I started learning Korean a year before my first trip to South Korea. And here many people often ask this terribly embarrassing question to me: “Daria, how long have you been learning Korean?” People, why are you so cruel?!
I first started learning Korean in the fall of 2010. Yes, yes, I have been studying Korean for 7 years and still don’t speak it. All! Confessed! And like a stone from the soul. As a person who sincerely believes that, if desired, any language at an intermediate level can be learned in 6-12 months, it is painful for me to write about seven years. But in fact, we had some good times with the Korean language. I once even passed TOPIK level 2!
Difficulties in learning Korean
Korean language is very strange! I can be called a polyglot and with other (European languages) I have never experienced such difficulties as with the Korean language. What problems did I have? Difficulties in learning Korean:
- Pronunciation. I still don’t understand all the sounds and I don’t always remember the 100 and one rules for reading Korean words.
- Korean words are not remembered. I cannot easily reproduce them (except for memorized phrases), I cannot easily write them (even memorized phrases).
- Sometimes I feel like there are more exceptions than rules in Korean grammar.
- I perceive written texts more or less well, I can even write (if I remember how to spell a word), but the Korean spoken language is often just a set of sounds that are pleasant to the ear for me.
- Once I stop studying Korean for at least a week, that’s it! I can start learning the alphabet again. It's horrible! I started learning the Korean alphabet about 10 times already. And I still haven’t learned it.
But all this does not stop me in my desire to someday learn the Korean language to some decent conversational level. For this reason, from time to time I and a group of enthusiasts launch the Korean Marathon (read more about what it is here). The next one will start tomorrow, so if you also want to learn Korean, then feel free to join to our VKontakte group.
Applications for learning Korean
- 세종한국어어휘학습 (or Sejong Korean Vocabulary - Basic) The application is developed by the King Sejong Institute, which promotes the Korean language around the world. It is intended for beginner level and helps to gain vocabulary. What I especially like is the high-quality voice acting of words, phrases and sentences.
- PopPopping Korean The application will help you get the correct Korean pronunciation. Suitable even for complete beginners, because the entire educational process is based on pictures. The continuation also includes Poppopping Korean–Conversation, in which simple dialogues on everyday topics are voiced.
- An unofficial application of the most, in my opinion, interesting project dedicated to learning the Korean language - Talk to me in Korean Everything is in English, but you can collect a huge number of spoken phrases in Korean from the Koreans themselves for a variety of language levels. What I also like is the cultural references and funny videos.
- Learn Korean 6000 Words from Fun Easy Learn The first of all applications translated into Russian. There are probably really 6000 words, but they are divided into normal semantic blocks and you can easily not learn what you consider unnecessary. The words are accompanied by pictures (as I like), the pronunciation is voiced by real people, and games of varying difficulty are used to memorize. One of the nicest apps I've ever used.
Korean (한국어, 조선말, Hangugo, Chosunmal) is the official language of the Republic of Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Yanban Korean Autonomous Region in China. In addition, this language is spoken by the vast majority of the Korean diaspora from Uzbekistan to Japan and Canada. It is a stunning, but challenging, language rich in history and culture. Whether you're planning a trip to a Korean-speaking country, want to reconnect with your ancestral heritage, or simply want to learn a new foreign language, follow these simple steps and you'll soon be speaking Korean fluently!
Steps
Preparation
- The Korean system is used for counting from 1 to 99 and for indicating age:
- One= 하나 pronounced “hana”
- Two= 둘pronounced “tul”
- Three= 셋 is pronounced "set" ("t" is not pronounced. However, try to close the sound completely somewhere between "se" and "set")
- Four= 넷 pronounced "net"
- Five= 다섯 pronounced “tasot”
- Six= 여섯 pronounced “yosot”
- Seven= 일곱 pronounced “ilgop”
- Eight= 여덟 pronounced “yodol”
- Nine= 아홉 pronounced "ahop"
- Ten= 열 pronounced “yule”
- The number system of Chinese origin is used when naming dates, money, addresses, telephone numbers and numbers after 100:
- One= 일 pronounced “il”
- Two= 이 pronounced “and”
- Three= 삼 pronounced “sam”
- Four= 사 pronounced “sa”
- Five= 오 pronounced "o"
- Six= 육 pronounced “yuk”
- Seven= 칠 pronounced “chil”
- Eight= 팔 pronounced “pal”
- Nine= 구 pronounced “ku”
- Ten= 십 pronounced “pinch”
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Learn basic words and expressions. The wider and richer your vocabulary, the easier it is to start speaking the language fluently. Learn as many simple, everyday words as possible - you'll be surprised how quickly you learn them!
