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The Soft Art of Asking: How to Make a Polite Request in Korean (한국에서 '예쁘게' 부탁하는 법: 요구처럼 들리지 않게) (Why “juseyo” isn’t always enough)You’re on the subway. You point and ask someone, "Ijjogeuro gayo?" ("This way, go?") The person stares back, momentarily confused by the abrupt, incomplete phrasing.At a convenience store, you point to an item and command, "Igeo juseyo" ("This, give."). The clerk freezes, a brief, awkward silence hanging in the air as they register the direct demand.In Korean, a.. 2025. 11. 15.
The Korean "Sorry": More Than Just an Apology (한국식 '죄송합니다': 단순한 사과가 아닌 이유) (Why “I’m sorry” isn’t always about being sorry)You bump into someone on the subway. You say joesonghamnida (죄송합니다). The clerk is late ringing you up. They say joesonghamnida. You misread the menu and order wrong. You say joesonghamnida.In Korea, joesonghamnida isn’t just “I’m sorry.” It’s a way to ease interactions, show respect, soften requests, and sometimes—simply keep the peace.Common Uses .. 2025. 11. 2.
A Simple Rule for "Yes" and "No" in Korea (간단한 규칙: 한국에서 '네'와 '아니오'를 구별하는 법) (Why “yes” might mean “no” in Korean)You ask: “This isn’t spicy, right?” They say: Ne (네).A common misunderstanding occurs here: The foreigner, thinking of English, hears 'Yes,' assumes the answer is “Yes, it is spicy,” and avoids eating it. However, the Korean person actually meant, “I agree, it is not spicy.”Wait—why did "Yes" mean the opposite of what I thought?In Korean, ne (네) doesn’t alway.. 2025. 10. 10.
How Old Are You? Korea’s Age Question Explained (나이가 어떻게 되세요? 한국인이 나이를 묻는 진짜 이유) When Koreans ask your age, they're not being nosy. They’re trying to figure out how to speak to you politely.The Question That Stops ConversationsIt happens within minutes of meeting someone new. "How old are you?"For many foreigners, this feels like an instant privacy violation. In most Western cultures, asking a stranger’s age is simply rude—a big conversational stop sign.A common reaction sha.. 2025. 9. 29.
Juseyo: The One Korean Word You Absolutely Need to Know (이 단어 하나면 한국 여행 끝! 마법의 단어 '주세요') (How one word helps you survive in Korea)You walk into a convenience store. You want water. You say “water.” The clerk stares at you.Now try: Mul juseyo (물 주세요). Suddenly, everything works.In Korea, juseyo (주세요) is more than “please.” It’s a polite request, a soft command, and a survival tool.Common Uses of “juseyo”Korean PhrasePronunciationMeaning / Use물 주세요mul juseyo“Water, please”영수증 주세요yeong.. 2025. 9. 27.
A Guide to Saying "No" in Korea, Without Saying "No" (한국에서 "아니요"라고 말하지 않고 거절하는 방법) (Why “aniyo” isn’t always enough)You want to say “no.” But in Korea, saying aniyo (아니요) can feel too direct. Sometimes, it’s not what you say— but how softly you say it, or how much you don’t say at all.Common Ways to Say “No” (Without Saying “No”)Korean ExpressionPronunciationMeaning / Use아니요aniyoDirect “no” (can sound blunt)괜찮습니다gwaenchanseumnida“I’m okay” / polite refusal다음에요daeume-yo“Maybe n.. 2025. 9. 26.

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