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  3. Korean Pronunciation
  • Front Vowel
  • Central Vowel
  • Back Vowel
  • y(ㅣ)-Glide Diphthong
  • w(ㅗ/ㅜ)-Glide Diphthong
  • (ㅢ) Diphthong
  • Bilabial Consonant
  • Alveolar Consonant
  • Palatal Consonant
  • Velar Consonant
  • Glottal Consonant

Pronunciation

ㅡ/ɯ/

Basic sound

• IPA: /ɯ/

• Closest English sound: None

It is a high back unrounded vowel.

How to pronounce it

1. Tongue:

  • Raised high (like /u/)
  • Positioned back, but slightly more central

2. Lips:

  • NOT rounded
  • Keep them flat and relaxed

3. Jaw:

  • Almost closed

4. Voice:

  • Voiced, short, steady

Key trick:

Say /u/ (oo), then unround your lips while keeping the tongue position.


Syllables composed by ㅡ and examples of words
No.
Vowel
Syllable
Word
Meaning
1 ㅡ 으 으스스하다 chilly

Pronunciation

ㅓ/ɔ/

Basic sound

• IPA: /ʌ/

• Closest English sound:

“u” in cut, cup (American English)

It is NOT the same as o in hot and NOT like aw in law.

How to pronounce it

1. Tongue:

  • Mid–low position
  • Slightly back

2. Lips:

  • Unrounded
  • Relaxed (do NOT round like /o/)

3. Jaw:

  • Open moderately

4. Voice:

  • Voiced, steady

Key feeling:

Relaxed, open sound without lip rounding.


Syllables composed by ㅓ and examples of words
No.
Vowel
Syllable
Word
Meaning
1 ㅓ 어 어머니 mother

Pronunciation

ㅏ/a/

Basic sound

• IPA: /a/

• Closest English sound:

“a” in father

British spa

It is NOT the short a in cat (/æ/).

How to pronounce it

1. Tongue:

  • Low position
  • Slightly forward

2. Lips:

  • Unrounded
  • Open naturally

3. Jaw:

  • Wide open

4. Voice:

  • Voiced, clear, steady

Key feeling:

A bright, open “ah” sound.


Syllables composed by ㅏ and examples of words
No.
Vowel
Syllable
Word
Meaning
1 ㅏ 아 아버지 father
Course Image

Greetings

This collection of 100 essential expressions focuses on greetings, daily interactions, politeness, and emotional connection—covering situations such as meeting someone, parting ways, showing gratitude, offering support, and expressing care.

Rather than memorizing isolated words, these phrases help learners understand how Korean is naturally used in real-life conversations. Many expressions include important cultural elements such as respect, hierarchy, and warmth, which are central to Korean communication.

By studying these phrases, learners will:

  • Develop practical speaking skills for daily conversations
  • Understand common sentence patterns and polite forms
  • Gain confidence in social and professional interactions
  • Become familiar with Korean cultural nuances

    Course Image

    Greetings

    This collection of 100 essential expressions focuses on greetings, daily interactions, politeness, and emotional connection—covering situations such as meeting someone, parting ways, showing gratitude, offering support, and expressing care.

    Rather than memorizing isolated words, these phrases help learners understand how Korean is naturally used in real-life conversations. Many expressions include important cultural elements such as respect, hierarchy, and warmth, which are central to Korean communication.

    By studying these phrases, learners will:

    • Develop practical speaking skills for daily conversations
    • Understand common sentence patterns and polite forms
    • Gain confidence in social and professional interactions
    • Become familiar with Korean cultural nuances

      Course Image

      Greetings

      This collection of 100 essential expressions focuses on greetings, daily interactions, politeness, and emotional connection—covering situations such as meeting someone, parting ways, showing gratitude, offering support, and expressing care.

      Rather than memorizing isolated words, these phrases help learners understand how Korean is naturally used in real-life conversations. Many expressions include important cultural elements such as respect, hierarchy, and warmth, which are central to Korean communication.

      By studying these phrases, learners will:

      • Develop practical speaking skills for daily conversations
      • Understand common sentence patterns and polite forms
      • Gain confidence in social and professional interactions
      • Become familiar with Korean cultural nuances