungs	폐
179	muscles	근육
180	bone	뼈
181	stomach	위
182	appendix	맹장
183	kidney	콩팥
184	pancreas	췌장
185	bowels	장
186	womb	자궁
187	anus	항문
188	doctor	의사
189	nurse	간호사
190	injection	주사
191	pharmacist	약사
192	medicine	약
193	cancer	암
194	cough	기침
195	flu	독감
196	tumor	종양
197	vomiting	구토
198	paralysis	마비
199	poisoning	중독
201	toothache	치통
202	stomachache	복통
203	constipation	변비
204	jaundice	황달
205	runny nose	콧물
206	high fever	고열
207	pregnancy	임신
208	childbirth	출산
209	abortion	낙태
210	operation	수술
211	hospitalization	입원
212	hospital discharge	퇴원
213	diabetes	당뇨병
214	sunstroke	일사병
215	gastric ulcer	위궤양
216	syndrome	증후군
217	high blood pressure	고혈압
218	low blood pressure	저혈압
219	malnutrition	영양실조
220	death	사망, 임종
221	sickness	병
222	prescription	처방
223	dermatology	피부과
224	paediatrics	소아과
225	ultrasound	초음파
226	neurology	신경과
227	consultation room	진료실
228	emergency room	응급실
229	plastic surgery	성형외과
230	apple	사과
231	apricot	살구
232	asparagus	아스파라거스
233	aubergine	가지
234	avocado	아보카도
235	baked beans	찐 콩
236	banana	바나나
237	beansprouts	콩나물
238	beetroot	홍당무
239	blackberry	블랙베리
240	blackcurrant	블랙커런트
241	blueberry	블루베리
242	broccoli	브로콜리
243	brussels sprouts	양배추
244	a bunch of bananas	바나나 한 송이
245	a bunch of grapes	포도 한 송이
246	cabbage	배추
247	carrot	당근
248	cauliflower	꽃양배추
249	celery	샐러리
250	cherry	체리
251	courgette	애호박
252	cucumber	오이
253	fig	무화과
254	French bean	프렌치 콩
255	garlic	마늘
256	ginger	생강
257	gooseberry	구스베리
258	grape	포도
259	grapefruit	자몽
260	kidney beans	강낭콩
261	kiwi	키위
262	leek	대파
263	lemon	레몬
264	lettuce	양상추
265	lime	라임
266	mango	망고
267	melon	멜론
268	mushroom	버섯
269	onion	양파
270	orange	오렌지
271	peach	복숭아
272	pear	배
273	peas	콩
274	guava	구아바
275	pineapple	파인애플
276	plum	자두
277	pomegranate	석류
278	potato	감자
279	pumpkin	호박
280	radish	무
281	raspberry	라즈베리
282	soup	수프
283	spinach	시금치
284	spring onion	파
285	squash	호박
286	strawberry	딸기
287	sweet potato	고구마
288	corn / sweetcorn	옥수수
289	tinned tomatoes	토마토 통조림
290	tomato	토마토
291	turnip	순무
292	Persimmon	감
293	Mustard	갓
294	mandarin	귤
295	cauliflower	꽃양배추
296	rice field	논
297	soybean	대두
298	bellflower	도라지
299	wheat	밀
300	chestnut	밤
302	leek	부추
303	barley	보리
304	watermelon	수박
305	citron	유자
306	plum	자두, 매실
307	(musk) melon	참외
308	fafaya	파파야
309	red bean	팥
310	green pepper	풋고추
311	brown rice	현미
312	carrot	당근
313	rye	호밀
314	gingko nut	은행
315	gluten	찹쌀
316	green (unripe) fruit	선 과일
317	orchard	과수원
318	baguette	바케뜨
319	baking powder	제빵 가루
320	blue cheese	블루 치즈
321	bread rolls	롤빵
322	brown bread	갈색빵
323	brown sugar	갈색 설탕
324	butter	버터
325	cake	케이크
326	cooking oil	식용유
327	corn flour	옥수수 가루
328	cottage cheese	코티지 치즈
329	cream	크림
330	dates	대추
331	dried apricots	건살구
332	eggs	달걀
333	full-fat milk	고지방 우유
334	garlic bread	마늘빵
335	goats cheese	염소젖 치즈
336	icing sugar	아이싱 설탕
337	milk	우유
338	olive oil	올리브오일
339	pastry	패스트리
340	plain flour	일반 밀가루
341	raisins	건포도
342	sponge cake	스폰지 케이크
343	sugar	설탕
344	white bread	흰빵
345	yeast	효모
346	yoghurt	요구르트
347	chilli powder	고춧가루
348	cinnamon	계피
349	curry powder	카레 가루
350	paprika	파프리카
351	saffron	사프란
352	organic	유기농
353	ketchup	케첩
354	breakfast cereal	아침 시리얼
355	cornflakes	콘프레이크
356	honey	꿀
357	jam	잼
358	noodles	면
359	pasta	파스타
360	pizza	피자
361	porridge	죽
362	rice	쌀
363	spaghetti	스파게티
364	toast	토스트
365	Instant Noodles	라면

Korean Language That Reflects Korean Culture

Whenever you hear the words or phrases that Korean people speak or see their expressions when you watch their different dramas on the television or on your phone, it becomes more and more familiar to you. By listening to native Korean speakers, you are already making a lot of effort to remember these basic words and phrases!

Learning about Korean culture is necessary because this will widen your perspective on learning the Korean language itself. When you observe Korean culture, you will recognize the meaning behind their language, words, phrases, sentences, and vocabulary in terms of speaking. 

