A

*a 아¹ INTERJECTION = ah!, oh!

아, 제가 실수했네요. A, jega silssuhaenneyo. Oh, I made a mistake.

a 아² PARTICLE = vocative particle

소영아, 이리 와! Soyeonga, iri wa! Soyoung, come here!

NOTE: See the note on 야² ya.

*a 아³ ENDING

1 = 아서 aseo

2 = ending linking prime verbs/adjectives and auxiliary ones

눈을 감아 봐. Nuneul gama bwa. Close your eyes.

*a 아⁴ ENDING

1 = declarative ending

네 말이 맞아. Ne mari maja. You’re right.

2 = inquisitive ending

뭐 찾아? Mwo chaja? What are you looking for?

3 = imperative ending

이 깨끗이 닦아. I kkaekkeusi dakka. Clean your teeth.

*abeoji 아버지 NOUN = father (ANT. 어머니)

그분은 저한테 아버지 같은 분이에요. Geubuneun jeohante abeoji gateun bunieyo. He’s like a father to me.

abeonim 아버님 [아버 father (from 아버지) + 님 sir] NOUN = father, father-in-law (ANT. 어머님)

아버님은 뭐 하세요? Abeonimeun mwo haseyo? What does your father do for a living?

*achim 아침 NOUN

1 = morning

저는 아침에 일찍 일어나요. Jeoneun achime iljjing nireonayo. I wake up early in the morning.

2 = breakfast

아침은 8시와 9시 사이에 제공됩니다. Achimeun yeodeol siwa ahop si saie jegongdoemnida. Breakfast is served between 8 and 9 o’clock.

adeul 아들 NOUN = son (ANT. 딸)

네 살 된 아들이 하나 있습니다. Ne sal doe nadeuri hana itsseumnida. I have a four-year-old son.

adeunim 아드님 [아드 son (from 아들) + 님 sir] NOUN = (sb else’s) son (ANT. 따님)

아드님이 자랑스러우시겠어요. Adeunimi jarangseureousigesseoyo. You must be proud of your son.

ado 아도 ENDING = (even) if, though

이제 집에 가도 돼요? Ije jibe gado dwaeyo? Can I go home now?

NOTE: 아도/어도/여도 is attached to the stem of verbs/adjectives and indicates supposition or concession. The expressions 아도/어도/여도 되다 and 아도/어도/여도 괜찮다 are used when you seek someone’s permission. If the final vowel in the stem of the verbs/adjectives is ㅏ/ㅗ, the stem is combined with an ending 아도, and in other cases, with 어도. When 여도 is applied to the stem of verbs/adjectives ending in 하다, it becomes 하여도. But it is mostly shortened to 해도.

ae 애¹ = shortened form of 아이¹ ai

ae 애² NOUN

1 = anxiety, impatience

시간이 얼마 남지 않아서 애가 탔다. Sigani eolma namjji anaseo aega tattta. I was upset that time was running out.

2 = trouble, effort

아무리 애를 써도 그 책을 구할 수가 없었다. Amuri aereul sseodo geu chaegeul guhal ssuga eopsseottta. Try as I might, I couldn’t get the book.

IDIOMS

aega tada 애(가) 타다 = be worried sick

시간이 다 돼 가는데 걔가 안 와서 애가 타요. Sigani da dwae ganeunde gyaega a nwaseo aega tayo. I’m worried sick because it’s almost time but he’s not here.

aega teojida 애(가) 터지다 = 애(가) 타다

aereul meoktta 애(를) 먹다 = have trouble

여기 찾느라고 애를 먹었어요. Yeogi channeurago aereul meogeosseoyo. I had a hard time finding this place.

aereul sseuda 애(를) 쓰다 = try hard

이거 준비하느라 애 많이 썼겠다. Igeo junbihaneura ae mani sseotkkettta. You must have taken great pains to prepare this.

aereul taeuda 애(를) 태우다 = worry sick (SYN. 가슴을 태우다, 속을 태우다)

그런 일로 애를 태울 것 없다. Geureon nillo aereul taeul kkeot eoptta. Don’t fuss over it.

aecho 애초 [애 + 初 early] NOUN = beginning, start (SYN. 처음 1)

애초에 시작하지 말았어야 했어요. Aechoe sijakaji marasseoya haesseoyo. You shouldn’t have started it.

aein 애인 [愛 love + 人 people → someone you love] NOUN = lover, boyfriend, girlfriend

여자들 중에서 그냥 친구는 많은데 애인은 없습니다. Yeojadeul jungeseo geunyang chin-guneun maneunde aeineun eopsseumnida. I have a lot of female friends but no girlfriend.

aejeong 애정 [愛 love + 情 affection] NOUN = love, affection (SYN. 사랑)

저는 우리나라에 대해 깊은 애정을 갖고 있습니다. Jeoneun urinarae daehae gipeu naejeongeul gatkko itsseumnida. I have a deep affection for my country.

aekseseori 액세서리 [from English accessory] NOUN = accessories

액세서리는 몇 층에 있어요? Aekseseorineun myeot cheunge isseoyo? Which floor has accessories?

