Module 2 Learning Korean 14

Module 2
Sounds and Greetings: Mastering Pronunciation and Cultural Connections

Welcome to Module Two!

This module focuses on understanding and applying rules related to sound

irregularities in language and mastering basic greetings. Learners will explore different
types of irregular sounds, such as phonetic exceptions and unpredictable changes,
and practice using greetings in various cultural contexts. To reinforce learning, the
Module module will provide practical exercises that allow learners to apply the rules of sound
Overview irregularities and practice basic greetings in different scenarios. These exercises will
help solidify the concepts covered and enhance learners' speaking and listening skills.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this Module, you should be able to:

1. Understand the different types of sound irregularities in language and apply rules to pronounce
words accurately;
2. Master basic greetings in various cultural and social contexts, distinguishing between formal
and informal expressions;
3. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity by recognizing and respecting norms and expectations
associated with greetings, including appropriate gestures and customs;
4. Engage in role-playing exercises and interactive scenarios to practice and develop
conversational skills using greetings; and
5. Improve overall speaking and listening skills through regular practice and application of sound
irregularity rules and greetings in different contexts.

Learning Content: Sound Irregularities

In this module, we will delve into the fascinating world of Korean language and discover that its
pronunciation differs significantly from what we typically encounter in the English language.
Korean sound irregularities challenge learners to reorient their understanding of phonetics and
pronunciation rules. By exploring these distinctions and applying the rules specific to Korean,
learners will acquire the skills needed to navigate the intricacies of Korean pronunciation
effectively. Through engaging examples, practical exercises, and comprehensive explanations,
we will empower learners to grasp and conquer the unique sound irregularities present in the
Korean language.

Rule #1:
ㄱ followed by ㄴ: When the Korean consonant ㄱ (g/k) is followed by the consonant ㄴ (n), the
pronunciation of ㄱ changes to /ng/. For example:

작년 CHAKNYEON to CHANGNYEON

Rule #2:
ㄱ followed by ㅁ: When the Korean consonant ㄱ (g/k) is followed by the consonant ㅁ (m), the
pronunciation of ㄱ changes to /ng/. For example:

박문 PAKMUN to PANGMUN

Rule #3:
ㄴ followed by ㅁ: When the Korean consonant ㄴ (n) is followed by the consonant ㅁ (m), the
pronunciation of ㄴ changes to /m/. For example:
Module 2 Learning Korean 15

선물 SEONMUL to SEOMMUL

Rule #4:
ㅇ followed by ㄹ: When the Korean consonant ㅇ (silent initial) is followed by the consonant ㄹ
(r/l), the pronunciation of ㄹ changes to /n/. For example:

대통령 TAETHONGRYEONG to TAETHONGNYEONG

Rule #5:
ㅂ followed by ㄴ: When the Korean consonant ㅂ (b/p) is followed by the consonant ㄴ (n), the
pronunciation of ㅂ changes to /m/. Alternatively, both ㅂ and ㄴ can be pronounced as /m/. For
example:

감사합니다 KAMSAHAPNIDA to KAMSAHAMNIDA / KAMSAHAMMIDA

Rule #6:
ㄹ followed by ㄹ: When the Korean consonant ㄹ (r/l) is followed by another ㄹ, both ㄹ sounds
are pronounced as /l/. For example:

필리핀 PHILRIPHIN to PHILLIPHIN

Rule #7:
ㄹ followed by ㄴ or ㄴ followed by ㄹ: When the Korean consonant ㄹ (r/l) is followed by ㄴ or
when ㄴ is followed by ㄹ, both consonants are pronounced as /l/. For example:

발나 PALNA to PALLA

단리 TANRI to TALLI

Rule #8:
ㄱ followed by ㄹ: When the Korean consonant ㄱ (g/k) is followed by the consonant ㄹ (r/l), the
pronunciation of ㄱ changes to /ng/ while ㄹ is pronounced as /n/. For example:

독립 TOKRIP to TONGNIP

Rule #9:
Vowels ㅘ, ㅙ, ㅚ, ㅝ, ㅞ when paired with any consonants: When the Korean vowels ㅘ (wa),
ㅙ (wae), ㅚ (oe), ㅝ (wo), and ㅞ (we) are paired with any consonants, the /w/ sound becomes
silent in pronunciation. For example:

열쇠 YEOLSWE to YEOLSE

except for 사과 /SAGWA/, which is apple in English

Rule #10:
ㅅ followed by ㅎ: When the Korean consonant ㅅ (s) is followed by the consonant ㅎ (h), both
ㅅ and ㅎ are pronounced as /t/. For example:

