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Let’s Learn about Korean National Anthem (History, Lyrics)

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Did you know that the Korean national anthem has four verses? Growing up as a Korean, you will have to memorize the four verses of the Korean national anthem, and oftentimes, schools will make students memorize them for a test. Every Monday before school starts, everyone gathers at one place and sings the Korean national anthem!

Another interesting fact about the Korean national anthem is that the person who wrote the music was 안익태 (Ahn Eak-tai), who was an active composer outside Korea. You will learn more about the history of the Korean national anthem later in this blog.

Let’s learn more about each Korean national anthem verse and the history behind creating this song!

Three Children Singing a Song

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Korean Table of Contents
  1. Korean National Anthem Lyrics
  2. Korean National Anthem History
  3. When Do You Sing the Korean National Anthem?
  4. Other Things to do Before Singing Korean National Anthem: Pledge of Allegiance
  5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean Studies

1. Korean National Anthem Lyrics

Korean national anthem is called 애국가 (aegukga), meaning 나라를 사랑하는 노래 (nalaleul salanghaneun nolae) “The song for who love the country.” Here is the first verse of the Korean national anthem. You may feel overwhelmed by so many lyric lines, but don’t worry. All you need to memorize are two lines for each verse, and the rest is the same. Try listening to the Korean national anthem song while learning each verse. 

1. Verse 1

동해물과 백두산이 마르고 닳도록
donghaemulgwa baekdusani mareugo daltolok
Until the East Sea dries and Mt. Baekdu is worn away
하느님이 보우하사 우리나라 만세
haneunimi bouhasa urinara manse
God will protect us, long live to our country
무궁화 삼천리 화려강산 
mugunghwa samcheonli hwaryeogangsan
Mugunghwa (is a Korean national flower and in this lyric, it means the whole of Korea) covers mountains and rivers splendidly, in three thousand ri
대한사람 대한으로 길이 보전하세
daehansaram daehan-eulo gil-i bojeonhase
Let’s preserve it in the Korean way as Koreans

2. Verse 2

남산 위의 저 소나무 철갑을 두른 듯 
namsan wiui jeo sonamu cheolgabeul dureun deut
The pine on Namsan is like armored
바람서리 불변함은 일편단심일세 
baramseori bulbyeonhameun ilpyeondanshimilse
Despite wind and frost, it never changes with single-minded devotion
무궁화 삼천리 화려강산 
mugunghwa samcheonli hwaryeogangsan
Mugunghwa (is a Korean national flower and in this lyric, it means the whole of Korea) covers mountains and rivers splendidly, in three thousand ri
대한사람 대한으로 길이 보전하세
daehansaram daehaneuro giri bojeonhase
Let’s preserve it in the Korean way as Koreans

3. Verse 3

가을하늘 공활한데 높고 구름 없이
gaeulhaneul gonghwalhande nopgo guleum eobshi
Autumn’s sky is empty and spacious, high with no clouds
밝은 달은 우리가슴 일편단심일세
balgeun dareun urigaseum ilpyeondanshimilse
Bright moon is our heart, with single-minded devotion
무궁화 삼천리 화려강산 
mugunghwa samcheonli hwaryeogangsan
Mugunghwa (is a Korean national flower and in this lyric, it means the whole of Korea) covers mountains and rivers splendidly, in three thousand ri
대한사람 대한으로 길이 보전하세
daehansaram daehaneuro giri bojeonhase
Let’s preserve it in the Korean way as Koreans

4. Verse 4

이 기상과 이맘으로 충성을 다하여
i gisanggwa imameuro chungseongeul dahayeo
Be loyal with this spirit and mind,
괴로우나 즐거우나 나라 사랑하세
goerouna jeulgeouna nara saranghase
Even if you are painful or joyful, love our country
무궁화 삼천리 화려강산 
mugunghwa samcheonli hwaryeogangsan
Mugunghwa (is a Korean national flower and in this lyric, it means the whole of Korea) covers mountains and rivers splendidly, in three thousand ri
대한사람 대한으로 길이 보전하세
daehansaram daehaneuro giri bojeonhase
Let’s preserve it in the Korean way as Koreans

We looked at four verses. Now, let’s listen to the Korean National Anthem again and sing along!

A Young Lady Searching for Something with Her Smartphone and a Textbook is in Front of Her

2. Korean National Anthem History

Did you know that we used to sing our Korean national anthem with Auld Lang Syne? Later in 1935, a Korean composer Ahn Eak-tai created a song that goes well with our Korean national anthem. Thanks to Ahn Eak-tai, we are now signing our own Korean national anthem. Without them, we might still be singing Auld Lang Syne!


3. When Do You Sing the Korean National Anthem?

The Korean national anthem is heard at many events, such as:

1) Olympics 

When a sports player wins the gold medal, the national anthem is played. Check out the video of 2014 Winter Olympics when a famous Korean athlete, Lee Sang-hwa, won the gold medal

2) Weekly Gathering at School

The entire students and teachers gather at a hall every monday to start off the beginning of the week. One of the mandatory activities is to sing the Korean national anthem and everyone has to sing four verses, followed by school annoucements. 

3) At Military 

Many military bases sing the Korean national anthem to start the day as well. However, which verse to sing is different everyday, so everyone is expected to memorize four verses well. 

4) Sports Events 

The Korean national anthem is played at many sports events such as baseball, football and so on. Oftentimes there will be a famous singer singing the national anthem. Check out the video of a famous singer, Ailee, singing the Korean national anthem at a baseball game.

5) Korean National Holidays

Korean national anthem is also played on historical days such as 삼일절 (Samiljeol)  “Independence Movement Day” on TV.


People Placing Their Hands Together

4. Other Things to do Before Singing Korean National Anthem: Pledge of Allegiance

Did you know that there are additional things that South Koreans need to do before singing the national anthem?

This activity is called 국기에 대한 맹세 (gukgie daehan maengse) “Pledge of Allegiance” which describes as ”The pledge is recited at flag ceremonies immediately before the South Korean national anthem.”

While the song is played, a verse is spoken by someone, and everyone needs to show respect by placing their right hand on their left breast. 

Here is the verse. You can also listen to the song of the pledge of allegiance with the verse

나는 자랑스러운 태극기 앞에 자유롭고 정의로운 대한민국의 무궁한 영광을 위하여 충성을 다할 것을 굳게 다짐합니다.

Naneun jarangseureoun Taegeukgi ape jayuropgo jeongeuiroun Daehanmingugui mugunghan yeonggwangeul wihayeo chungseongeul dahal geoseul gutge dajimhamnida. 

“I pledge, in front of the proud Taegeuk flag, allegiance to the Republic of Korea for the eternal glory of the country, liberty, and freedom to the Republic of Korea. “

Interesting Fact about the Pledge of Allegiance

The original pledge of allegiance was used from 1972 to 2007 and was introduced by president 박정희 “Park Chung-hee.”

In the mid-2000s, the pledging of allegiance to a “Korean race” was criticized by many as “not appropriate at a time when South Korea is becoming a multiracial and multicultural society.” Therefore the new version was introduced in 2007 by president, 노무현 “Roh Moon-hyun”.

A Lady with a Set of Headphone with a Korean Flag Illustration Next to Her with KoreanClass101.com

5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean Studies

In this blog, we walked you through four verses of the Korean national anthem with English translation. We also learnt the history and which occasions Korean people sing the national anthem. 

KoreanClass101 has tons of content like this. If you are into learning more about Korean culture, check out our websites to learn more about Korean culture as well as etiquette. 

On our Youtube channel, we have several video clips to help you improve your listening skills. Why not check out these videos?

We also provide a free vocabulary and phrases list on our website. Check out these pages as well:

To maximize your Korean studies, why not create a free account today and learn Korean? We hope you enjoyed reading our blog!

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30+ Useful Korean Classroom Phrases and Words

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In this blog, we will introduce some of the most commonly used Korean words and phrases that you can use in the classroom.

A Lady in Business Suit Greeting in a Korean Way

Whether you are a language school student or a university student studying in Korea, it’s important to know key classroom related Korean words and phrases. If you master some of the essential Korean words and phrases, you will be able to maximize your Korean language learning experience. In this blog, we will introduce 30+ most common Korean phrases used in the classroom.

Table of Content

  • Use Classroom Greetings in Korea: Formal and Informal
  • Understand Instructions from Teachers in Korean
  • Explain Absence from Class and Tardiness
  • Talk about Favorite Subjects in Korean
  • Check for School Supplies – Useful Korean Phrases and Words
  • How KoreanClass101 Can Help

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Korean Table of Contents
  1. Use Classroom Greetings in Korea: Formal and Informal
  2. Understand Instructions from Teachers in Korean
  3. Explain Absence from Class and Tardiness
  4. Talk about Favorite Subjects in Korean
  5. Check for School Supplies – Useful Korean Phrases and Words
  6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Learning Korean

1. Use Classroom Greetings in Korea: Formal and Informal

Since you are already learning Korean, you are aware that the Korean language has several levels of speech. You need to make sure to use the right honorific phrases and Korean vocabulary to speak with your teacher. You will need to speak formally to your teacher during the classroom. Your teacher or professor will speak to you formally or informally – it depends on them.

Also, to give you a little bit about Korean culture knowledge to make your Korean language learning experience more interesting,  it is common for a stranger to ask how old you are. They ask this to determine which speech style to use, as it is based on your age. 

If you are younger than the speaker, then he or she will speak to you casually, and you are expected to speak to him/her formally. Therefore don’t be offended when a person you meet for the first time asks your age; they are not interested in how old you are, they just want to find the right form of speech style. Also, depending on the level of honorific speech, people use different Korean vocabulary. For example, if you are speaking to an old person, let’s say about 60, you will say 생신 (saengsin). On the other hand, if you are speaking to a friend or younger person, you will say 생일 (saengil). Both Korean words have the same meaning “birthday.” 

Here are some of the common Korean phrases used in the classroom. Let’s take a look. 

korean words and phrases – Learning formal and informal Korean language
Korean and romajiEnglish translation
> Students
안녕하세요 선생님
.Annyeonghaseyo seonsaengnim.
“Hello teacher.”
안녕하세요 교수님.
Annyeonghaseyo gyosunim.
“Hello professor.”
> Teachers
잘가요 학생.
Jalgayo hagsaeng.
“Goodbye, student.”

Want to learn more about korean words and phrases – honorifics and the level of politeness used in Korea? Check out these pages: 


2. Understand Instructions from Teachers in Korean

Here are some of the most commonly used korean words and phrases in the classroom. In Korea, it’s common to ask questions to your teacher after the class, because asking questions duing the class will slow down everyone and it is considered inappropriate. Therefore, If you have any questions, make sure to write down your questions and ask after the class. (Or you can ask via email or make a consultation with the teacher to ask questions in detail – this will allow you to maximise your learning Korean experience) 

Here is the list of korean words and phrases that you can immediately use in the classroom. 

korean words and phrases – Learning Korean in the class
Korean and romajiEnglish translation
> Teachers
교과서 X쪽 펴세요.
Gyogwaseo Xjjog pyeoseyo.

※ x쪽: page x
“Please open your textbook to page X.”
9페이지 펴세요. 
Gupeiji pyeoseyo.
“Please open your book to page 9.”
책 덮으세요. 
Chaek deopeuseyo.
“Please close your book.”
책 펴세요. 
Chaek pyeoseyo.

※ 교과서 (gyogwaseo), which means “text book” is also commonly used.
“Please close your book.”
빨리 들어오세요. 
Ppali deureooseyo. 
“Please come in quickly.”
잘 들어 보세요. 
Jal deureo boseyo.
“Listen carefully.”
조용히 하세요. 
Joyonghi haseyo.

※ 조용! (joyong!), which means “be quiet” is another word that is commonly used by teachers
“Please be quiet.”
칠판 보세요. 
Chilpan boseyo.
“Look at the board”
질문 있어요? 
Jilmun isseoyo?
“Do you have any questions?”
질문 있는 사람?
Jilmun inneun saram?
“Does anyone have a question?”
읽어 보세요.
Ilgeo boseyo.
“Please read it.”
> Students
네, 질문 있어요. 
Ne, jilmun isseoyo
“Yes, I have a question.”
아니요, 질문 없어요. 
Aniyo, jilmun eopsseoyo

※ If a teacher asks to everyone in the class, you don’t necessarily need to say this phrase if you don’t have any questions. Teachers will take “silence” as “no”.
“No, I don’t have any questions”

Want to practice how teachers and students talk to each other in Korean?

A Lady Wearing a Mask Is Feeling Unwell

3. Explain Absence from Class and Tardiness

When you feel sick, it’s better to rest at home and take care of yourself. If you decide to miss the class, make sure to email or let your teacher know in advance. Also, make sure to complete any homework assignments because if you don’t, you will lose points that count towards your grades. Make sure to ask for an extension if you cannot finish the homework on time for personal reasons.

Here is the list of Korean phrases that you will hear a lot during the classroom. 

korean words and phrases – Making excuses
Korean and romajiEnglish translation
>Teacher
오늘 왜 늦게 왔어요?
Oneul wae neutge wasseoyo?
“Why are you late today?”
몸이 안좋아 보여요. 괜찮아요?
Momi anjoa boyeoyo. Gwaenchanayo?
“You look unwell. Are you feeling okay?”
오늘 숙제 왜 안해왔어요?
Oneul sugje wae anhaewasseoyo?
“Why didn’t you do your homework today?”
>Students
몸이 안 좋아요. 오늘은 이만 가도 될까요?
Momi an joayo. Oneureun iman gado doelkkayo?
“I don’t feel well. Can I be excused for the day?”
버스가 안 와서 늦었어요.
Beoseuga an waseo neujeosseoyo.
“I am late because the bus did not show up.”
누가 제 책을 훔쳐 갔어요.
Nuga je chaegeul humchyeo gasseoyo.
“Someone stole my books.”
개가 숙제를 먹어 버렸어요.
Gaega sukjereul meogeo beoryeosseoyo.
“My dog ate my homework.”
깜빡하고 숙제를 안해왔어요.
Kkamppakago sugjereul anhaewasseoyo.
“I forgot to do the homework”
죄송합니다. 숙제를 안 해 왔습니다.
Joesonghabnida. Sugjereul an hae wassseumnida.
“I am sorry, I couldn’t do my homework.”
머리가 아파요.
Meoriga apayo.
“I have a headache”
몸이 좀 안좋아요.
Momi jom anjoayo.
“Im not feeling well”

Want to learn more about school in Korean?

