Showing them that you are learning Korean
If you’re learning Korean, you might find yourself in a situation where a Korean person says, “You speak Korean!” after you say something in Korean. It’s not uncommon for Koreans to ask foreigners how they learned Korean when they speak the language well. If you’re unsure how to respond, don’t worry. In this post, I’ll share a few ways to respond when someone praises your Korean skills.
Thank you
Thank you
고맙습니다.
[go-mab-sseum-ni-da]
One of the simplest and most polite ways to respond when someone praises your Korean skills, is simply to say, “Thank you”. This response is universally acceptable, and shows your gratitude without over-explaining.
This isn’t limited to just receiving compliments. Whenever you want to express gratitude in Korea, whether it’s for a favor, a gift, or any small act of kindness, you can use “고맙습니다”. Expressing appreciation is a good habit to have in any language.
I can speak a little Korean
I can speak a little Korean.
한국어 조금 할 줄 알아요.
[han-gu-geo-jo-geum-hal-jul-a-ra-yo]
If you feel like you’re not quite at a high level yet, you can also respond with, “I can speak a little Korean”. This response is humble but also honest about your skills. It’s a nice way to show that you’re still learning but making progress. It’s a good way to downplay your skills while still acknowledging the compliment!
I learned Korean before coming here
I learned Korean before coming here.
여기 오기 전에 한국어 공부했어요.
[yeo-gi-o-gi-jeo-ne-han-gu-geo-gong-bu-hae-sseo-yo]
This is a good way to let the other person know that you’ve put effort into learning Korean before arriving in Korea. Saying you learned Korean before coming here shows that you respect the language and the people. This kind of response expresses both your commitment to understanding the culture and your effort to communicate with others in a respectful way. Koreans really appreciate it when foreigners make the effort to speak their language, and this response reflects that respect.
I learned Korean because I like K-pop
I learned Korean because I llike K-pop.
K-pop을 좋아해서 한국어를 배웠어요.
[K-pop-eul-jo-a-hae-seo-han-gu-geo-reul-bae-wo-sseo-yo]
If you’re a K-pop fan, you could respond with, “I learned Korean because I love K-pop.” For many people, K-pop is one of the biggest reasons they start learning Korean. In fact, there’s a saying in Korea: “The best way to learn a foreign language is to become a fan of the stars from that country.” This reflects how many K-pop fans learn Korean—not just through the songs, but also by watching variety shows and interviews featuring their favorite idols. Actually, one of my friends was a fan of the Japanese boy group Arashi, and she had memorized all the lyrics.
I’m a Seventeen fan
I’m a Seventeen fan.
저는 세븐틴 팬이예요.
[jeo-neun-Seventeen-fa-ni-ye-yo]
If you’re a fan of a particular K-pop group, you can mention that to make the conversation more personal. For example, “I’m a SEVENTEEN fan.” Of course, you can substitute SEVENTEEN with whichever group you’re a fan of, whether it’s BTS, BLACKPINK, NewJeans, or any other K-pop group you love. Talking about your favorite group can spark an exciting conversation with a Korean who might also love the same group.
My bias is DINO
My bias is DINO.
제 최애는 DINO예요.
[je-choi-ae-neun-DINO-ye-yo]
To make the conversation even more specific, you can mention your bias, or favorite member of the group. For example, “My bias is DINO.” Sharing your bias is a great way to express your personal connection to the group. Koreans love talking about their favorite idols, and mentioning your bias can lead to more engaging conversations about K-pop and idols in general.
When saying “최” [Choi], it’s important to remember that it’s not pronounced as [cho-i], but rather “최” with a sound closer to [Chweh]. To make it easier, think of it as quickly pronouncing [cho] and then immediately following it with [ae]. It’s like blending the two sounds together smoothly and quickly.
When someone praises your Korean, it’s always nice to acknowledge their compliment with a simple response. You can use the options above to show your gratitude, share your learning journey, or even bond over shared interests like K-pop! Whatever response you choose, remember that the most important thing is to appreciate the conversation and keep learning. Keep practicing and enjoying the process of learning Korean!
If you want to see more Korean expressions, go to my previous post : Korean Slang
