Learn Korean Language: Pronouns

Unlike English, pronouns are not essential for sentences to be grammatically correct in Korean language, and in many instances, the pronouns can be omitted from normal sentences all together.

It is also important to notice that some pronouns (e.g. 당신, 그, 그녀) are much less frequently used than other pronouns in spoken Korean.

For more information, please refer to the following links showing the list of most common pronouns used in Korean language.

● Pronouns (I, You) - 나, 저, 너, 당신
● Pronouns (He, She) - 그, 그녀, 걔, 그분
● Pronouns (He, She) - 얘, 쟤, 걔
● Pronouns (They) - 그들, 걔들, 그분들
● Pronouns- This, It, That

Learn Korean Language: Particles

Particles are functional words that do not have any meaning in themselves.

They are like helpers in that they are attached to the end of nouns to indicate what that noun is and how it functions in a sentence.

The following links show the list of most common particles used in Korean language.

● Particles - 는 / 은

● Particles - 가 / 이

● Subject Particles

● Particles - 도

● Particles - 를 / 을

● Particles - 에

Time / Place Particle - 에

Please refer to Korean Listening Exercise - Time/Place Particle 에 for the audio recording of the sentences found in this lesson.

For the video recording of this lesson, please see below. :)

The Time/Place Particle, 에, is used for any words related to time and place.

The 에 particle phrase is usually placed at the beginning of a sentence after a subject.

샘 = Sam
한국 = Korea
가다 = go
준수 = Jun-su
5월 = May
오다 = come

• 샘은 한국에 갔다 = Sam went to Korea [Sam, to Korea, went]
• 준수는 5월에 왔다 = Jun-su came in May [Jun-su, in May, came]

Note: 1월 is January, 2월 is February and so on.

You can also make long sentences like the following examples:

• 샘 은 작년 10월 가을에 한국에 갔다 = Sam went to Korea last year in October during the autumn season  [Sam, last year, in October, in Autumn, to Korea, went]
• 준수는 2000년도 여름에 호주에 왔다 = Jun-su came to Australia in summer 2000. [Jun-su, in 2000, in summer, to Australia, came]

작년 = last year
10월 = October
가을 = autumn
2000년도 = in the year 2000
여름 = summer
호주 = Australia

Note: 에 is used for words both with or without a final consonant.

• 학교에 = to school
• 병원에 = to hospital

Please note also that when 에 is used as a Place Particle, it is usually used with 'go' and 'come' to indicate a place to which you're going or coming, and 에 functions like 'to' in English. For example, 공원에 = to a park, 영국에 = to Britain and 공항에 = to the airport.

When you want to say you did something at a particular place 'for a certain period of time,' 에서 is used for that location or place. In this case, the function of 에서 is similar to "in, at or on" in English. For example,

• 공원에서 놀았다 = played (had fun) at the park [At the park, (we) played (had fun)]
• 영국에서 지냈다 = stayed in Britain [In Britain, (I) stayed]
• 공항에서 기다렸다 = waited at the airport [At the airport, (we) waited]

공원 = a park
놀다 = play, have fun
영국 = Britain
지내다 = stay
공항 = airport
기다리다 = wait


However, when 'was' and 'in' are both used in a sentence, you can use 에 instead of 에서 for some strange reason I do not know. The following two sentences mean exactly the same.

• 영국에서 있었다 = I was in Britain
• 영국에 있었다 = I was in Britain

But in the case of other verbs, 에 is not allowed.

• 공원에 놀았다
• 영국에 지냈다
• 공항에 기다렸다

Here are a few more examples:

• 시골에 갔다 = went to a countryside
• 친구가 병원에 방문왔다 = A friend of mine came (to visit me) to hospital
• 집에 있었다 = was home
• 대학에서 강의를 들었다 = listen to a lecture at the university
• 많은 사람들이 놀이 공원에 왔다 = A lot of people came to the theme park
• 아침에 시리얼을 먹었다 = I ate cereal in the morning [In the morning, I ate cereal]
• 오후 2시에 비가 내렸다 = It started raining at 2 o'clock in the afternoon [Lit. The rain fell]

시골 = countryside
가다 = go
친구 = a friend
병원 = a hospital
방문 = a visit
오다 = come
방문오다 = came to visit
집 = home, house
있다 = be
대학 = college, university
강의 = a lecture
듣다 = listen, hear
많다 = a lot, many
사람 = a person
사람들 = people (들 is attached to a noun to make it plural)
놀이 공원 = a theme park
아침 = morning
시리얼 = cereal
먹다 = eat
오후 = afternoon, pm
2시 = 2 o'clock (1시 is 1 o'clock, 7시 is 7 o'clock and so on)
비 = rain
내리다 = fall down

Object Particle - 를 / 을

Please refer to Korean Listening Exercise - Objective Particle 를/을 for the audio recording of the sentences found in this lesson.

For the video recording of this lesson, please see below. :)

The object particle, 를/을, is attached to an object which verbs describe.

Here are example sentences:

• 나는 라면을 먹었다 = I ate noodles [Literally, noodles을 ate]
• 책을 읽었다 = read a book
• 콜라를 마셨다 = drank coke
• TV를 봤다 = watched TV 
• 옷을 입었다 = wore clothes
• 집을 지었다 = built a house
• 케잌을 만들었다 = made a cake

나 = I
라면 = noodles
먹다 = eat
책 = a book
읽다 = read
콜라 = coke
마시다 = drink
보다 = see, watch
옷 = clothes
입다 = wear
집 = house
짓다 = build
케잌 = a cake
만들다 = make


The usage difference between 를 and 을 is that 를 is used for nouns without a final consonant, and 을 for nouns with a final consonant for the pronunciation's sake.

• 사진을 찍었다 = took a photo
• 나무를 심었다 = planted a tree
• 빵을 샀다 = bought some bread
• 차를 팔았다 = sold a car
• 강을 건넜다 = crossed a river
• 다리를 지났다 = passed a bridge
• 숙제를 했다 = did homework

사진 = a photo
찍다 = take (a photo)
나무 = a tree
심다 = plant (verb)
빵 = bread
사다 = buy
차 = a car
팔다 = sell
강 = a river
건너다 = cross (verb, motion)
다리 = bridge
지나다 = pass (verb, motion)
숙제 = homework
하다 = do

Continue to the next section:

• Time / Place Particle - 에

Subject Particles - 는 / 은 and 가 / 이

For the video recording of this lesson, please see below. :)

는/은 and 가/이 both are used for the subject of a sentence but 는/은 introduces a topic or a subject whereas 가/이 identifies a subject.

In addition to their differences already explored above, here is another big difference between the two particles.

The topic particle, 는/은, is used in cases when we make a general or factual statement whereas 가/이 is not.

For example,

• 치타는 빠르다 = Cheetah is fast
• 치타는 느리다 = Cheetah is slow (This would be a wrong statement)

However, if you visited a zoo and saw a cheetah who seems to move very slowly, you might say,

• 치타가 느리다 = (That) cheetah is slow

So the identifier particle, 가/이, indicates a certain person or thing that the speaker and listener know or are aware of. In this case, it would be that cheetah in the zoo.

Here is another example,

• 바다는 푸르다 = The sea is blue
• 바다는 까맣다 = The sea is black (In general, this is a wrong statement.)

But say, you saw the sea at night and you may exclaim,

• 바다가 까맣다! = The sea is black!

The sea in this sentence is identified as a particular sea at night, and both the speaker and listener know which sea is being talked about. This is not a general statement. Therefore the identifier particle, 가/이, is used in this case.

Of course, 바다가 푸르다 is also perfectly acceptable. However, the difference is that the sea in this sentence is also a particular sea that is known by both the speaker and the listener.

• 바다는 푸르다 = The sea is blue (A general statement)
• 바다가 푸르다 = The sea is blue (The sea is identified and known by the speaker and listener)

It's similar to the way articles are used in English.

For example,

• An apple is red = 사과는 빨갛다  (A general or factual statement about an apple)
• The apple is red = 사과가 빨갛다 (A particular apple that the speaker identifies and indicates to the listener)

Continue to the next section:

• Additive Particle - 도

Identifier Particle - 가 / 이

Please refer to Korean Listening Exercise - Identifier Particle 가/이 for the audio recording of the sentences found in this lesson.

For the video recording of this lesson, please see below. :)

가/이 is used similarly as 는/은 in that they indicate a subject but 가/이 is used when it is necessary to identify the person or thing that is talked about in a sentence.

For example,

• 나는 샀다 = I bought
• 내가 샀다 = I bought 

Note: 나 is changed to 내 when it is used before 가.

Both of these two sentences mean "I bought" but 내가 샀다 puts more emphasis on the subject of the sentence, "I".

In the sentence, 내가 샀다, it is more concerned about 'who' bought rather than 'what' I did.

On the other hand, 나는 샀다, is more concerned about 'what' I did.

• 내가 샀다 = I bought [It wasn't anyone else but I who bought]
• 나는 샀다 = I bought [I bought rather than doing something else]

It is similar to the way in English where a person stresses a certain word to give it more emphasis or importance.