Books of Math, English, Science, History and Geography

4. Talk about Favorite Subjects in Korean

“What’s your favourite subject?” is a great way to initiate a conversation to a stranger and make friends. Here are some of the common Korean phrases that you can ask your friends or someone older than you, as well as the list of subjects in Korean. The name of the subject becomes more complicated if you choose specialized courses. Check out this page that lists all the other specialised subjects in Korean.

korean words and phrases – Subjects
Korean and romajiEnglish translation
(당신이) 제일 좋아하는 과목은 뭐예요?
(dangsin-i) Jeil joahaneun gwamogeun mwoyeyo?
“What’s your favorite subject?” (Formal)
(네가) 제일 좋아하는 과목은 뭐야?
(nega) Jeil joahaneun gwamogeun mwoya?
“What’s your favorite subject?” (Casual)
내가 가장 좋아하는 과목은 미술이야.
Naega gajang joahaneun gwamogeun misuriya.
“My favorite subject is art.” (Casual)
제가 가장 좋아하는 과목은 미술이예요.
Jega gajang joahaneun gwamogeun misuriyeyo.
“My favorite subject is art.” (Formal)
Korean vocabulary – Subjects in Korean
국영수사과
gugyeongsusagwa
Abbreviations for Korean, English, math, social studies, and science subjects.
수학
suhak
“math”
과학
gwahak
“science”
국어
gugeo
“Korean language”
영어
yeongeo
“English”
역사
yeogsa
“history”
음악
eumak
“music”
체육
cheyuk
“PE”
미술
misul
“art”
사회
sahoe
“society”

Want to learn how to say different subjects in Korean?

    ➜ Check out our free vocabulary list “School Subjects” by KoreanClass101

A Blank Notebook with Several Coloured Pencils

5. Check for School Supplies – Useful Korean Phrases and Words

Even if you prepare everything beforehands, sometimes you forget something such as a pencil. If you want to ask someone to lend you utensils, here are some of the useful Korean phrases and words  you can use in the classroom.

korean language learning – School Supplies 
Korean and romajiEnglish translation
펜 좀 빌려주시겠어요?
Pen jom billyeojushigesseoyo?
“May I borrow your/a pencil” (formal)
펜 좀 빌려줄래?
Pen jom billyeojullae?
“Can I borrow your/a pencil” (casual)
여기 있어요.
Yeogi isseoyo.
“Here you are” (formal)
여기 있어.
Yeogi isseo.
“Here you are” (casual)
미안해요, 펜이 없어요.
Mianhaeyo, penieopsseoyo.
“I’m sorry. I don’t have a pen” (formal)
미안해, 나 펜이 없어
Mianhae, na peni eopsseo.
“I’m sorry. I don’t have a pen” (casual)
List of Korean vocabulary (stationary)
연필
yeonpil
“pencil”
연필깎이
Yeonpilkkakki
“Pencil sharpener”
지우개
jiugae
“eraser”
필통
piltong
“Pencil case”

ja
“ruler”
가위
gawi
“scissors”

pul
“glue stick”
가방
gabang
“backpack”
교과서
gyogwaseo
“textbook”
공책
gongchaek
“notebook”
문제집
munjejib
“workbook”

Check out these page for more stationary related Korean vocabulary.


A Person Holding a Korean Flag

6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Learning Korean

In this blog article, you have learned some of the most common Korean words and phrases used in the classroom, for students and for teachers. We also introduced some of the Korean culture related to the level of politeness to use depending on a person’s age and classroom rules that may be different to your country. You don’t need to memorize all the Korean culture and social rules, but learning Korean culture will allow your Korean language learning experience to the fullest. 

KoreanClass101 has plenty of resources for you to learn various Korean words and phrases and we believe that you will have the best Korean language learning experience. Check out our KoreanClass101 Youtube channel and our website! The free Korean vocabulary lists are also a great way to improve your Korean vocabulary skills. You can also practice pronunciation as each Korean vocabulary page has audio. Create a lifetime free account today and access our free Korean words and phrases materials today.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

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60+Korean Restaurant Phrases: Korean Phrases for Ordering Food

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Korean cuisine is one of the most popular foods in the world. Today, we will introduce you to more than 60 useful Korean restaurant phrases.

A Couple Ordering Dishes from a Menu

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Korean Table of Contents
  1. Why is Korean language learning important for ordering food?
  2. Let’s learn essential Korean Phrases – Before Dining
  3. During Dining
  4. After Dining
  5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help with Learning Korean

1. Why is Korean language learning important for ordering food?

English is one of the foreign languages that Koreans learn at school. Therefore most of them can speak basic English. If you are in the city area, waiters and waitresses can speak English. You may be thinking that it isn’t necessary to learn the Korean language because of that. However, if you visit local restaurants, or are looking for “hidden treasure” spots, it is less likely that the waitresses and waiters will be able to speak English. Therefore, learning Korean will allow you to immerse yourself in Korean culture more easily!

In general, if you can spend some time studying Korean phrases for ordering food and practicing your Korean with the locals, you will receive a heartwarming, better experience at a restaurant. It will be a great experience for you to practice Korean with local people too. 

In this blog, we will teach you essential Korean phrases and Korean food words that you can immediately start using once you are in Korea. We also categorized Korean phrases into several different categories to provide a better learning Korean experience for you. 

2. Let’s learn essential Korean Phrases – Before Dining


1. Learning Korean: Making a reservation

The good news is that most restaurants in Korea do not require reservations. Therefore, you can walk in and sit at a vacant seat. However, if you are going to have a fancy dish at a hotel or somewhere more exclusive, reservations are necessary. Below is a list of essential Korean phrases you can use for different scenarios.

Essential korean phrases – Making a Booking
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
예약하고 싶습니다. 
Yeyaghago sipseumnida.
“I would like to make a reservation please”
5월 7일 토요일 오후 5시에 2명 예약할 수 있나요? 
Owol chiril toyoil ohu daseossie dumyeong yeyaghal su innayo?
“Can I get a table for two on Saturday, May 7th, at 5pm?”
어른 2명, 아이 1명 예약할게요. 
Eoreun dumyeong, ai hanmyeong yeyaghalgeyo.
“I would like to make a reservation for 2 adults and a child”
(이름은) 에이미 정입니다. 
(ireum-eun) Eimi jeongimnida
“My name is Amy Jeong”
전화번호는 000-0000-0000입니다.
Jeonhwabeonhoneun 000-0000-0000imnida.
“My number is 000-0000-0000”
할랄 음식을 제공합니까?
Hallal eumsigeul jegonghamnikka?
“Do you serve Halal food?”
주차장있나요?
Juchajanginnayo?
“Is there a parking lot?”
창가 자리를 예약하고 싶습니다.
Changga jarireul yeyakhago sipseumnida.
“I would like to reserve a seat by the window”

Want to learn more Korean? Check out these two pages: 


2. Learning Korean: Entering a Restaurant without a Reservation

As I mentioned above, you can enter a restaurant without booking a table. If you go to a slightly fancy restaurant, most of the time, the staff is going to take you to a vacant seat and you just need to wait by the entrance. Some restaurants don’t do this; therefore, you will need to quickly scan inside for an empty seat and take a seat. 

Here is a list of essential Korean phrases that you can learn. These Korean phrases are commonly used in Korea. 

Essential korean phrases – Entering a Restaurant
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
[staff] 몇분이세요?
Myeoytbuniseyo?
“How many people are there?”
2명이요. 
Dumyeongiyo. 
“2 people”
[staff] 예약 하셨나요? 
Yeyaghasyeonnayo?
“Did you make a reservation?”
네, 예약했습니다.
Ne, yeyaghaesseumnida.
“Yes, I made a reservation”
아니요, 예약 안했습니다.
Aniyo, yeyak anhaesseumnida.
“No, I didn’t make a reservation”
빈 자리가 있어요?
Bin jariga isseoyo?
“Do you have any free tables?”
얼마나 기다려야돼요?
Eolmana gidaryeoyadwaeyo?
“How long do we have to wait?”
테라스쪽에 테이블이 있습니까?
Teraseujjoge teibeuri issseumnikka?
“Do you have a table on the patio?”

3. Learning Korean: Entering a Restaurant with a Reservation

When you make a reservation at a Korean restaurant, all you need to do is to say that you made a reservation to a staff member. The rest will be taken care of by a waitress or waiter. Therefore you don’t need to study too many Korean phrases for this.

Here is a list of Korean restaurant phrases that you can use: 

Essential korean phrases – Entering a Restaurant
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
[staff] 예약 하셨나요? 
Yeyaghasyeonnayo?
“Did you make a reservation?”
네, 예약했습니다.
Ne, yeyaghaesseumnida.
“Yes, I made a reservation”
이지영으로 5시에 예약했어요.
Ijiyeongeuro daseossie yeyaghaesseoyo.
“I made a reservation at 5 o’clock with Lee Ji-young.”


Three Women Sharing a Salad Dish

3. During Dining

1. Learning Korean: Asking Questions from The Menu 

Most of the dishes that you see on the menu may look too spicy, but some of the dishes are not spicy at all! If you are a foreigner visiting Korea, most likely, you will be asked by a staff member whether you are okay with the spicy food or not. They can adjust the spiciness for you, so if there is a dish that you want to try but are not sure if it’d be too spicy for you or not, kindly ask the staff to make it less spicy for you. 

Here is a list of essential Korean phrases that you can use when asking questions about the dishes from the menu: 

Essential korean phrases – Asking Questions from The Menu 
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
메뉴 좀 주세요.
Menyu jom juseyo.

메뉴판 좀 주세요
Menyupan jom juseyo
“Please give me the menu”
영어로 된 메뉴판 있나요?
Yeongeoro doen menyupan innayo?
“Do you have the menu in English?”
(여기서) 가장 인기있는 요리는 뭐예요?
(yeogiseo) Gajang ingiinneun yorineun mwoyeyo?
“What is the most popular dish (here)?”
이거 많이 매워요?I
geo mani maewoyo?
“Is this very spicy?”
덜 맵게 해주실 수 있나요?
Deol maebge haejusil su innayo?
“Can you make it less spicy?”
어떤 거 추천하시나요?
Eotteon geo chucheonhasinayo?
“ What do you recommend?”
[staff] 매운거 먹을 수 있어요?
Maeungeo meogeul su isseoyo?
“Can you eat spicy food?”
네, 먹을 수 있어요. 
Ne, meogeul su isseoyo.
“Yes, I can”
아니요, 못 먹어요.
Aniyo, mot meogeoyo.
“No, I can’t”
이거 뭐예요?
Igeo mwoyeyo?
“What is this?”
세트 메뉴 있어요?
Seteu menyu isseoyo?
“Do you have a set menu?”

    ➜ Do you want to learn how to read lunch menus in Korean? Check out this page!

Sweet Nuts

2. Learning Korean: When You Have a Special Request (eg. vegan, allergy)

Are you vegetarian or vegan? Then this section is for you. More and more people are becoming aware of vegetarians and vegans. If you spend some time researching online, it won’t be too hard to find vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes in the city. However, you can also kindly ask a staff member to remove meats or anything that you cannot eat at any restaurant. Here is a list of useful Korean phrases that you can say when you are vegetarian, vegan, or allergic to something. 

Here is the list of essential Korean phrases that you can use.

Essential korean phrases – When You Have a Special Request 
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
매운걸 잘 못 먹어요. 
Maeungeol jal mot meogeoyo.

맵지않은 음식 추천해주시겠어요?
Maebjianeun eumsik chucheonhaejusigesseoyo?
“I am not good with spicy food, could you recommend non-spicy dishes?”
전 고기를 안 먹어요.
Jeon gogireul an meogeoyo.
“I don’t eat meat.”
견과류에 알레르기가 있어요. 
Gyeongwaryue alleleugiga isseoyo. 

견과류없이 샐러드를 만들어 주시겠어요?
Gyeongwaryueobsi saelleodeureul mandeureo jusigesseoyo?
“I’m allergic to tree nuts. Could you make a salad without nuts?”
저는 비건이에요. 비건 옵션이 있습니까?
Jeoneun bigeonieyo. Bigeon obsyeoni issseumnikka?
“I am vegan. Do you have vegan options?”
저는 베지테리언이에요. 베지테리언 옵션이 있습니까?
Jeoneun bejiterieonieyo. Bejiterieon obsyeon-i issseubnikka?
“I am vegetarian. Do you have vegetarian options?”
이 음식에서 고기를 빼고 주시겠습니까?
I eumsigeseo gogireul ppaego jusigessseumnikka?
“Could you remove the meat from this dish?”
할랄인가요?
Hallalingayo?
“Is this Halal?”
돼지고기 못 먹어요.   
Dwaejigogi mot meogeoyo
“I can’t eat pork.”


3. Learning Korean: The List of Korean Food Words – Vegetarian Dishes

Here is another list of vegetarian dishes that you can try! Remember, even though some of the dishes contain only vegetables, some dishes, such as soup, contain a seafood base. Please make sure to ask the staff what ingredients are being used before ordering to avoid eating meats/seafood by mistake! 

Here is the list of Korean food words. 

The List of Korean food words (Vegetarian Dishes)
Name of the dishWhat is it?
비빔밥
Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a rice and vegetable meal served with a fried egg on top. Also, they might add a little marinated meat in to add more flavours to the dish. If you ask for a vegetarian dish, they will remove meat and egg for you.
된장찌개
Doenjang-jjigae
It is a brown-coloured soup made of bean paste called “doenjang.” Keep in mind that the soup base is anchovy or fishbone stock. If you don’t eat seafood, this dish may not be a good idea. 
잡채
Japchae
These are vegetables and noodles which are made of sweet potatoes. Default Japchae comes with sliced meat; make sure to ask for no meat when ordering this dish.
김밥
Gimbap
This is one of the most popular street foods in Korea, and it comes with various ingredients. Gimbap is strips of pickled vegetables and rice rolled in seaweed. Most of the restaurants will have veggie gimbap – 야채김밥 (yachae gimbap).
감자전
GamjaJeon
GamjaJeon is potato pancakes that contain vegetables like onions, carrots, and so on. Another popular option is Kimchi jeon, which is a pancake with Kimchi.
김치
Kimchi
This is a Korean traditional side dish, and this will be served at every restaurant you go to. Kimchi is pickled cabbage in a chili paste. However, be aware that most are made with fish sauce.

Gunbam
These are roasted chestnuts that are often found on the streets.

Image of People Getting Their Own Food from a Shelf

4. Learning Korean: Asking Questions about 셀프 (self)

Did you know that some of the restaurants have a designated area where you can bring water, side dishes, soups, and so on by yourself? More and more local restaurants are asking guests to take care of their own water and side dishes; you will see a written text on the wall saying “물은 셀프입니다” (mureun selpeuimnida), meaning “water is self-service.” If you see this Korean phrase at a restaurant, most likely, you will have to bring your own side dishes from the designated area.

