Simple Korean Words To Read: #1 Best Guide For Beginners

Did the exquisite culture of South Korea push you to learn the Korean language? If you’re new, you might want to begin with simple Korean words to read before jumping to a pile of confusing phrases. In this post, you’ll meet basic Korean words that’ll help you master the language easily!

In this magical realm of the Korean language, you will uncover the beauty of each syllable, the grace of every stroke in Hangul, and the rich tapestry of words that make up this captivating language. Together, we will set forth on a quest to unlock the secret to understanding, speaking, and reading Korean effortlessly.

So, fellow language explorer, are you ready to embark on this whimsical journey through the wonders of the Korean language? Brace yourself for a captivating adventure that will fill your heart and mind with delightful new words, unforgettable experiences, and a deeper connection to the captivating realm of Korea. Join us, and let the magic of the Korean language weave its spell upon you!

Quick Guide To The Korean Alphabet

Both the common words and phrases are constructed with this unique writing system in South Korea. So, before you immerse yourself in their language’s complexity, you must be familiar with these letters first!

Simple Korean Words To Use For Everyday Life

The Korean culture must’ve introduced several words and phrases in your head as you watch every Korean drama that piques your interest. These words are useful in both formal and casual conversations.

Simple Korean Greetings To Read

Every Korean words and phrases allow locals to connect with each other effectively. If you aim to make a nice impression or be polite towards them, greeting them is one way to do it. Here are the most common Korean words to greet someone.

• 안(An) 녕(Nyeong) 하(Ha) 세(Se) 요(Yo): Hello (Polite form)
• 안(An) 녕(Nyeong): Hello (Casual Form)
• 어(Eo) 서(Seo) 오(O) 세(Se) 요(Yo): Welcome
• 축(Chuk) 하(Ha) 해(He) 요(Yo): Congratulations
• 오(O) 랜(Raen) 만(Man) 이(I) 에(E) 요(Yo): Long time no see

Common Korean Household Words To Read

Learning basic words usually starts with what you see around your household. Taking things slow in the Korean learning process is a must since the language you’re trying to master isn’t as easy as your mother tongue!

• 집 (Jib): House/Home
• 침 (Chim) 실 (Sil): Bedroom
• 방 (Bang): Room
• 욕(Yok) 실 (Sil): Bathroom
• 부(Bu) 엌 (Eok): Kitchen
• 테(Te) 이(I) 블(Beul): Table
• 의(Ui) 자(Ja): Chair
• 와(Wa) 이(I) 파(Pa) 이(I): Wi-Fi

Simple Korean Family Words

There are plenty of K-dramas out there which give a good view of Korean families. Learning the basic vocabulary when it comes to what actors call their families helps you understand the series better. It’s also a good way to familiarize yourself with the language. Who knows, maybe next time you won’t need subtitles when watching these entertaining dramas!

• 가(Ga) 족 (Jok): Family
• 아(A) 빠 (Ppa): Dad
• 아(A) 버(Beo) 지(Ji): Father
• 엄(Eom) 마(Ma): Mother
• 어(Eo) 머(Mo) 니(Ni): Mom
• 부(Bu) 모(Mo) 님(Nim): Parents
• 오(O) 빠 (Ppa): Older Brother (Used by younger females)
• 언 (Eon) 니(Ni): Older Sister (Used by younger females)
• 형 (Hyeong): Older Brother (Used by younger males)
• 누(Nu) 나 (Na): Older Sister (Used by younger males)
• 남(Nam) 동(Dong) 생 (Saeng): Youger Brother
• 여(Yeo) 동(Dong) 생(Saeng): Younger Sister
• 할(Hal) 머(Meo) 님(Nim): Grandmother
• 할(Har) 아(A) 버(Beo) 님(Nim): Grandfather

Common Korean Verbs To Read

We all know that verbs refer to an action word. Now, what can you say whenever you see your favorite K-pop group dance to your favorite song? What do you think they are doing if their actions are translated into the Korean language? Expanding your Korean vocabulary requires you to dig deeper when learning the language. So, here are some common Korean verbs that you can easily read.

• 가(Ga) 다(Da): To go
• 가(Ga) 르(Leu) 치(Chi) 다 (Da): To teach
• 보(Bo) 다(Da): To see/watch
• 묻(Mud) 다(Da): To ask
• 하(Ha) 다(Da): Todo
• 일(Il) 하(Ha) 다(Da): To work
• 춤(Chum) 추(Chu) 다(Da): To dance
• 그(Geu) 리(Li) 다(Da): To draw

Easy Read Basic Korean Phrases

We hope this didn’t give you a jump scare! Although we mentioned that we’d only look at simple Korean words to read, you might want to challenge yourself. These phrases are comprised of essential Korean words that’ll help you have fruitful daily conversations with native Korean speakers.

1. 대박 (Daebak)- Amazing

One of the easiest and most basic phrases that you can use to compliment Korean people is by saying “Daebak,” which simply translates to the English word “amazing.” It’s composed of a few letters and two syllables only. You may speak slowly to practice this word and eventually become fluent in saying this newly found compliment.

2. 잘 먹었습니다 (Jal Meogeotseuminda)- Thank You For This Meal

We’re getting to the slightly complicated part. But you’ll understand it better once we break it down to its simpler version. 잘 (Jal) literally has “well” as its English translation, while 먹었습니다 (Meogeotseuminda) refers to the past action word “ate.” It can be confusing at first, but upon learning the sentence structure, you’ll realize that it means “Eat well.” This phrase is typically used to appreciate someone’s cooking and shows that you’ll enjoy the meal they prepared.

3. 잘지내셨어요 (Jal Jinae Syeo Sseo Yeo?)- Have You Spent Your Time Well?

It’s a basic Korean phrase that helps you ask if someone’s been doing well. It can be quite tricky to read at first, but once you learn Korean, phrases like this one become a piece of cake. 잘 (Jal) refers to well, while 지내셨어요 (Jinae Syeo Sseo Yeo) means to spend time. So, if you’ve been asked this question, it simply translates to “Have you spent your time well?”

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