- When you hear a word in Russian, think about how it sounds in Korean. If you don't know, write it down and look up the meaning later. Therefore, it is best to always have a small notebook with you.
- Place stickers with Korean names on items in your home (mirror, coffee table, sugar bowl). If you see a word often, you will learn it subconsciously!
- It is important to learn the translation of words and phrases not only from Korean into Russian, but also vice versa. This will help you remember how to say something rather than just remembering familiar expressions when you hear them.
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Learn basic dialogue phrases. This way you can start communicating with a native speaker using simple and polite phrases:
- Hi Hello= 안녕 is pronounced “annenyeon” (unofficially) and 안녕하세요 is pronounced “anneyon-haseyo” (officially)
- Yes= 네 pronounced “ne”
- No= 아니 pronounced "ani" or "aniyo"
- Thank you= 감사합니다 pronounced “kam-sa-ham-ni-da”
- My name is...= 저는 ___ 입니다 pronounced “jeongin___imnida”
- How are you doing?= 어떠십니까? Pronounced "otto-sim-nikka?"
- Pleased to Meet You= 만나서 반가워요 pronounced “mannaso pangawo-yo” or “mannaso pangawo”
- Goodbye= 안녕히 계세요 pronounced “anyeonhee-keseyo” (stay happily). Says the one who is leaving.
- Goodbye= 안녕히 가세요 pronounced “anyeonhee-kaseyo” (have a good trip). Pronounced by the one who remains.
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Understand the use of polite forms. Verb endings in Korean vary depending on a person's age and rank, as well as their social status. It is important to understand these differences in order to keep the conversation civil. There are three main types of degree of formality:
Learn basic grammar. To speak any language correctly, it is very important to know the grammar of that language and its features. For example:
Work on your pronunciation. It takes a lot of practice to learn how to pronounce Korean words correctly.
Do not despair! If you are serious about learning Korean, keep going! The satisfaction of finally mastering a language more than compensates for any difficulties along the way. Learning any language takes time and practice, you can't learn anything overnight.
Immersion in the language environment
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Find a native speaker. This is one of the best ways to improve your language. A Korean will help you correct grammatical errors or correct pronunciation, and also tell you more useful information and teach you various vocabulary phrases that you will not find in textbooks.
- If you have a Korean friend who is willing to help you, that's great! Otherwise, look for someone to talk to on the Internet or perhaps there are Korean language courses in your city.
- If you don't have Korean friends and can't find them nearby, try finding a Korean friend on Skype. Find a Korean who is learning Russian and have them talk to each other periodically for 15 minutes to reinforce their language skills.
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Watch Korean films and cartoons. Online resources or Korean subtitles will help you. It's a simple and fun way to learn the sounds and structure of the Korean language.
- You can even pause after simple phrases and try to say them out loud yourself.
- If you can't find Korean films, look for them at disc rental stores - some of them have shelves with foreign films. You can go to your local library and ask them if they have movies in Korean. If not, ask if they can order them for you.
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Find apps that are designed specifically for Korean children. Translate "learn the alphabet" or "games for kids" into Korean and paste the results into the app store search bar. Such applications are quite simple even for a child, so you can use them even if you cannot read or speak Korean. And yes, using such applications is much cheaper than buying DVDs of Korean films. In such applications, you will be taught how to write letters correctly; Some of them use songs, dances, and games for this purpose.
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- Watch movies and listen to music in Korean. Just by listening, over time you will begin to notice that you understand what is being said.
- This may sound strange, but try thinking in Korean. When you think about something you know, try thinking about it in Korean, without translation.
- Pronounce words correctly. If you are not sure of the pronunciation, look up the pronunciation of a particular word on the Internet.
- The best way to learn a language is to study it often enough and become emotionally invested in learning it. With frequent study, you can learn about 500 words, which will be enough for a general understanding of simple things. However, in order to gain a deeper understanding of a particular topic in Korean, a more detailed study of the language is necessary.
- If you have a Korean friend, chat with him!