Essential korean phrases – Asking Questions about Self-Service
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
물이랑 반찬은 셀프입니다.
Murirang banchaneun selpeuimnida
“Water and side-dishes are self-service”
물은 어디서 가져올 수 있나요?
Mureun eodiseo gajyeool su innayo?
“Where can I get a glass of water? ”
김치통에 김치가 다 떨어졌어요. 리필 해주시겠어요?
Gimchitonge gimchiga da tteoreojyeosseoyo. Ripil haejusigesseoyo?
“The Kimchi container is empty. Could you refill kimchi? ”
물이 다 떨어졌어요. 물 새로 주세요. 
Muri da tteoreojyeosseoyo. Mul saero juseyo.
“There is no more water. Can I have some water, please?” 

5. Learning Korean: Asking Staff to Bring Some Items (eg. napkins, chopsticks, etc)

There are restaurants that don’t have a “self-service” area. In that case, you can directly ask the staff if you need anything. Here is the list of Korean phrases to ask a staff member to bring items for you. 

Essential korean phrases – Asking Staff to Bring Items
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
물 좀 주세요. 
Mul jom juseyo.

물 좀 주시겠어요?
Mul jom jusigesseoyo?
“Please give me some water”
새로운 젓가락 주시겠어요?
Saeroun jeotgarag jusigesseoyo?
“Can I get a new set of chopsticks? (if you dropped them)”
티슈 (냅킨) 좀 주시겠어요?
Tisyu (naebkin) jom jusigesseoyo?
“Can I get some more napkins?”
이 컵은 깨끗하지 않네요. 새 컵으로 주시겠어요?
I keobeun kkaekkeuthaji anneyo. Sae keobeuro jusigesseoyo?
“This cup is not clean. Could I have a new cup?”
주문한 음식이 아직 안왔어요.
Jumunhan eumsigi ajik anwasseoyo.
“The food I ordered hasn’t arrived yet.”


6. Other Questions Related to Restaurants (eg. baby chairs, bathroom)

Here is the list of Korean phrases (questions) that you can ask at a restaurant: 

Essential Korean phrases – Other Useful Korean Phrases
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
화장실이 어디에 있어요?
Hwajangsiri eodie isseoyo?
“Where is the bathroom?”
아기의자 제공하나요? 
Agiuija jegonghanayo?
“Do you provide baby chairs?”
어린이용 메뉴있어요?
Eoriniyong menyuisseoyo?
“Do you have a children’s menu?”


7. Learning Korean: Giving Feedback about The Dish

Oftentimes, a waiter or a waitress will ask if you enjoyed the dishes when you are about to pay the bills. Here is the list of essential Korean phrases to give feedback about the dish you ate. 

Essential Korean phrases – Giving Feedback about the Dish in Korean
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
잘 먹었습니다.
Jal meogeotsseumnida.
Compliments to the chef.
배불러요!    
Baebulleoyo!
I’m so full!
맛있어요.    
Masisseoyo.
This is delicious.
너무 매워요.    
Neomu maewoyo.
This is too spicy.

An Elder Woman Taking Out Some Cash Out of Her Wallet

4. After Dining

Do you tip a waitress or waiter in your country? If so, you don’t need to tip them in Korea. If you do give them a tip, they may take it as an offense, so please remember not to give a tip in Korea. 

Also, once you order your dishes, the waiter or waitress will give you a recipe (bill) on your table. Remember to take this to the cashier to make a payment. 

1. Learning Korean: Asking for Bills in Korean

Here is a list of useful Korean phrases to learn when you pay the bills in Korea. 

Essential Korean phrases – Asking for Bills in Korean
Korean PhrasesEnglish Translations
(If you have not received a bill)

계산서 주세요.
Gyesanseo juseyo.
“Bill, please.”
전체 얼마예요?    
Jeonche eolmayeyo?
“What’s the total price?”
내가 낼게.
Naega naelge.
“It’s on me.” (casual)
제가 계산할게요.
Jega gyesanhalgeyo.
“It’s on me.” (formal)
저번에 저녁 비용 냈으니까 이번은 내가 낼게.
Jeobeone jeonyeok biyong naesseunikka ibeoneun naega naelkke.
“You paid for the dinner last time, so I will pay for this.” (casual)
카드로 계산할 수 있을까요?
Kadeuro gyesanhal su isseulkkayo?
“Do you take credit cards?”
현금으로 낼 수 있어요?    
Hyungeumeuro nael su isseoyo?
“Can I pay with cash?”
따로 계산해 주시겠어요?
Ttaro gyesanhae jusigesseoyo?
“Can we pay separately?”
계산서에 착오가 있는 것 같아요.
Gyesanseoe chagoga inneun geot gatayo.
“I think there is a mistake in the bill”
테이크아웃(포장)이 가능한가요?
Teikeuaus(pojang)i ganeunghangayo?
“Is takeout (packaging) possible?”
영수증 주세요.    
Yeongsujeung juseyo.
“I’d like a receipt, please.”
영수증 필요 없어요.    
Yeongsujeung piryo eobseoyo.
“I don’t need a receipt.”

A Group of People Looking at the Camera Smiling

5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help with Learning Korean

In this blog article, we introduced essential Korean phrases for ordering food as well as famous Korean food words so that you can enjoy Korean food while you are staying in Korea.  We hope that you can spend some time learning these essential Korean phrases and words and prepare for an exciting trip to Korea! 

If you enjoyed this article, consider signing up to learn more about essential Korean phrases and words. KoreanClass101 provides excellent Korean study materials, and thousands of Korean lessons are available for you. We are very confident that you will have the best learning Korean experience. Why not start with our free resources, such as free vocabulary lists? 

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Advanced Korean Words to Help You Become a Fluent Speaker

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As you approach an advanced level in Korean, it’s crucial that you don’t become complacent. This stage is a good time to start adding more advanced words and phrases to your vocabulary. 

In this blog post, you will learn the most common advanced Korean words that you’ll need to know in order to pass a Korean language exam, study at a Korean university, or work in Korea. 

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Korean Table of Contents
  1. Advanced Academic Words
  2. Advanced Business Words
  3. Advanced Medical Words
  4. Advanced Legal Words
  5. Alternative Words for Acing Korean Writing/Essays
  6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean Studies

1. Advanced Academic Words

We’ll start our advanced Korean vocabulary list with a variety of words related to academia. Learning these words will help you understand lectures and add flair to your academic writing. 

동물학dongmulhakzoology

Example: 

  • 난 동물학자가 되고 싶어.
    Nan dongmulhakjaga doego sipeo.
    “I want to be a zoologist.”

지구과학jigugwahakearth science

Example: 

  • 저는 우주 현상 공포증이 있어서 지구 과학을 공부할 때 힘들었습니다.
    Jeoneun uju hyeonsang gongpojeungi isseoseo jigu gwahageul gongbuhal ttae himdeureotseumnida.
    “I had a phobia of space phenomena, so it was difficult when I was studying earth science.”

가설gaseolhypothesis

Examples: 

  • 그 가설은 검증이 필요해 보입니다.
    Geu gaseoreun geomjeungi piryohae boimnida.
    “That hypothesis looks like it needs validation.”
  • 꿈의 기능에 대한 가설
    kkumui gineunge daehan gaseol
    “a hypothesis about the function of dreams”

이론i-rontheory

Example:

  • 과학자들은 진화 이론을 높이 평가한다.
    Gwahakjadeureun jinhwa ironeul nopi pyeonggahanda.
    “Scientists hold the theory of evolution in high regard.”

그 결과 바탕으로geu gyeolgwareul batangeurobased on the results

Example:

  • 실험 결과를 바탕으로, 우리는 토끼가 야행성 동물이라는 결론을 내릴 수 있었다.
    Silheom gyeolgwareul batangeuro, urineun tokkiga yahaengseong dongmuliraneun gyeolloneul naelil su isseotda.
    “Based on the results of the experiment, we have concluded that rabbits are nocturnal creatures.”

그 결과geu gyeolgwaAs a result

Example:

  • 실험의 결과는 결론에 이르지 못했다. 그 결과, 실험을 반복해야 했다.
    Silheomui gyeolgwaneun gyeollone ireuji mothaetda. Geu gyeolgwa, silheomeul banbokaeya haetda.
    “The results of the experiment were inconclusive. As a result, the research had to be repeated.”

동창회dongchanghoeclass reunion

Example:

  • 우리는 교가를 부르면서 동창회를 마쳤다.
    Urineun gyogareul bureumyeonseo dongchanghoereul machyeotda.
    “We ended our class reunion by singing the alma mater.”

입학 허가 ipak heogaadmission

Example:

  • 우리 아들이 법대에 입학 허가를 받아 냈어요!
    Uri adeuri boepdaee ipak heogareul bad-a naesseoyo!
    “My son got admission to law school!”

인류학illyuhakanthropology

Example:

  • 사회 인류학은 사회 과학의 한가지이다.
    Sahoe illyuhakeun sahoe gwahakui hangajiida.
    “Social anthropology is one of the social sciences.”

심리학simnihakpsychology

Example:

  • 심리학에는 임상심리와 심리상담이 있어요.
    Simnihageneun imsangsimniwa simnisangdami isseoyo.
    “There is clinical and counseling psychology.”

성적 증명서seongjeok jeungmyeongseotranscript

Example:

  • 성적 증명서 다섯 통이 필요해요.
    Seongjeok jeungmyeongseo daseot tongi piryohaeyo.
    “I need five copies of my academic transcript.”

등록금deungrokgeumtuition

Example:

  • 난 대학 등록금을 내기 위해 돈을 좀 따로 모아 두었어.
    Nan daehak deungrokgeumeul naegi wihae doneul jom ttaro moa dueosseo.
    “I’ve put some money aside for college fees.”

장학금janghakgeumscholarship

Example:

  • 내 여동생은 장학금을 여러 번 받아서 부러워.
    Nae yeodongsaengeun deungrokgeumeul yeoreo beon badaseo bureowo.
    “My sister received several scholarships, so I feel envious.”

강의실ganguisillecture hall

Example:

  • 학생들이 강의실에 가득 찼다.
    Hagsaengdeuri ganguisire gadeuk chatda.
    “Students crowded the lecture hall.”

경영관리학 석사gyeongyeonggwallihak seoksaMBA

Example:

  • 나는 경영 관리학 석사를 2021년에 취득하였다.
    Naneun gyeongyeonggwallihak seoksareul 2021nyeone chwideukhayeotda.
    “I obtained my degree in business administration in the year 2001.”

건축학geonchukakarchitecture

Example:

  • 저는 대학에서 건축학을 공부했습니다.
    Jeoneun daehageseo geonchukakeul gongbuhaetseumnida.
    “I studied architecture in college.”

졸업증명서joreopjeungmyeongseograduation certificate / diploma

Example:

A: 
졸업 증명서는 무엇인가요?
Joreopjeungmyeongseoneun mueosingayo?
“What is the graduation certificate?”

B: 
졸업 증명서는 능력을 증명하는 보증서입니다.
Joreopjeungmyeongseoneun neungnyeogeul jeungmyeonghaneun bojeungseoimnida.
“The graduation certificate is a certificate of proficiency.”


추천서chucheonseorecommendation

Example:

  • 그는 가짜 추천서를 써서 그 직장에 들어갔다.
    Geuneun gajja chucheonseoreul sseoseo geu jikjange deureogatda.
    “He entered the job with a fake recommendation letter.”

휴학하다hyuhakadato take time off from school

Example:

  • 1년을 휴학했던데, 왜 학교를 휴학했었나요?
    Ilhaknyeoneul hyuhakaetdeonde, wae hakgyoreul hyuhakaesseonnayo?
    “You took a year off from school. Why did you take a leave of absence from school?”

퇴학당하다toehakdanghadato be expelled from school

Example:

  • 나는 고등학교 마지막 해에 퇴학당한적이 있다.
    Naneun godeunghakgyo majimak haee toehakdanghanjeogi itda.
    “I was expelled from school in the last year of high school.”

학사학위haksa hagwibachelor’s degree

Example:

  • 학사 학위로는 지리학을 공부했습니다.
    Haksa hagwironeun jirihageul gongbuhaetseumnida.
    “With a bachelor’s degree, I studied geography.”

석사학위seoksa hagwimaster’s degree

Example:

  • 그는 경영학 석사 학위 소지자이다.
    Geuneun gyeongyeonghak seoksa hagwi sojijaida.
    “He has a master’s in Business Administration.”

박사학위baksahagwidoctorate

Example:

  • 그는 한의학 박사학위를 받았다.
    Geuneun hanuihak baksahagwireul badatda.
    “He received a doctorate in Oriental medicine.”

초고chogofirst draft

Example:

  • 이것은 저의 연설문 초고예요. 읽어볼래요?
    Igeoseun jeoui yeonseolmun chogoyeyo. Ilgeobollaeyo?
    “This is the first draft of my speech. Would you like to read it?”

완성안wanseonganfinal draft

Example:

  • 잭은 논문의 최종안에 대해 선생님이 다소 까다롭게 군다고 생각했다.
    Jageun nonmunui choejongane daehae seonsaengnimi daso kkadaropge gundago saenggakhaetda.
    “Jack thought that his teacher was being rather finicky about the final draft of the paper.”

A Korean Learner Studying Advanced Korean Business Words

2. Advanced Business Words

Another essential set of words in Korean for advanced learners are those related to the business world. This is especially true if you plan to work or do business in Korea one day! 

매출총이익maechulchongiikgross profit

Example:

  • 매출총이익은 1억 4백만 달러가 증가하여 19억 달러가 되었다.
    Maechulchongiigeun ireok sabaebaengman dalleoga jeunggahayeo sipgueok dalleoga doeeotda.
    “The gross profit increased from $104 million to $1.9 billion.”

고정자산gojeongjasanfixed asset

Example:

  • 대지, 사무실, 창고, 공장, 장비와 가구 등은 고정자산에 속한다.
    Daeji, samusil, changgo, gongjang, jangbiwa gigu deungeun gojeongjasane sokanda.
    “Land, offices, warehouses, factories, equipment, and furniture are capital assets.”

채권자chaegwonjacreditor

Example:

  • 금융기관이 채권자와 채무자 사이에서 중개인 역할을 한다.
    Geumyunggigwani chaegwonjawa chaemuja saieseo junggaein yeoghareul handa.
    “Financial institutions act as intermediaries between lenders and borrowers.”

비용biyongexpense / cost

Example:

  • 그 회사는 소송 비용 때문에 거의 파산 지경이 되었다.
    Geu hoesaneun sosong biyong ttaemune geoui pasan jigyeongi doeeotda.
    “The company was almost bankrupted by legal costs.”

