You asked, so we provided—easy-to-follow instructions on how to set up your electronic devices to write in Korean! We’ll also give you a few excellent tips on how to use this keyboard, as well as some online and app alternatives if you prefer not to set up a Korean keyboard.
Learning a new language is made so much easier when you’re able to read and write/type it. This way, you will:
Get the most out of any dictionary and Korean language apps on your devices
Expand your ability to find Korean websites and use the various search engines
Be able to communicate much better online with your Korean teachers and friends, and look super cool in the process!
2. Setting up Your Computer and Mobile Devices for Korean
It takes only a few steps to set up any of your devices to read and type in Korean. It’s super-easy on your mobile phone and tablet, and a simple process on your computer.
On your computer, you’ll first activate the onscreen keyboard to work with. You’ll only be using your mouse or touchpad/pointer for this keyboard. Then, you’ll need to change the language setting to Korean, so all text will appear in Korean. You could also opt to use online keyboards instead. Read on for the links!
On your mobile devices, it’s even easier—you only have to change the keyboard. We also provide a few alternatives in the form of online keyboards and downloadable apps.
3. How to Activate an Onscreen Keyboard on Your Computer
1- Mac
1. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard.
2. Check the option “Show Keyboard & Character Viewers in Menu Bar.”
3. You’ll see a new icon on the right side of the main bar; click on it and select “Show Keyboard Viewer.”
2- Windows
1. Go to Start > Settings > Easy Access > Keyboard.
2. Turn on the option for “Onscreen Keyboard.”
3- Online Keyboards
If you don’t want to activate your computer’s onscreen keyboard, you also have the option to use online keyboards. Here are some good options:
Instead of an online keyboard, you could also choose to download a Google extension to your browser for a language input tool. The Google Input Tools extension allows users to use input tools in Chrome web pages, for example.
4. How to Change the Language Settings to Korean on Your Computer
Now that you’re all set to work with an onscreen keyboard on your computer, it’s time to download the Korean language pack for your operating system of choice:
Windows 8 (and higher)
Windows 7
Mac (OS X and higher)
1- Windows 8 (and higher)
1. Go to Settings > Change PC Settings > Time & Language > Region & Language.
2. Click on “Add a Language” and select “Korean.” This will add it to your list of languages. It will appear as 한국어 with the note “language pack available.”
3. Click on “한국어” > “Options” > “Download.” It’ll take a few minutes to download and install the language pack.
4. As a keyboard layout, you’ll only need the one marked as “Korean- 한국어.” You can ignore other keyboard layouts.
2- Windows 7
1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Clock, Language, and Region.
2. On the “Region and Language” option, click on “Change Keyboards or Other Input Methods.”
3. On the “Keyboards and Languages” tab, click on “Change Keyboards” > “Add” > “Korean.”
4. Expand the option of “Korean” and then expand the option “Keyboard.” Select the keyboard layout marked as “Korean.” You can ignore other keyboard layouts. Click “OK” and then “Apply.”
3- Mac (OS X and higher)
If you can’t see the language listed, please make sure to select the right option from System Preferences > Language and Region
1. From the Apple Menu (top left corner of the screen) go to System Preferences > Keyboard.
2. Click the Input Sources tab and a list of available keyboards and input methods will appear.
3. Click on the plus button, select “2-Set Korean,” and add the “2-Set Korean” keyboard.
5. Activating the Korean Keyboard on Your Mobile Phone and Tablet
Texting and searching in Korean will greatly help you master the language! Adding a Korean keyboard on your mobile phone and/or tablet is super-easy.
You could also opt to download an app instead of adding a keyboard. Read on for our suggestions.
Below are the instructions for both iOS and Android mobile phones and tablets.
1- iOS
1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard.
2. Tap “Keyboards” and then “Add New Keyboard.”
3. Select “2-Set Korean” from the list.
4. When typing, you can switch between languages by tapping and holding on the icon to reveal the keyboard language menu.
2- Android
1. Go to Settings > General Management > Language and Input > On-screen Keyboard (or “Virtual Keyboard” on some devices) > Samsung Keyboard.
