500+ Basic Words And Phrases In Korean: Useful List

Basic Words And Phrases In Korean

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.

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?

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 Korean Words And Phrases You Should Lean

There is a special reason why people want to learn Korean words and Korean phrases. People have different reasons why they want to learn this language. It can be because they are inspired by the Korean music and 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 the 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) / 예 (ye)

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) / 고마워요 (go-ma-wo-yo)

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) / 미안해 (mi-an-he)

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 also respect. 

Basic words and phrases in Korean annyeonghi gyeseyo goodbye

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciation
Good 좋아요
joayo
Bad 안 좋아요
an joayo
That’s ok괜찮아요
gwaenchanayo
Just a moment!잠깐만요!
jamkkanmanyo!
I understand 이해해요
ihaehaeyo
I don’t know몰라요
mollayo
I know알아요
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

 

Basic words and phrases in Korean Shopping

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
shopping쇼핑syoping
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 주세요jom kkakka juseyo
Please give me a receipt 영수증 주세요yeongsujeung juseyo
Please give me a refund환불해 주세요 hwanbulhae juseyo
How much is the total?모두 얼마예요?modu eolmayeyo?
Basic words and phrases in Korean food and dining

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
Bon appétit 맛있게 드세요masitge deuseyo
Eat up!많이 먹어요mani meogeoyo
It’s delicious!맛있어요!masisseoyo!
I’m thirsty 목 말라요mok mallayo
 I want to drink마시고 싶어masigo sipeo
It doesn’t taste good 맛없어요mateopseoyo
I’m hungry 배고파요baegopayo
Please give me a menu 메뉴판 주세요menyupan juseyo
Do you have vegetarian dishes? 채식주의자용 식사 있어요?chaesikjuuijayong siksa isseoyo?
Basic words and phrases in Korean travel and direction

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
Turn left 왼쪽으로 가세요oenjjokeuro gaseyo
Turn right오른쪽으로 가세요oreunjjokeuro gaseyo
Go straight직진하세요jikjinhaseyo
I’m lost길을 잃었어요gireul 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 here미안하지만 저는 이 근처 사람이 아니예요mianhajiman jeoneun i geuncheo sarami aniyeyo
Basic words and phrases in Korean clarification

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
Please say that one more time.다시 한 번 말해 주세요dasi han beon malhae juseyo
Please speak slowly.천천히 말해 주세요cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo
I don’t understand이해 못했어요ihae mothaesseoyo

 

Basic words and phrases in Korean emergency

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
emergency비상bisang
police경찰gyeongchal
It’s my emergency phone number비상 전화번호예요bisang jeonhwabeonhoyeyo
Fire!불이야buriya
Be careful.조심하세요!josimhaseyo!
I’m scared.무서워요museowoyo
Help me!도와주세요!dowajuseyo!
Call the police, please.경찰을 불러 주세요Gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo.
Call an ambulance!구급차 불러요!gugeupcha bulleoyo!
Someone has stolen my bag.누군가 제 가방을 훔쳐갔어요nugun-ga je gabangeul humchyeogasseoyo

 

Basic words and phrases in Korean accomodation

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 is related to accommodation to have smooth transactions.

English TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
a hotel호텔hotel
a room key방 열쇠bang yeolsoe
to reserve예약하다yeyakada
a single room싱글룸singgeullum
check-in체크인chekeuin
check-out체크아웃chekeuaut
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 싶어요naneun 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 싶어요naneun 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 싶어요naneun nae bangeseo swigo sipeoyo
Basic words and phrases in Korean love and relationships

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSounds
love사랑sarang
kiss키스kiseu
date데이트de-i-teu
friend친구chin-gu
boyfriend남자친구namja-chin-gu
girlfriend여자친구yeoja-chin-gu
I miss you.보고 싶어bogo sipeo
 I love you.사랑해saranghae
I like you.좋아해joahae
I’ve got a crush on you.나는 너에게 반했어naneun neo-ege banhaesseo
I want to see you.만나고 싶어mannago sipeo
I’m yours나는 니꺼야naneun 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 반했어cheonnune banhaesseo
You mean so much to me.당신은 나에게 무척 소중해요dangsineun naege mucheok sojunghaeyo
Do you still not have a boyfriend?아직도 남자친구가 없어요?ajikdo namjachinguga eopseoyo?
Basic words and phrases in Korean family

