Every language has its basic phrases and vocabularies that newbies should master before dipping into complex grammar. The words or phrases include greetings, etiquette terms, common commodity names, and salutations. You have probably heard many times that the first impression determines the reaction of the respondent. The Korean language is no exception to this saying. Before engaging deep and nuanced content, focus on the fundamentals and commonly used phrases or words.

You may create a wrong notion about yourself just by how you address another person. Imagine a Korean speaker did you a favour, but you had no word in mind to say thank you. Unfortunately, the person understands no other language. Your thank you may go unnoticed because Korean differs significantly from most popular languages. Therefore, mastery of the basics will go a long way in making your learning experience smooth and fun. The enthusiasm you portray in the first instance of interaction with another student in a korean course in singapore will motivate him or her to interact with you. Below are groups of words or terms that you should always give priority when learning Korean.

Salutations

It is simple courtesy to use the correct salutation in a formal or non-formal setting. Some of the words like sir, dear, missus, mistress, madam and mister are essential in your initial stages of learning. Occasionally, you will have to address your Korean tutor, classmate or stranger. The following is a list of some of these basic salutations and their pronunciations.

Sir – 경- gyeong

Madam – 마님- manim

Mister  – 선생 – seonsaeng

Missus – 아내 – anae

Miss – 미스 – miseu

Greetings

A hello or hi in Korean will brighten another person’s day. It could even motivate your tutor or mentor to put extra effort into helping you out.

Hello – 안녕하세요 – annyeonghaseyo

Goodbye – 안녕히 계세요 – annyonghi geseyo

Courtesy Phrases

Your etiquette will create a positive or negative perception of you. Therefore, it is important you pay attention to etiquette phrases.

Thank you – 감사합니다 – kamsahamnida

Welcome -천만 에 요 – cheonman e yo

Sorry –미안합니다 – Mianhamnida

Please – 주세요 – juseyo

Excuse me – 실례합니다 – sillyehabnida

Common Questions

It is crucial to know some questions about asking a name, making requests. Questions keep communication going. If you are a newbie, you can let the conversation flow by being inquisitive.

What is your name? – 성함이 어떻게 되세요? -seonghami eotteoke does?

What does this mean? -무슨 뜻이에요? – museum tteusieyo?

Where are you? – 어디야? – Melodiya?

What is it? – 뭐에오? – Moyer?

Common Phrases

Apart from the above phrases and words, one should master some common statements.

I love you – 사랑해 – shanghai

I speak a little Korean – 나는 한국말을 조금한다 – naneun hangugmal-Eul jogeumhanda

Yes – 예 – ye

No -아니 – ani

Understanding the above terminology and phrases will assist you in the first stages of learning. It will also ensure there is smooth and fun-filled learning. You will be motivated to learn and use new words and phrases. After going through the examples above, you would realise how simple it is to learn the Korean language. Your enthusiasm is a significant determinant of the time you will spend in your Korean language lessons in Singapore.