For example, 

• Who bought a new t-shirt? 
• 내가 샀어 = I bought it. 

Note: It is incorrect to say, 나는 샀어, because the person is asking about who bought a new t-shirt rather than asking about what they did.

• What did you do in the park?
• 나는 잤어 = I slept (I took a nap)
  

Note: The person may be asking to several people about what they did in the park. One person might say they took a stroll while another person may have had lunch there. But as for me, what I did was 'sleeping'.
Therefore,

• 나는 잤어 = I slept

It is wrong to say 내가 잤어 in this case because the person is not asking about who slept but what they did in the park. If the person asked me, 'Who slept in the park?', I would answer, 내가 잤어 or 마크가 잤어 (Mark slept).

The identifier particle, 가/이, identifies the subject of a sentence. 가/이 is concerned about who did the things asked.

Like the 는/은 example above, 가 is used for words without a final consonant and 이 for words with a final consonant.

Here are example sentences:

• 내가 마셨다 = I drank (It wasn't anyone else but me)
• 동생이 먹었다 = Younger brother/sister ate (It wasn't someone else but them)

• 민지가 왔다 = Min-ji came (It wasn't some other person but Min-ji)
• 안토니가 갔다 = Anthony went (It wasn't some other person but Anthony)

• 저것이 한강이야 = That is the Han River
• 빌딩이 높다 = The building  is high
• 공원이 넓다 = The park is large/spacious

마시다 = drink
동생 = younger brother/sister
먹다 = eat
민지 = Min-ji (a female name)
오다 = come
안토니 = Anthony
가다 = go
저것 = that
한강 = the Han River (in Seoul)
빌딩 = a building
높다 = high
공원 = a park

넓다 = spacious, large

Use Google Translate to listen the pronunciations of these words. 


Continue to the next section:

• Subject Particles - 는 / 은 and 가 / 이

Learn Through Videos: 1

용감한 중학생, 화재현장 주민 구출
(Brave middle school students, saving people from houses on fire)
[SBS 출발 모닝와이드 (Start, Morning-Wide)]

This is a news-type video from SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System) that I found on YouTube. This video is a good example of how the written Korean and spoken Korean are used differently. Please see how the news reporter uses the written form when he's reporting the news, usually ending with ~니다. However, when people are speaking, they use the spoken form, usually ending with ~요.

번역 (Translations)

범죄를 저지르는 겁없는 10대들도 있습니다만 목숨을 구한 용감한 10대들도 있습니다.

(= There are brash teens who commit a crime but there are also brave teens who saved lives.)

• 범죄 = crime
• 저지르다 = commit
• 겁없다 = unafraid, without dread, without fear of consequences
• 10대 = teens (20대 = people in their 20's)
• 있다 = there is/are
• ~다만 = but
• 목숨을 구하다 = save a life
• 용감한 = brave

지난 28일 오후 경기도 안양의 한 빌라에서 불이 나서 건물 3층 내부를 전부 태웠습니다.

(= This past 28th, pm, in Gyeonggi-Do Anyang, one villa was on fire, and its interior on the 3rd floor all got burned down.)

• 지난 = past
• 28일 = 28th
• 오후 = pm
• 경기도 = Gyeonggi-Do (the name of a place around Seoul, Korea)
• 안양 = Anyang (the name of a place in Gyeonggi-Do
• 한 = one (contracted form of 하나)
• 빌라 = villa
• 불이 나다 = a fire breaks out
• 건물 = building
• 3층 = 3rd floor
• 내부 = interior, inside, inner part
• 전부 = all
• 태우다 = burn

화재가 시작된 안방입니다.

(= This is the bedroom where the fire started.)

Insooni - A Goose's Dream

인순이 - 거위의 꿈



가사 (Lyrics)

난 난 꿈이 있었죠 버려지고 찢겨 남루하여도

• 난 = 나는
• 꿈 = dream
• 있다 = there is/are
• 있었다 = there was/were
• 버려지다 = be thrown away
• 찢기다 = be torn/ripped
• 남루하다 = shabby, ragged

내 가슴 깊숙히 보물과 같이 간직했던 꿈

• 내 가슴 = my heart
• 깊숙히 = deep inside
• 보물 = treasure
• 간직하다 = keep, cherish, treasure
• 꿈 = dream

The Classic - The Enchanted Castle

더 클래식 - 마법의 성


가사 (Lyrics)

믿을 수 있나요 나의 꿈속에서 너는 마법에 빠진 공주란걸
(= Can you believe? In my dream, you are the enchanted princess.) 

• 믿다 = believe
• 믿을 수 있다 = can believe
• 나의 = my
• 꿈 = dream
• 꿈속 = in the dream
• 너 = you
• 마법 = magic
• 마법에 빠지다 = be enchanted
• 공주 = princess

언제나 너를 향한 몸짓엔 수많은 어려움뿐이지만
(= Although there are always numerous difficulties/hardship in my going towards you.)

• 언제나 = always
• 향하다 = be toward
• 몸짓 = gesture, motion
• 수많은 = numerous
• 어려움 = difficulty, hardship
• ~뿐이다 = only
• ~지만 = but, although

Im Jae Beom - When Standing Under the Shadow of a Tree-lined Road)

임재범 - 가로수 그늘 아래 서면 


가사 (Lyrics)

라일락 꽃향기 맡으면 잊을 수 없는 기억에

• 라일락 = lilac (flower)
• 꽃향기 = fragrance / scent of a flower
• 맡다 = smell (verb)
• ~면 = if/once
• 잊다 = forget
• 기억 = memory
  

햇살 가득 눈부신 슬픔 안고 버스 창가에 기대 우네

• 햇살 = sunshine
• 가득 = plenty
• 눈부시다 = dazzling, glaring
• 슬픔 = sadness
• 안다 = hold, hug
• 버스 = bus
• 창가 = by the window
• 기대다 = lean on
• 울다 = cry

SG Wannabe - Timeless

SG 워너비 - Timeless


가사 (Lyrics) 

어쩜 살아 가다 보면 한 번은 날 찾을지 몰라

• 어쩜 = maybe
• 살다 = live
• 살아가다 = go on living
• ~보면 = while쩜

난 그 기대 하나로 오늘도 힘겹게 버틴 걸

• 난 = 나는 
• 그 기대 = that expectation/anticipation 
• 힘겹다 = hard/tough/arduous 
• 힙겹게 = arduously (adverb) 
• 버티다 = endure

난 참 기억력도 좋지 않은데 왜 너에 관한 건

• 난 = 나는 
• 참 = quite 
• 기억력 = (one's power of) memory 
• 좋지 않다 = not good 
• 왜 = why 
• ~에 관한 = about 

그 사소한 추억들까지도 생각은 나는 지

• 그 = that 
• 사소하다 = trivial, insignificant, unimportant
• 추억 = memory, reminescences 
• ~까지도 = even 
• 생각이 나다 = remember, cross one's mind 

너를 잊을 순 없지만 붙잡고 싶지만

• 너 = you
• 잊다 = forget
• 붙잡다 = get hold of, hold on to
• 붙잡고 싶다 = want to get hold of

이별 앞에서 할 수 있는 건

• 이별 = parting, farewell
• 앞 = in front of
• 할 수 있다 = can do
• 건 = 것은
• 할 수 있는 것은 = the thing that I can do

좋은 기억이라도 남도록

• 좋은 = good
• 기억 = memory
• 남다 = remain
• ~도록 = so that

편히 보내 주는 일

• 편히 = comfortably
• 보내주다 = let go
• 일 = thing

혼자 남아도 괜찮아 가도 괜찮아

• 혼자 = alone
• 남다 = remain
• 남아도 = even if (I) remain
• 괜찮아 = it's OK
• 가다 = go
• 가도 = even if (you) go

세상에 제일 자신 있는 건

• 세상 = world
• 세상에 = in the world
• 제일 = most, best
• 자신 있다 = be confident
• 건 = 것은

내가 언제나 그래왔듯이

• 언제나 = always
• 그래 왔듯이 = as I've done so far

너를 기다리는 일

• 너 = you
• 기다리다 = wait

어쩜 살아 가다 보면 한 번은 날 찾을지 몰라
난 그 기대 하나로 오늘도 힘겹게 버틴 걸
(as above)

부디 하루빨리 좋은 사람과 행복하길 바래

• 부디 = please
• 하루빨리 = as soon as (you can)
• 좋은 사람 = good/nice person
• 행복하다 = be happy
• 바라다 = wish, hope

그래야만 내 마음 속에서 널 보낼 것 같아

• 그래야만 = only then
• 내 마음 = my heart
• 속 = inside
• 널 = 너를
• 보내다 = let go

너를 잊을 순 없지만 붙잡고 싶지만
이별 앞에서 할 수 있는 건
좋은 기억이라도 남도록
편히 보내 주는 일
(as above)

