Learning a new language opens up avenues not just for understanding and communication, but also for building relationships. Korean, in particular, has a rich tapestry of expressions that relate to friendship and social interactions. Knowing these phrases can help you form deeper connections with Korean speakers. Here, we explore some key expressions that are essential when engaging socially in Korea.
친구 (chingu) means “friend.” This is a generic term used for friends and is applicable in most situations where you would use “friend” in English.
저는 학교에서 많은 친구들을 만났어요.
절친 (jeolchin) translates to “best friend” or “close friend.” It’s used to describe a deep and close friendship.
우리는 어렸을 때부터 절친이에요.
친구하다 (chingu-hada) means “to make friends” or “to be friends.”
우리 같이 친구하자!
인사하다 (insa-hada) means “to greet someone” or “to say hello.” This verb is crucial in social interactions, as greetings are taken very seriously in Korean culture.
처음 만났을 때는 반드시 인사하세요.
안부 (anbu) refers to “well-being” or “how someone is.” Asking about someone’s 안부 is a common way to show care in social situations.
오랜만이에요, 안부가 어때요?
존경하다 (jongyeong-hada) means “to respect.” In Korea, respect is a foundational element in all relationships, including friendships.
선생님을 매우 존경합니다.
동갑 (dong-gap) refers to people who are of the same age. In Korea, age plays a significant role in determining the language and mannerisms used between people.
우리는 동갑이니까 반말을 사용해도 돼요.
마음 (ma-eum) translates to “heart” or “mind.” It often appears in expressions dealing with emotions and feelings in relationships.
그의 마음을 이해할 수 있어요.
소통하다 (sotong-hada) means “to communicate.” Effective communication is key in maintaining good relationships.
우리가 더 자주 소통했으면 좋겠어요.
이해하다 (ihae-hada) means “to understand.” Showing understanding is crucial in forming and maintaining friendships.
친구의 상황을 이해해 줘서 고마워요.
신뢰하다 (sinrae-hada) translates to “to trust.” Trust builds the foundation of any strong relationship.
나는 그를 완전히 신뢰해요.
지지하다 (jiji-hada) means “to support.” Supporting your friends in their endeavors strengthens bonds.
친구가 새로운 사업을 시작할 때 지지해 주세요.
축하하다 (chukha-hada) means “to congratulate.” Celebrating each other’s successes is an important aspect of friendship.
생일 축하해! 정말 기뻐요.
우정 (ujeong) refers to “friendship.” It’s used to describe the relationship between friends.
우리의 우정은 영원할 거예요.
사귀다 (sagwi-da) means “to date” or “to go out with someone.” While typically used in romantic contexts, it can also refer to the act of spending time together socially.
우리가 언제 사귈 수 있을까요?
대화하다 (daehwa-hada) means “to converse.” Regular conversations can help in strengthening any relationship.
저녁에 시간 있으면 대화 좀 하자.
Understanding and using these expressions effectively can greatly enhance your ability to interact socially in Korea. As with any language, practice is key, so don’t hesitate to use these phrases as you communicate with your Korean friends. Through this, not only will your language skills improve, but so too will your understanding of Korean social and cultural nuances.