순이익suniiknet profit

Example:

  • 그 가게는 한 달 순이익이 500만 원이다.
    Geu gageneun han dal suniigi obaegman wonida.
    “That store earns five million won in net profit.”

수익suikrevenue

Example:

  • 그 회사는 수익성 좋은 해외 시장과 연결된 후 수익이 갑절로 늘었다.
    Geu hoesaneun suikseong joeun haeoe sijanggwa yeongyeoldoen hu suigi gabjeollo neureotda.
    “The company has doubled its profits since plugging into lucrative overseas markets.”

부채buchaeliability

Example:

  • 그 회사는 600만 달러가 넘는 부채가 누적되어 있었다.
    Geu hoesaneun yukbaegman dalleoga neomneun buchaega nujeokdoeeo isseotda.
    “The firm had accrued debts of over $6 million.”

유동 자산yudong jasancurrent asset

Example:

  • 유동 자산이 유동 부채보다 적다.
    Yudong jasani yudong buchaeboda jeokda.
    “The current assets are less than the current liabilities.”

노무비nomubilabor expense

Example:

  • 노무비를 삭감하다.
    Nomubireul sakgamhada.
    “Cut down the labor expense.”

승인seunginapproval

Example:

  • 그 계획은 조건 없이 승인되었다.
    Geu gyehoegeun jogeon eopsi seungindoeeotda.
    “The plan was approved without qualification.”

광고gwanggoadvertisement / commercial

Example:

  • 그녀는 TV 광고 방송을 위한 보이스오버 일로 많은 돈을 번다.
    Geunyeoneun TV gwanggo bangsongeul wihan boiseuobeo illo maneun doneul beonda.
    “She earns a lot of money doing voice-overs for TV commercials.”

논제nonjetopic of discussion

Example:

  • 가장 중요한 논제 중 하나는 북한이었다.
    Gajang jungyohan nonje jung hananeun bukanieotda.
    “One of the most important topics of discussion was North Korea.”

부서buseodepartment / division

Example:

  • 그의 부서가 우리 부서와 합칠 것이다.
    Geuui buseoga uri buseowa hapchil geosida.
    “His department will merge with mine.”

불이익 buriikdisadvantage

Example:

  • 이번 프로젝트의 실패로 우리 회사는 큰 불이익을 겪었다.
    Ibeon peurojegteuui silpaero uri hoesaneun keun buriigeul gyeokkeotda.
    “Our company suffered a huge disadvantage due to the failure of this project.”

분배bunbaedistribution / division

Example:

  • 그 재산의 잔여 유산은 그의 자녀들에게 공평하게 분배되었다.
    Geu jaesanui janyeo yusaneun geuui janyeodeurege gongpyeonghage bunbaedoeeotda.
    “The remainder of the estate was divided equally among his children.”

영수증 yeongsujeungreceipt

Example:

  • 영수증을 명세서와 대조하여 확인해 보세요.
    Yeongsujeungeul myeongsesowa daejohayeo hwaginhae boseyo.
    “Check your receipts against the statement.”

수수료susuryocommission

Example:

  • 시간당 수수료는 현재 500원입니다.
    Sigandang yeongsujeungneun hyeonjae obaegwonimnida.
    “The hourly commission is currently 500 won.”

기업간의gieopganuiB2B

Example:

  • 이 직책은 기업간의 전화 상담 업무를 맡게 됩니다.
    I jikchageun gieopganui jeonhwa sangdam eommureul matge doemnida.
    “This position will be responsible for business-to-business calls.”

* There is a word for “B2B” in Korean, as written above, but it’s more common to just say “B2B.”

Check out Which Adjective Describes Your Personality Best? PART 2 on our website to learn more adjectives in Korean.

기업 / 소비자간의gieop / sobijaganuiB2C

Example:

  • 우리팀은 대체로 기업, 소비자간의 업무만 하게 됩니다.
    Uritimeun daechero gieop, sobijaganui eommuman hage doemnida.
    “Our team usually only does B2C business.”

* There is a word for “B2C” in Korean, as written above, but it’s rarely used. 

사업가saeopgaentrepreneur

Example:

  • 두 명의 사업가가 테러범들에게 납치되었다.
    Du myeongui saeopgaga tereobeomdeurege napchidoeeotda.
    “Two businessmen have been kidnapped by terrorists.”

투자 수익률tuja suingnyulReturn on Investment (ROI)

Example:

  • 보내주신 자료로 보아서는 투자 수익률 수치는 현실적이라고 생각됩니다.
    Bonaejusin jaryoro boaseoneun tuja suingnyul suchineun hyeonsiljeogirago saenggakdoemnida.
    “Based on the information you sent me, I think that the ROI numbers appear to be realistic.”

* It is more common to say “ROI” than 투자수익률 in Korea.

글로벌 시장geullobeol sijangglobal market

Example:

  • 본사는 한국 정부가 승인한 글로벌 시장개척 전문기업입니다.
    Bonsaneun hanguk jeongbuga seunginhan geullobeol sijanggaecheok jeonmungieobimnida.
    “Our company is a global market developer authorized by the Korean government.”

유통시장yutongsijangsecondary market

Example:

  • 정부는 왜곡된 유통시장을 바로잡기 위해 노력하고 있다.
    Jeongbuneun waegokdoen yutongsijangeul barojapgi wihae noryeokago itda.
    “The government is striving to rectify the distorted [misrepresented] distribution market.”

경쟁gyeongjaengcompetition

Example:

  • 경쟁이 날이 갈수록 치열해지고 있다.
    Gyeongjaengi nari galsurok chiyeolhaejigo itda.
    “Competition is getting hotter day by day.”

비교bigyocomparison

Example:

  • 그에 비교해, 교육비는 작년에 증가했다.
    Geue bigyohae, gyoyukbineun jagnyeone jeunggahaetda.
    “By comparison, expenditure on education increased last year.”

A Male Student Learning Advanced Korean Medical Words

3. Advanced Medical Words

Whether you want to study medicine in South Korea or you happen to find yourself in the hospital, you’ll greatly benefit from knowing these advanced Korean vocabulary words related to the medical world. 

일반 진료의사 ilban jillyouisaGP (general practitioner)

Example:

  • 가장 수가 많은 일반 진료 분야 의사의 연령대와 성별은 무엇입니까?
    Gajang suga maneun ilban jillyo bunya uisaui yeollyeongdaewa seongbyeoreun mueosimnikka?
    “What age range and sex has the highest number of doctors in general practice?”

마취과 의사machwigwa uisaanesthesiologist

Example:

  • 저의 아버지께서는 마취과 의사였습니다.
    Jeoui abeojikkeseoneun yeollyeongdaewa seongbyeoreun mueosimnikkayeossseumnida.
    “My father was an anesthesiologist.”

외과 의사oegwa uisasurgeon

Example:

  • 외과의사가 소년의 뇌종양을 제거했다.
    Oegwa uisaga sonyeonui noejongyangeul jegohaetda.
    “The surgeon removed the boy’s brain tumor.”

간호사ganhosanurse

Example:

  • 간호사가 나의 친구를 휠체어에 태우고 복도를 따라 갔다.
    Ganhosaga naui chingureul hwilcheeoe taeugo bokdoreul ttara gatda.
    “The nurse wheeled my friend along the corridor.”

산부인과 의사sanbuingwa uisagynecologist

Example:

  • 수미는 어른이 되어서 산부인과 의사가 되어야겠다고 결심했습니다.
    Sumineun eoreuni doeeoseo sanbuingwa uisaga doeeoyagetdago gyeolsimhaetseumnida.
    “Sumi decided to become a gynecologist when she becomes an adult.”

출혈chulhyeolbleeding

Example:

  • 의사들은 그 출혈을 멎게 할 수가 없었다.
    Uisadereun geu chulhyeoreul meotge hal suga eopseotda.
    “Doctors couldn’t stop the bleeding.”

뇌진탕noejintangconcussion

Example:

  • 그는 뇌진탕으로 병원에 실려 갔다.
    Geuneun noejintangeuro byeongwone sillyeo gatda.
    “He was taken to the hospital with a concussion.”

흉통hyungtongchest pain

Example:

  • 심한 흉통이 심장마비의 징조이다.
    Simhan hyungtongi simjangmabiui jingjoida.
    “Severe chest pain is a sign of a heart attack.”

변비byeonbiconstipation

Example:

  • 변비에 걸렸으면, 하제를 복용하는것이 좋다.
    Byeonbie geollyeosseumyeon, hajereul bogyonghaneungeosi jota.
    “If you’re constipated, it is better to take a laxative.”

맥박maekbakpulse

Example:

  • 그의 맥박율이 갑자기 떨어졌다.
    geuui maekbagyuri gapjagi tteoreojyeotda.
    “His pulse rate dropped suddenly.”

혈액 샘플hyeoraek saempeulblood sample

Example: 

  • 의사들이 그 남자의 혈액 샘플에 대해 몇 가지 검사를 더 해 보기로 했다.
    Uisadeuri geu namjaui hyeoraek saempeure daehae myeot gaji geomsareul deo hae bogiro haetda.
    “The doctors decided to run some more tests on the blood samples.”

찰과상chalgwasanggraze

Example:

  • 놀랍게도 그 남자는 그 사고에서 찰과상 하나 입지 않고 살아남았다.
    Nollapgedo geu namjaneun geu sagoeseo chalgwasang hana ipji anko saranamatda.
    “Amazingly, he survived the accident without a scratch.”

꽃가루 알레르기kkotgaru allereugihay fever

Example:

  • 저는 꽃가루 알레르기가 있어요.
    Jeoneun kkotgaru allereugiga isseoyo.
    “I have an allergy to pollen.”

치질chijilhemorrhoids

Example: 

  • 저는 치질 때문에 의자에 앉을 수 없었어요.
    Jeoneun chijil ttaemune uijae anjeul su eopseosseoyo.
    “I couldn’t sit in a chair because of my hemorrhoids.”

살 속으로 파고드는 발톱sal sogeuro pagodeuneun baltopingrown toenail

Example:

  • 살 속으로 파고드는 발톱이 있는데 정말 아파.
    Sal sogeuro pagodeuneun baltobi inneunde jeongmal apa.
    “I have an ingrown toenail, and it is really painful.”

저체온증 jeocheonjeunghypothermia

Example: 

  • 그 남자는 야간 산행 중에 저체온증을 보였다.
    Geu namjaneun yagan sanhaeng junge jeocheonjeungeul boyeotda.
    “He showed signs of hypothermia while night hiking.”

백혈병baekyeolbyeongleukemia

Example:

  • 대부분의 백혈병 환자들은 어떤 종류의 약물 치료를 받는다. 
    Daebubunui baekyeolbyeong hwanjadeureun eotteon jongnyuui yangmul chiryoreul banneunda.
    “Most leukemia patients undergo some sort of drug therapy.”

백혈병baekyeolbyeongleukemia

Example: 

  • 정신분열증은 극도로 복잡한 정신 질환이다.
    Jeongsinbunyeoljeungeun geukdoro bokjapan jeongsin jilhwanida.
    “Schizophrenia is an extremely complex mental illness.”

디스크diseukeuslipped disc

Example:

  • 우리 할머니는 디스크로 고생을 많이 하셨다.
    Uri halmeonineun diseukeuro gosaengeul mani hasyeotda.
    “My grandmother struggled a lot with discs.”

뇌졸중noejoljungstroke

Example: 

  • 과체중인 사람들은 심장마비나 뇌졸중의 위험이 있다.
    Gwachejungin saramdeureun simjangmabina noejoljungui wiheomi itda.
    “People who are overweight run a risk of a heart attack or stroke.”

광견병gwanggyeonbyeongrabies

Example: 

  • 내 친구는 광견병 예방 접종을 했다.
    Nae chinguneun gwanggyeonbyeong yebang jeopjongeul haetda.
    “My friend got a preventive shot for rabies.”

바이러스baireoseuvirus

Example: 

  • 이 약은 바이러스가 자기 복제를 하지 못하게 한다.
    I yageun baireoseuga jagi bokjereul haji mothage handa.
    “This drug prevents the virus from replicating itself.”

휠체어hwilcheeowheelchair

Example: 

  • 폴이 힘겹게 휠체어에서 빠져나왔다.
    Pori himgyeopge hwilcheeoeseo ppajyeonawatda.
    “Paul struggled out of his wheelchair.”

메스꺼움을 느끼다meseukkeoumeul neukkidato feel sick 

Example: 

  • 왜 그러는지 모르겠는데, 비행기를 탈 때마다 나는 메스꺼움을 느껴.
    Wae geureoneunji moreugetneunde, bihaenggireul tal ttaemada naneun meseukkeoumeul neukkyeo.
    “I don’t know why, but I get nauseous whenever I fly.”

절뚝거리다jeolttukgeoridato limp

Example: 

  • 우리 집 강아지가 갑자기 절뚝거리기 시작하더니 잘 걷지를 못하더라고.
    Uri jip gangajiga gapjagi jeolttukgeorigi sijakadeoni jal geotjireul motadeorago.
    “My dog ​​suddenly started limping and couldn’t walk well.”

A Woman with Glasses on Is Holding Advanced Korean Legal Books

4. Advanced Legal Words

Now, let’s look at a few advanced Korean words related to the legal system. These words will help you have more complex conversations with native speakers, follow the news, and maybe even get through law school!

재판jaepantrial

Example: 

  • 형사 재판은 2월 14일에 열립니다.
    Hyeungsa jaepaneun iwol sipsaire yeollimnida.
    “The criminal trial takes place on February 14.”

탄핵tanhaekimpeachment

Example: 

  • 총리는 뇌물을 받아서 탄핵되었다.
    Chonrineun noemureul badaseo tanhaekdoeeotda.
    “The prime minister was impeached for taking a bribe.”

법정 연령beopjeongyeonryeonglegal age

Example: 

  • 술을 사려면 법정연령이 되어야 한다.
    Sureul saryeonyeon beopjeongyeonryeongi doeeoya handa.
    “You must be of legal age to buy liquor.”

법정 공휴일beopjeong gonghyuil legal holiday

Example: 

  • 3월 1일은 한국에서 법정 공휴일이예요.
    Samwol ilireun hangugeseo beopjeong gonghyuiriyeyo.
    “March 1 is a legal holiday in Korea.”

절도죄jeoldojoelarceny

Example: 

  • 그 청소년은 네 건의 절도죄로 기소되었다
    Geu cheongsonyeoneun ne geonui jeoldojoero gisodoeeotda.
    “The youth was charged with four counts of larceny.”