이젠 멀어져 가지만 잠시였지만

• 이젠 = 이제는, now
• 멀어져 가다 = become distant
• 잠시 = for a while

태어나 처음 잘한듯한 건

• 태어나 = after (I was) born
• 처음 = for the first time
• 잘하다 = do well
• ~듯 = seems
• 잘한 듯 하다 = it seems (one) did well

내겐 아무리 생각해봐도 너를 사랑했던 일

• 아무리 = However much
• 생각해 보다 = stop to think
• 너 = you
• 사랑하다 = love

서로가 하나씩 이별의 선물을 나눠간 거잖아

• 서로 = each other
• 하나씩 = one each
• 이별 = parting, farewell
• 선물 = present
• 나누다 = share

난 마음을 준 대신 넌 내게 추억을 준거야

• 마음 = heart
• 주다 = give
• 대신 = instead
• 추억 = memory

다시 또 나를 살아가게 할거야

• 다시 또 = again
• 살아가게 하다 = make (oneself) to live

날 아프게 했지만 울게 했지만

• 아프게 하다 = make (someone) hurt
• 울게 하다 = make (someone) cry

이것 하나만큼은 고마워

• 이것 = this
• 이것 하나만큼 = at least this one
• 고마워 = thank you

눈 감는 그 날 내가 가져갈 추억 만들어줘서  

• 눈 감다 = pass away (Lit. close (one's) eyes)
• 그 날 = that day
• 가져가다 = bring
• 추억 = memory
• 만들어주다 = give the favour of making
  

Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean

Lee Juck - Run Across The Sky

이적 - 하늘을 달리다


가사 (Lyrics)

두근거렸지 누군가 나의 뒤를 쫓고 있었고
(= My heart was pounding. Someone was chasing after me.)

• 두근거리다 = (one's heart) pound, palpitate, thump (with emotions)
• 누군가 = someone
• 나 = I
• 나의 = my
• 뒤 = behind, after, back
• 쫓다 = chase, pursue, run after

검은 절벽 끝 더 이상 발 디딜 곳 하나 없었지
(= At the end of the dark cliff, there was no more place to stand.)

• 검다 = black, dark
  
• 절벽 = cliff
• 끝 = end
• 더 이상 = more than
• 발을 디디다 = set foot, tread
• 하나 = one
• 없다 = there is/are not

자꾸 목이 메어 간절히 네 이름을 되뇌었을 때
(= When I repeated your name earnestly, as I felt choked again and again.)

• 자꾸 = repeatedly, again and again 
• 목이 메다 = be choked (e.g. choked with tears, therefore, one cannot speak)
• 간절히 = earnestly, eagearly, sincerely
• 네 = contracted form of 너의
• 이름 = name
• 되뇌다 = repeat to one's self, say something over and over to oneself, mumble

귓가에 울리는 그대의 뜨거운 목소리
(= Your voice that rang in my ears)

• 귓가 = around the ears
• 울리다 = ring, echo, sound
• 뜨겁다 = hot (temperature)
• 목소리 = voice

그게 나의 구원이었어
(= That was my salvation.)

• 그게 = 그것이
• 나의 = my
• 구원 = salvation

마른 하늘을 달려
(= Running across the dry sky.)

• 마르다 = be dry
• 하늘 = sky
• 달리다 = run

나 그대에게 안길 수만 있으면
(= If only I could throw myself into your arms.)

• 나 = I
• 그대 = you
• 안기다 = throw (oneself into someone's arms)
• ~면 = if

내 몸 부서진대도 좋아
(= It's OK if my body gets broken into pieces.)

• 내 = 나의, my
• 몸 = body
• 부서지다 = be broken
• ~대도(다해도) 좋다 = it's OK even if

설혹 너무 태양 가까이 날아
(= Even if I fly very close to the sun,)

• 설혹 = even if
• 너무 = very
• 태양 = sun
• 가깝다 = be close
• 가까이 = close, closely
• 날다 = fly

두 다리 모두 녹아내린다고 해도
(= Even if all of my two legs melt away,)

• 두 다리 = two legs
• 모두 = all
• 녹다 = melt
• 녹아내리다 = melt down
• ~해도 = even if

내 맘 그대 마음속으로 영원토록 달려갈거야
(= My heart will run towards your heart forever.)

• 내 맘 = 내 마음, my heart
• 그대 마음 = your heart
• 속 = inside
• 영원토록 = forever
• 달리다 = run

내가 미웠지 난 결국 이것밖에 안돼 보였고
(= I hated myself, it seemed that I was no more able after all.)

• 밉다 = hate, not like
• 결국 = after all
• 이것밖에 안돼 = no more able to
• 보이다 = it looks/seems

오랜 꿈들이 공허한 어린 날의 착각 같았지
(= My old dreams seemed empty delusions of my young days.)

• 오랜 = old, long-time
• 꿈 = dream
• 공허하다 = empty (emotion)
• 어린 = young
• 날 = day
• 착각 = delusions
• ~같다 = it seems, same

울먹임을 참고 남몰래 네 이름을 속삭였을 때
(= When I mumbled your name secretly, while restraining myself from crying.)

• 울먹이다 = be about to cry, be close to tears
• 참다 = suppress, resist, restrain (oneself from doing)
• 남몰래 = secretly
• 네 = 너의
• 이름 = name
• 속삭이다 = whisper, mumble

귓가에 울리는 그대의 뜨거운 목소리
(= Your voice that rang in my ears.)

• 귓가 = around the ears
• 울리다 = ring, sound, echo
• 뜨겁다 = hot (temperature)
• 목소리 = voice

그게 나의 희망이었어
(= That was my hope)

• 그게 = that is/was
• 나의 = my
• 희망 = hope

마른하늘을 달려
나 그대에게 안길 수만 있으면
내 몸 부서진대도 좋아
설혹 너무 태양 가까이 날아
두 다리 모두 녹아내린다고 해도
내 맘 그대 마음속으로
영원토록 달려갈거야
(as above)

허약한 내 영혼에 힘을
(= Strength to my frail soul.)

• 허약하다 = weak, feeble, frail
• 내 = 나의, my
• 영혼 = soul, spirit
• 힘 = strength

날개를 달 수 있다면
(= If I could put up wings (to myself))

• 날개 = wings
• 달다 = hang, put up
• ~면 = if

마른 하늘을 달려
나 그대에게 안길 수만 있으면
내 몸 부서진대도 좋아
설혹 너무 태양 가까이 날아
두 다리 모두 녹아내린다고 해도
내 맘 그대 마음속으로
영원토록 달려갈거야
(as above)


Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean

YB (Yoon Do Hyun) - I Am A Butterfly

윤도현 - 나는 나비


Click on the words in blue for detailed explanations of the grammar. 


가사 (Lyrics)

날개(wings)를 활짝(straight) 펴고(spread) 세상(world)을 자유롭게(freely) 날거야(will fly)
(= Spreading (my) wings straight, I'll fly the world freely)
노래하며(sings) 춤추는(dances) 나는(I am) 아름다운(beautiful) 나비(butterfly)
(= Singing and dancing, I am a beutiful butterfly.)

내 모습(my image/form/appearance)이 보이지 않아(is not seen(cannot see)) 앞(front)길(road/way)도 보이지 않아(is not seen(cannot see))
(= I cannot see my image/form/appearance. I cannot see (my) way in front (of me).)

나는(I am) 아주(very) 작은(small) 애벌레(caterpillar)
(= I am a very small caterpillar)
살이(flesh) 터져(burst/pop) 허물 벗어(slip out of its skin) 한 번(once) 두 번(twice) 다시(again)
(= Flesh poping and slipping out of its skin, once, twice and again)
나는(I am) 상처(wound) 많은(many) 번데기(pupa, chrysalis)
(= I am a pupa that has many wounds)

추운(cold) 겨울(winter)이 다가와(approach, draw near) 힘겨울지도 몰라(It could be tough/difficult)
(= The cold winter is approaching. It could be tough/difficult.)
봄(spring)바람(wind)이 불어오면(if/once comes blowing) 이제(now) 나의(my) 꿈(dream)을 찾아(look for) 날아(fly)
(= Once the spring wind comes blowing, now looking for my dream, I fly!) 
날개(wings)를 활짝(straight) 펴고(spread) 세상(world)을 자유롭게(freely) 날거야(will fly)
(= Spreading (my) wings straight, I'll fly the world freely) 
노래하며(singing) 춤추는(dancing) 나는(I am) 아름다운(beautiful) 나비(butterfly)
(= Singing and dancing, I am a beutiful butterfly.)
날개(wings)를 활짝(straight) 펴고(spread) 세상(world)을 자유롭게(freely) 날거야(will fly)
(= Spreading (my) wings straight, I'll fly the world freely) 

노래하며(singing) 춤추는(dancing) 나는(I am) 아름다운(beautiful) 나비(butterfly)
(= Singing and dancing, I am a beutiful butterfly.)
거미(spider)줄(web)을 피해(avoid/dodge)날아(fly) 꽃(flowers)을 찾아(look for) 날아(fly)
(= Avoiding the spider's web, I fly! Looking for flowers, I fly!)
사마귀(mantis)를 피해(avoid/dodge)날아(fly) 꽃(flowers)을 찾아(look for) 날아(fly)
(= Avoiding the mantis, I fly! Looking for flowers, I fly!)
꽃들(flowers)의 사랑(love)을 전하는(deliver) 나비(butterfly)
(= The butterfly, delivering the love of flowers!)