2. Tap “Language and Types” or “ + Select Input Languages” depending on the device and then “MANAGE INPUT LANGUAGES” if available.
3. Select “한국어” from the list.
4. When typing, you can switch between languages by swiping the space bar.
3- Applications for Mobile Phones
If you don’t want to add a keyboard on your mobile phone or tablet, these are a few good apps to consider:
Typing in Korean can be very challenging at first! Therefore, we added here a few useful tips to make it easier to use your Korean keyboard.
1- Computer
On Windows 8 Keyboard
Keep in mind that you’ll find vowels on the right of your keyboard, and consonants will be on the left side. To create double consonants, press the Shift key while typing the single consonant. (Example, if you would like ot type ㅆ, press ㅅ+Shift).
This will cause “ENG” to be changed to ‘한’ (or ‘KOR”), and another icon (marked “A”) will appear simultaneously to the left of the language sign.
When you want to type Korean, hit the ALT key on the right side of your keyboard. (There are two ALT keys on the keyboard, however, only the right one works for this purpose.)
Hitting the ALT key will make the status icon change to a Korean character ‘가’ (ga). Once this happens, you’ll be able to start typing in Korean. To toggle between Korean and English, simply hit the Right ALT key at any time.
Vowels are on the right side of the keyboard, and consonants on the left. To create double consonants, press the Shift key while typing the single consonant. (Example, if you would like ot type ㅆ, press ㅅ+Shift).
On IOS Keyboard
On your Mac, click on the flag image at the top right of your screen, and choose 한 (2-Set Korean). In the 2-Set Korean Keyboard, keep in mind that you’ll find vowels on the right of your keyboard, and consonants will be on the left side. This is its default setting for macOS Hangul.
To create double consonants, press the Shift key while typing the single consonant. (Example, if you would like to type ㅆ, press “Shift” + “ㅅ.”
2- Mobile Phones
Open any app that allows typing. A few good options are Messages, Google Widget, or Chrome.
Tap the typing area. This opens the keyboard.
For IOS, tap and hold the Globe key. It’s located at the left of the spacebar. The “Keyboard Settings” option and a list of keyboards will appear. Select the “Korean” keyboard. This will change the keyboard from its default language setting to Korean. Note that this menu can be used to toggle between various language keyboards you may have installed.
For Android, tap the Keyboard Settings icon near the bottom of the keyboard. If you don’t see the gear, you may have to long-press a different key to make it appear. Tap “Add Keyboard” and choose “Korean” from the list. Select your desired layout. Afterward, tap the typing area and hold the Globe key. It’s in the bottom row of keys. A list of installed keyboards will appear. Tap “Korean.” The keyboard is now switched to Korean.
7. How to Practice Typing Korean
As you probably know by now, learning Korean is all about practice, practice, and more practice! Strengthen your Korean typing skills by writing comments on any of our lesson pages, and our teacher will answer. If you’re a KoreanClass101 Premium PLUS member, you can directly text our teacher via the My Teacher app—use your Korean keyboard to do this!
Understanding Korean conjugation is a fundamental part of learning Korean, and it’s one of the basic skills you need to gain in the process. In this article, we’ll teach you basic Korean verb conjugation, including how to change verbs in the past, present, and future tense, and for different politeness levels.
Please remember that you apply these Korean conjugation rules to adjectives, too.
The rules for conjugating Korean verbs in past tense are a little bit trickier than present and future conjugations. Let’s learn the fundamental rules for conjugating Korean verbs in past tense:
#1: If the last vowel of the stem is NOT ㅏ (a) or ㅗ (o)
Rule: Add ~었어요 (~eosseoyo) next to the word.