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
dad아빠appa
mom엄마eomma
son아들adeul
daughterttal
grandfather (paternal)할아버지harabeoji
grandfather (maternal)외할아버지oe harabeoji
grandmother (paternal)할머니halmeoni
grandmother (maternal)외할머니oe halmeoni
husband남편nampyeon
wife아내anae
I go on a trip with my family가족들과 함께 여행을 가요gajokdeulgwa hamkke yeohaengeul gayo
We are a family of five우리 가족은 5(다섯)명이에요uri gajogeun 5(daseot) myeongieyo
My dad is kind우리 아빠는 친절하세요uri appaneyb chinjeolhaseyo
Basic words and phrases in Korean verbs and adjectives

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
to eat먹다meokda
to drink마시다masida
to sleep자다jada
to give주다juda
to buy사다sada
to see보다boda
to laugh웃다utda
to cry울다ulda
to wear입다ipda
to walk걷다geotda
to meet만나다mannada
to study공부하다gongbuhada
to learn배우다baeuda
to read읽다iktta
to be good좋다jota
to hate싫다silta
to be easy쉽다swipda
to be difficult어렵다eoryeopda
to be clean깨끗하다kkaekkeuthada
to be dirty더럽다deoreopda
to be interesting재미있다jaemiitda
to be boring재미없다jaemieopda
to be hot덥다deopda
to be cold춥다chupda
Basic words and phrases in Korean time

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
today오늘oneul
yesterday어제eoje
tomorrow내일naeil
now지금jigeum
time시간sigan
Basic words and phrases in Korean slang words

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
a lot of fun꿀잼kkuljaem
not funny or boring노잼nojaem
fighting!화이팅!hwaiting!
my heart skipped 
a beat
심쿵simkung
TBH (to be honest)솔까말solkkamal
OMG, WTFheol
charming act애교aegyo
selfie셀카selka
TGIF (literal Burning Friday or Golden Friday)불금bulgeum
It’s lit오졌다ojyeotda
badly더럽게deoreopge
beginner level or noob쪼렙jjolep
swag간지ganji
mental breakdown멘붕menbung
Chicken and beer, the perfect pairing치맥chimaek
impulse shopping홧김비용hwatgimbiyong
mask마스크maseukeu
Fucking delicious존맛탱jonmattaeng (JMT)
prettiest in the world세젤예sejelye
IDK (short for 몰라, molla)ㅁㄹm l
sorry (short for 죄송합니다, joesonghamnida)ㅈㅅj s
ty (short for 감사합니다, gamsahamnida)ㄱㅅg s
Basic words and phrases in Korean drama

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. 

KoreanPronunciationEnglish Translation
누나
noonaused by males when referring to older female siblings/relatives/close friends;
언니
eonni/unniused by females when referring to older female siblings/relatives/close friends

hyung/hyeongused by males when referring to older male siblings/relatives/close friends
오빠
oppaused by females when referring to older male siblings/relatives/close friends/boyfriends; occasionally, idols/celebrities
아저씨
ahjussimiddle-aged men/married men
아줌마
ahjummamiddle-aged women/married women
알았어
arasseoGot it./Understood.
안돼!
andwaeNo way!
아이구
aigooIndicate a deep sigh, Expressing frustration or pity; show surprise (occasionally)
배고파
b7aegopaI am hungry.

kolCall/Deal
 대박
daebakWow/Cool/Great
잠깐만
jamkkanmanJust a sec/Wait a minute./Hold on.
잘자
jaljaGood night./Sleep well.
 거짓말이야
geojitmariyaIt’s a lie./Don’t lie.
진짜?