Spread my wings and fly away
Ride the wind sailing on the world today
sing a song reach for the sky
Fying butterfly God save me

날개(wings)를 활짝(straight) 펴고(spread) 세상(world)을 자유롭게(freely) 날거야(will fly)
(= Spreading (my) wings straight, I'll fly the world freely)  
노래하며(singing) 춤추는(dancing) 나는(I am) 아름다운(beautiful) 나비(butterfly)
(= Singing and dancing, I am a beutiful butterfly.) 
날개(wings)를 활짝(straight) 펴고(spread) 세상(world)을 자유롭게(freely) 날거야(will fly)
(= Spreading (my) wings straight, I'll fly the world freely)  
노래하며(singing) 춤추는(dancing) 나는(I am) 아름다운(beautiful) 나비(butterfly)
(= Singing and dancing, I am a beutiful butterfly.) 

Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean

Park Bom) - You & I

박봄 - You & I

 

Click on the words in blue for more details and explanations.

가사 (Lyrics) 

No matter what happens
Even when the sky is falling down
I promise you
That I'll never let you go
Oh Oh Oh oh Oh oh-Yeah

You 내가 쓰러질 때 절대 흔들림 없이
(= When I fall down/collapse, you are ever without any shaking/wavering.)

• 나 = I
• 내가 = 나 + 가 (NOT 나가)
• 쓰러지다 = fall (down), collapse
• 절대 = never, ever
• 흔들리다 = shake, waver, sway
• 흔들림 = shaking, wavering, swaying (a noun form of 흔들리다)
• ~없이 = without (something)

강한 눈빛으로 몇 번이고 날 일으켜 줘
(= You raise me up many times (over) with an unfaltering gaze.)

• 강하다 = strong
• 강한 = strong
• 눈빛 = gaze (Lit. light in the eyes)
• ~로/으로 = by, with
• 몇 번이고 = many times (over)
• 날 = contracted form of 나를
• 일으키다 = raise up
• 주다 = give
• 일으켜 주다 = giving the favour of raising up

And You 나 힘에 겨울 때 슬픔을 벼랑 끝까지
(= And when I'm exhausted, (remove) sadness (out) to the end of a cliff.)

• 나 = I
• 힘 = strength
• 힘에 겹다 = be exhausted
• ~때 = when
• 슬픔 = sadness
• 벼랑 = cliff
• 끝 = end
• 까지 = till, up to

또 어김없이 찾아 와 두 손 잡은 그대에게
(= Again, he does not fail to visit (me), holding (my) two hands)

• 또 = again
• 어김없이 = do not fail to, without fail
• 찾아오다 = visit, drop by/in
• 둘 = two
• 손 = hand
• 두 손 = two hands (Note: In Korean, a noun can be singular or plural depending on the context.)
• 잡다 = hold, catch
• 그대 = you (same as 너(informal). 그대 is usually used in songs, poems and other literary genre.)
• 에게 = to (someone)

난 해준 게 없는데 초라한 나지만
(= Although I haven't done anything (for you). Though I'm simple/humble/shabby)

• 난 = contracted form of 나는
• 해주다 = give the favour of doing
• 게 = contracted form of 것이
• 없다 = there is/are not
• 해준 게 없다 = There is not (anything) I've done (for you)
• 초라하다 = shabby, poor, humble, simple
• ~지만 = but, although

오늘 그대 위해 이 노래 불러요
(= Today I sing for you this song.)

• 오늘 = today
• 그대 = you
• 위해 = for
• 이 = this
• 노래 = song
• 부르다 = sing (a song)
• 불러요 = sing (polite spoken form)

Tonight 그대의 두 눈에
(= Tonight, in your two eyes)

• 그대 = you
• 두 눈 = two eyes
• 에 = at

그 미소 뒤에 날 위해 감춰왔던 아픔이 보여요
(= I can see the pain you have hidden behind (your) smile for my sake)

• 그 = that
• 미소 = smile
• 뒤 = behind
• 날 = contracted form of 나를
• 감추다 = hide
• 오다 = come
• 감추어 오다 = has been hiding
• 아픔 = pain
• 보이다 = be seen
• 보여요 = be seen (polite spoken form)

You and I together it just feels all right

이별이란 말은 never 그 누가 뭐라 해도 난 그댈 지킬게
(= Never (say) the word, parting/farewell. I'll protect you even if something happens.)

• 이별 = farewell, parting
• 이란 = so-called
• 말 = word, language
• 이별이란 말 = a word, so-called farewell/parting
• 그 누가 = whoever
• 뭐라 해도 = does(says) something
• 그 누가 뭐라 해도 = whoever does(says) something (I'll translate it as: even if something happens)
• 난 = contracted form of 나는
• 그댈 = contracted form of 그대를
• 지키다 = protect
• 지킬게 = will protect

You and I together 내 두 손을 놓지 마
(= Please don't let go of my two hands.)

• 내 두 손 = My two hands
• 놓다 = let go
• 놓지마 = don't let go

안녕이란 말은 never 내게 이 세상은 오직 너 하나기에
(= Never (say) the word, bye. To me, (in) this world, only you alone.) 

• 안녕 = hi, hello, bye (In this instance, 안녕's meaning is "bye.")
• 말 = word
• 이 세상 = this world
• 오직 = only
• 너 = you
• 하나 = one
• 하나기에 = as (it's) one

그 많은 사람처럼 
(= Like many people)

• 그 = that
• 많다 = many
• 많은 = many
• 사람 = person, people
• 처럼 = like

우리 사랑 역시 조금씩 변하겠죠
(= Our love, as well, would change little by little, wouldn't it.)

• 우리 = we, our
• 사랑 = love
• 역시 = as well
• 조금씩 = little by little
• 변하다 = change
• 겠죠 = it would, wouldn't it

하지만 제발 슬퍼 말아요 
(= But please don't be sad)

• 하지만 = but
• 제발 = please
• 슬프다 = sad
• 말다 = stop
• 슬퍼 말아 = don't be sad 

오랜 친한 친구처럼 나만을 믿을 수 있게
(= Like a long-time close friend, so that (you'd) be able to believe only me)

• 오랜 = long-time, old
• 친하다 = close (friend)
• 처럼 = like
• 나만 = only I/me
• 믿다 = believe
• 믿을 수 있다 = can believe

기댈 수 있게
(= So that (you'd) be able to lean on (me))

• 기대다 = lean on

I promise you that I'll be right here baby
 난 해준 게 없는데 초라한 나지만
(= Although I haven't done anything (for you). Though I'm simple/humble/shabby)

• 난 = contracted form of 나는
• 해주다 = give the favour of doing
• 게 = contracted form of 것이
• 없다 = there is/are not
• 해준 게 없다 = There is not (anything) I've done (for you)
• 초라하다 = shabby, poor, humble, simple
• ~지만 = but, although

오늘 그대 위해 이 노래 불러요
(= Today I sing for you this song.)

• 오늘 = today
• 그대 = you
• 위해 = for
• 이 = this
• 노래 = song
• 부르다 = sing (a song)
• 불러요 = sing (polite spoken form)

Tonight 그대의 두 눈에
(= Tonight, in your two eyes)

• 그대 = you
• 두 눈 = two eyes
• 에 = at

그 미소 뒤에 날 위해 감춰왔던 아픔이 보여요
(= I can see the pain you have hidden behind (your) smile for my sake)

• 그 = that
• 미소 = smile
• 뒤 = behind
• 날 = contracted form of 나를
• 감추다 = hide
• 오다 = come
• 감추어 오다 = has been hiding
• 아픔 = pain
• 보이다 = be seen
• 보여요 = be seen (polite spoken form)

You and I together it just feels all right

이별이란 말은 never 그 누가 뭐라 해도 난 그댈 지킬게
You and I together 내 두 손을 놓지 마
안녕이란 말은 never 내게 이 세상은 오직 너 하나기에
[Same as above]

외로운 밤이 찾아올 땐 나 살며시 눈을 감아요 
(= When a lonely night comes visit me, I gently close my eyes.)

• 외롭다 = lonely
• 밤 = night
• 찾아오다 = visit
• 살며시 = gently
• 눈을 감다 = close (one's) eyes

그대의 숨결이 날 안을 때 무엇도 두렵지 않죠 
(= When your breath holds/embraces me, I'm not afraid of anything.)

• 그대의 = your
• 숨결 = breath
• 날 = 나를
• 안다 = hug, hold, embrace
• 무엇도 = anything
• 두렵다 = be afraid
• 두렵지 않다 = not afraid

이 세상 그 어떤 누구도 그대를 대신할 수 없죠 
(= In this world, nobody could substitute you.)