Example:
L.V is NOT ㅗ (o) or ㅏ (a)
Add ~었어요 (~eosseoyo)
Past tense
English
먹다 (meokda)
먹 (meok) + 었어요 (eosseoyo)
먹었어요 (meogeosseoyo)
“ate”
울다 (ulda)
울 (ul) + 었어요 (eosseoyo)
울었어요 (uleosseoyo)
“cried”
열다 (yeolda)
열 (yeol) + 었어요(eosseoyo)
열었어요 (yeoreosseoyo)
“opened”
서다 (seoda)
서 (seo) +었어요 (eosseoyo)
섰어요 (seosseoyo)
“stood”
주다 (juda)
주 + 었어요 (ju) + (eosseoyo)
줬어요 (jwosseoyo)
“gave”
나누다 (nanuda)
나누 + 었어요 (nanu) + (eosseoyo)
나눴어요 (nanwosseoyo)
“shared”
Example Sentence:
어제 김치를 먹었다.
Eoje gimchireul meogeotda. “I ate Kimchi yesterday.”
#2: If the verb or adjective ends with 하다 (hada)
Rule: Add ~였어요 (~yeosseoyo) to the stem.
Example:
L.V is ㅗ (o) orㅏ(a)
Add ~였어요 (~yeosseoyo)
Past tense
English
사랑하다 (saranghada)
사랑하 + 였어요 (sarangha) + (yeosseoyo)
사랑했어요 (saranghaesseoyo)
“loved”
공부하다 (gongbuhada)
공부하 + 였어요 (gongbuha) + (yeosseoyo)
공부했어요 (gongbuhaesseoyo)
“studied”
평가하다 (pyeonggahada)
평가하 + 였어요 (pyeonggaha) + (yeosseoyo)
평가했어요 (pyeonggahaesseoyo)
“evaluated”
강하다 (ganghada)
강하 + 였어요 (gangha) + (yeosseoyo)
강했어요 (ganghaesseoyo)
“was strong”
신고하다 (singohada)
신고하 + 였어요 (singoha) + (yeosseoyo)
신고했어요 (singohaesseoyo)
“reported”
기대하다 (gidaehada)
기대하 + 였어요 (gidaeha) + (yeosseoyo)
기대했어요 (gidaehaeosseoyo)
“anticipated”
Example Sentence:
어제 저녁 공부를 두시간 했다.
Eoje jeonyeok gongbureul dusigan haetda. “I studied for two hours last night.”
#3: If the last vowel of the stem is ㅏ(a) or ㅗ (o)
Rule: Add ~았어요 (~asseoyo) to the stem of the word.
Example:
L.V is ㅗ (o) orㅏ (a)
Add ~았어요 (~asseoyo)
Past tense
English
알다 (alda)
알 + 았어요 (al) + (asseoyo)
알았어요 (arasseoyo)
“knew”
보다 (boda)
보 + 았어요(bo) + (asseoyo)
봤어요 (bwasseoyo)
“saw”
오다 (oda)
오 + 았어요(o) + (asseoyo)
왔어요 (wasseoyo)
“came”
닫다 (datda)
닫 + 았어요(dat) + (asseoyo)
닫았어요 (dadasseoyo)
“closed”
만나다 (mannada)
만나 + 았어요 (manna) + (asseoyo)
만났어요 (mannasseoyo)
“met”
살다 (salda)
살 + 았어요 (sal) + (asseoyo)
살았어요 (sarasseoyo)
“lived”
Example Sentence:
어제 할아버지를 만났어요.
Eoje harabeojireul mannasseoyo. “I met my grandfather yesterday.”
3) 미래 (mirae) “Future”
Now let’s learn about Korean future tense conjugations.
Rule: Add -(으)ㄹ 거예요 / -(eu) l (koeyo) to the stem of the word.
오늘 내로 학교로 가겠다.
Oneul naero hakgyoro gagetda. “I will go to the school by the end of today.”
2. Basic Korean Conjugation #2: Politeness Level
Pay close attention to conjugations based on politeness level, too. Depending on who you’re talking to, you should change the verb appropriately. Let’s take a look at three different politeness levels that Koreans use on a daily basis.
Dictionary Form
먹다 (meokda)
“to eat”
Formal Polite (1)
먹습니다. (meokseumnida.)
“I eat.”
Casual Formal (2)
먹어요. (meogeoyo.)
“I eat.”
Casual Speech
먹어. (meogeo.)
“I eat.”