몸값momgapransom

Example:

  • 유괴된 아이들은 모두 몸값이 지불되어 무사히 집으로 돌아왔다.
    Yugoedoen aideureun modu momgapsi jibuldoeeo musahi jibeuro dorawatda.
    “The kidnapper demanded a ransom for the children and returned them home unharmed.”

검사geomsaprosecution 

Example:  

  • 검사는 피고에게 무기징역을 구형했다.
    Geomsaneun pigoege mugijingyeogeul guhyeonghaetda.
    “The prosecution demanded life imprisonment for the accused.”

무기징역mugijingyeoklife imprisonment

Example: 

  • 그는 무기징역을 선고 받았다.
    Geuneun mugijingyeogeul seongo badatda.
    “He was sentenced to life imprisonment.”

영장yeongjangwarrant

Example: 

  • 그에 대한 구속 영장이 발부되었다.
    Geue daehan yeongjangi balbudoeeotda.
    “A warrant has been issued for his arrest.”

증인jeunginwitness

Example: 

  • 그 서명에 대해서는 두 명의 증인이 증언했다.
    Geu seomyeonge daehaeseoneun du myeongui jeungini jeungeonhaetda.
    “The signature was attested by two witnesses.”

유언장yueonjangwill

Example: 

  • 당신의 유언장은 변호사에게 맡겨 두어야 합니다.
    Dangsinui yueonjangeun byeonhosaege matgyeo dueoya hamnida.
    “Your will should be lodged with your lawyer.”

조직적인 범죄 jojikjeogin beomjoeorganized crime

Example:  

  • 마약과 조직적 범죄와의 관련성이 있을 수도 있어요. 
    Mayakgwa jojikjeok beomjoewaui gwanryeonseongi isseul sudo isseoyo.
    “There might be a connection between drugs and organized crime.”

보증인bojeunginguarantor

Example: 

  • 보증인이 되어주시겠습니까?
    Bojeungini doeeojusigetsseumnikka?
    “Could you act as a guarantor?”

주민등록등본 jumindeungrokdeungboncertified copy of one’s residence registration

Example: 

  • 주민등록등본 한 통을 제출해 주세요.
    Jumindeungrokdeungbon han tongeul jechulhae juseyo.
    “Please submit a certified copy of your residence registration.”

유죄의yujoeuiguilty

Example:

  • 유죄의 평결이 내렸다.
    Yujoeui pangyeori naeryeotda.
    “A verdict of ‘guilty’ was returned.”

탄원서tanwonseopetition

Example: 

  • 동물 대상 실험 반대 탄원서에 서명해주시겠습니까?
    Dongmul daesang silheom bandae tanwonseoe semyeonghaejusigetseumnikka?
    “Could you sign a petition against animal testing?”

효력hyoryeokeffective (power)

Example: 

  • 이거는 법적 효력이 있는 거야 알지?
    Igeo beopjyeok hyoryeogi itneun geoya, alji?
    “You know that this has legal power, right?”

위증wijeungperjury

Example: 

  • 판사는 증인에게 위증하지 말라고 경고했다.
    Pansaneun jeunginege wijeunghaji mallago gyeonggohaetda.
    “The judge warned the witness not to commit perjury.”

기소되다gisodoedato be charged with

Example: 

  • 그는 갈취 혐의로 체포되어 기소되었다.
    Geuneun galchwi hyeomuiro chepodoeeo gisodoeeotda.
    “He was arrested and charged with extortion.”

위임사항wiimsahangterms of reference

Example: 

  • 그것의 위임사항이 뭐니?
    Geugesui wiimsahangi mwoni?
    “What are its terms of reference?”

투표tupyovote

Example:

  • 그는 투표를 거부함으로써 불만을 표했다. 
    Geuneun tupyoreul geobuhameuroseo bulmaneul pyohaetda.
    “He signaled his discontent by refusing to vote.”

증언jeungeontestimony

Example: 

  • 증언하는 것을 제가 거부해도 됩니까?
    Jega jeungeonhaneun geoseul geobuhal su issseumnikka?
    “Can I refuse to give testimony?”

대법원daebeobwonsupreme court

Example: 

  • 대법원은 서울에 위치해 있다.
    Daebeobwoneun seoure wichihae itda.
    “The Supreme Court is located in Seoul.”

기록 관리girok gwallirecordkeeping

Example: 

  • 기록 관리가 제대로 되고 있지 않아 그 문제의 전체 규모를 파악하기가 어렵다.
    Girok gwalliga jedero doego itji ana geu munjeui jeonche gyumoreul paakagiga eoryeopda.
    “Poor recordkeeping makes it difficult to determine the full extent of the problem.”

Two University Students Are Studying Advanced Korean Words to Pass an Exam

5. Alternative Words for Acing Korean Writing/Essays

Finally, here are some simpler Korean words and phrases (top row) followed by their more advanced counterparts (bottom row). Learning how to use these advanced Korean words and phrases correctly will help you score higher on exams and essays. 

말리다 (mallida) – “to stop someone from doing something”
만류하다 (manryuhada) – “to stop someone from doing something”

Examples:

  • 직원들의 만류에도 불구하고 사장님은 회사를 그만뒀다.
    Jigwondeurui mallyuedo bulguhago sajangnimeun hoesareul geumandwotda.
    “Despite the pressure from the employees, the boss quit the company.”
  • 가족들의 만류에도 불구하고 아버지는 전 재산을 기부했다. 
    Gajokdeurui mallyuedo bulguhago abeojineun jeon jaesaneul gibuhaetda.
    “In spite of family reluctance, his father donated all his fortune.”

서로 함께 행동을 주고 받다 (seoro hamkke haengdongeul jugo batda) – “to give and take action together”
상호작용 하다 (sanghojagyong hada) – “to interact with each other”

Examples: 

  • 수업시간에는 교사와 학생들은 서로 함께 행동을 주고 받는것이 중요합니다.
    Sueopsiganeneun gyosawa haksaengdeureun seoro hamkke haengdongeul jugo batneungeosi jungyohamnida.
    “It is important that a teacher and students give and take action together.”
  • 수업시간에는 교사와 학생들의 상호작용이 중요합니다. 
    Sueopsiganeneun gyosawa haksaengdeurui sanghojagyongi jungyojahmida.
    “Teacher-student interaction is important in class.”

사람을 보는 능력 (sarameul boneun neungnyeok) – “the ability to see people”
안목 (anmok) – “discerning eye”

Examples:

  • 다양한 경험을 하여 사람을 보는 능력을 길러야 합니다. 
    Dayanghan gyeongheomeul hayeo sarameul boneun neungnyeogeul gilleoya hamnida.
    “You need to develop your ability to see people through various experiences.”
  • 다양한 경험을 하여 안목을 길러야 합니다. 
    Dayanghan gyeongheomeul hayeo anmogeul gilleoya hamnida.
    “You need to develop your eyes through various experiences.”

끝나다 (kkeunnada) – “to finish”
종료하다 (jongryohada) – “to quit”

Examples:

  • 그것보다는, 그는 끝내기로 결정했다.
    Geugeotbodaneun, geuneun kkeunnaegiro gyeoljeonghaetda.
    “Rather, he has decided to finish.”
  • 그것보다는, 그는 종료하기로 결정했다.
    Geugeotbodaneun, geuneun jongryohagiro gyeoljeonghaetda.
    “Rather, he has decided to quit.”

주다 (juda) – “to give”
제공하다 (jegonghada) – “to provide”

Examples:

  • 당신의 신분을 증명할 뭔가를 줄 수 있습니까?
    Dangsinui sinbuneul jeungmyeonghal mwongareul jul su itseumnikka?
    “Can you give any proof of identity?”
  • 당신의 신분을 증명할 뭔가를 제시할 수 있습니까?
    Dangsinui sinbuneul jeungmyeonghal mwongareul jegong hal su itseumnikka?
    “Can you provide any proof of identity?”

배우다 (baeuda) – “to learn”
학습하다 (hakseupada) – “to learn”

Examples:

  • 네가 영어를 배우는 이유가 뭐니?
    Nega yeongeoreul baeuneun iyuga mwoni?
    “What is your reason for learning English?”
  • 네가 영어를 학습하는 이유가 뭐니?
    Nega yeongeoreul hakseupaneun iyuga mwoni?
    “What is your reason for learning English?”

더하다 (deohada) – “to add”
추가하다 (chugahada) – “to add”

Examples:

  • 로즈마리, 레몬즙, 뚱딴지, 생크림, 소금, 후추를 더하다.
    Rojeumari, lemonjeup, ttungttanji, saengkeurim, sogeum, huchureul deohada.
    “Add rosemary, lemon juice, Jerusalem artichokes, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.”
  • 로즈마리, 레몬즙, 뚱딴지, 생크림, 소금, 후추를 추가하다.
    Rojeumari, lemonjeup, ttungttanji, saengkeurim, sogeum, huchureul chugahada.
    “Add rosemary, lemon juice, Jerusalem artichokes, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.”

가지다 (gajida) – “to have”
소유하다 (soyuhada) – “to own”

Examples:

  • 그 국민투표에 참가할 권리를 가지다
    Geu gugmintupyoe chamgahal gwonlireul gajida
    “have the right to vote in the plebiscite”
  • 그 국민투표에 참가할 권리를 소유하다
    Geu gugmintupyoe chamgahal gwonlireul soyuhada
    “have the right to vote in the plebiscite”

들어오다 (deureooda) – “to come into” / “to enter”
유입되다 (yuipdoeda) – “to come” / “to enter” / “to come into”

Examples:

  • 이 바이러스는 외국에서 들어온 것 같습니다.
    I baireoseuneun oegugeseo dereoon geot gatseumnida.
    “This virus seems to have come from abroad.”
  • 이 바이러스는 외국에서 유입된 것 같습니다. 
    I baireoseuneun oegugeseo yuipdoen geot gatseumnida.
    “This virus seems to have come from abroad.”

주고 받다 (jugo batda) – “to exchange”
교류하다 (gyoryuhada) – “to exchange”

Examples:

  • 정보를 주고 받다 
    jeongboreul jugo batda
    “to exchange information”
  • 정보를 교류하다 
    jeongboreul gyoryuhada
    “to exchange information”

좋게 바꾸다 (joke bakkuda) – “to make something better”
개선하다 (gaeseonhada) – “to improve”

Examples:

  • 정책을 좋게 바꿔서 더 편리하게 생활 할 수 있도록 돕겠습니다.
    Jeongchaegeul joke bakkwoseo deo pyeollihage saenghwal hal su itdorok dopgetseumnida.
    “We will make our policies better to help you live more conveniently.”
  • 정책을 개선해서 더 편리하게 생활 할 수 있도록 돕겠습니다.
    Jeongchaegeul gaeseonhaeseo deo pyeollihage saenghwal hal su itdorok dopgetseumnida.
    “We will improve our policies to help you live more conveniently.”

많은 사람들 (maneun saramdeul) – “many people”
인파가 몰리다 (inpaga mollida) – “crowded”

Examples:

  • 1월 1일 해돋이를 보려고 동해 바다에 많은 사람들이 모였다.
    Iwol iril haedojireul boryeogo donghae badae maneun saramdeuri moyeotda.
    “Many people gathered at the East Sea to see the sunrise on January 1.”
  • 1월 1일 해돋이를 보려고 동해 바다에 많은 인파가 몰렸다. 
    Iwol iril haedojireul boryeogo donghae badae maneun inpaga mollyeotda.
    “A large crowd of people gathered at the East Sea to see the sunrise on January 1.”

선택하다 (seontaekada) – “to choose” / “to select”
발탁하다 (baltakada) – “to select”

Examples:

  • A회사는 광고모델로 김씨를 선택했다.
    Ahoesaneun gwanggomodello gimssireul seontaekaetda.
    “Company A chose Kim as its advertising model.”
  • A회사는 광고모델로 김씨를 발탁했다.
    Ahoesaneun gwanggomodello gimssireul baltakaetda.
    “Company A selected Mr. Kim as an advertising model.”

아주 원하다 (aju wonhada) – “to want something badly”
염원하다 (yeomwonhada) – “to wish”

Examples:

  • 국민들의 아주 원하는 것을 꼭 이뤄드리겠습니다. 
    Gukmindeurui aju wonhaneun geoseul kkok irwodeurigetsseumnida.
    “We will surely achieve what the people want.”
  • 국민들의 염원을 꼭 이뤄드리겠습니다. 
    Gukmindeurui yeomwoneul kkok irwodeurigetsseumnida.
    “We will surely fulfill what the people wish.”

길 (gil) – “street”
경로 (gyeongro) – “route” / “direction”

Examples:

  • 졸업식에 참가하시는 분들을 위해 오시는 길를 홈페이지에 안내하도록 하겠습니다.
    Joreopsige chamgahasineun bundeureul wihae osineun gilleul hompeijie annaehadorok hagetseumnida.
    “For those who are participating in the graduation ceremony, we will provide the directions on the website.”
  • 졸업식에 참가하시는 분들을 위해 오시는 경로를 홈페이지에 안내하도록 하겠습니다. 
    Joreopsige chamgahasineun bundeureul wihae osineun gyeongroreul hompeijie annaehadorok hagetseumnida.
    “For those who are participating in the graduation ceremony, we will provide the directions on the website.”

시작한 장소 (sijakan jangso) – “place from which something started”
발원지 (barwonji) – “origin”

Examples:

  • 그 바이러스가 시작한 장소는 부산이라고 합니다 .
    Geu baileoseuga sijakan jangsoneun busanirago hamnida.
    “The place where the virus started is called Busan.”
  • 그 바이러스의 발원지는 부산이라고 합니다.
    Geu baileoseuga barwonjineun jangsoneun busanirago hamnida.
    “The place where the virus originated is called Busan.”

일이 없어지다 (iri eopseojida) – “to lose one’s job”
밥줄이 끊기다 (bapjuri kkeunkida) – Direct translation: “The rice line is cut off”

Examples:

  • 갑자기 일이 없어졌다. 앞으로 생계가 막막해졌다.
    Gapjagi iri eopseojyeotda. Apeuro saenggyega mangmakaejyeotda.
    “Suddenly, there was no work. I’m at a loss over how to make ends meet.”
  • 당장 밥줄이 끊겼다. 앞으로 생계가 막막하다.
    Dangjang bapjuri kkeunkyeotda. Apeuro saenggyega mangmakaejyeotda.
    “There is no more work. I’m at a loss over how to make ends meet.”