못해요 MOTHAEYO to MOTTAEYO

Module 2 Learning Korean 16

Rule #11:
ㅆ/ㅅ followed by any consonants, except ㅎ and ㅇ: When the Korean consonant ㅆ (ss) or ㅅ
(s) meets any consonants, except ㅎ (h) and ㅇ (silent initial), the sound of ㅆ/ㅅ becomes silent
in pronunciation. For example:

맛있는 MASHITNEUN to MASHINEUN

Rule #12:
ㅎ after any consonants, except ㄱ, ㄷ, ㅂ, ㅈ: When the Korean consonant ㅎ (h) appears after
any consonants, except ㄱ (g/k), ㄷ (d/t), ㅂ (b/p), and ㅈ (j/ch), the sound of ㅎ becomes silent
in pronunciation. For example:

변호사 PYEONHOSA to PYEONOSA

안녕하세요 ANNYEONGHASEYO to ANNYEONGASEYO

Rule #13:
ㅎ meets ㄱ, ㄷ, ㅂ, ㅈ: When the Korean consonant ㅎ (h) meets ㄱ (g/k), ㄷ (d/t), ㅂ (b/p), or
ㅈ (j/ch), the sounds of ㄱ, ㄷ, ㅂ, and ㅈ change to ㅋ (k), ㅌ (t), ㅍ (p), and ㅊ (ch), respectively.
For example:

습하다 SEUP-HADA to SEUPHADA

어떻게 EOTTEOT-KE to EOTTEOKHE

Rule #14:
ㄹ meets ㅏ; or when ㄹ meets ㅗ: When the Korean consonant ㄹ (r/l) meets ㅏ (a), it is
pronounced as /la/. However, when ㄹ meets ㅗ (o), it is pronounced as /no/. For example:

라면 RAMYEON to LAMYEON

로워 ROWEO to NOWEO

Learning Content: Basic Greetings

Welcome to the exciting world of learning basic greetings in Korean! Greetings play a vital role in Korean
culture, serving as the foundation for building relationships and showing respect. In this module, we will
guide you through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and practical examples to help you master the
art of Korean greetings.

By practicing with a partner, you will gain confidence in initiating conversations, making a positive
impression, and navigating social interactions in various Korean contexts. As you progress, we will also
introduce a comprehensive list of basic greetings for you to expand your repertoire. So, let's dive in and
embark on this journey to connect with others through the beautiful language of Korean!

Learner A: 안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo!) - Hello!

Learner B: 안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo!) - Hello!

Learner A: 오늘 날씨가 좋네요. (Oneul nalssiga johneyo.) - The weather is nice today.
Learner B: 네, 정말 좋아요. (Ne, jeongmal johayo.) - Yes, it's really nice.
Module 2 Learning Korean 17

Learner A: 저는 미국에서 왔어요. (Jeoneun Migukeseo wasseoyo.) - I'm from the United States.
Learner B: 저는 한국 사람이에요. (Jeoneun Hanguk saramieyo.) - I'm Korean.

Learner A: 처음 왔는데, 여기가 정말 아름답네요. (Cheoeum wanneunde, yeogiga jeongmal

areumdapneyo.) - It's my first time here, and it's really beautiful.
Learner B: 감사합니다. 한국에 오신 것을 환영합니다. (Gamsahamnida. Hanguke osin geoseul
hwanyeonghamnida.) - Thank you. Welcome to Korea.

Learner A: 음식이 맛있어 보여요. 무슨 음식 추천해 주세요? (Eumsigi masisseo boyeoyo. Museun
eumsik chucheonhae juseyo?) - The food looks delicious. Can you recommend any dishes?
Learner B: 불고기나 비빔밥을 추천해 드릴게요. (Bulgogi na bibimbapeul chucheonhae
deurilgeyo.) - I recommend bulgogi or bibimbap.

Learner A: 감사합니다. 좋은 시간 보내요. (Gamsahamnida. Joheun sigan bonaeyo.) - Thank you.

Have a good time.
Learner B: 마찬가지로, 좋은 하루 되세요. (Machangajiro, joheun haru doeseyo.) - Likewise, have
a good day.

Learner A: 안녕히 가세요. (Annyeonghi gaseyo.) - Goodbye.

Learner B: 안녕히 계세요. (Annyeonghi gyeseyo.) - Goodbye.

Now, let's expand your repertoire with a comprehensive list of basic greetings in Korean. Practice these
greetings to enhance your conversational skills and immerse yourself further in Korean culture:

HANGEUL SOUND VALUE ENGLISH

안녕하세요! Annyeongaseyo! Hello!