• 이 세상 = this world
• 어떤 누구 = anybody
• 그대 = you
• 대신하다 = substitute
• 대신할 수 없다 = cannot substitute

You are the only one and I'll be there for you baby

You and I together it just feels all right
이별이란 말은 never 그 누가 뭐라 해도 난 그댈 지킬게
You and I together 내 두 손을 놓지 마
안녕이란 말은 never 내게 이 세상은 오직 너 하나기에
[Same as above]

Just you and I Forever and ever.. 


Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean

Brown Eyes - Already One Year

브라운 아이즈 - 벌써 일년



가사 (Lyrics) 

처음(first, start)이라(because)  그래(it is so) (It's because (my) first (time))
며칠(several day)뒤(after)엔 괜찮아져(become all right/OK)
그(that) 생각(thought)만(only/alone)으로(by)
벌써(already) 일년(one year)이

너와(with you) 만든(made) 기념일(anniversary)마다(every)
슬픔(sadness)은 나를(me) 찾아와(come visit)
처음(first) 사랑(love) 고백하며(confess, tell)
설렌(heart fluttering) 수줍음(shyness)과
우리(we) 처음(first) 만난(met)날(day)
지나가고(passed)

너의(your) 생일(birthday)엔(contracted form of 에는)(at)
눈물의(tears') 케익(cake) (a cake of tears)
촛불(candlelight) 켜고서(light)
축하해(congratulations)

I believe in you
I believe in your mind
벌써(already) 일년(one year)이
지났지만(passed but)
일년 뒤에도 (one year later, too)
그 일년 뒤에도 (that one year later, too)
널 기다려((I) await you)
너무(very) 보고 싶어(want to see (you))
돌아와줘(please come back/return) 말 못했어(couldn't say (it))

널 보는 (seeing you) 따뜻한(warm)
그의(his) 눈빛(eyes)과(and)
니(your) 왼손(left hand)에 껴진(worn (wear))
반지(ring)보다(more than) 빛난(shone)
니(your) 얼굴(face) 때문에(because of)

= Because of your face that shone more than the ring that you wore in your left hand and his warm eyes that stare at you.

I believe in you
I believe in your mind
다시(again) 시작한(started) 널 알면서(knowing you)
이젠(now) 나 없이(without me)
추억(memory/reminescences)을 만드는(making)
너(you)라는 걸(it is) 우~~

내(I)가 기억하는(remembering)
추억(memory/reminescences)은 언제나(always)  (= the memory that I remember always)
지난(past) 웃음(laughter)과(and)
얘기(stories)와 바램들(wishes)
또(again) 새로(newly) 만들(making)
추억(memory/reminescences)은 하나뿐(one only)
내(my) 기다림(waiting)과(and)
눈물(tears)속(inside) 너일뿐(you only)

I believe in you
I believe in your mind
다시(again) 시작한(started) 널 알면서(knowing you)
이젠(now) 나 없이(without me)
추억(memory/reminescences)을 만드는(making)
너(you)라는 걸(it is)

I believe in you
I believe in your mind
벌써(already) 일년(one year)이
지났지만(passed but)
일년 뒤에도 (one year later, too)
그 일년 뒤에도 (that one year later, too)
널 기다려((I) await you)


Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean


 

Shin Seung Hoon - I Believe

신승훈 - I Believe 



가사 (Lyrics) 

I Believe 그댄(you are) 곁(side)에 없지만(although not) (Although you're not beside me)
이대로(like this) 이별(farewell/parting)은 아니겠죠(it shall not be, shall it) 
I Believe 나에게(to me) 오는(coming) 길(road/way)은
조금(a bit/little)멀리(far) 돌아올 뿐(only returning/coming back) 이겠죠(it shall be, shan't it)
모두(all/everybody) 지나간(past) 그(that) 기억(memory)속(inside)에서 내가(I) 나를(me) 아프게하며(hurt)
눈물(tears)을 만들죠(make)

나만큼(as much as I) 울지 않기를(shall not cry) 그대만은(at least you) 눈물(tears)없이(without)
날(I) 편하게(comfortably/easily) 떠나주기를(please leave)
언젠가(one day) 다시(again) 돌아올(returning, coming back) 그대(you)라는 걸 알기에(I know that)
난(I) 믿고 있기에(I'm believing)
기다릴께요(I'll wait) 난 그대여야만 하죠(As for me, it has to be you)

I Believe 내가 아파할까봐 (because I may hurt)
그대는 울지도 못했겠죠 (you couldn't even cry, right)
I Believe 흐르는(flowing) 내(my) 눈물(tears)이 그댈(you) 다시(again) 내게(to me) 돌려주겠죠(return, give back)
자꾸(repeatedly, again and again) 멈추는(stopping) 내(my) 눈길(eyes)속(inside)에서
그대 모습(your appearance/images)들이 떠올라((thought/image) strikes/occur to) 눈물(tears)을 만들죠(make)

나(I) 그댈 알기(know you) 전(before) 이세상(this world)도(too)
이렇게(like this) 눈부셨는지(dazzling, wonderful, brilliant)
그(that) 하늘(sky) 아래(below)서(at) 이젠(now) 눈물(tears)로 남겨졌지만(it has become that (it) remains)
이 자리를(이 자릴) (this place) 난 지킬께요(I'll protect)

그대란(You) 이유(reason)만(only)으로 나에게는(to me)
기다림조차(even the waiting) 충분히(enough) 행복하겠죠(happy, won't I)
사랑한(having loved) 이유(reason)만(only)으로 또(again)하루(day)가 지나가고(passes)
오는(coming) 길(road/way) 잊어도(even if (you) forget) 기다릴께요(I'll wait/be waiting)

난 그대여야만 하죠 (As for me, it has to be you)
난 그대여야만 하죠 (As for me, it has to be you)


Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean


 

Yoon Do Hyun - Must Have Been In Love

윤도현 - 사랑했나봐




가사 (Lyrics)

이별(farewell, parting)은 만남(meeting, chance encounter)보다(more than) 참(quite) 쉬운건가봐(seems easy)

차갑기만한(only cold(emotionally)) 사람(person) 내 맘(my heart) 다(all) 가져간걸(already took)
왜(why) 알지 못하나(cannot know) 보고싶은(want to see) 그 사람(that person)

사랑했나봐(must have been in love) 잊을수 없나봐(It seems that I cannot forget)
자꾸(repeately, again and again) 생각나(think of) 견딜수가 없어(I cannot stand it)
후회하나봐(It seems (that I'm) regretting) 널 기다리나봐(It seems (that I'm) waiting for you)
또(again) 나도 몰래(Without me noticing, surreptitiously) 가슴 설레어와((my) heart flutters)
저기(there) 널(you) 닮은(resemble) 뒷(behind)모습(appearance, image)에

기억(memory)은 계절(season)따라(according to) 흩어져(scatter) 가겠지(It appears that it'll)
차갑기만한(only cold) 사람(person) 빈(empty) 가슴(heart) 애태우며(worry, fuss)
난(I) 기다리겠지(It appears that I'll wait) 어설픈(lame, poor) 내(my) 사랑(love)은

못되게(badly, mean) 눈돌리며(turn one's eyes) 외면한(look away)
네(니)(your) 모습(appearance) 모른척 할래(I'll do as if I don't know)
한번쯤은(At least once) 난(I) 뒤돌아보며(looking back)
아파했다(it hurt) 믿을래(I'll believe)

바보인가봐(It seems (like I'm) a fool) 한마디(one word) 못하는(cannot do)
잘지내냐는(how have you been) 그(that) 쉬운(easy) 인사(greetings)도
행복한가봐(It seems (that she's) happy) 여전한(as always) 미소(smile)는
자꾸만(repeately, again and again) 날(I) 작아지게(become smaller) 만들어(make) (make me become smaller again and again)
멀어지는(become distant) 니 모습처럼(like your appearance/image/form)

언젠가(one day) 다른(other/different) 사람(person) 만나게(meet) 되겠지(It'll become that)
널(you) 닮은(resemble) 미소 짓는(make a smile)
하지만(but) 그(that) 사람(person)은 니가(you) 아니라서(because it's not)
왠지(somehow) 슬플것 같아(I think it'll be sad) 잊을수 없는(cannot forget) 사람(person)

Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean

Yoon Do Hyun - I'll Get Over You

윤도현 - 잊을께
 


Lyrics (가사)

아침에(In the morning) 눈(eyes)을 떴을때(when I open)
너를(you)
길(road, street)을 걷다(walk) 멍하니(vacantly, blankly)
너를(you)
지금(now)은 내(my)곁(side)에 없는(are/is not)
너를(you)
그리워하네(missing (you))
바보처럼(like a fool)

= When I open my eyes in the morning, and while walking on the street blankly, I'm missing you like a fool though you are not at my side any more.

