기타 표현
이름이 뭐예요?
ee-reu-mi mwo-ye-yo
What is your name?
Conversation Tip
The first question when meeting someone new. It's more natural if you introduce yourself first: 'Jeo-neun [Name]-ye-yo. I-reu-mi mwo-ye-yo?'
기타 표현
어느 나라에서 왔어요?
uh-neu na-ra-eh-suh wa-ssuh-yo
Where are you from?
Conversation Tip
The classic traveler question. To answer, say 'Jeo-neun [Country]-e-seo wa-sseo-yo'. (e.g., Miguk=USA, Yeongguk=UK)
기타 표현
영어 할 줄 아세요?
yung-uh hal jul a-se-yo
Do you speak English?
Conversation Tip
Stuck in Korean? Or not sure if they are local? Use this. Many young Koreans speak decent English.
기타 표현
한국말 잘 못해요.
han-guk-mal jal mo-tae-yo
I don't speak Korean well.
Conversation Tip
If someone speaks Korean too fast, smile and say this. It lowers expectations instantly. Or say 'Jo-geum-man (a little) hal jul a-ra-yo'.
기타 표현
인스타 하세요?
in-seu-ta ha-se-yo
Do you use Instagram?
Conversation Tip
In Korea, asking for Insta is more common than phone numbers. Say 'Mat-pal hae-yo!' (Let's follow each other!) to seal the friendship.
기타 표현
혼자 여행 왔어요.
hon-ja yuh-haeng wa-ssuh-yo
I came traveling alone.
Conversation Tip
Use this when asked 'Who are you with?'. Koreans might take extra care of solo travelers or invite you to eat. (With friends=Chin-gu-rang)