정말?
jinjja
jeongmal
Really?
너 미쳤어?
neo michyeosseoAre you crazy?
아싸!
assaOh yeah
제발
jebalPlease.
어떡해?
eotteokhae?What to do?
이렇게
ireohkeLike this.
그래
geuraeAlright/ Sure/Okay
괜찮아
gwaenchanaIt’s fine./I’m okay.
그럼
geureomIf so, then…/Of course.
하지마
hajimaDon’t do it./Stop it.
행복해
haengbokhaeI’m happy.
어머
eomeoOh my gosh.
빨리
palliHurry/Faster
혹시
hokshiCould it be…/By any chance…/Would it be possible if…
여보세요
yeoboseyoHello (Used for answering a call )
예쁘다
yeppeudaYou’re pretty.
약속해
yaksokhaeI Promise/Promise me
선배
sunbaeused to address seniors
후배
hoobaeused to address juniors
세상에
sesangeIn the world (literal); Oh my god!/My goodness!
Basic words and phrases in Korean music

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 TranslationKoreanPronunciationSound
K-pop케이팝keipap
music음악eumak
music industry음악 산업eumak saneop
musical instrument악기akki
music video뮤직 비디오myujik bidio
classical music클래식 음악keullaesik eumak
pop music가요gayo
rap musicraep
jazz music재즈 음악jaejeu eumak
singer가수gasu
female singer여성 가수yeoseong gasu
opera singer오페라 가수opera gasu
band밴드baendeu
pop culture대중문화daejungmunhwa
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?
learn korean