사람이 없다 (sarami eopda) – “no one is here” 
발길이 끊기다 (balgiri kkeunkida) – Direct translation: “Be cut off”

Examples:

  • 레스토랑에 바퀴벌레가 나온 후 사람들이 오지 않아 가게에 사람이 한명도 없었다. 
    Reseutorange bakwibeollega naon hu saramdeuri oji ana gagee sarami hanmyeongdo eopseotda.
    “After cockroaches appeared in the restaurant, no people came, so there were no people in the store.”
  • 레스토랑에 바퀴벌레가 나온 후 사람들의 발길이 끊겼다. 
    Reseutorange bakwibeollega naon hu saramdeuri balgiri kkeunkyeotda.
    “After cockroaches appeared in the restaurant, people stopped coming.”

의미하다 (uimihada) – “to mean”
시사하다 (sisahada) – “to suggest”

Examples:

  • 그 뉴스는 한국 교육의 현실을 의미하고 있다. 
    Geu nyuseuneun hanguk gyoyugui hyeonsireul uimihago itda.
    “The news indicates the reality of Korean education.”
  • 그 뉴스는 한국 교육의 현실을 시사하고 있다.
    Geu nyuseuneun hanguk gyoyugui hyeonsireul sisahago itda.
    “The news suggests the reality of Korean education.”

끝에서 끝까지 한번에 보다 (kkeuteseo kkeutkkaji hanbeone boda) – “look at everything at once from end to end”
머리부터 발끝까지 훑어보다 (meoributeo balkkeutkkaji hulteoboda) – “scan from head to toe”

Examples:

  • 그 사람은 나를 만나자마자 끝에서 끝까지 한번에 보곤 인사도 하지 않고 그냥 걸어갔다.
    Geu sarameun nareul mannajamaja kkeuteseo kkeutkkaji hanbeone bogon insado haji anko geunyang georeogatda.
    As soon as he met me, he looked at me from end to end and walked away without saying hello.
  • 그 사람은 나를 만나자마자 머리부터 발끝까지 훑어보고는 인사도 하지 않고 그냥 걸어갔다.
    Geu sarameun nareul mannajamaja meoributeo balkkeutkkaji hulteobogoneun insado haji anko geunyang georeogatda.
    As soon as he met me, he looked from head to toe and walked away without saying hello.

모든 것 (modeun geot) – “everything”
일거수 일투족 (ilgeosu iltujok) – “everything” 

Examples: 

  • 교도소의 씨씨티비는 범죄자의 모든것을 항상 기록하고 있다.
    Gyodosoui ssissitibineun beomjoejaui modeungeoseul hangsang gilokago itda.
    “The prison’s CCTV keeps track of all the criminals.”
  • 교도소의 씨씨티비는 범죄자의 일거수일투족을 항상 기록하고 있다.
    Gyodosoui ssissitibineun beomjoejaui ilgeosu iltujogeul hangsang gilokago itda.
    “The prison’s CCTV always records every move of the criminal.”

사실과 다르게 거짓을 전달하다 (sasilgwa dareuge geojiseul jeondalhada) – “to convey a lie differently from the facts”
왜곡하다 (waegokada) – “to distort” / “to twist”

Examples:

  • 역사를 사실과 다르게하여 거짓을 전달하는 것은 용서할 수 없는 일이다.
    Yeoksareul sasilgwa dareugehayeo geojiseul jeondalhaneun geoseun yongseohal su eomneun irida.
    “It is unforgivable to make history different from facts to convey lies.”
  • 역사를 왜곡하여 가르치는 일은 용서할 수 없는 일이다.
    Yeoksareul waegokayeo gareuchineun ireun yongseohal su eomneun irida.
    “Teaching history by twisting it is unforgivable.”

결과의 원인이 되다 (gyeolgwaui wonini doeda) – “to cause consequences”
초래하다 (choraehada) – “to redound”

Examples: 

  • 한번의 실수가 위험한 결과의 원인이 될 수도 있으니까 조심하세요. 
    Hanbeonui silsuga wiheomhan gyeolgwaui wonini doel sudo isseunikka josimhaseyo.
    “Be careful, as a single mistake can cause dangerous consequences.”
  • 한번의 실수가 위험한 결과를 초래할 수도 있으니까 조심하세요. 
    Hanbeonui silsuga wiheomhan gyeolgwareul choraehal sudo isseunikka josimhaseyo.
    “Be careful, as a single mistake can have dangerous consequences.”

먼저하다 (meonjeohada) – “to do first”
선행되다 (seonhaengdoeda) “to precede”

Examples: 

  • 대학교 기숙사에 들어오기 위해서는 건강검진을 먼저 해야 합니다. 
    Daehakgyo gisugsae deureoogi wihaeseoneun geonganggeomjineul meonjeo haeya hamnida.
    “In order to enter the university dormitory, you must first undergo a medical examination.”
  • 대학교 기숙사에 들어오기 위해서는 건강검진이 선행돼야 합니다. 
    Daehakgyo gisugsae deureoogi wihaeseoneun geonganggeomjini seonhaengdwaeya hamnida.
    “A medical examination must precede your entrance to the university dormitory.”

가방끈이 길다 (gabangkkeuni gilda) – “learn a lot and have a high education”
Advanced word: 많이 배워 학력이 높다 (mani baewo hagnyeogi nopda) – “learn a lot and have a high education”

Examples:

  • 가방끈이 긴 사람이 오히려 이해관계에 더 철저하다.
    Gabangkkeuni gin sarami ohiryeo ihaegwangyei deo cheoljeohada.
    “Those with a high degree of education who have learned a lot are rather thorough in their interest.”
  • 많이 배워 학력이 높은 사람이 오히려 이해관계에 더 철저하다.
    Mani baewo hagnyeogi nopeun sarami ohiryeo ihaegwangyei deo cheoljeohada.
    “Those with a high degree of education who have learned a lot are rather thorough in their interest.”

가방끈이 짧다 (gabangkkeuni jjalda) – “have a low academic background”
많이 배우지 못해 학력이 낮다 (mani baeuji motae hagnyeogi natda) – “have a low academic background”

Examples:

  • 어려운 집안 사정으로 가방끈이 짧았던 아버지는 자식만큼은 대학에 보내려고 무진장 애를 쓰셨다.
    Eeoryeoun jiban sajeongeuro gabangkkeuni jjalbatdeon abeojineun jasikmankeumeun daehage bonaeryeogo mujinjang aereul sseusyeotda.
    “My father, who had a low academic background, struggled to send his children to college.”
  • 어려운 집안 사정으로 많이 배우지 못해 학력이 낮았던 아버지는 자식만큼은 대학에 보내려고 무진장 애를 쓰셨다.
    Eeoryeoun jiban sajeongeuro mani baeuji motae hagnyeogi najatdeon abeojineun jasikmankeumeun daehage bonaeryeogo mujinjang aereul sseusyeotd.
    “My father, whose education was low because he couldn’t learn much due to difficult family circumstances, struggled to send his children to college.”

마음속 깊이 원통한 생각이 맺히게 하다 (maeumsok gipi wontonghan saenggagi maechige hada) – “make deep thoughts of sadness in the heart”
가슴에 못을 박다 (gaseume moseul bakda) – “nail in the chest”

Examples:

  • 그는 부모님 마음속 깊이 원통한 생각이 맺히게 했다.
    Geuneun bumonim maeumsok gipi wontonghan saenggagi maechige haetda.
    “He made a sad new angle deep in his parents’ hearts.”
  • 그는 부모님 가슴에 못을 박는 불효를 저질렀다.
    Geuneun bumonim gaseume moseul bagneun bulhyoreul jeojilleotda.
    “He nailed his parents’ chests by being unfaithful to his spouse.”

상대편에게 모진 마음을 먹거나 흉악한 생각을 하다 (sangdaepyeonege mojin maeumeul meokgeona hyungakan saenggageul hada) – “feeling hard on the other side” or “thinking wickedly”
가슴에 칼을 품다 (gaseume kareul pumda) – “hold a sword in one’s chest”

Examples:

  • 당신이 그 말을 한 이후로 저 사람은 당신에게 모진 마음을 먹거나 흉악한 생각을 하고 있으니 조심하시오.
    Dangsini geu mareul han ihuro jeo sarameun dangsinege mojin maeumeul meokgeona hyungakan saenggageul hago isseuni josimhasio.
    “Be careful; since you said that, he’s been hard on you or has nasty thoughts.”
  • 당신이 그 말을 한 이후로 저 사람은 가슴에 칼을 품고 있으니 조심하시오.
    Dangsini geu mareul han ihuro jeo sarameun gaseume kareul pumgo isseuni josimhasio.
    “Be careful; he has a sword in his chest since you said that.”

불안하고 초조하여 마음을 펴지 못하고 있다 (buranhago chojohayeo maeumeul pyeoji motago itda) – “feeling anxious”
가슴이 콩알만 해지다 (gaseumi kongalman haejida) – “one’s heart grows like a bean”

Examples:

  • 무서운 폭음을 듣고 가슴이 불안하고 초조하여 마음을 펴지 못해졌다.
    Museoun pogeumeul deutgo gaseumi buranhago chojohayeo maeumeul pyeoji motaejyeotda.
    “When I heard the terrible binge drinking, my heart was anxious and nervous, and I couldn’t open my heart.”
  • 무서운 폭음을 듣고 가슴이 콩알만 해졌다.
    Museoun pogeumeul deutgo gaseumi kongalman haejeotda.
    “When I heard the terrible binge drinking, my heart became a bean.”

공격의 의도나 불평불만이 있다 (gonggyeogui uidona bulpyeongbulmani itda) – “intent to attack or complain about”
가시가 돋다 (gasiga dotda) – “intent to attack or complain about”

Examples:

  • 그는 공격의 의도나 불평불만으로 그녀에게 상처를 주었다.
    Geuneun gonggyeogui uidona bulpyeongbulmaneuro geunyeoege sangcheoreul judeotda.
    “He hurt her with the intention of attacking or complaining.”
  • 그는 가시가 돋은 말을 하여 그녀에게 상처를 주었다.
    Geuneun gasiga dodeun mareul hayeo geunyeoege sangcheoreul judeotda.
    “He hurt her with the intention of attacking or complaining.”

앙칼지고 고집이 세다 (angkaljigo gojibi seda) – “be stubborn”
가시가 세다 (gasiga seda) – “be stubborn”

Examples:

  • 그 아이는 앙칼지고 고집이 세기 때문에 만만치가 않다.
    Geu aineun angkaljigo gojibi segi ttaemune manmanchiga anta.
    “The child is anxious and stubborn, so it is not easy.”
  • 그 아이는 가시가 세어 만만치가 않다.
    Geu aineun gasiga seeo manmanchiga anta.
    “The child has so many thorns that it is not easy.”

주목을 받다 (jumogeul batda) – “attract attention”
각광을 받다 (gakgwangeul batda) – “be in the limelight” or “to gain attention”

Examples:

  • 우리 회사의 제품이 해외 시장에서 주목을 받기 시작했다.
    Uri hoesaui jepumi haeoe sijangeseo jumogeul batgi sijakaetda.
    “Our company’s products have begun to attract attention in overseas markets.”
  • 우리 회사의 제품이 해외 시장에서 각광을 받기 시작했다.
    Uri hoesaui jepumi haeoe sijangeseo gakgwangeul batgi sijakaetda.
    “Our company’s products have begun to gain attention in overseas markets.”

용기나 줏대 없이 남에게 굽히다 (yonggina jutdae eopsi namege gupida) – “bend to others without courage”
간도 쓸개도 없다 (gando sseulgaedo eopda) – “bend to others without courage”

Example:

  • 넌 간도 쓸개도 없니? 
    Neon gando sseulgaedo eopni?
    “Do you have neither a liver nor a gallbladder?” / “Are you being a coward?”

몹시 놀라다 (mopsi nollada) – “to be terribly surprised”
간이 떨어지다 (gani tteoreojida) – “to run out of liver” = “to be terribly surprised”

Examples:

  • 갑작스러운 폭발음에 몹시 놀랐다.
    Gapjakseureoun pokbareume mopsi nollatda.
    “I was terribly surprised by the sudden explosion.”
  • 갑작스러운 폭발음에 간이 떨어질 뻔했다.
    Gapjakseureoun pokbareume gani tteoreojil ppeonhaetda.
    “I was terribly surprised by the sudden explosion.”

겁이 없다 (geobi eopda) – “to have no fear”
간이 크다 (gani keuda) – “liver is large” = “to have no fear”

Examples:

  • 그는 보기보다 겁이 없다.
    Geuneun bogiboda geobi eopda.
    “He is less fearful than he looks.”
  • 그는 보기보다 간이 크다.
    Geuneun bogiboda gani keuda.
    “He is less fearful than he looks.”

서로 엇비슷할 정도의 아주 작은 차이 (seoro eotbiseutal jeongdoui aju jageun chai) – “very small differences that are similar to each other”
간발의 차이 (ganbarui chai) – “a small difference”

Examples:

  • 이번 달리기에서 나는 서로 엇비슷할 정도의 아주 작은 차이로 그를 이겼다.
    Ibeon dalligieseo naneun seoro eotbiseutal jeongdoui aju jageun chairo geureul igyeotda.
    “In this run, I beat him with very small differences that are similar to each other.”
  • 이번 달리기에서 나는 간발의 차이로 그를 이겼다.
    Ibeon dalligieseo naneun ganbarui chairo geureul igyeotda.
    “In this run, I beat him by a small margin.”

함부로 치고 때리다 (hamburo chigo ttaerida) – “to beat someone aggressively”
개 패듯하다 (gae paedeutada) – “to beat a dog aggressively”

Example:

  • 그렇게 사람을 개 패듯 하니 모든 사람들이 너를 싫어하잖아.
    Geureoke saremeul gae paedeusi hani modeun salamdeuri neoreul silreohajana.
    “Everyone hates you because you beat people like a dog.”

거짓말을 자주하다 (geojinmareul jajuhada) – “to lie often”
거짓말을 밥 먹듯 하다 (geojinmareul bap meokdeut hada) – “to lie often”

Examples:

  • 그 사람은 평소에 거짓말을 자주 하니  믿을수가 없어.
    Geu sarameun pyeongsoe geojinmareul jajuhani mideulsuga eopseo.
    “I can’t believe that person because he usually lies a lot.”
  • 그 사람은 평소에 거짓말을 밥 먹듯 하니 믿을수가 없어.
    Geu sarameun pyeongsoe geojinmareul bap meokdeut hani mideulsuga eopseo.
    “I can’t believe that person because he usually lies a lot.”

