Korean Pronunciation Guide243

Korean (한국어) is a beautiful and expressive language, with a unique sound system that can be challenging for non-native speakers. However, with a little practice, you can master the basics of Korean pronunciation and start speaking with confidence.

Vowels

Korean has 10 vowels, which are divided into pure and diphthong vowels. Pure vowels are single sounds, while diphthong vowels are composed of two sounds that are blended together.
SymbolKorean RomanizationIPAExample
ㅏa[a]apple (사과)
ㅑya[ja]yard (야드)
ㅓeo[ɔ]boat (배)
ㅕyeo[jɔ]yellow (노란색)
ㅗo[o]ocean (바다)
ㅛyo[jo]yoghurt (요거트)
ㅜu[u]umbrella (우산)
ㅠyu[ju]you (너)
ㅡeu[ɯ]book (책)
ㅣi[i]ice cream (아이스크림)

Consonants

Korean has 19 consonants, which are divided into voiced and voiceless consonants. Voiced consonants are produced with the vocal cords vibrating, while voiceless consonants are produced without the vocal cords vibrating.
SymbolKorean RomanizationIPAExample
ㄱg[g]go (가다)
ㅋk[k]cat (고양이)
ㄴn[n]nose (코)
ㄷd[d]door (문)
ㅌt[t]tree (나무)
ㄹr/l[ɾ]/[l]run (뛰다)
ㅁm[m]mouth (입)
ㅂb[b]ball (공)
ㅍp[p]pen (펜)
ㅅs[s]sun (태양)
ㅈj[t͡ʃ]jam (잼)
ㅊch[t͡ɕ]chair (의자)
ㅎh[h]house (집)
ㅇng[ŋ]sing (노래 부르다)
ㅋk[k]car (차)
ㅌt[t]table (탁자)
ㅍp[p]phone (전화기)
ㅈj[t͡ʃ]cheese (치즈)
ㅊch[t͡ɕ]church (교회)

Syllables

Korean syllables are made up of one vowel and one consonant. The consonant can be placed before or after the vowel, and can be followed by a final consonant.

For example, the following are all valid Korean syllables:
가 (ga)
나 (na)
다 (da)
라 (ra)
마 (ma)

Stress

Stress in Korean is not placed on individual syllables, but rather on the word as a whole. The stressed syllable is usually the last syllable of the word.

For example, the following words are all stressed on the last syllable:
사람 (saram)
집 (jip)
학교 (hakkyo)
한국어 (hangugeo)

Intonation

Intonation is the rise and fall of the voice in speech. Korean intonation is relatively flat, but there are a few basic intonation patterns that can be used to express different emotions and meanings.

For example, a rising intonation can be used to ask a question or express surprise, while a falling intonation can be used to express a statement or command.

Conclusion

Korean pronunciation can be challenging at first, but with a little practice, you can master the basics and start speaking with confidence. Just remember to practice regularly, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The more you practice, the better your pronunciation will become.

2025-01-15

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