 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 TranslationKorean WordPronunciation
1hello안녕하세요anyeong haseyo
2excuse me?잠시만요jamshimanyo
3please in a desperate way제발jebal
4really?진짜?jinjja
5please주세요juseyo
6sorry죄송합니다joesong hamnida
7thank you고맙습니다gomap seumnida
8yesne
9no아니요aniyo
10maybe아마도amado
11help도와 주세요dowa juseyo
12excuse me저기요jeogiyo
13watermul
14vegetables야채yachae
15fruit과일gwail
16meat고기gogi
17breadppang
18fish생선saengseon
19coffee커피keopi
20beer맥주maekju
21soju소주soju
22friend친구chingu
23family가족gajok
24old sister (if you are male)누나nuna
25old sister (if you are female)언니eonni
26old brother (if you are male)hyeong
27old brother (if you are female)오빠oppa
28younger sibling동생dongsaeng
29younger brother남동생nam dongsaeng
30younger sister여동생yeo dongsaeng
31dad아빠appa
32father (formal)아버지abeoji
33mom엄마eomma
34mother (formal)어머니eo meo ni
35son아들adeul
36daughterttal
37twins쌍둥이ssangduni
38triplets세 쌍둥이se-ssangdungi
39uncle삼촌samchon
40aunt이모imo
41boyfriend남자 친구namja chingu
42girlfriend여자 친구yeoja chingu
43marriage결혼gyeolhon
44husband남편nampyeon
45wife 아내anae
46human사람saram
47love사랑sarang
48first love첫사랑cheot sarang
49secret crush짝사랑jjak sarang
50couple커플keopeul
51drama드라마deurama
52once한번hanbeon
53twice두번dubeon
54which어느eoneu
55who누가nuga
56where어디서eodiseo
57how어떻게eoteohke
58when언제eonje
59what무엇을mueoseul
60whywae
61house 집jip
62country나라nara
63job직업jigeop
64you’re welcome천만에요cheonmaneyo
65left왼쪽oen jjok
66right오른쪽o reunjjok
67it’s fine괜찮아gwaenchana
68for a while이렇게ireoke
69time 시간sigan
70now지금jigeum
71today오늘o neul
72yesterday 어제eoje
73tomorrow내일naeil
74to go가다gada
75to come 오다oda
76to have있다itda
77to be이다ida
78to eat먹다meokda
79to drink마시다masida
80to give 주다juda
81to see 보다boda
82to sleep자다jada
83to wake up or get up일어나다ireonada
84to buy사다sada
85to write or to use쓰다sseuda
86to laugh웃다utda
87to cry 울다ulda
88to wear입다ipda
89to walk 걷다geotda
90to read읽다ik tta
91to learn 배우다baeuda
92to study공부하다gongbuhada
93to meet만나다mannada
94to like좋다jota
95to hate싫다silta
96to be hot덥다deopda
97to be cold춥다chupda
99to be sad슬프다seulpeuda
100to be sick or in pain아프다apeuda
101to be tired피곤하다pigonhada
102to be interesting재미있다jaemiitda
103to be boring재미없다jaemieopda
104to be difficult어렵다eoryeopda
105to be easy 쉽다swipda
106to be clean깨끗하다kkaekkeuthada
107to be dirty더럽다deoreopda
108to be fast 빠르다ppareuda
109to be slow느리다neurida
110fast빨리 ppalli
111really정말jeongmal
112slowly천천히 cheoncheonhi
113sometimes가끔 gakkeum
114seldom좀처럼jomcheoreom
115never 결코 gyeolko
116never절대 jeoldae
117skin피부, 살갗pibu/saklat
118eyenun
119body신체/몸sinche/mom
120head머리meori
121hair머리카락meorikarhak
122face얼굴eolgul
123dimple보조개bojoge
124forehead이마ima
125eyebrow눈썹nun sseop
126shoulder어깨eokkae
127eyelid눈꺼풀nun keopul
128eyelashes속눈썹sok nun sseop
129pupil눈동자nun dongja
130eargui
131cheek볼 / 뺨bol/bbyam
132nosekho
133nostrils콧구멍khot gumeong
134mouthip
135tooth이, 이빨i / ippal
136lips입술ipsul
137gum잇몸itmom
138tonguehyeo
139chintheok
140neckmok
141throat목구멍, 목, 목이mok gumeong
142body parts신체 부분sinche bubun
143breast가슴gaseum
144breast유방yubang
145backdeung
146abdomenbae
147navel배꼽bekkop
148waist허리heori
149buttocks엉덩이eongdeongi
150vaginajil
151penis음경/자지umgyeong/ jaji
152handson
153armpal
154wrist팔목pal mok
155wrist손목son mok
156elbow팔꿈치pal kkumchi
157palm (hand)손바닥son badak
158fist주먹jumeok
159finger손가락son garak
160thumb엄지eomji
161index finger검지geomji
162ring finger약지yakji
163fingernail손톱sontop
164armpit겨드랑이khyeodeurangi
165leg다리dari
166thigh허벅지heobeokji
167knee무릎mureup
168footbal
169claw발톱baltop
170ankle발목balmok
171top of the foot발등baldeung
172heel뒤꿈치duiggumchi
173toe발가락balgarak
174brainnoi
175heart심장simjang
176artery혈관hyeolgwan
177livergan
178lungspye
179muscles근육guenyuk
180boneppyeo
181stomachui
182appendix맹장maengjang
183kidney콩팥kongpat
184pancreas췌장chuejang
185bowelsjang
186womb자궁jagung
187anus항문hangmun
188doctor의사uisa
189nurse간호사ganhosa
190injection주사jusa
191pharmacist약사yaksa
192medicineyak
193canceraam
194cough기침gichim
195flu독감dokgam
196tumor종양jongyang
197vomiting구토guto
198paralysis마비mabi
199poisoning중독jungdok
201toothache치통chitong
202stomachache복통boktong
203constipation변비byeonbi
204jaundice황달hwangdal
205runny nose콧물konmul