1) Formal Polite
The first language level is usually spoken to people who are older than you, or are in a higher position of authority. (E.g. parents, professors, managers, etc.) Let’s look at how to use Korean formal conjugations for this language level.
In order to use formal speech, you need to: Add ~(스)ㅂ니다/~(seu)b+nida) to the stem of the word.
Example:
Word
Add ~(스)ㅂ니다
Formal polite
English
먹다 (meokda)
먹 + 습니다 (meok) + (seu)b+mnida)
먹습니다 (meokseumnida)
“to eat”
사랑하다 (saranghada)
사랑하 + ㅂ니다 (sarangha) + (b+nida)
사랑합니다 (saranghamnida)
“to love”
자다 (jada)
자 + ㅂ니다(ja) + (b+nida)
잡니다 (jamnida)
“to sleep”
마시다 (masida)
마시 + ㅂ니다 (masi) + (b+nida)
마십니다 (masimnida)
“to drink”
가다 (gada)
가 + ㅂ니다 (ga) + (b+nida)
갑니다 (gamnikda)
“to watch”
오다 (oda)
오 + ㅂ니다 (o) + (b+nida)
옵니다(omnida)
“to come”
Example Sentence:
영화를 봅니다.
Yeonghwareul bomnida. “(I) watch a film.”
2) Casual Formal
The second “casual formal” language is used to show respect to people that you meet everyday (e.g. strangers).
In order to use this politeness level, you need to: Add ~아/어요 / (~a/eoyo)to the stem of the word.
Example:
Word
Add ~아/어요 (~a/eoyo)
Casual formal
English
먹다 (meokda)
먹 + 어요 (meok) + (eoyo)
먹어요 (meogeoyo)
“to eat”
사다 (sada)
사 + 아요 (sa) + (ayo)
사요 (sayo)
“to buy”
있다 (itda)
있 + 어요(it) + (eoyo)
있어요 (isseoyo)
“to be”
보다 (boayo)
보 + 아요(bo) + (ayo)
봐요 (bwayo)
“to see”
가다 (gada)
가 + 아요 (ga) + (ayo)
가요 (gayo)
“to go”
오다 (oda)
오 + 아요 (o) + (ayo)
와요 (wayo)
“to come”
Example Sentence:
오늘은 학교에 안가요.
Oneureun hakgyoe angayo. “I don’t go to school today.”
3) Casual Speech:
In Korean, casual conjugations are used when speaking to friends, close family members, or people who are younger than you. Let’s review the rules of conjugation again; you’ll add either 아 (a), 어 (eo), or 여 (yeo) to use casual speech.
Rule: Add 아 (a) if the last vowel of the word ends with ㅗ (o) orㅏ(a). Add 여 (yeo) if the last vowel ends withㅣ(i). Add 어 (eo) for the rest.
Example:
Word
Add 아 (a) / 여 (yeo) / 어 (eo)
Casual speech
English
먹다 (meokda)
먹 + 어 (meok) + (eo)
먹 + 어 (meok) + (eo)
“to eat”
사다 (sada)
사 + 아 (sa) + (a)
사 (sa)
“to buy”
있다 (itda)
있 + 어(it) + (eo)
있어 (isseo)
“to be”
보다 (boayo)
보 + 아(bo) + (a)
봐 (bwa)
“to see”
가다 (gada)
가 + 아 (ga) + (a)
가 (ga)
“to go”
오다 (oda)
오 + 아(o) + (a)
와 (wa)
“to come”
Example Sentence:
점심시간 오분 남았어. 빨리 좀 먹어.
Jeomsimsigan obun namasseo. Ppalli jom meogeo. “We only have five minutes left for lunchtime. Eat quickly!”
Let’s try a different Korean conjugation. Can you conjugate 먹다 (meokda),”to eat,” for each politeness level?
Dictionary Form
먹다 (meokda)
“to eat”
Formal Polite (1)
먹습니다. (meokseumnida.)
“I eat”
Formal Casual (2)
먹어요. (meogeoyo.)
“I eat”
Casual Speech
먹어. (meogeo.)