나(I)보다(more than) 행복하기를 (be happier)
바래 워(wish, ~)
내(my) 생각(thought, concern)
하지 않기를 바래(wish you'd not do)
더 좋은 사람(better person)
만나길 바래(wish you'd meet)

= I wish you'd be happier than me. I wish you'd not concern yourself about me. I wish you'd meet a better person (than me)

다시는(again) 내게(to me)
올 수 없게(cannot come)

= (So) you can not come back to me again.

안개처럼(like a fog/mist) 사라져간(disappear)
다시(again) 못 올(cannot come) 그(that) 지난(past)날(days)
함께한(together spent) 추억(memory, reminescences) 모두(all)
흘려(spill) 보낼께(send) (let something slide by)

= I will let all the memory of past days that we spent together slide by. All the past days that would not come back, and disappeared like a fog/mist)

널(you) 잊어야 해(need to forget) (I need/have to forget you)
힘들어도(even though it's hard/difficult)
널 지워야 해 (I have to erase you)
기억(memory)속(insdie)에서(from) (from (my) memory)
네가(you) 떠난(left) 후(after)에 난(I am)
죽을 것 같이(like I'd die) 아파도(hurt)

= I've got to forget you, though it's difficult. I gotta erase you from my memory.

두번(twice) 다시(again) 울지 않을께(I won't cry)
잊을께 잊을께(I'll forget, I'll forget)

= I won't cry again even though I hurt like I'd die after you left me. I'll forget. I'll forget.

아직도(yet) 휴대폰((my)cell phone)에
네(your) 이름(name)
지우지도(not even erase)
못하고 있어(cannot)

= I cannot even erase your name in my cell phone yet

전화기 들고(holding a phone)
한참을 서서 (for quite a while)
널 생각하네 (I think of you)
바보처럼 (like a fool)

= (While) holding a phone, I think of you for quite a while like a fool.

안개처럼(like a fog/mist) 사라져간(disappeared)
다시(again) 못 올(cannot come) 그(that) 지난(past)날(days)
함께한(together spent) 추억(memory, reminescences) 모두(all)
흘려(spill) 보낼께(send) (let something slide by)

= I will let all the memory of past days that we spent together slide by. All the past days that would not come back, and disappeared like a fog/mist)

널(you) 잊어야 해(need to forget) (I need/have to forget you)
힘들어도(even though it's hard/difficult)
널 지워야 해 (I have to erase you)
기억(memory)속(insdie)에서(from) (from (my) memory)

= I've got to forget you, though it's difficult. I gotta erase you from my memory.

네가(you) 떠난(left) 후(after)에 난(I am)
죽을 것 같이(like I'd die) 아파도(hurt)
다시는(again) 너(you)를
찾지 않아(won't look for)

= Although I hurt like I'd die after you left me, I won't look for you again.

아침에(In the morning) 눈(eyes)을 떴을때(when I open)
너를(you)
길(road, street)을 걷다(walk) 멍하니(vacantly, blankly)
너를(you)
지금(now)은 내(my)곁(side)에 없는(are/is not)
너를(you)
그리워하네(missing (you))
바보처럼(like a fool)

= When I open my eyes in the morning, and while walking on the street blankly, I'm missing you like a fool though you are not at my side any more.

(잊을께) 잊을께 (I'll forget)
(잊을께) 잊을께 (I'll forget)
(잊을께) 잊을께 (I'll forget)
(잊을께) 워~ (I'll forget, ~)


Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean

Scene of Riding Bicycle - You're To Me And I'm To You

너에게 난 나에게 넌(클래식OST) - 자전거 탄 풍경

   

가사 (Lyrics)

너에게(To you) 난(I am) 해질녘(at sunset) 노을처럼(like the "glow of the setting sun") 한편의(one piece of) 아름다운(beautiful)
추억(memory, reminescences)이 되고(become) 소중했던(precious) 우리(our) 푸르던(fresh blue/green) 날(day)을 기억하며(remember)
우~(Oh~) 후회(regret)없이(without) 그림처럼(like a picture, picturesque) 남아주기를(remain)

나에게(to me) 넌(you are) 내(my) 외롭던(lonely) 지난(past) 시간(time)을 환하게(brightly) 비춰주던(shine)
햇살(sunshine)이 되고(become) 조그맣던(tiny) 너의(your) 하얀(white) 손(hand)위(top)에 빛나는(shiny) 보석처럼(like a jewel) 영원의(eternal, forever) 약속(promise)이되어 (become)

너에게(To you) 난(I am) 해질녘(at sunset) 노을처럼(like the "glow of the setting sun") 한편의(one piece of) 아름다운(beautiful)
추억(memory, reminescences)이 되고(become) 소중했던(precious) 우리(our) 푸르던(fresh blue/green) 날(day)을 기억하며(remember)
우~(Oh~) 후회(regret)없이(without) 그림처럼(like a picture, picturesque) 남아주기를(remain)

나에게(to me) 넌(you are) 초록의(green) 슬픈(sad) 노래(song)로 내(my) 작은(small) 가슴(heart) 속(inside)에
이렇게(like this) 남아(remain) 반짝이던(twinkling) 너의(your) 예쁜(pretty) 눈망울(eyes)의 수많은(numerous)
별(star)이 되어(become) 영원토록(like eternity) 빛나고(shine) 싶어(want to)

너에게(To you) 난(I am) 해질녘(at sunset) 노을처럼(like the "glow of the setting sun") 한편의(one piece of) 아름다운(beautiful)
추억(memory, reminescences)이 되고(become) 소중했던(precious) 우리(our) 푸르던(fresh blue/green) 날(day)을 기억하며(remember)
우~(Oh~) 후회(regret)없이(without) 그림처럼(like a picture, picturesque) 남아주기를(remain)

Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean

Kim Dong Ryul - Start/Departure

김동률 - 출발

This is the second video I'm putting up as an experiment to see whether it can be of help in developing listening skills, and learning grammar points along the way. This is a song called, Start/Departure, by Dong-Ryul Kim. He's a very well-known artist in Korea and has produced many popular songs. I particularly like this song as it contains themes of travel, adventure and one's own path of life.




Click on the words in blue for detailed explanations of the grammar.

가사 (Lyrics)

아주 멀리 까지 가보고 싶어
(= I want to go very far)

• 아주 = very
• 멀리 = far
• ~까지 = up to, until
• 가보다 = go and see
• ~고 싶다 = want to

그 곳 에서 누구를 만날수가 있을지
(= I wonder who I could meet at that place.)

• 그 곳 = that place
• ~에서 = at
• 누구 = who
• 만나다 = meet
• ~수 있다 = can
• ~을지 = wonder

아주 높이까지 오르고 싶어
(= I want to climb up to very high.)

• 높이 = high
• 오르다 = climb up

얼마나 더 먼 곳을 바라볼 수 있을지
(= I wonder how far I could look.)

• 얼마나 = how (much)
• 더 = more
• 멀다 = far
• 먼 곳 = far place
• 바라보다 = look

작은 물병 하나 먼지 낀 카메라
(= A small water bottle. A camera covered with dust.)

• 작다 = small
• 물병 = water bottle
• 하나 = one
• 먼지 = dust
• 먼지 낀 = covered with dust
• 카메라 = camera

때 묻은 지도 가방 안에 넣고서
(= After putting a soiled map into my bag.)

• 때 묻은 = soiled, grimy
• 지도 = map
• 가방 = bag
• 안 = inside
• 넣다 = put in

언덕을 넘어 숲길을 헤치고
(= Passing the hill and pushing my way through)

• 언덕 = hill
• 넘다 = pass
• 숲길 = forest path/trail
• ~을 헤치다 = push one's way through

가벼운 발걸음 닿는 대로
(= As my light footsteps can reach.)

• 가볍다 = light (weight)
• 발걸음 = footsteps
• 닿다 = reach
• 닿는 대로 = as (I) can reach

끝없이 이어진 길을 천천히 걸어가네
(= I walk on slowly the endlessly connected path.)

• 끝없이 = endlessly
• 이어지다 = connected, extended
• 길 = path, trail, street
• 천천히 = slowly
• 걸어가다 = walk on

멍하니 앉아서 쉬기도 하고
(= Sometimes just sitting blankly and resting.)

• 멍하니 = vacantly, blankly
• 앉다 = sit
• 쉬다 = rest
• ~도 하고 = sometimes (do)

가끔 길을 잃어도 서두르지 않는 법
(= Occasionally when I lose my way, i don't hurry.)

• 가끔 = occasionally
• 잃다 = lose one's way
• 서두르다 = hurry
• 법 = way, method, law

언젠가는 나도 알게 되겠지
(= One day I will know, too.)

• 언젠가 = one day
• 나도 = I, too
• 알다 = know
• ~게 되다 = becomes that
• 알게 되다 = It become that I know
• ~겠지 = it is likely to happen this way

이 길이 곧 나에게 가르쳐 줄테니까
(= Because this path will teach me soon.)