206high fever고열goyeol
207pregnancy임신imsin
208childbirth출산chulsan
209abortion낙태naktae
210operation수술susul
211hospitalization입원ibwon
212hospital discharge퇴원toewon
213diabetes당뇨병dangnyo
214sunstroke일사병ilsabyeong
215gastric ulcer위궤양wigweyang
216syndrome증후군jeunghugun
217high blood pressure고혈압gohyeorap
218low blood pressure저혈압jeohyeorap
219malnutrition영양실조yeongyangsiljo
220death사망, 임종samang, imjong
221sicknessbyeong
222prescription처방cheobang
223dermatology피부과pibugwa
224paediatrics소아과soagwa
225ultrasound초음파choeumpa
226neurology신경과singyeonggwa
227consultation room진료실jillyosil
228emergency room응급실eunggeupsil
229plastic surgery성형외과seonghyeongoegwa
230apple사과sagwa
231apricot살구salgu
232asparagus아스파라거스asupharageoosu
233aubergine가지khaji
234avocado아보카도abokado
235baked beans찐 콩jjin khong
236banana바나나banana
237beansprouts콩나물khong-namul
238beetroot홍당무hong-dangmu
239blackberry블랙베리bullek-beri
240blackcurrant블랙커런트bullek-kharanthu
241blueberry블루베리bulluberi
242broccoli브로콜리burokholli
243brussels sprouts양배추yang-baechu
244a bunch of bananas바나나 한 송이banana han songi
245a bunch of grapes포도 한 송이phodo han songi
246cabbage배추baechu
247carrot당근dang-geun
248cauliflower꽃양배추kot yang baechu
249celery샐러리selleori
250cherry체리cheri
251courgette애호박ae-hobak
252cucumber오이oi
253fig무화과muhwagwa
254French bean프렌치 콩furenchi khong
255garlic마늘maneul
256ginger생강saeng-gang
257gooseberry구스베리gusuberi
258grape포도phodo
259grapefruit자몽jamong
260kidney beans강낭콩gangnang-khong
261kiwi키위khiwi
262leek대파daepa
263lemon레몬lemon
264lettuce양상추yangsangchu
265lime라임laim
266mango망고mango
267melon멜론mellon
268mushroom버섯beoseot
269onion양파yangpa
270orange오렌지orenji
271peach복숭아boksunga
272pearbae
273peaskhong
274guava구아바guaba
275pineapple파인애플painaepeul
276plum자두jadu
277pomegranate석류seokryu
278potato감자gamja
279pumpkin호박hobak
280radishmu
281raspberry라즈베리rajuberi
282soup수프supeu
283spinach시금치sigeumchi
284spring onionpa
285squash호박hobak
286strawberry딸기ttalgi
287sweet potato고구마goguma
288corn / sweetcorn옥수수oksusu
289tinned tomatoes토마토 통조림thomatho thong-jorim
290tomato토마토thomatho
291turnip순무sunmu
292Persimmonkham
293Mustardkhat
294mandarinkhyul
295cauliflower꽃양배추kot yangbaechu
296rice fieldnon
297soybean대두daedu
298bellflower도라지doraji
299wheatmil
300chestnutbam
302leek부추buchu
303barley보리bori
304watermelon수박subak
305citron유자yuja
306plum자두, 매실jadu,maesil
307(musk) melon참외chamwei
308fafaya파파야papaya
309red beanpat
310green pepper풋고추put-gochu
311brown rice현미hyunmi
312carrot당근danggeun
313rye호밀homil
314gingko nut은행unhaeng
315gluten찹쌀chapssal
316green (unripe) fruit선 과일seon-gwail
317orchard과수원gwasuwon
318baguette바케뜨bakhetu
319baking powder제빵 가루jepang garu
320blue cheese파란색 치즈paransaek chiju
321bread rolls롤빵rol-pang
322brown bread갈색빵galsek-pang
323brown sugar갈색 설탕galsek seolthang
324butter버터ba-theo
325cake케이크kheikhu
326cooking oil식용유sikyongyu
327corn flour옥수수 가루oksusu garu
328cottage cheese코티지 치즈khotiji chiju
329cream크림khurim
330dates대추daechu
331dried apricots건살구geon sal gu
332eggs달걀dalgyal
333full-fat milk고지방 우유gojibang wuyu
334garlic bread마늘빵maneul pang
335goats cheese염소젖 치즈yeomsojeot chiju
336icing sugar아이싱 설탕aising seolthang
337milk우유wuyu
338olive oil올리브오일ollibu oil
339pastry패스트리paeseuteuri
340plain flour일반 밀가루ilban milgaru
341raisins건포도geonphodo
342sponge cake스폰지 케이크suphonji kheikhu
343sugar설탕seolthang
344white bread흰빵hwin pang
345yeast효모hyomo
346yoghurt요구르트yoguruthu
347chilli powder고춧가루gochu garu
348cinnamon계피gyepi
349curry powder카레 가루khare garu
350paprika파프리카pupeurikha
351saffron사프란sapeuran
352organic유기농yuginong
353ketchup케첩khecheop
354breakfast cereal아침 시리얼achim sirial
355cornflakes콘프레이크khon pureikhu
356honeykkul
357jamjaem
358noodlesmyeon
359pasta파스타pasutha
360pizza피자pija
361porridgejuk
362ricessal
363spaghetti스파게티seuphagethi
364toast토스트thosuthu
365Instant Noodles라면ramyeon
Basic words and phrases in Korean culture

Korean Language That Reflects Korean Culture

Whenever you hear the word or phrase 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.
  •  — “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.
  •  — “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! 

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