“I eat”
The answers are already in the table above. Select the column to see the answer.
Not sure how to conjugate the word? Revisit Basic Conjugation #2: Politeness Level and try it again!
4. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean Learning
In summary, we introduced how to conjugate Korean verbs in the present, past, and future forms. In addition, we also looked at different conjugations for three different politeness levels. Have a look at these pages on KoreanClass101.com to practice Korean conjugations a little more:
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment below. We are more than happy to help you improve your Korean skills in any way!
Verbs allow you to make complete sentences and describe actions or other motion-related concepts. In this Korean verbs lesson, you’ll learn 100 key Korean verbs that you’ll hear over and over again in Korea. After studying our Korean basic verbs list, be sure to hold onto it so you can refer to it when needed.
Ready to start using everyday Korean verbs? Let’s get started.
1. Korean Verb Grouping According to Ending Syllables
Before jumping into this Korean verbs list, let’s take a look at basic verb forms in the following Korean verbs chart. If you’re an absolute beginner, these are very fundamental verb forms that you need to remember. And if you’re familiar with them already, you can simply skip this section or check out some of the pages we listed below for further study.
A. Basic Korean Verb Forms #1
Korean Verb Forms
Korean Verb Structure
Formal Ending
ㅂ니다 / 습니다
Polite Ending
어요 / 아요
Casual Ending
어 / 아
B. Basic Korean Verb Forms #2
Korean Verb Forms
Dictionary Form
Romanization
English
Present
가다
gada
go
Past
갔다
gatda
went
Check out these pages to learn more about Korean verbs with English translations:
“Once I’m done with high school, I want to travel around the world.”
크리스마스 선물로 강아지 갖고 싶어요.
Keuriseumaseu seonmullo gangaji gatgo sipeoyo.
“I want to have a puppy for my Christmas present.”
4. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean
In summary, we’ve introduced a list of 100 Korean verbs, including some crucial grammar structures such as auxiliary verbs. Are there any verbs we missed, or questions you need answered? Let us know in the comments!
Below, you can check out more Korean verbs and grammar structures for further study:
Lastly, KoreanClass101 offers many free lessons for Korean learners. Here, you can learn 15 Ways to Study Korean for FREE with KoreanClass101 to maximize your Korean studies. So feel free to navigate our website and download our free Korean study materials.
Mastering pronouns is one of the most crucial steps in studying a language, because without them, your sentences will sound a bit off and you won’t be able to properly converse with people. In this article, we’re going to introduce many Korean pronouns, mainly focusing on Korean subject pronouns.
But first things first, let’s take a look at the definition of “pronoun.” According to Vocabulary.com, a pronoun is a word that replaces a noun in a sentence. For example, instead of repeating someone’s name over and over again while talking about them, you can replace their name with “he” or “she.”
Ready to learn Korean pronouns? There are many pronouns in Korean that you need to master in order to construct fluid sentences, so let’s have a look at them!
나는 (naneun) is an informal way to address yourself. However, this word is rarely used in speech and it sounds unnatural if you say this word while speaking with someone. Therefore, it’s better to skip 나는 (naneun), or use 난 (nan) instead.
저는 (jeoneun) is a formal way to address yourself and it’s often used in formal language when speaking. Many Koreans also use 전(jeon), which is a shortened version of 저는 (jeoneun).
너는 (neoneun) is an informal way to say “you,” and 넌 (neon), which is a shortened version of 너는 (neoneun), is also commonly used in speaking.
당신은 (dangsineun) is a polite form of 너는 (neoneun). It’s important to know that using this Korean pronoun with a stranger is usually considered impolite. Also, this pronoun is commonly used between married couples, so you’ll hear this word used a lot between mature married couples.
Examples
넌 아무것도 몰라, 존 스노우.
Neon amugeotdo molla, Jon Seunou.
“You know nothing, Jon Snow.”
당신과 함께 늙고 싶어요.
Dangsingwa hamkke neukgo sipeoyo.
“I want to grow old with you.”