• 이 길 = this path
• 곧 = soon
• 나에게 = to me
• 가르쳐 주다 = give the favour of teaching
• ~테니까 = because ~

촉촉한 땅바닥 앞서간 발자국
(= The moist ground. The footprint that went ahead (of me).)

• 촉촉한 = moist
• 땅바닥 = ground
• 앞서가다 = go ahead
• 발자국 = footprints

처음보는 하늘 그래도 낯 익은 길
(= The sky that I see for the first time. Though the familiar path.)

• 처음 = first time
• 보다 = see
• 하늘 = sky
• 그래도 = though
• 낯 익은 = familiar
• 길 = path

언덕을 넘어 숲길을 헤치고
가벼운 발걸음 닿는 대로
끝없이 이어진 길을 천천히 걸어가네
(as above)

새로운 풍경에 가슴이 뛰고
(= My heart beats to the new scenery.)

• 새로운 = new
• 풍경 = scenery, landscape
• 가슴 = heart
• 뛰다 = beat

별것 아닌 일에도 호들갑을 떨면서
(= Making a great fuss about things that are not a big deal.)

• 별것 아닌 일 = not a big deal
• 호들갑을 떨다 = make a great fuss about (trifles)

나는 걸어가네 휘파람 불며
(= I walk on while whistling.)

• 걸어가다 = walk on
• 휘파람 불다 = whistle
• ~며 = while ~

때로는 넘어져도 내 길을 걸어가네
(= Although I sometime stumble, I walk on my path.)

• 때로는 = sometimes
• 넘어지다 = fall down, stumble
• 내 길 = my path/way
• 걸어가다 = walk on
• ~네 = just (do)
• 걸어가네 = I just walk on

작은 물병 하나 먼지 낀 카메라
때 묻은 지도 가방 안에 넣고서
언덕을 넘어 숲길을 헤치고 가벼운 발걸음 닿는 대로
끝없이 이어진 길을 천천히 걸어가네
(as above)

     
내가 자라고 정든 이 거리를 난 가끔 그리워 하겠지만
(= Though sometimes I will miss this beloved street where I grew up,)

• 자라다 = grow up
• 정든 = beloved
• 거리 = street
• 난 = contracted form of 나는 (frequently used in spoken Korean)
• 가끔 = occasionally, sometimes
• 그리워하다 = miss
• ~겠지만 = though I would

이렇게 나는 떠나네
(= I leave like this.)

• 이렇게 = like this
• 떠나다 = leave

더 넓은 세상 으로
(= To a wider world.)

• 더 = more
• 넓다 = wide
• 세상 = world
• ~으로 = to

Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean

Lee Sora - Wind blows

This is a song called, "Wind blows," by Sora Lee. I'm putting up this video as an experiment. I'm translating the words into English. Listening is such an important part of learning a new language. If you can listen to this song and understand the words, you'll have learned the words, pronunciations and some grammar along the way. I'd like some feedback, too. Tell me if it's helping you. :) Cheers. Enjoy!


이소라 - 바람이 분다



Click on the words in blue for detailed explanations of the grammar.

가사 (Lyrics)

바람이 분다 서러운 마음에
(= The wind blows to my sad/sorrowful heart.)

• 바람 = wind
• 불다 = blow
• 서럽다 = sad/sorrowful
• 마음 = heart

텅 빈 풍경이 불어온다
(= The empty landscape comes blowing)

• 텅 비다 = completely empty
• 풍경 = landscape
• 불다 = blow
• 오다 = come

머리를 자르고 돌아오는 길에
(= (After) getting a hair cut, and (on my) way returning/coming back)

• 머리 = head, hair
• 자르다 = cut
• 돌아오다 = return, come back
• 길 = road, way

내내 글썽이던 눈물을 쏟는다
(= I pour out tears that were brimming all the time.)

• 내내 = all the time, throughout
• 글썽이다 = (tears) brimming
• 눈물 = tears
• 쏟다 = pour out

하늘이 젖는다
(= The sky gets wet/drenched.)

• 하늘 = sky
• 젖다 = wet

어두운 거리에 찬 빗방울이 떨어진다
(= (On) the dark street, cold raindrops fall/drop down.)

• 어둡다 = dark
• 거리 = street
• 차다 = cold (touch)
• 빗방울 = raindrops
• 떨어지다 = fall/drop down

무리를 지으며 따라오는 비는 내게서 먼 것 같아
(= The rain that groups together and following (me) seems far from me.)

• 무리 = group
• 무리를 지으다 = form a group (together)
• 따라오다 = follow
• 비 = rain
• 멀다 = far
• ~것 같아 = it seems

이미 그친 것 같아
(= It seems that (the rain) has already stopped.)

• 이미 = already
• 그치다 = stop
• ~것 같아 = it seems

세상은 어제와 같고 시간은 흐르고 있고 
(= The world is the same as yesterday and the time is passing.)

• 세상 = world
• 어제 = yesterday
• 같다 = same
• 시간 = time
• 흐르다 = flow
• 시간이 흐르다 = time passes

나만 혼자 이렇게 달라져 있다
(= Only I am changed like this alone.)

• 나 = I
• 만 = only
• 혼자 = alone
• 이렇게 = like this
• 다르다 = different
• 달라지다 = become different, change

바람에 흩어져 버린 허무한 내 소원들은 애타게 사라져간다
(= My vain/futile wishes that got scattered by the wind are disappearing with yearning/longing.)

• 바람 = wind
• 흩어지다 = be scattered
• 흩어져 버리다 = get scattered (completely) (~버리다: 먹어 버리다 = eat completely)
• 허무하다 = vain, futile
• 내 = my (contracted form of 나의)
• 소원 = wish
• 소원들 = wishes (들 is attached to a noun to make it plural. However, a singular noun by itself can often be translated as a plural noun. e.g. 정원에 사과가 많다 = There are many apples in the garden.)

바람이 분다 
(= The wind blows)

시린 한기 속에 지난 시간을 되돌린다
(= In the freezing cold air, I restore the past time.)

• 시리다 = freezing
• 한기 = cold air/atmosphere
• 속 = inside
• 지난 = past
• 시간 = time
• 되돌리다 = restore

여름 끝에 선 너의 뒷모습이 차가웠던 것 같아
(= The image of your back, standing at the end of summer, seemed very cold.)

• 여름 = summer
• 끝 = end
• 서다 = stand
• 너 = you
• 너의 = your
• 뒷 = behind
• 모습 = appearance, image
• 차갑다 = cold
• 차가웠다 = was cold
• ~것 같아 = it seems

다 알 것 같아
(= I think I know it all.)

• 다 = all
• 알다 = know

내게는 소중했었던 잠 못 이루던 날들이 너에겐 지금과 다르지 않았다
(= The days that were precious and restless/sleepless to me were not (the days) any different to you as of now)

• 내게는 = to me (contracted form of 나에게는)
• 소중하다 = precious
• 소중했다 = was precious
• 소중했었다 = was precious (same as 소중했다)
• 잠 = sleep
• 잠 못 이루다 = sleepless, restless
• 날 = day
• 날들 = days
• 너 = you
• 에겐 = contracted form of 에게는
• 지금 = now
• 다르다 = different

사랑은 비극이어라 그대는 내가 아니다
(= Love is a tragedy. You are not me.)

• 사랑 = love
• 비극 = tragedy
• 이어라 = same as 이다 (Note: 이어라 is usually used in poems. Simply speaking, it's a dramatic form of 이다)
• 그대 = you (same as 너(informal). 그대 is usually used in songs, poems and other literary genre.)
• 내가 = 나 + 가 (Note: 나가 is wrong. 나 + 가 = 내가)
• 아니다 = no, not

추억은 다르게 적힌다
(= Memories are written differently.)

• 추억 = memory, reminescence
• 다르다 = different
• 다르게 = differently
• 적다 = write
• 적히다 = be written

나의 이별은 잘 가라는 인사도 없이 치러진다
(= My farewell/parting (with you) is carried out without any greetings of 'bye.")

• 나의 = my (its contracted form is 내)
• 이별 = farewell, parting
• 잘 가 = bye
• 인사 = greetings
• 없다 = there is/are not
• ~없이 = without (something)
• 치러지다 = be carried out

세상은 어제와 같고 시간은 흐르고 있고 
(= The world is the same as yesterday and the time is passing.)

• 세상 = world
• 어제 = yesterday
• 같다 = same
• 시간 = time
• 흐르다 = flow
• 시간이 흐르다 = time passes

나만 혼자 이렇게 달라져 있다
(= Only I am changed like this alone.)

• 나 = I
• 만 = only
• 혼자 = alone
• 이렇게 = like this
• 다르다 = different
• 달라지다 = become different, change

내게는 천금같았던 추억이 담겨져 있던 
(= The memories that were priceless to me, that were filled.)

• 내게는 = to me (contracted form of 나에게는)
• 천금 같다 = priceless
• 천금 같았다 = was priceless
• 천금 = Lit. thousands of gold
• 같다 = same as
• 같았다 = was same as, was like
• 담겨있다 = be put in, be filled

머리위로 바람이 분다
(= The wind blows above (my) head)

• 머리 = head, hair
• 위 = above, up
• 바람 = wind
• 불다 = blow

눈물이 흐른다
(= The tears flow.)

