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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

ㅢ/ɯi/

Basic sound

• IPA: /ɯi/

• Compound vowel: ㅡ (/ɯ/) + ㅣ (/i/)

• Sounds like “ui”, but very tight and short

Rarely pronounced fully /ɯi/ in real speech.

Its sound changes depending on position.

Actual pronunciation rules

Position Pronunciation IPA Example

At the beginning of a word ㅢ /ɯi/ 의사 (doctor)

After a consonant ㅣ /i/ 회의 → 회이

Possessive particle 의 에 /e/ 나의 → 나에

These rules apply in standard Seoul Korean.

How to pronounce /ɯi/ (word-initial)

1. Tongue:

  • Start high-back, unrounded (ㅡ)
  • Glide to high-front (ㅣ)

2. Lips:

  • Not rounded

3. Jaw:

  • Barely opens

4. Timing:

  • Very quick glide


Syllables composed by ㅢ and examples of words
No.
Vowel
Syllable
Word
Meaning
1 ㅢ 의 의사 doctor
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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