3- 그는 / 그녀는 (geuneun / geunyeoneun), “He” and “She”
그는 (geuneun) and 그녀는 (geunyeoneun) are two words that distinguish the gender of the person you want to talk about. However, do keep in mind that while using the words “he” and “she” in English is very common, it’s rare to use these two Korean personal pronouns when speaking in Korea.
Many Koreans don’t mention a person’s gender when speaking. Instead, they use the more common words 그 사람(geu saram)or 그분 (geubun), which mean “that person” in informal and formal language respectively.
As you may have already guessed, 우리는 (urineun) is a casual way to say “we,” and 저희는 (jeohuineun) is used in formal situations. When speaking, you can also slightly shorten these two words and say 우린 (urin) and 저흰 (jeohuin) respectively.
Examples
우리는 전혀 신경 안 써. (Casual speaking)
Urineun jeonhyeo singyeong an sseo.
“We really don’t care.”
우린 전혀 신경 안 써. (Casual speaking)
Urin jeonhyeo singyeong an sseo.
“We really don’t care.”
저희는 1년 전에 만났어요. (Polite speaking)
Jeohuineun illyeon jeone mannasseoyo.
“We just met a year ago.”
저흰 1년 전에 만났어요. (Polite speaking)
Jeohuin ilnyeon jeone mannasseoyo.
“We just met a year ago.”
저희는 아침, 점심, 저녁 식사를 일주일 내내 제공합니다. (Formal speaking – business level)
“We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.”
저희는 형제 사이입니다.
Jeohuineun hyeongje sai-imnida.
“We are brothers.”
저흰 형제 사이입니다.
Jeohuin hyeongje sai-imnida.
“We are brothers.”
2. 그들은 /그 사람들은 (geudeureun / geu saramdeureun), “They,” “You” (in a group)
그들은 (geudeureun) is usually used in written context and is rarely used in speech. If you say this word while describing a group (while speaking), it still makes sense to the native speakers, but they’ll instantly know that you’re not fluent yet. Why? Because it sounds unnatural to their ears.
Instead, you can say 그 사람들은 (geu saramdeureun) to sound more natural when speaking. You can also say 그 분들은 (geu bundeureun), which is a formal way to say “they” in speech.
Examples
그들은 그 계획에 반대투표했다. (Writing)
Geudeureun geu gyehoege bandaetupyohaetda.
“They voted against the plan.”
그들은 헤어졌다. (Writing)
Geudeureun he-eojyeotda.
“They broke up.”
왜 (그 사람들은) 우리를 기다리지 않았지? (Casual speaking)
Wae geu saramdeureun urireul gidariji anatji?
“Why didn’t they wait for us?”
그 사람들은 바쁘면 보통 전화를 안 받아요.
Geu saramdeureun bappeumyeon botong jeonhwareul an badayo.
“They usually don’t answer when they’re busy.”
3. Korean Demonstrative Pronouns
1. 이것 / 저것 (igeot / jeogeot), “This,” “That”
Difference between 이것 (igeot) and 이거 (igeo)
A lot of people are unsure about how to differentiate between words that have similar meanings. One of the most common questions we get is about how to differentiate 이것 (igeot) and 이거 (igeo).
These two words have the same meaning, but how are they different? According to the National Institute of Korean Language, these two Korean pronouns have exactly the same meaning, but 이거 (igeo) is often used in speaking. For example, 이것 주세요 (igeot juseyo) and 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) are the same, except that 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) is used in speaking.
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As someone who decided to make Japanese her second language one year ago, I am extremely grateful for Premium PLUS.
Allow me to emphasize on how these Premium PLUS features strengthen my language studies.
Gain Unlimited Access to Audio and Video Lessons!
As a Premium PLUS member, I have full access to the lesson library and other Premium features. Best of all, I’m not limited to one level; I can learn to my heart’s content with upper-level courses.
There are lessons on various topics that tackle crucial language-learning elements, such as:
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
Conversation
Specifically, there are pathways. Pathways are collections of lessons that center on a specific topic. Some Innovative Language sites, like JapanesePod101.com, even have pathways geared toward proficiency tests. For example, the JLPT N3 Master Course pathway.