- If you get the opportunity to make friends with a Korean, don't be shy. Yes, some Koreans can be shy, however, most are open and friendly. This way you can exchange language experience and learn about the culture of the Korean people. However, you may meet someone who will be more interested in learning Russian rather than learning Korean. Discuss this point in advance.
- Practice. Get at least a little exercise every day.
- Watch Korean TV shows and movies with Russian subtitles. Also watch music videos with subtitles.
- Install a phrasebook application on your phone. These phrase books contain basic words and phrases, as well as a Korean dictionary.
- Review the material you've covered from time to time so you don't forget it.
- Make sure you pronounce the words correctly. If you are not confident in your pronunciation, download exercises to practice.
Warnings
- Korean can be a difficult language to learn for Russian speakers as it is completely different from Indo-European languages such as Spanish, English, German or Greek. Don't give up, imagine the Korean language as a huge puzzle, enjoy putting it together!
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Learn the Korean alphabet. The alphabet is a good start if you want to learn Korean, especially if you plan to read and write in it later on. The Korean alphabet looks a little strange to people who use the Cyrillic or Latin alphabet in their speech and writing, as it is completely different from the usual characters, but it is quite easy.
Learn to count. Numeracy is an essential skill when learning any language. Counting in Korean is quite tricky, as Koreans use two different cardinal number systems depending on the situation: the Korean number system and the Chinese number system.
Then this video course is for you, let's learn Korean together.
This is a demo version of the alphabet course. There are a total of 6 lessons in the course, 3 lessons are posted here on the website for free access. The remaining 3 lessons are available only to my subscribers. I recommend that you immediately subscribe to the course, and then every day you will receive 1 lesson by email. The alphabet course is completely free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Attention! Very important! After subscribing, check your email and wait subscription confirmation emails(it arrives no longer than 10 minutes later). If your subscription is not confirmed, lessons will not come!
If after 10 min. no letter, check your spam folder, Click “not spam” and confirm your subscription.
I have prepared two ways for you to get the full version of the alphabet lessons, and then continue the course:
- by email subscription - subscribe
- subscribe to VKontakte - Choose a subscription Korean language lessons - Zero level. Alphabet
Video Course“Speak, read and write Korean.”
Korean from scratch. Alphabet.
Lesson 1. Part 1.
This is the first lesson, part 1 of the series
You will become familiar with the Korean alphabet, learn to read and write the first 4 vowels (ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, ㅕ).
To make your studies as effective as possible:
- During the lesson, be sure to pronounce all the letters out loud, repeating them after me and the Korean teacher.
- To remember, you need to listen carefully, repeat loudly out loud and write the letter. And so on several times.
Forward! You will succeed!
Homework after watching the video:
- write each vowel on 1 line,
- Take a photo of your work and post it below in the comments for verification.
Watch the first video and start learning Korean from scratch right now!
Full Version Video Course Korean Language for Beginners “Speak, Read, Write Korean”, as well as Workbooks With additional tasks, are available only to my subscribers.
Get the full version of the lessons and continuation of the course
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After watching the video, writea couple of lines about your impressions.
Why are you learning Korean? How are you doing?
With what difficultiesin the process of learning a language did you encounter?
Your opinion and experience will be useful to me and other blog readers.
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If you haven't decided yet, here are a few main reasons to study it:
- Apply for a job. Eastern countries today are experiencing a period of rapid development, South Korea is no exception. This means that a person who knows the Korean language well can get a well-paid job in this country.
- To do business with Korea. The country's economy is on the rise, which means that companies located there can become good business partners.
- You can become an arbitrator. What is meant here is that you can act as a link between businessmen from Russia and Korea. There are not many people who know Korean in Russia and the CIS, you will be a sought-after specialist.
- Go on vacation. When you know the language of the country you are going to for tourism purposes, your vacation becomes much more interesting. People treat you with great interest, because you can also tell us what is there in the west.
- Study culture. Texts in the language in which they are written are much more beautiful than in translation, this is especially true for poetry.
- Open the mind. By learning a language, you will find new friends and experiences.
Finding a use for a language is not as difficult as learning it. Believe me, if you have such knowledge, finding use for it will not be difficult, the methods will come on their own.
Is it difficult to teach and can it be simplified?
