Korean Vocabulary Basics

Most Common Korean Words

Korean is a language where just 100 words cover about half of all spoken and written communication. For beginners, this is advantageous. Let's examine this foundational Korean vocabulary.

Greetings and Basics

  • "안녕하세요" (annyeonghaseyo) – hello
  • "안녕히 가세요" (annyeonghi gaseyo) – farewell if you're staying
  • "안녕히 계세요" (annyeonghi gyeseyo) – farewell if you're leaving
  • "네" (ne) – yes
  • "아니요" (aniyo) – no
  • "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida) – thank you
  • "주세요" (juseyo) – please

Responding and Understanding

  • "미안해요" (mianhaeyo) – I'm sorry
  • "몰라요" (mollayo) – I don't know
  • "알아요" (arayo) – I know
  • "괜찮아요" (gwaenchanayo) – okay

Numbers

Korean uses two number systems: native Korean and Sino-Korean. Native Korean numbers like 하나 (hana) for one and 둘 (dul) for two are used for counting, while Sino-Korean numbers like 일 (il) for one and 이 (i) for two are used for dates and money.

Everyday Essentials

  • "오늘" (oneul) – today
  • "내일" (naeil) – tomorrow
  • "어제" (eoje) – yesterday

Time and Place

  • "집" (jib) – house
  • "학교" (haggyo) – school
  • "도시" (dosi) – city
  • "언제" (eonje) – when
  • "왜" (wae) – why

Dining and Shopping

  • "물" (mul) – water
  • "밥" (bap) – meal
  • "이거 얼마에요?" (igeo eolmaeyo?) – How much is this?

Making Friends

  • "친구" (chingu) – friend
  • "사람" (saram) – person
  • "이름" (ireum) – name

Expressing Yourself

  • "좋아요" (joayo) – good
  • "안 좋아요" (an joayo) – not good
  • "어때요?" (eottaeyo?) – how is it?

These core words can help you start basic exchanges in Korean.

Basic Korean Phrases

In Korea, the level of formality in language changes based on the speaker and context. "안녕하세요" (annyeonghaseyo) is a polite greeting suitable for various scenarios, while "안녕" (annyeong) is more casual.

For farewells:

  • "안녕히 가세요" (annyeonghi gaseyo) – when you are staying and the other person is leaving
  • "안녕히 계세요" (annyeonghi gyeseyo) – when you are departing

Expressing gratitude and apologies:

  • "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida) – respectful "thank you"
  • "고마워" (gomawo) – informal "thanks"
  • "죄송합니다" (joesonghamnida) – formal apology
  • "미안해" (mianhae) – casual apology

Making requests:

  • "주세요" (juseyo) – politely asks "please give me"
  • "좀" (jom) – softer "please"

Understanding when to use these phrases reflects respect for Korean social customs and helps in navigating various social settings.

People demonstrating various Korean greeting gestures

Korean Numbers and Counting Systems

Korean uses two numbering systems: Native Korean and Sino-Korean numbers.

Native Korean Numbers

Used for counting objects, people, or talking about age.

  • 하나 (hana) – one
  • 둘 (dul) – two

Example: "스물다섯 살" (seumul-daseot sal) means 25 years old.

Sino-Korean Numbers

Used for dates, money, and time.

  • 일 (il) – one
  • 이 (i) – two

Example: To say it's 3 o'clock, you would use "삼 시" (sam si).

This dual system reflects the blending of historical influences and Korean identity. Becoming adept at using each system aids in language competency and cultural understanding.

Korean Grammar Basics

Korean sentences typically follow a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) format, unlike English's Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure. For example, "I eat rice" in Korean is "나는 밥을 먹어요" (naneun bap-eul meogeoyo), literally "I rice eat."

Nouns and Particles

Korean nouns often include subject or object markers like "이/가" (i/ga) or "을/를" (eul/reul) to identify their grammatical roles. Pronouns must reflect formality based on the relationship between speakers.

Verb Conjugation

Verb conjugation in Korean changes based on tense and level of politeness. For instance, "to eat" (먹다, meokda) becomes:

  • 먹어요 (meogeoyo) – polite context
  • 먹습니다 (meokseumnida) – more formal setting

Adjectives

Adjectives in Korean can function similarly to verbs and are conjugated in similar patterns. For example, 예쁘다 (yeppeuda, "to be pretty") can be conjugated as 예뻐요 (yeppeoyo) to say "is pretty" politely.

Understanding these fundamental elements can lead to a deeper comprehension of Korean as an interconnected language.

Cultural Context in Korean Vocabulary

Korean vocabulary is deeply influenced by cultural context, particularly through the use of honorifics. These linguistic markers reflect social hierarchy and relationships between speakers, impacting verb endings and noun choices.

Examples of Honorifics

  • The verb "to eat":
    • 먹어요 (meogeoyo) – speaking to a peer
    • 드세요 (deuseyo) – addressing someone senior or esteemed
  • Addressing an older brother:
    • 형 (hyeong) – used by men
    • 오빠 (oppa) – used by women

Understanding and properly using honorifics is crucial for building strong connections and demonstrating respect for Korean social etiquette. This cultural awareness transforms vocabulary acquisition from memorization to a deeper understanding of how language reflects social structures.

As you learn Korean, remember that each word comes with cultural context, essential to understanding both the language and Korean society.
People using different levels of honorifics in various social situations

Mastering essential Korean vocabulary opens a gateway to engaging with the language and culture meaningfully. These foundational words can help you start building connections and understanding that go beyond mere translation.

  1. Sohn HM. The Korean Language. Cambridge University Press; 1999.
  2. Yeon J, Brown L. Korean: A Comprehensive Grammar. Routledge; 2011.
  3. Song JJ. The Korean Language: Structure, Use and Context. Routledge; 2005.