좋은 아침 입니다. Choheun Achim immida. Good morning

좋은 오후 입니다. Choheun Ohu immida. Good afternoon

좋은 밤 입니다. Choheun Pam immida. Good evening

잘 지내세요? Chal Jinaeseyo? How are you?

어떻게 지내세요? Eotteokhe Jinaeseyo?
잘 지내요. Chal Jinaeyo. I’m fine.

괜찮습니다. Kaenchanseummida. It’s Alright.

잘 모르겠습니다. Chal Moreugeseummida. I don't know.

이름이 뭐예요? Ireumi Meoyeyo? What is your name?

이름이 무엇입니까? Ireumi Mueoshimmikka?
저는 (your name) 입니다. Cheoneun (your name) immida. I am (your name)

안녕히 계세요. Annyeongi Kyeseyo. (person Goodbye.

안녕히 가세요. leaving)
Annyeongi Kaseyo. (person
staying)
만나서 반갑습니다. Mannaseo Pangapseummida. Nice to meet you.
만나서 반가워요. Mannaseo Pangaweoyo.
당신은요? Tangshineunyo? What about you? How about
you?
Module 2 Learning Korean 18

행운을 빕니다. Haenguneul bimmida. Good luck.

행운을 빌어요 Haenguneul bireoyo.
조심해요. Choshimhaeyo. Take care.
조심밥니다. Choshimhammida.
오랜만 입니다. Oraemman immida. It’s been a while.
오랜마니에요. Oraemmanieyo.
한국어할 수 있어요? Hangugeo halsu isseoyo? Can you speak Korean?
한국어할 수 있습니까? Hangugeo halsu isseummikka?
한국어 조금 할 수 있어요. Hangugeo jogeum halsu I can speak a little Korean.
한국어 조금 할 수있습니다. isseoyo.
Hangugeo jogeum halsu
isseummida.
한국어를 할 수 없어요. Hangugeoreul halsu eopseoyo. I can’t speak Korean.
한국어를 할 수없습니다. Hangugeoreul halsu
eopseummida.
나는 (your address) 에서 Naneun (your address) eseo I came from (your address)
왔어요. wasseoyo.
저는 (your address) 에서 Cheoneun (your address) eseo
waseummida.
왔습니다.
몇 살 입니까? Myeot sarimmikka? How old are you?
몇 살 이세요? Myeot sariseyo?
나는 (your age) 살 입니다. Naneun (your age) sarimmida. I am (your age) years old.

네. Ne Yes

아니요. Aniyo No

이해되세요? Ihaedeseyo? Do you understand?

이해가 안되요? Ihaega andeyo? Don’t you understand?

저는 이해합니다. Cheoneun ihaehammida. I understand.

나는 이해했어요. Naneun ihaehaesseoyo.
이해가 안돼요. Ihaega andeyo. I don’t understand.

감사합니다. Kamsahammida. Thank you.

미안해요. Mianaeyo. I’m sorry.

미안합니다. Mianammida.
다시 말해주십시오 Tashi maraejushipshio. Please say it again.

천천히 말을 할 수 있습니까? Cheoncheoni mareul hal su Can you speak slowly?

천천히 말을 할 수 있어요? iseummikka?
Cheoncheoni mareul hal su
isseoyo?
아니요, 감사합니다. Aniyo, kamsahammida. No, thank you.

축하해요. Chukhahaeyo. Congratulations.

축하합니다. Chukhahammida
유감입니다. Yugamimmida. I’m sorry(sympathy)

괜찮아요. Kwaenchanayo. It’s alright. (I’m ok.)

그것을 좋아해요. Keugeoseul joahaeyo. I like it.

그것을 안좋아해요. Keugeoseul anjoahaeyo. I don’t like.

천먼에요. Cheommaneyo. You’re welcome.

Module 2 Learning Korean 19

이해합니다. Iraehammida. I understand that…

알기로는... Algironeun…
생가게는... Saenggageneun… I think that…
생각한다. Saenggakanda.
저는... 을 원해요. Cheoneun… eul weonaeyo. I want…

저는... 을 좋아해요 Cheoneun… eul johahaeyo. I like…

휴대전화를 사용할 수 있어요? Hyudaejeonareul sayongalsu May I use your phone?

isseoyo?
확실해요? Hakshiraeyo? Are you sure?

이것이 무슨 뜻이죠? Igeoshi museun tteushijyo? What does this mean?

이건 어떻게 발음 합니까? Igeon eotteokhe bareum How do you pronounce this?

hammikka?
아니, 그건 잘못 됐어. Ani, keugeon jalmot taesseo. No, that’s wrong.

맞아요. Majayo. That’s right.