NOTE: 악세사리 is also used although 액세서리 is the correct form.

aekssu 액수 /액쑤/ [額 amount of money + 數 number] NOUN = sum (of money)

액수가 맞는지 확인해 보시겠어요? Aekssuga manneunji hwaginhae bosigesseoyo? Can you check whether you have the correct total?

aelbeom 앨범 [from English album] NOUN

1 = (photo) album

결혼 앨범 좀 보자. Gyeolhon aelbeom jom boja. Let me see your wedding album.

2 = record, album (SYN. 음반)

새 앨범은 언제 나오나요? Sae aelbeomeun eonje naonayo? When is your new album coming out?

aesseuda 애쓰다 [애 trouble + 쓰다 use] VERB = try, endeavor (SYN. 노력하다)

나 지금 화를 안 내려고 애쓰고 있어요. Na jigeum hwareul an naeryeogo aesseugo isseoyo. I’m trying not to get angry.

agassi 아가씨 NOUN = young lady, Miss

아가씨, 이거 혹시 아가씨 지갑인가요? Agassi, igeo hokssi agassi jigabingayo? Miss, is this your wallet?

NOTE: 아가씨 is used when an older person addresses a younger woman, especially when they are not acquainted with each other.

*agi 아기 NOUN = baby

태어났을 때 아기 몸무게가 얼마였어요? Taeeonasseul ttae agi mommugega eolmayeosseoyo? How much did your baby weigh when he was born?

aha 아하 INTERJECTION = aha!

아하! 그렇구나! Aha! Geureokuna! Aha! I see.

*aheun 아흔 NUMERAL = ninety

할아버지는 올해 연세가 아흔이세요. Harabeojineun olhae yeonsega aheuniseyo. My grandfather turned ninety this year.

ahop 아홉 NUMERAL = nine

고양이는 아홉 개의 목숨을 가졌다는 말이 있다. Goyangineun ahop kkaee mokssumeul gajeotttaneun mari ittta. Cats are said to have nine lives.

*ai 아이¹ NOUN = child, kid

아이가 잘못을 하면 주로 어떻게 하세요? Aiga jalmoseul hamyeon juro eotteoke haseyo? If your child does something wrong, what do you usually do?

NOTE: 아이 is also used between friends to refer to each other although they are not children any more.

ai 아이² = 아이고 aigo

aidieo 아이디어 [from English idea] NOUN = idea

멋진 아이디어가 떠올랐어요. Meotjjin aidieoga tteoollasseoyo. I hit upon a great idea.

aigo 아이고 INTERJECTION = oh, oops, my goodness

아이고, 정말 죄송해요. Aigo, jeongmal joesonghaeyo. Oh, I’m terribly sorry.

*aiseukeurim 아이스크림 [from English ice cream] NOUN = ice cream

아이스크림이 녹기 전에 얼른 집에 가자. Aiseukeurimi nokkki jeone eolleun jibe gaja. Let’s hurry home before the ice cream melts.

*ajeossi 아저씨 NOUN = middle-aged man (ANT. 아줌마)

그 애는 15살이지만, 아저씨처럼 보인다. Geu aeneun yeolttaseot ssarijiman, ajeossicheoreom boinda. Though he is only fifteen, he looks old.

*ajik 아직 ADVERB = still, yet

아직 할 일이 많아요. Aji ka riri manayo. I still have a lot to do.

다행이다! 아직 안 갔구나! Dahaengida! Ajik an gatkkuna! Thank god you are still here!

*aju 아주 ADVERB = very, extremely (SYN. 몹시, 매우, 대단히, 굉장히, 무척, 되게)

냄새가 아주 좋은데요. Naemsaega aju joeundeyo. It smells very good.