Because of the abundance of lessons, I’ve found pathways in the lesson library to help me prepare for certain events. Thanks to the “Speaking Perfect Japanese at a Restaurant” pathway, I spoke fully in Japanese while dining in Japan. Additionally, I participated in conversations at language exchange meetups in South Korea after completing the “Top 25 Korean Questions You Need to Know” pathway.
Each lesson has lesson notes, which I read while simultaneously listening to the audio lesson. This strategy enables me to follow along on key points. Lesson notes generally contain the following:
Dialogue
Vocabulary
Grammar points
Cultural insights
As someone who’s constantly on-the-go, I heavily benefit from mobile access to lessons. Podcasts and lesson notes are available on the Innovative Language app and/or Podcasts app for iOS.
All lessons and their contents are downloadable. Prior to my flights to Japan and South Korea, I downloaded lessons on my iPhone. The apps make learning more convenient for me during my commutes.
Practice Speaking with the Voice Recording Tool!
Pronunciation is an essential ingredient in language-learning. Proper pronunciation prompts clear understanding during conversations with native speakers.
Prior to learning full Korean sentences, my online Korean language tutor assigned the “Hana Hana Hangul” pathway to me. It demonstrated the writing and pronunciation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Throughout this pathway, I submitted recordings of my Hangul character pronunciations to my language teacher for review.
I was given a similar task on JapanesePod101.com with the “Ultimate Japanese Pronunciation Guide” pathway. My Japanese language teacher tested my pronunciation of the Japanese characters kana. My completion of the two pathways boosted my confidence in speaking.
Speaking is one of the more challenging components of learning a language. The voice recording tool in particular was a great way for me to improve my speaking skills. Further, because the lesson dialogues are spoken by native speakers, I’m able to practice speaking naturally.
This feature is also available for vocabulary words and sample sentences. Being able to hear these recordings improves my pronunciation skills for languages like Japanese, where intonation can change the meaning of a word entirely. The voice recorder examines my speed and tone. I also follow up by sending a recording to my online language tutor for feedback.
A great way to boost one’s speaking confidence is to shadow native speakers. During the vocabulary reviews, it’s helpful for me to hear the breakdown of each word; doing so makes a word that was originally difficult to even read a breeze to say!
Some lessons create opportunities to speak your own sentences. For example, the “Top 25 Korean Questions You Need to Know” pathway presents opportunities to answer questions personally. This helps you gain the ability to give answers as the unique individual you are.
Example Scenario:
The host asks the following question:
어디에 살고 있습니까?
eodieseo salgo isseumnikka
“Where do you live?”
If you live in Tokyo, you would readily say the following:
도쿄에 살고 있습니다.
Tokyo-e salgo isseumnida.
“I live in Tokyo.”
Increase Your Vocab with Spaced-Repetition Flashcards and More!
Imagine having a conversation with a native speaker and hesitating because you lack a solid vocabulary base.
Premium PLUS offers various features to expand learners’ vocabulary, including Free Gifts of the Month. KoreanClass101’s free gifts for April 2020 included an e-book with “400 Everyday Phrases for Beginners,” and the content is updated every month. When I download free resources like this, I find opportunities to use them with co-teachers, friends, or my language tutors.
An effective way to learn vocabulary is with SRS flashcards. SRS is a system designed for learning a new word and reviewing it in varying time intervals.
You can create and study flashcard decks, whether it’s your Word Bank or a certain vocabulary list. For example, if you need to visit a post office, the “Post Office” vocabulary list for your target language would be beneficial to study prior to your visit.
In addition to the SRS flashcards, each lesson has a vocabulary slideshow and quiz to review the lesson’s vocabulary.
There’s also the 2000 Core Word List, which includes the most commonly used words in your target language. Starting from the 100 Core Word List, you’ll gradually build up your knowledge of useful vocabulary. These lists can be studied with SRS flashcards, too.
With the SRS flashcards, you can change the settings to your liking. The settings range from different card types to number of new cards per deck. Personally, I give myself vocabulary tests by changing the settings.