It's definitely difficult to teach. There is not a single language that a student can easily master, and the languages of the Eastern family are doubly difficult for us Westerners. The Korean language is complex, but it is easier to learn than, for example, Chinese with its play of intonations. To make learning easier, use the following tricks:
- have fun. When learning a language, there are always ways in which you can have fun while learning. Listen to the music - take in the pronunciation, but don't forget about the aesthetics. Watch movies with subtitles, memorize the translation of spoken words;
- look for criticism. It's always worth it. If a native Korean pointed out a mistake to you, do not take it with hostility, but listen, perhaps the person barely understood what you were trying to convey and indicates that it is better to say it this way;
- communicate. Find interlocutors, this is an excellent practice of speaking the language, perhaps one of them will help you study and point out mistakes. The easiest way to find conversation partners is to enroll in Korean language courses. This way you will get a teacher who can point out mistakes and very good communication practice;
- use up-to-date sources. Books from a hundred years ago are in the trash. Look for relevant sources. Again, the easiest way to get the necessary literature is at a Korean school or from a personal teacher.
- look for ways to improve phonetics. The best option is to communicate by voice with a native speaker. If you know native Koreans, great, call, write, communicate, this will be a huge plus for your studies.
These five methods should be quite enough for a simple and accelerated learning of the Korean language. If you are still hesitating, we recommend that you just start studying, no one will drive you anywhere.
You can study on your own, but in the initial stages, in order to understand what’s what, it’s better to sign up for Korean courses. There you will learn the basics of pronunciation, understand how words and sentences are constructed in this language, receive up-to-date sources of information, and then you can continue your self-education.
Living in the Far East, we were the first to sense the demand and relevance of knowledge of Eastern languages. Today you are much less likely to meet a student who has chosen to study German than, say, Chinese.
There are actually a lot of languages that are generally called “Eastern” in the world. These are the languages of Central Asia - Tajik, Turkic, Kazakh, Tatar, and the Arabic group - Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, Persian, and the languages of South and Southeast Asia - Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Filipino and others. But, of course, most often residents of the Far East choose to study one of the top three - Korean, Japanese or Chinese.
Why Korean?
Today we will talk about a language for which the demand is not the greatest, but stable - this is the Korean language. A trip to Korea today has become easier than to China (we don’t take into account the border) - tickets cost a penny, a visa is not needed, foreigners are treated peacefully, the food is delicious, and there is always something to do. Many Russians cooperate with Koreans in business, medicine, choose Korean educational institutions or emigrate.
If you are thinking about connecting your life with South Korea in one way or another, you probably have a logical question: is it difficult to learn the Korean language? Let's look at the difficulties that may await you along this path.
Difficulties of the Korean language
The first is pronunciation. Many people mistakenly think that since a language does not have tones, like Chinese, then it is easy to speak. In fact, less than half of Korean sounds have analogues in Russian. That is, you will actually have to learn to pronounce sounds for which your speech apparatus has not been adapted since childhood.
For example, vowels can have 2 pronunciation options, and the difference between them is minimal to the ear and at the same time very important - the wrong sound turns one word into another. Consonants can generally be pronounced in three different ways - strong, weak and aspirated, and none of them coincides with the sounds familiar to Russian people.
The second is grammar. The order of words in a sentence is so illogical for speakers of Slavic languages that not everyone is able to accept it even after several years of study. Also, in Korean there are no forms of verbs that are familiar to us, but there are various categories of politeness, the need to use which depends on what your status is and what the status of your interlocutor is! It’s time to decide that learning German, with its many consonants, is a more attractive prospect.
Third is vocabulary. Three types of vocabulary - native Korean, Chinese and borrowed from other languages - lead to the fact that a word can be pronounced and written differently, but still mean the same thing. Moreover, no course will help you understand this issue - everything is comprehended only by communicating with native speakers and in complete immersion in the language environment.
Why you should take up Korean
Now that you're scared enough, let's give ourselves a spoonful of honey: yes, all these difficulties await beginners of learning the Korean language. But as soon as your consciousness adjusts to the previously unfamiliar logic of the inhabitants of the Land of Morning Freshness, as South Korea is poetically called, the language will go like clockwork.
The most important thing you should do is to forget everything you have been taught in English and even Russian and stop trying to find correspondence between Korean and other languages you know. Then you will be completely open to new knowledge, get acquainted with the structure of the language that is unusual for you, and all you have to do is love it with all your heart and want to speak Korean. Be careful: in this case, you risk complete “coreification”!
If you are still hesitating between Chinese, Korean and Japanese, we suggest you familiarize yourself with