감정이 몹시 격해진 상태로 말하다 (gamjeongi mopsi gyeokaejin sangtaero malhada) – “to speak in a state of intense emotion”
거품을 물다 (geopumeul mulda) – “to speak in a state of intense emotion”

Examples:

  • 경찰서에 잡혀 온 교통사고 가해자는 자신이 오히려 피해자라며 감정이 몹시 격해진 상태로 말했다.
    Gyeongchalseoe japyeo on gyotongsago gahaejaneun jasini ohiryeo pihaejaramyeo ggamjeongi mopsi gyeokaejin sangtaero malhaetda.
    “The perpetrator of a traffic accident who was caught by the police said that he was rather a victim, and in a state of intense emotion.”
  • 경찰서에 잡혀 온 교통사고 가해자는 자신이 오히려 피해자라며 거품을 물고 대들었다.
    Gyeongchalseoe japyeo on gyotongsago gahaejaneun jasini ohiryeo pihaejaramyeo geopumeul mulgo daedeureotda.
    “The perpetrator of a traffic accident who was caught by the police said that he was rather a victim, and in a state of intense emotion.”

마음이 복잡하다 (maeumi bokjapada) – “feeling worried”
걱정이 태산이다 (geokjeongi taesanida) – “feeling worried”

Examples:

  • 앞으로 어떻게 살지 생각을 하니 마음이 복잡하다.
    Apeuro eotteoke salji saenggageul hani maeumi bokjapada.
    “I’m worried about how I’ll live in the future.”
  • 앞으로 어떻게 살지 생각을 하니 걱정이 태산이야.
    Apeuro eotteoke salji saenggageul hani geokjeongi taesanida.
    “I’m worried about how I’ll live in the future.”

매우 빨리 도망치다 (maeu ppalli domangchida) – “to run away very quickly”
걸음아 나 살려라 (georeuma na sallyeora) – “to run away very quickly”

Examples:

  • 호랑이를 보자마자 매우 빨리 도망쳤다.
    Horangireul bojamaja maeu ppalli domangchyeotda.
    “When I saw the tiger, I stepped up to save myself and ran away.”
  • 호랑이를 보자 걸음아 날 살려라 하고 달아났다.
    Horangireul bojamaja georeuma na sallyeora hago daranatda.
    “When I saw the tiger, I stepped up to save myself and ran away.”

물에 빠져 죽다 (mure ppajyeo jukda) – “to die from drowning”
고기밥이 되다 (gogibabi doeda) – “to die from drowning”

Examples:

  • 그 배에 타고 있던 사람들은 모두 물에 빠져 죽었다.
    Geu baee tago itdeon saramdeureun modu mure ppajyeo jugeotda.
    “All the people on the boat drowned.”
  • 그 배에 타고 있던 사람들은 모두 물에 빠져 고기밥이 되었다.
    Geu baee tago itdeon saramdeureun modu mure gogibabi doeeotda.
    “All the people on the boat drowned.”

긴장을 누그러뜨리다 (ginjangeul nugeureotteurida) – “to relieve tension”
고삐를 늦추다 (goppireul neutchuda) – “to relieve tension”

Examples:

  • 적군은 추격의 긴장을 누그러뜨리지 않았다.
    Jeokguneun chugyeogui ginjangeul nugeureotteuriji anatda.
    “The enemy forces did not ease the tension in the pursuit.”
  • 적군은 추격의 고삐를 늦추지 않았다.
    Jeokguneun chugyeogui goppireul neutchuji anatda.
    “The enemy forces did not ease the tension in the pursuit.”

앞으로 고생을 겪을 게 뻔하다. (Apeuro gosaengeul gyeokkeul ge ppeonhada.) – “It is almost certain that you will suffer in the future.”
고생문이 훤하다. (Gosaengmuni hwonhada.) – “It is almost certain that you will suffer in the future.”

Examples:

  • 너 이렇게 지내면 앞으로 고생을 겪을 게 뻔해.
    Neo ireoke jinaemyeon apeuro gosaengeul gyeokkeul ge ppeonhae.
    “If you stay like this, it’s obvious that you will suffer in the future.”
  • 너 이렇게 지내면 고생문이 훤해.
    Neo ireoke jinaemyeon gosaengmuni hwonhae.
    “If you stay like this, it’s obvious that you will suffer in the future.”

서로 앙숙 관계이다 (seoro angsuk gwangyeida) – “don’t get along together”
고양이와 개이다 (goyangiwa gaeida) – “don’t get along together”

Examples:

  • 두 사람은 서로 앙숙 관계이다.
    Du sarameun seoro angsuk gwangyeida.
    “The two have a hard relationship with each other.”
  • 두 사람은 고양이와 개의 관계이다.
    Du sarameun goyangiwa gaeui gwangyeida.
    “The two have a hard relationship with each other.”

사이가 틀어지다 (saiga teureojida) – “separated from one another”
금이 가다 (geumi gada) – “separated from one another”

Examples:

  • 서로 사이가 틀어졌다.
    Seuro saiga teureojyeotda.
    “We’ve gotten a bit different from each other.”
  • 우정에 금이 가다.
    Ujeonge geumi gada.
    “We’ve gotten a bit different from each other.”

슬그머니 피하다 (seulgeumeoni pihada) – “to sneak away”
꽁무니를 빼다 (kkongmunireul ppaeda) – “to sneak away”

Examples:

  • 내가 쳐다보니까 그 남자 슬그머니 피하더라고.
    Naega chyeodabonikka geu namja seulgeumeoni pihadeorago.
    “When I looked at him, he sneakily avoided me.”
  • 내가 쳐다보니까 그 남자 꽁무니를 빼더라고.
    Naega chyeodabonikka geu namja kkongmunireul ppaedeorago.
    “When I looked at him, he sneakily avoided me.”

나쁜 평가가 내려지다 (nappeun pyeonggaga naeryeojida) – “to have a bad reputation”
꼬리표가 붙다 (kkoripyoga butda) – “to have a bad reputation”

Examples:

  • 전과자라는 나쁜 평가가 내려지자 그 후로는 모두들 그와 어울리는 것을 꺼려했다.
    Jeongwajaraneun nappeun pyeonggaga naeryeojija geu huroneun modudeul geuwa eoullineun geoseul kkeoryeohaetda.
    “Everyone was reluctant to hang out with him because he had a bad reputation.”
  • 전과자라는 꼬리표가 붙자 그 후로는 모두들 그와 어울리는 것을 꺼려했다.
    Jeongwajaraneun kkoripyoga butja geu huroneun modudeul geuwa eoullineun geoseul kkeoryeohaetda.
    “Everyone was reluctant to hang out with him after he developed a bad reputation.”

We’ve covered several synonyms! Want to learn antonyms now? Then check out Antonyms: 15 Ways to Describe Opposites on KoreanClass101.com! 

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6. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean Studies

You learned a lot of advanced Korean words in this article. I hope you’re not too overwhelmed! If you are, make sure to take a break! Learning a language takes time, so don’t pressure yourself by trying to learn everything in one go. Take your time to understand and practice each word by writing a diary in Korean or talking with a native Korean speaker.

Looking for a fun but thorough Korean learning resource? You’ve found it! 

At KoreanClass101.com, we provide our learners with a huge variety of free lessons for every proficiency level. We highly recommend you check out our advanced Korean course to get started, but feel free to explore all of our other great tools and resources (like these free vocabulary lists or this dictionary!). Create your free lifetime account and start learning Korean like never before. 

Good luck!

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400+ Essential Intermediate Korean Words

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Someone Counting Stacks of Coins

Learn to count large numbers in Korean.

Are you ready to move past the beginner stage and enter more exciting territory in your language studies? 

In this blog post, you’ll find a massive list of over 400 intermediate Korean words for learners who are ready to level up. We’ve also included links to plenty of additional study materials where you can get more intermediate Korean practice, find example sentences, and hear the pronunciation of essential words. 

All set to dip your toes into the waters of intermediate Korean with KoreanClass101.com? Let’s go, then! 

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Korean Table of Contents
  1. Counting Large Numbers
  2. Nouns for the Intermediate Level
  3. Verbs for the Intermediate Level
  4. Adjectives for the Intermediate Level
  5. Adverbs for the Intermediate Level
  6. Grammar Rules for the Intermediate Level
  7. How can KoreanClass101 help?

1. Counting Large Numbers 

NumberSino-KoreanNative-KoreanMeaning
2,000이천 (icheon)“two thousand”
3,000삼천 (samcheon)    “three thousand”
4,000사천 (sacheon“four thousand”
5,000오천 (ocheon“five thousand”
6,000육천 (yukcheon)“six thousand”
7,000칠천 (chilcheon)“seven thousand”
8,000팔천 (palcheon)“eight thousand”
9,000구천 (gucheon)“nine thousand”
10,000만 (man)드먼* (deumeon)“ten thousand”
20,000이만 (iman)“twenty thousand”
30,000삼만 (samman)“thirty thousand”
40,000사만 (saman)“forty thousand”
50,000오만 (oman)“fifty thousand”
60,000육만 (yukman)“sixty thousand”
70,000칠만 (chilman)“seventy thousand”
80,000팔만 (palman)“eighty thousand”
90,000구만 (guman)“ninety thousand”
100,000백만 (baengman)“one hundred thousand”
1,000,000천만 (cheonman)“one million”
100,000,000억 (eok)잘* (jal)“one hundred million”
1,000,000,000,000조 (jo)울* (ul)“one trillion”

*드먼 (deumeon), 잘 (jal), and 울 (ul) are rarely used in spoken/written language. Use the numbers from Sino-Korean instead. 

Bonus Pages:


The Word Noun against a Blue Background

2. Nouns for the Intermediate Level

Our next set of intermediate Korean vocabulary words consists of some commonly used nouns you can begin practicing right away. Learning these words will allow you to converse with native speakers on a greater variety of topics. 

KoreanRomanizationMeaning
고민 gomin“woe”
고백gobaek“confession”
고집 gojip“persistence”
고통 gotong“suffering”
공공장소gongongjangso“public place”
공사gongsa“construction”
공통 gongtong“common”
공해gonghae“pollution”
과소비gwasobi“overspending”
과음gwaeum“heavy drinking”
관계자gwangyeja“participant”
관광gwangwang“sightseeing”
관심gwansim“interest”
기념일ginyeomil“anniversary”
기대gidae“expectation”
기록gilok“record”
나들이nadeuri“outing”
나머지nameoji“the rest”
난방nanbang“heating”
남녀노소namnyeonoso“men and women of all ages”
남녀평등namnyeopyeongdeung“gender equality”
눈치nunchi“sense”
노선noseon“route”
능동적neungdongjeok“active”
능력neungryeok“ability”
냉방병naengbangbyeong“air-conditioning”
노약자 noyakja“the old and infirm”
단기간 dangigan“short period of time”
단체danche“organization”
독립dongnip“independence”
도전dojeon“challenge”
도난donan“theft”
답변dapbyeon“answer”
당장dangjang“right now”
당황 danghwang“embarrassment”
대도시daedosi“major city”
대량daelyang“large quantity”
대접daejeop“reception”
대중daejung“the general public”
대책daechaek“countermeasure”
대출daechul“loan”
대표daepyo“representative”
대형daehyeong“large”
더위deowi“the heat”
도구dogu“tool”
맞벌이matbeori“dual-career”
매표소maepyoso“box office”
명품myeongpum“masterpiece”
모범생mobeomsaeng“model student”
모험심 moheomsim“adventure”
목적지mokjeokji“destination”
무관심mugwansim“indifference”
무소식 musosik“no news”
밑줄mitjul“underscore”
민족minjok“people” (as in an ethnic group)
무시 musi“disregard”
문제점 munjejeom“problem”
문화유산munhwayusan“cultural heritage”
미혼mihon“unmarried (person)”
민요minyo“folk song”
민속놀이minsoknori“folk game”
발달baldal“development”
발명balmyeong“invention”
발전baljeon“development”
방해banghae“disturbance”
방향 banghyang“direction”
배우자 baeuja“spouse”
버릇 beoreut“habit”
범위beomwi“range”
범죄beomjoe“crime”
beop“the law”
변화 byeonhwa“alteration”
별명byeolmyeong“nickname”
부작용 bujagyong“side effect”
부잣집bujatjip“rich family”
부주의bujuui“carelessness”
분리수거bullisugeo“separate collection”
분실bunsil“loss”
불경기 bulgyeonggi“depression”
불면증 bulmyeonjeung“insomnia”
불안감burangam“anxiety”
불평bulpyeong“misfortune”
비만biman“obesity”
생중계saengjunggye“live broadcast”
생필품saengpilpum“daily necessity”
생활비 saenghwalbi“living expenses”
세월sewol“time”
세대sedae“generation”
세금 segeum“tax”
성형seonghyeong“plastic surgery”
성실seongsil“faithfulness”
성별seongbyeol“gender”
성능seongneung“performance”
선착순seonchaksun“first-come, first-served basis”
선진국 seonjinguk“developed country”
양보yangbo“yield”
연상yeonsang“elder”
억양eogyang“intonation”
언론eonron“the press”
엊그제eotgeuje“a couple days ago”
용돈yongdon“pocket money”
용기yonggi“courage”
욕심yoksim“greed”
요청yocheong“request”
요약yoyak“summary”
요구yogu“demand”
왕복wangbok“both ways”
열대야yeoldaeya“tropical night”
영향yeonghyang“influence”
예외yeoe“exception”
오염oyeom“pollution”
온돌ondol“Korean floor heating”
오해ohae“misunderstanding”
자신감jasingam“self-confidence”
자극적 jageugjeok“exciting”
자격 jagyeok“qualification”
정치인jeongchiin“politician”
절반jeolban“half”
전통jeontong“tradition”
전부jeonbu“all”
전문가jeonmunga“expert”
전망 jeonmang“prospect”
저장jeojang“save” / “storage”
재해 jaehae“disaster”
재산 jaesan“property”
장기적  janggijeok“long-term”
잔소리 jansoli“nitpicking”
자존심jajonsim“one’s pride”
차례charye“order”
채식주의자chaesikjuuija“vegetarian”
친환경chinhwangyeong“eco-friendly”
출신chulsin“someone’s ancestry”
추위chuwi“the cold”
추억chueok“memory”
추가chuga“addition”
최초choecho“the first”
최종choejong“the final”
최저choejeo“minimum”
최신choesin“the newest”
최대choedae“maximum”
초보자choboja“beginner”
참을성chameulseong“patience”
책임chaegim“responsibility”
철학cheolhak“philosophy”
체격chegyeok“build” (person’s appearance)
첫인상cheotinsang“first impression”
통계tonggye“statistics”
통증tongjeung“pain”
핑계pinggye“excuse”
피해pihae“harm”
품절pumjeol“sold out”
표정pyojeong“someone’s expression”
폭우pogu“heavy rain”
폭식poksik“binge”
폭설pokseol“heavy snow”
평소 pyeongso“ordinary day”
편식pyeonsik“unbalanced diet”
평생pyeongsaeng“whole life”
한국학hangughak“Korean studies”
한눈hannun“a glance”
희생자 huisaengja“victim”
호칭hoching“title”
호기심 hogisim“curiosity”
혜택hyetaek“benefit”
형편hyeongpyeon“circumstances”
형태hyeongtae“form”
현대인hyeondaein“contemporary man”
해결책haegyeolchaek“solution”
항공료hanggongryo“airfare”
할부halbu“monthly installment plan”
한지hanji“traditional Korean paper”
한정식hanjeongsik“Korean-style meal”
한숨hansum“sigh”

Bonus Page:


The Word Verb against a Blue Background

3. Verbs for the Intermediate Level

Verbs are another invaluable part of speech, and we need them to express complete thoughts. Below is a list of intermediate Korean verbs you should start practicing in order to have more engaging conversations with native speakers. 