After studying a number of flashcards, I change the card types to listening comprehension and/or production. Then I test myself by writing the translation of the word or the spoken word or phrase.
The change in settings allow me to remember vocabulary and learn how to identify the words. This is especially helpful with Japanese kanji!
Complete Homework Assignments!
Homework assignments are advantageous to my language studies. There are homework assignments auto-generated weekly. They range from multiple-choice quizzes to writing assignments.
Language tutors are readily available for homework help. Some writing assignments, for instance, require use of unfamiliar vocabulary. In such cases, my language teachers assist me by forwarding related lessons or vocabulary lists.
In addition to these auto-generated homework tasks, language tutors customize daily assignments. My daily homework assignments include submitting three written sentences that apply the target grammar point of that lesson, and then blindly audio-recording those sentences. My personal language tutor follows up with feedback and corrections, if needed.
Your language tutors also provide assignments upon requests. When I wanted to review grammar, my Korean teacher sent related quizzes and assignments. Thus, you are not only limited to the auto-generated assignments.
Every weekend, I review by re-reading those written sentences. It helps me remember sentence structures, grammar points, and vocabulary to apply in real-world contexts.
Furthermore, I can track my progress with language portfolios every trimester. It’s like a midterm exam that tests my listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Get Your Own Personal Language Teacher!
My language teachers cater to my goals with personalized and achievable learning programs. The tangible support of my online language teachers makes it evident that we share common goals.
Once I share a short-term or long-term goal with my teacher, we establish a plan or pathway that will ultimately result in success. I coordinate with my teachers regularly to ensure the personalized learning programs are prosperous. For example, during my JLPT studies, my Japanese language tutor assigned me practice tests.
Your language tutor is available for outside help as well. When I bought drama CDs in Japan, I had difficulty transliterating the dialogue. My Japanese teacher forwarded me the script to read along as I listened.
Additionally, I often practice Korean and Japanese with music. I memorize one line of the lyrics daily. Every time, I learn a new grammar point and new vocabulary. I add the vocabulary to my SRS flashcards, locate the grammar in the Grammar Bank, and study the associated lessons online.
I send my teachers the name of the songs, making them aware of my new goal. One time, my song for Korean was “If You Do” by GOT7. My Korean teacher revealed that she was a huge fan of GOT7 like me! For Japanese, it was “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA,” also known as the Dragonball Z theme song. My Japanese teacher excitedly told me that she sang the song a lot as a kid!
A remarkable thing happened to me in South Korea. I was stressed about opening a bank account with limited Korean. I sought help from my Korean teacher. She forwarded me a script of a bank conversation.
After two days, I visited the local bank. It all started with my opening sentence:
은행 계좌를 만들고 싶어요
eunhaeng gyejwaleul mandeulgo sip-eoyo.
I want to open a bank account.
Everything went smoothly, and I exited the bank with a new account!
The MyTeacher Messenger allows me to share visuals with my teachers for regular interaction, including videos to critique my pronunciation mechanisms. I improve my listening and speaking skills by exchanging audio with my teachers. In addition to my written homework assignments, I exchange messages with my language teachers in my target language. This connection with my teachers enables me to experience the culture as well as the language.
Why You Should Subscribe to Premium PLUS
It’s impossible for me to imagine my continuous progress with Japanese and Korean without Premium PLUS. Everything—from the SRS flashcards to my language teachers—makes learning languages enjoyable and clear-cut.
You’re assured to undergo the same experience with Premium PLUS. You’ll gain access to the aforementioned features as well as all of the Premium features.
Complete lessons and assignments to advance in your target language. Increase your vocabulary with the “2000 Core Word List” for that language and SRS flashcards. Learn on-the-go with the Innovative Language app and/or Podcasts app for iOS users.
Learning a new language takes dedication and commitment. The Premium PLUS features make learning irresistibly exciting. You’ll look forward to learning daily with your language tutor.
As of right now, your challenge is to subscribe to Premium PLUS! Complete your assessment, and meet your new Korean teacher.
Have fun learning your target language in the fastest and easiest way!
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