Korean for Dummies by Wang. Jungwook.; Lee Hong Read Free Book Online Page A

does not mean that path to excellent Korean pronunciation is one without yuhok ( yoo-hok; temptations). In this section, I provide three tips for mastering Korean pronunciation and making your Korean sound even more natural.
    Koreans use many English words on a daily basis. A few of them sound similar to the original English words but for others you might have to use your imagination. Most of these words should be easy to memorize and help you better understand Korean pronunciation.
    Don’t stress
    English words and sentences are full of stressed and unstressed syllables. For example, the sentence “Ko- rean pro-nun-ci- a -tion is sim -ple” is stressed at three points. The same sentence in Korean, “ Hangugeo bareumeun swiwoyo ( han-goo-guh ba-reum-eun shee-wo-yo; Korean pronunciation is easy),” is said with no stress at all. It is possible to emphasize a particular word in a sentence by saying each syllable in that word cheoncheonhi ( chun - chun - hee; slowly) and keuge (keu-gae ; loudly), but if you ever feel tempted to put stress on a syllable within a word in Korean, resist.
    Pronounce each syllable
    In this book, I provide the Romanization for the Korean word and sentences, then I write out how each word is pronounced breaking words up into syllables. Although it may be tempting read each syllable quickly, if you enunciate each syllable clearly it will be easier for you to pronounce words accurately, and easier for Koreans to understand you. Remember to speak like an Australian or British person, such as pronouncing a as ah .
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Part I: Getting Started
18
    Puzzling English words in Korean
    Some English words have had their meanings
    your male co-worker says he prefers boxer—
    changed over the course of their assimilation
    style sa-gag-paen-tee to briefs.
    into the Korean language. Don’t be surprised
    Training: Choo-ree-ning does not mean
    when you hear familiar English words used with
    training. Instead, it refers to the gym pants
    different meanings.
    that you wear when you train.
    Panties: Paen-tee does not only refer to
    Villa: Beel-la is not a house in the countryside,
    women’s underwear; it also refers to men’s
    but a condominium or apartment complex.
    underwear. Do not get the wrong idea if
    Speak in a steady rhythm
    At times, English sentences can sound like a waltz, a minuet, a serenade or sometimes even like a jazz piece. This is all because speakers of English can vary the rhythm of the words within a sentence. Although Koreans may raise or lower the tone of their moksori ( mok-so-ree; voices), the best rhythm of Korean speech is a steady one, almost like a march. It might even help if you clap your hands at a steady beat and pronounce each syllable as you clap.
    Remember, if you feel the piryo ( pee-ryo; need) to vary the rhythm of a Korean sentence, resist.
    Basic phrases
    Table 1-3 provides some basic phrases that you can begin practicing now so that even if you don’t sound fluent, you can show that you’re trying.
    Table 1-3
    Basic Korean Phrases
    Korean
    Pronunciation
    Translation
    cheoncheonhi
    chun-chun-hee
    Speak slowly please.
    malhaejusaeyo
    mal-hae-joo-sae-yo
    [some word] eui tteutsi
    [some word] eui tteut-shee What does [some word]
    hangugeoro/yeongeoro
    han-goo-guh-ro/ young—
    mean in Korean/English?
    mwoyaeyo?
    uh-ro mwo-yae-yo?
    [some word] eul
    [some word] rul ba-reum—
    Please pronounce [some
    bareumhae jusaeyo
    hae-joo-sae-yo
    word].
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Chapter 1: Getting Down the Basics
19
    Korean
    Pronunciation
    Translation
    gomawoyo
    go-ma-wuh-yo
    Thank you.
    anieyo
    a-ni-yae-yo
    No, or No thank you.
    gwaenchanayo
    gwenchan-a-yo
    It’s all right.
    joayo
    jo-a-yo
    Good, I agree.
    byeolmalsseumeseyo
    byeolmal-sseum-e-se-yo
    Don’t mention it.
    silyaehaeyo
    shil-lae-hae-yo
    Excuse me.
    mianhaeyo
    mee-an-hae-yo
    Sorry.
    Talkin’ the Talk
    Jessica and Jewu are friends. Jessica has learned some Korean