The common Korean vocabulary words that reflect Korean culture are the following:

• 친구 — “Chingu” (Friend) — This word has a different usage in English because Koreans generally use this word of the same age.
• 사랑 — “Sarang” (Love) — This is a Korean word for love. Japanese also have this word with the same meaning.
• 썸타다 — “Sseom-Ta-Da” (Mutual Understanding/Something’s going on) — This basic Korean phrase came from the English word ‘something’ or ‘something’s going’ on in terms of dating, and ‘ta-da’ is an expression of ‘go-along’ if the dating couple will move to a more serious relationship.
• 애교 — “Aegyo” (Charming Act) — This word is a trend right now in Korea. Mostly, women and even men do this charming and adorable act to look sweet to people. They often do the ‘aegyo’ when they take a ‘selka’ on their phones.
• 셀카 — “Selka” (Selfie) — From the English word ‘selfie’. Most Korean artists love to take pictures. Coz why not? Korean glass skin is worth showing off.
• 미안해 — “Mianhae” (I’m sorry) — This is an informal way to speak ‘I’m sorry’ in Korean. You always hear this Korean word, mostly in Kpop songs. In addition, Koreans are polite, especially the youngsters.
• 물 — “mul” (water) — This is the most commonly used noun in South Korea, as you probably hear in many K-dramas when drinking soju or eating moekbang.
• 밥 — “bap” (rice) — It’s not only the Philippines and Japan who love to eat rice, but also Korea. The rice that they eat was often wrapped in different types of leaves, together with meat or fish.
• 고기 — “gogi” (meat) — Koreans love meat, most especially grilled pork belly, which is also known as ‘samgyeop-sal’ with different ingredients. This is commonly eaten by a Korean family.
• 소주 — “soju” (clear liquor) — This is the most popular liquor in Korea. In Korean culture, drinking alcohol like soju, rice wine, and other alcohol is a big part of the lives of Korean family.
• 지금 — “jigeum” (now) — We frequently hear this word from our favorite Kpop groups whenever they have interviews, or sometimes in the daily conversations of your favorite Korean actors or artists in a variety show. This literally means ‘now’ or ‘at this moment’.
• 괜찮아요 — “gwaenchanayo” (That’s okay) — Most Koreans are cheerful and also compassionate people. In other words, you probably hear this Korean word whenever there’s an unexpected scenario in a Korean drama.
• 잘 자요 — “jal jayo” (Goodnight) — Although some Koreans use the English term ‘goodnight,’ most of the songs we hear from our favorite Kpop groups use ‘jal jayo.’ See? Through listening to their songs, we can learn basic Korean phrases, and understand some of the common Korean words in just a moment.
• 잠깐만요! — “jamkkannmanyo!” (Just a moment! / Wait!) — This expression from the most common Korean words is generally formally used in everyday life.
• 다 같이 — “da gachi” (All together) — You probably heard it right? This Korean word is usually heard when you watch a concert from your favorite Kpop group in initiating the fans to sing along with them.
• 이게 뭐예요 — “ige mwoyeyo” (What is this?) — This is also an expression from the most common Korean words, and it is also mainly used in everyday life in an informal manner, most especially when you are talking with your close friends or relatives.
• 좋아요 — “joayo” (Good) — This is also one of the most common Korean words that are being used a lot. You can hear this through different Korean vloggers who want different viewers to subscribe and like ‘joayo’ their vlogs.

Learn these cultural terms and you will be one step ahead!

About The Korean Language

Now that you’ve learned a few important words in Korean, there’s still a long way to go. If you are new to the language and are interested in learning even more details about this fantastic language, read this helpful information and take note!

Korean is spoken in North and South Korea, China (mainly provinces bordering North Korea), Japan, and Russia.

Korean is also spoken in other large communities around the world, such as the US (most from New York), Singapore, Thai, Guam, and Paraguay. The number of Korean speakers continues to increase because there are some countries like the Philippines, where the Korean language is taught as an elective course.

Affiliation

The most known origin of the Korean language is the Altaic language family of central Asia, including Turkish, Mongolian, and the Tungusic languages of Siberia. Other linguists also argue that Korean belongs to the Austronesian language family.

Because of the long history between Chinese and Japanese, determining their linguistic affiliation is really complicated. Some also considered the Korean language as isolated. Whatever its origin may be, it gave birth to an amazing language called Korean.

Dialects

We all know that the whole country of Korea is divided into two – The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The Ancient Korean language was divided into many dialects, but naturally unified during the Unified Silla period.

There are two standard varieties of Modern Korean. Both dialects are distinguished and regulated by the national language policy of the country. Most of these dialects are mutually intelligible.

• Seoul Dialect – The standard dialect of South Korea. There are also regional dialects such as Kyeonsang, Chungchong, Jeolla, and Jeju Island.
• P’yŏngyang Dialect – This is the standard dialect of North Korea. The regional dialects include Hamkyeong, Pyeongan, and Hwanghae.

Start Learning Korean Now!

Learning basic words and phrases in the Korean Language will definitely help survive. You will hear a lot of phrases and words that you don’t even understand, and it will make it hard for you to have good communication with the locals. Of course, you won’t always have the opportunity to check your dictionaries or some free PDF files saved on your cellphone to compose what you want to say.

If you want to learn more Korean words (including transitional words), phrases, and sentences, the Ling app will help you achieve your goals. Through the Ling app, you will be able to hear the pronunciation of each word. This will help you learn to speak the language accurately.

Ling will provide fun and engaging lessons that will surely make your language learning experience exciting and meaningful. These lessons will help you learn how to speak and write in Korean.

Through Ling, you don’t have to attend any class on a given schedule because you can learn with just your phone or computer during your free time. Learning a language will be a lot easier and more fun. What are you waiting for? Download the Ling app on the Play Store or App Store and start learning Korean now!