• 눈물 = tears
• 흐르다 = flow

Learn Through Music

• The List of Songs In Korean

I used to do - 했었어

었어 is used with verbs and adjectives to mean "used to".

Informal	Written Form	Spoken Form
Positive	했었다	했었어
Negative	하지 않았었다 안 했었다	하지 않았었어 안 했었어

* The letters in bold are used more commonly in each corresponding form.

Replace 다 in verbs in their past tense with 었다

• 갔다 → 갔었다 = used to go
• 안갔다 → 안갔었다 = used to not go
• 왔다 → 왔었다 = used to come
• 먹었다 → 먹었었다 = used to eat
• 마셨다 → 마셨었다 = used to drink
• 좋아했다 → 좋아했었다 = used to like
• 싫어했다 → 싫어했었다 = used to hate 
• 봤다 → 봤었다 = used to watch
• 들었다 → 들었었다 = used to listen 
• 읽었다 → 읽었었다 = used to read
• 썼다 → 썼었다 = used to write / use
• 살았다 → 살았었다 = used to live
• 샀다 → 샀었다 = used to buy

Example sentences

• (예전에) 서울 중학교를 다녔었어 = I used to attend/go to Seoul Middle School (before/in the past).
  
• 예전에는 버섯을 좋아했었어 = I used to like mushrooms in the past. *(but not now)
• 2년전에 영국에서 살았었어 = I used to live in England 2 years ago.
  
• 초등학생 때는 소설책을 많이 읽었었어 = I used to read a lot of novels when I was a primary school student.
• 예전에는 버스를 많이 탔었는데, 지금은 지하철을 더 많이 이용해 = I used to ride a bus a lot but now I use the subway more.

The same apples to adjectives

• 좋았다 → 좋았었다 = (it) used to be good
• 안 좋았다 → 안 좋았었다 = used to be not good 
• 컸다 → 컸었다 = used to be big / large *
• 작았다 → 작았었다 = used to be small
• 높았다 → 높았었다 = used to be tall **
• 많았다 → 많았었다 = (there) used to be a lot / many
• 적었다 → 적었었다 = used to be few/little (in quantity)

* 크다/컸다/컸었다 can also mean "tall" when used to refer to height of a person or animals.

• E.g. 키가 컸었다 = used to be tall (키 = height)

** 높다/높았다/높았었다 is used for objects only such as buildings, mountains or sky.

• E.g. 엠파이어 스테이트 빌딩은 다른 빌딩들이 세워지기 전까지 뉴욕에서 가장 높았었다 = The Empire State Building used to be the tallest building in New York City before other buildings were built.

Example Sentences

• 오전에는 주차장에 차들이 많았었는데, 지금은 되게 적네 = There used to be a lot of cars in the car park but now there are only a few. (되게 적네 = very few / little)
  
• 이 사과나무는 5년전만 해도 내 키보다 작았었는데, 지금은 우리 집보다 더 커 = This apple tree used to smaller than my height but now it's bigger (taller) than our house.

Polite Form

Polite	Written Form	Spoken Form
Positive	했었습니다	했었어요
Negative	안 했었습니다 하지 않았었습니다	안 했었어요 하지 않았었어요

 

• 어렸을 때는 버섯을 싫어했었는데, 지금은 잘 먹어요 = I used to hate mushrooms when I was young but now I eat them well.
• 겨울에는 나무에 잎이 하나도 없었는데, 지금은 많아요 = There used to be no leaves on trees, but now there are many / a lot of /a plenty of leaves.
• 작년에는 시골로 여행을 자주 갔었어요 = I used to travel to countrysides often last year.

• 부산에 가면 떡을 자주 사먹었어요 = When I go to Busan, I used to buy and eat rice cakes quite often.*
• 예전에는 연필로 많이 썼었는데, 지금은 펜을 더 많이 사용해요 = I used to write with a pencil a lot but now I use a pen more often.
• 예전에는 팝뮤직만 들었었는데, 지금은 클래식도 듣고, 다른 예전 노래들도 들어요. = I used to only listen to pop music but now I also listen to classics and other songs of the past. 
• 더운 여름에 시원한 개울가에 자주 놀러갔었어요 = When it was hot in summer, we used to go to a cool stream/brook and play around there. **

* 사먹다 = buy and eat
** 놀러가다 = to go and play

The Purpose and Motivations for learning Korean

Here are your answers!

Thank you all! for responding to my questions in the update post below, I have accumulated all the responses and condensed them to see what were most common reasons/motivations/purpose for learning Korean: :)

1. Korean people / friends / lover / neighbour (12 responses)
2. Korean dramas (10 responses)
3. K-Pop (9 responses)
4. Korean culture / customs / history (7 responses)
5. Korean language / grammar (2 reponses)
6. Korean food (2 responses)
7. Politeness / respect (2 responses)
8. Korean shows (2 responses)
9. Lifestyle (1 response)
10. Ideas (1 response)
11. Technology (1 response)

So the top motivaton for learning Korean is "people"!
Closely followed by K-dramas and K-pop!

It is not surprising to see that the reason for learning a new language comes from a desire to communicate and connect with other people, and to understand them, and their way of life.

I think the languages are cool, in that once you get to learn them, you understand something you couldn't understand before, and it's such a wonderful feeling. Plus there's a definite progress there so the more you work on it, the more you learn and understand.

Anyways, thank you for your responses!
I think I'll probably work on my grammar blog again soon.

It's been such a long time since I posted any lessons but I'll see what I can do to improve this blog, and help you get to the level you want to reach.

And I'll consider these responses and may integrate them in my future posts somehow.
In the meantime, all the best with your learning Korean! :)

Luke

Update

Hi to you all!!

As you know, I haven't been able to work on my blog for quite a while, although I have tried to answer your questions for the last few days. Before long, I thought I might ask you this question. It might help me orient the direction of this blog. Maybe, it might be helpful to know what kind of lessons or resources I need to provide to you who are eager to learn Korean! :)

The questions are:
What is the reason for studying Korean?
What made you start studying Korean?
Why do you want to learn Korean?

Basically, the motivation or reasons for learning Korean?
And btw, all the best with learning the language!

Update

Hey Lovely People who are enthusiastic and very willing to learn Korean!

Here's a quick update from me.

I presume many of the regular visitors of the Korean Grammar blog would have noticed that I have suddenly stopped posting any new entries.

I'm sorry that I haven't put up any news or update regarding this.

Here's my current circumstance.
I can hardly find any spare time to write even one entry properly.
Basically, every day is used up in pursuing my study and work.


I'll probably rewrite and continue my next entries when my holidays start,
and they start around the middle of May.
I may be able to write occasionally but I cannot guarantee it.

I appreciate your understanding and hope you'd continue to learn Korean through other means.

Let me introduce you to one such website, http://www.talktomeinkorean.com/

Talk To Me In Korean is one of the best Korean grammar resources available on the internet.

Try it and you'll find a lot of resources on Korean through various media including audios, videos and workbooks in both mp3 and pdf format.
Most of their resources are available online for free!
They provide lots of Korean grammar lessons that we actually use in our conversations everyday so they're really helpful.

Give it a try!

Meanwhile, I still answer questions as they come up but it may be limited and short,
you get your best chance of being answered by giving me short, concise questions- ;)

Study hard and enjoy~

Luke

Update

Hello to you all who come to this blog to learn Korean!

This is Luke again for another short update.

In light of the poll that I've recently put up, it seems that there are still many people (up to 40% of the people who took the poll so far) who have just started learning Korean or have only gotten to know the Korean alphabet.

Therefore, it seemed appropriate that I should spend more time working on posts which would help those who have just started or are not very familiar with the Korean grammar yet.

I am, by God's grace, improving the content or quality of many of my previous posts. I may still put up new posts but I will primarily work on the posts in the past.

Although I cannot guarantee that the posts will be updated and improved everyday or very frequently, I hope to improve the whole content and quality of all the posts this year nonetheless. This is kind of my new year's resolutions but we know the failure rate, right? Nevertheless, I think it's good to have a go and plan to do it. It only gets better if we actually do them.

So far,

• Welcome
• Korean Alphabet
• Sentence Order
• Particles - 는, 가
• Particles - 도, 를, 에
• Pronouns- This, It, That
• Nouns - Present, Past  
• Nouns - Nominalizing Verbs
• Nouns - Numbers and Counting  
• Adjectives - Present, Past
• Adjectives - Polite [Present, Past]
• Adjectives - Descriptive  
• Adjectives - Connective
• Verbs - Present, Past  
• Verbs - Polite [Present, Past]
• Verbs - Future [Will]  
• Verbs - Continuous
• Verbs - Connective  
• Verbs - Can
• Verbs - Have 

have been updated and improved.

If you have any comments, questions, feedback, or suggestions, please leave them below.

Cheers,

Luke