도와주세요. Towajuseyo. Help please!

무엇을요? Mueoseulyo? What?

누구세요? / 누가요? Nuguseyo? / Nugayo? Who?

얼마나요? Eolmanayo? How many?

얼마요? Eolmayo? How much?

왜요? Waeyo? Why?

왜 안돼요? Wae andaeyo? Why not?

어디요? Eodiyo? Where?

언제요? Eonjeyo? When?

생일이 언제입니까? Saengiri eonjeimmikka? When is your birthday?

지금 뭐해요? Chigeum meohaeyo? What are you doing now?

어디에 가요? Eodie kayo? Where are you going?

...에 가고 있어요. …e kago isseoyo. I am going to…

이것은 무엇입니까? Igeoseun mueoshimmikka? What is this?

자신 있어요? Chashin isseoyo? Are you confident?

...잊지 마세요. …itji maseyo. Don’t forget...

화장실이 어디에 있습니까? Hajangshiri eodie iseummikka? Where is the comfort room?
화장실이 어디에 있어요? Hajangshiri eodie isseoyo?
또만나 Tto mannayo See you again.
또만납니다 Ttomannammida
또봐요 Tto bayo
나는 좋아요. Naneun johayo. I like you.

나는 안좋아요. Naneun anjohayo. I hate you.

Module 2 Learning Korean 20

보고 싶어요. Pogo shipheoyo. I miss you.

사랑합니다. Saranghammida. I love you.

사랑해요. Saranghaeyo.
내일 만나요. Naeil mannayo. See you tomorrow.

어서오세요. Eoseo oseyo. Welcome.

약속. Yaksok. Promise.

여보세요. Yeoboseyo. Hello (on phone)

생일 축하합니다! Saengil chukhahammida! Happy birthday!

어디에 삽니까? Eodie sammikka? Where do you live?

어디에 사세요? Eodie saseyo? Where do you live?
배고파요. Paegophayo. I’m hungry.
배고팝니다. Paegophammida.
안녕히 주십시요. Annyeongi jushipshiyo. Goodnight.

실례합니다. Shillyehammida. Excuse me.

문제 있어요? Munje isseoyo? Have a problem?

문제 있습니까? Munje iseummikka?
문제없어요. Munjeeopseoyo. No problem.
문제없습니다. Munjeeopseummida.

By mastering these greetings, you'll be able to confidently engage in conversations, show respect, and
create meaningful connections with Korean speakers. Keep practicing and exploring the rich cultural
nuances of Korean greetings!

Summary

In this module, we explored the intricacies of Korean pronunciation, focusing on various sound
irregularities that differ from English phonetics. By understanding and applying specific pronunciation
rules, learners can navigate the complexities of Korean pronunciation effectively. Through engaging
examples, practical exercises, and comprehensive explanations, learners gained the skills needed to
grasp and conquer these unique sound irregularities.

We covered 14 pronunciation rules, each addressing specific consonant combinations or vowel pairings
and their resulting pronunciation changes. These rules include changes in the pronunciation of
consonants when followed by other consonants, such as ㄱ changing to /ng/ when followed by ㄴ or ㅁ,
or the pronunciation of ㄴ changing to /m/ when followed by ㅁ. Additionally, we explored how certain
consonants like ㅇ and ㅂ can affect the pronunciation of subsequent consonants.

Furthermore, we explored the interactions between consonants and vowels, such as the silent /w/ sound
when certain vowels (ㅘ, ㅙ, ㅚ, ㅝ, ㅞ) are paired with consonants. We also examined how the
pronunciation of ㄹ changes when followed by another ㄹ, resulting in a /l/ sound.

In addition to the pronunciation rules, we delved into the world of basic greetings in Korean. Greetings
are fundamental in Korean culture, serving as the building blocks of relationships and demonstrating
respect. Learners had the opportunity to practice greetings through dialogues and interactive activities,
enhancing their conversational skills and cultural understanding.

To further expand learners' repertoire of greetings, we provided a comprehensive list of basic greetings
in Korean. Learners can use these greetings to enrich their conversations, engage in social interactions,
and immerse themselves in Korean culture.
Module 2 Learning Korean 21

Throughout the module, learners had the chance to practice and apply their knowledge in practical
scenarios, initiating conversations, expressing personal information, complimenting, asking for
recommendations, and saying goodbye. By actively engaging with the content and practicing with a
partner, learners gained confidence in their ability to communicate effectively in Korean.

This module served as an exciting journey into the world of Korean pronunciation and basic greetings,
equipping learners with the necessary skills to navigate the intricacies of the language and connect with
others through the beautiful language of Korean.