KoreanRomanizationMeaning
가라앉다garaanda“to sink”
가리다garida“to hide”
간섭하다ganseophada“to interfere”
갇히다 gachida“to be shut up”
갈아입다garaipda“to change (clothes)”
갖추다gatchuda“to prepare”
갚다 gapda“to repay”
개발하다   gaebalhada“to develop”
거절하다  geojeolhada“to refuse”
결심하다  gyeolsimhada“to decide”
나아가다naagada“to advance”
나아지다   naajida“to improve”
나타나다   natanada“to appear”
날아다니다  naradanida“to fly about”
날아오르다   naraoreuda“to fly up”
남기다  namgida“to leave”
낭비하다  nangbihada“to waste”
낮추다natchuda“to lower”
낳다nata“to give birth to”
내려보다naeryeoboda“to look down”
담당하다damdanghada“to take charge of”
돌아다니다doradanida“to get around”
돌려보내다dollyeobonaeda“to return”
데치다dechida“to blanch”
덮이다deop-ida“to be covered with”
던지다deonjida“to throw”
대하다daehada“to face”
대신하다daesinhada“to replace”
당하다danghada“to suffer”
당기다dang-gida“to pull”
마련하다   maryeonhada“to prepare”
마무리하다   mamurihada“to finish”
마음먹다   maeummeokda“to make up one’s mind”
마주치다   majuchida“to come across”
막히다  makida“to be clogged with”
망가뜨리다  manggatteurida“to be destroyed”
망가지다   manggajida“to be destroyed”
망설이다   mangseorida“to hesitate”
망하다   manghada“to go under”
맞추다  matchuda“to adjust”
버려지다   beoryeojida“to be left out”
버티다  beotida“to endure”
번갈다   beongalda“to take turns”
벌리다 beollida  “to open”
벗기다  beotgida“to take off”
벗어나다   beoseonada“to get out of”
보살피다  bosalpida“to look after”
부러지다   bureojida“to be broken”
불어나다  bureonada“to increase”
붐비다  bumbida“to be crowded with”
서두르다   seodureuda“to hurry”
섞다  seoktda“to mix with”
선택하다  seontaekada“to choose”
성공하다  seonggonghada“to succeed”
세다 seda  “to count up”
속이다 sogida  “to deceive”
수리하다 surihada  “to repair”
수선하다suseonhada  “to repair”
숙이다  sugida“to bend”
숨기다  sumgida“to hide”
여쭈다  yeojjuda  “to ask”
연장하다 yeonjanghada   “to extend”
염려하다 yeomryeohada   “to worry about”
예상하다  yesanghada  “to anticipate”
예측하다  yecheukada  “to predict”
옮기다  omgida  “to move”
외우다   oeuda   “to memorize”
외치다   oechida   “to cry out”
응모하다   eungmohada“to enter for”
의심하다  uisimhada  “to doubt”
제공하다   jegonghada   “to be offered”
제외하다  jeoehada  “to exclude”
제출하다   jechulhada   “to submit”
주고받다  jugobatda  “to exchange”
주어지다  jueojida  “to be given”
줄어들다  jul-eodeulda  “to decrease”
중단하다   jungdanhada   “to stop”
지나가다   jinagada“to pass by”
지나치다   jinachida   “to pass by”
집다  jipda  “to pick up”
차리다  charida   “to prepare”
차지하다 chajihada “to take possession of”
참석하다  chamseokada  “to attend”
찾아내다 chajanaeda   “to find out”
채우다   chaeuda   “to fill in”
챙기다  chaenggida  “to pack up”
처리하다 cheorihada  “to handle”
쳐다보다 chyeodaboda   “to look at”
추진하다   chujinhada   “to propel”
치다   chida   “to hit”
토하다   tohada   “to vomit”
포기하다  pogihada  “to give up”
표현하다  pyohyeonhada  “to express”
피하다  pihada  “to avoid”
합치다  hapchida  “to unite”
해결하다  haegyeolhada  “to settle”
해보다   haeboda   “to try”
향하다   hyanghada   “to face”
허락하다   heorakada   “to permit”
헤어지다  heeojida“to part from”

Bonus Pages:

    → As you may have noticed, some of these verbs have similar spellings and pronunciations even though they mean different things. To learn more about this topic, visit our blog post 14 Confusing Korean Verbs that Sound Similar.
The Abbreviation Adj. against a Blue Background

4. Adjectives for the Intermediate Level

As an intermediate Korean learner, you may wish to begin giving more vivid descriptions when speaking or writing. Picking up the most common adjectives is one of the best ways to start doing this! 

KoreanRomanizationMeaning
가늘다  ganeulda “thin”
가능하다 ganeunghada  “possible”
괴롭다  goeropda“painful”
굉장하다   goengjanghada“wonderful”
궁금하다   gunggeumhada“curious about”
귀중하다  gwijunghada“precious”
까다롭다  kkadaropda“particular about”
깐깐하다  kkankkanhada“strict”
깔끔하다   kkalkkeumhada“neat”
귀찮다  gwichanta“troublesome”
낡다  nakta“old” / “worm”
너그럽다  neogeureopda“generous”
넉넉하다 neogneokada  “enough”
놀랍다  nollapda“surprising”
느긋하다 neugeutada  “relaxed”
느끼다  neukkida“greasy”
느리다   neurida“slow”
다양하다   dayanghada“various”
다정하다   dajeonghada“friendly”
단순하다   dansunhada“simple”
단단하다   dandanhada“hard”
담백하다   dambaekada“light”
대단하다  daedanhada“great”
독특하다   dogteukada“unusual”
동일하다   dongilhada“same as”
동그랗다   donggeurata“round”
뒤늦다   dwineutda“belated”
목마르다  mokmareuda“thirsty”
멋지다  meotjida“wonderful”
매콤하다  maekomhada“spicy”
마땅하다  mattanghada“suitable”
무덥다  mudeopda“stifling”
밉다   mipda“detestable”
믿음직스럽다  mideumjikseureopda“reliable”
명량하다   myeongranghada“cheerful”
부드럽다  budeureopda“soft”
버릇없다   beoreuseopda“ill-mannered”
부족하다   bujokada“insufficient”
분명하다  bunmyeonghada“clear”
불쌍하다   bulssanghada“pitiful”
불평등하다  bulpyeongdeunghada“unfair”
뻔하다   ppeonhada“transparent”
불가능하다   bulganeunghada“impossible”
밤늦다  bamneutda“late at night”
색다르다   saekdareuda“different”
상쾌하다   sangkwaehada“refreshing”
사이좋다   saijota“compatible”
상관없다   sanggwaneopda“having nothing to do with”
색다르다  saekdareuda“different”
새롭다  saerobda“fresh”
서늘하다   seoneulhada“chilly”
생생하다  saengsaenghada“vivid”
서투르다seotureuda“unskilled”
선명하다  seonmyeonghada“clear”
안타깝다   antakkapda“sad”
아쉽다   aswipda“sorry”
아깝다  akkapda“valuable”
얇다  yalda“thin”
얌전하다 yamjeonhada“gentle”
엄격하다   eomgyeokada“strict”
여유롭다   yeoyuropda“having time”
연하다  yeonhada“tender”
올바르다  olbaleuda“correct”
익숙하다   iksukada“be used to”
자연스럽다   jayeonseureopda“natural”
중요하다   jungyohada“important”
적절하다  jeogjeolhada“proper”
적당하다  jeokdanghada“proper”
저렴하다   jeoryeomhada“cheap”
점잖다   jeomjanta“gentle”
잘나다   jalnada“better than others”
정확하다   jeonghwakada“exact”
지겹다  jigyeopda“boring”
지루하다  jiruhada“boring”
차분하다   chabunhada“calm”
커다랗다   keodarata“big”
캄캄하다  kamkamhada“very dark”
창피하다   changpihada“shameful”
특별하다  teukbyeolhada“special”
탁하다   takada“murky”
튼튼하다  teunteunhada“solid”
특이하다  teugihada“unusual”
평범하다  pyeongbeomhada“ordinary”
평등하다  pyeongdeunghada“equal”

Bonus Page:

    → Want to study with our Korean instructor Jae? Check out “Best of Jae for Intermediate Learners,” which consists of 10 lessons (43 minutes)! This series will teach you various Korean words and provide you with key cultural insights.

The Abbreviation Adv. against a Blue Background

5. Adverbs for the Intermediate Level

While adjectives describe nouns, adverbs provide additional information about verbs, adjectives, or even other adverbs. Here are just a few of the Korean adverbs you should learn as a student at the intermediate level. 

KoreanRomanizationMeaning
가득gadeuk“full”
결코gyeolko“never”
간신히gansinhi“barely”
겨우gyeou“barely”
간절히ganjeolhi“earnestly”
가만히gamanhi“still”
got“at once”
게다가gedaga“besides”
과연gwayeon“indeed”
골고루golgoru“evenly”
도무지domuji“at all”
대부분daebubun“most of”
대게daege“generally”
대충daechung“roughly”
더구나deoguna“besides”
도대체dodaeche“at all”
더욱deouk“more”
대체로daechero“generally”
도저히dojeohi“utterly”
도리어dorieo“on the contrary”
마음대로maeumdaero“as one likes”
마음껏maeumkkeot“as much as one likes”
모처럼mocheoreom“after a long time”
마침machim“just in time”
마찬가지로machangajiro“likewise”
만일manil“if”
마치machi“as if”
멀리meolli“far”
몰래mollae“secretly”
마침내machimnae“finally”

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Learn Korean grammar rules for the intermediate level.

6. Grammar Rules for the Intermediate Level

Now that you’ve become acquainted with several intermediate Korean words, how about we briefly go over some grammar rules you should start learning at this stage? 

1. Saying “I hope” or “I wish”

Rule: In order to express the phrase “I hope” or “I wish,” you just need to add ~았/었으면 좋겠다 (~ass/eoss-eumyeon johgessda) to the end of a verb or adjective. 

For example:

  • 가다 ▷ 갔으면 좋겠다.
    (gada) ▷ (Gasseumyeon joketda.)
    “To go” ▷ “I wish/hope to go.”
  • 안하다 ▷ 안 했으면 좋겠다.
    (anhada) ▷ (An haesseumyeon joketda.)
    “Not to do” ▷ “I wish/hope not to do something.”
  • 내일 일이 없었으면 좋겠어요.
    (Naeil iri eopseosseumyeon jokesseoyo.)
    “I wish I didn’t have work tomorrow.”
  • 오늘 비가 안 왔으면 좋겠어요.
    (Oneul biga an wasseumyeon jokesseoyo.)
    “I hope it doesn’t rain today.”

2. Saying “looks like” or “seems like”

Rule: You can add ~게 보이다 (~ge boida) to the end of an adjective in order to convey how something looks or seems like to you. 

For example:

  • 너 오늘 멋있게 보이네.
    (Neo oneul meositge boine.)
    “You look cool today.”
  • 너 오늘 귀엽게 보이네.
    (Neo oneul gwiyeopge boine.)
    “You look cute today.”
  • 라면 맛있게 보이네.
    (Ramyeon masitge boine.)
    “The ramen looks delicious.”

3. Saying “I said, ‘Let’s…’ “

Rule: ~자 (~ja)  usually means “Let’s…” as in 먹자 (meokja) – “let’s eat” and 자자 (jaja) – “let’s sleep.” By adding ~고 (~go) to ~자 (~ja), the sentence becomes, “I said, ‘Let’s…’ .”

For example:

  • 친구가 점심을 먹자고 했어.
    (Chinguga jeomsimeul meokjago haesseo.)
    “My friend said, ‘Let’s have lunch together.’ ”
  • 남자친구가 동물원에 가자고 했어.
    (Namjachinguga dongmulwone gajago haesseo.)
    “My boyfriend said, ‘Let’s go to the zoo.’ ”
  • 남편이 산책하자고 했지만 저는 너무 피곤해서 안 갔어요.
    (Nampyeoni sanchaekhajago haetjiman jeoneun neomu pigonhaeseo an gasseoyo.)
    “My husband said, ‘Let’s go for a walk,’ but I was too tired, so I didn’t go.”

4. Saying “I asked…”

Rule: When a sentence ends with a verb, add ~(느)냐고 (~[neu]nyago) to indicate that the quote is a question. 

For example:

  • (나는) 여자 친구에게 뭐 먹었느냐고 물어봤어.
    ([Naneun] yeoja chinguege mwo meogeotneunyago mureobwasseo.)
    “I asked my girlfriend what she ate.”
  • 아빠는 나에게 어디 가겠느냐고 물어봤어
    (Appaneun naege eodi gagetneunyago mureobwasseo.)
    “My dad asked me where I will go.”
  • 친구가 나에게 어디 가느냐고 물어봤어.
    (Chinguga naege eodi ganeunyago mureobwasseo.)
    “My friend asked me where I was going.”

5. Expressing the concept of “making somebody do something”

Rule: Attach ~시키다 (~sikida) to the noun form of ~하다 (~hada) verbs.

For example:

  • 만족하다
    (manjokada)
    “to be satisfied”
  • 만족시키다
    (manjoksikida)
    “to make someone satisfied” / “to satisfy”
  • 공부하다
    (gongbuhada)
  • 공부시키다
    (gongbusikida)
    “to make (one) study”
  • 실망하다
    (silmanghada)
    “to be disappointed”
  • 실망시키다
    (silmangsikida)
    “to make (one) disappointed” / “to disappoint”

Bonus Pages:


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7. How can KoreanClass101 help?

In this article, we looked at the most practical intermediate Korean words. It can be overwhelming to memorize all of them, but once you get there, you’ll be able to start advancing toward a more advanced level. 

Have more questions? Feel free to leave us a comment or ask our Korean tutors on KoreanClass101.com.

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