*ajumeoni 아주머니 = 아줌마 ajumma

*ajumma 아줌마 NOUN = middle-aged woman (ANT. 아저씨)

아줌마, 도와 드릴까요? Ajumma, dowa deurilkkayo? May I help you, madam?

akka 아까 NOUN, ADVERB = a while ago

아까부터 인터넷에서 뭘 찾고 있어요? Akkabuteo inteoneseseo mwol chatkko isseoyo? What are you searching on the Internet for so long?

아까 전화 거신 분인가요? Akka jeonhwa geosin buningayo? Are you the person who called a while ago?

akkaptta 아깝다 /아깝따/ ADJECTIVE

1 = valuable

이 책상은 버리기 아까운데요. I chaekssangeun beorigi akkaundeyo. This table is still too good to throw away.

2 = regrettable, pitiful

이번 경기는 정말 아깝게 졌어요. Ibeon gyeonggineun jeongma rakkapkke jeosseoyo. We lost by a neck in this match.

akkida 아끼다 VERB

1 = save, economize (SYN. 절약하다)

물 좀 아껴 써라. Mul jo makkyeo sseora. Please don’t waste water.

2 = cherish

이 그릇은 엄마가 제일 아끼시는 거예요. I geureuseun eommaga jei rakkisineun geoyeyo. This is my mom’s favorite plate.

akkki 악기 /악끼/ [樂 music + 器 tool] NOUN = musical instrument

다룰 줄 아는 악기 있어요? Darul jul aneu nakkki isseoyo? Do you play any musical instruments?

akssu(hada) 악수(하다) /악쑤 (하다) / [握 grab + 手 hand] I NOUN = handshake II VERB = shake hands

악수는 보통 오른손으로 한다. Akssuneun botong oreunsoneuro handa. People usually use their right hand to shake hands.

al 알 NOUN = egg

새들은 알을 낳는다. Saedeureun areul nanneunda. Birds lay eggs.

*alda 알다 VERB = know (ANT. 모르다)

그 사람 전화번호 아는 사람 아무도 없나요? Geu saram jeonhwabeonho aneun saram amudo eomnayo? Isn’t there anybody who knows his number?

alkool 알코올 [from English alcohol] NOUN = alcohol

저는 알코올 없는 음료 주세요. Jeoneun alkool eomneu neumnyo juseyo. I’d like a non-alcoholic drink.

allida 알리다 [알다 know + 리 causative suffix] VERB = inform, notify

언제 내려야 할지 좀 알려주세요. Eonje naeryeoya haljji jo mallyeojuseyo. Please let me know when I should get off.

allyeojida 알려지다 [알려 inform (from 알리 다) + 지다 become] VERB = become (well) known

조수미는 세계적으로 알려진 음악가다. Josumineun segyejeogeuro allyeoji neumakkkada. Sumi Jo is a world-renowned musician.

almattta 알맞다 /알맏따/ ADJECTIVE = appropriate, proper, suitable (SYN. 적당하다, 적절하다, 적합하다)

다음 문장에서 잘못된 부분을 알맞게 고쳐라. Daeum munjangeseo jalmotttoen bubuneul almatkke gocheora. Correct the following incorrect sentences.

alta 앓다 /알타/ VERB = suffer (from), be sick

우리 가족 모두 감기를 앓고 있어요. Uri gajok modu gamkkireul alko isseoyo. All of my family are suffering from cold.

am 암 [癌 cancer] NOUN = cancer

저는 암에 걸렸었지만, 지금은 다 나았어요. Jeoneun ame geollyeosseotjjiman, jigeumeun da naasseoyo. I used to have cancer, but I’m completely cured now.

*ama 아마 ADVERB = probably, perhaps

아마 두 시까지는 돌아올 거예요. Ama du sikkajineun doraol kkeoyeyo. I’ll probably be back before 2.

NOTE: 아마 is followed by the word of speculation such as 것이다, - ㄹ걸/을걸.

amachueo 아마추어 [from English amateur] NOUN = amateur (ANT. 프로¹ 1)

그 사람의 연주 실력은 아마추어 수준을 넘어요. Geu sarame yeonju sillyeogeun amachueo sujuneul neomeoyo. His skill in the instrument is beyond that of an amateur.

amado 아마도 = 아마 ama

amkeot 암컷 /암컫/ NOUN = female (ANT. 수컷)

나비의 암컷과 수컷을 구별하는 것은 쉽지 않다. Nabie amkeotkkwa sukeoseul gubyeolhaneun geoseun swipjji anta. It’s not easy to distinguish between female and male butterflies.

NOTE: 암컷 and 수컷 are used only to refer to animals.

ammun 앞문 /암문/ [앞 the front + 門 door] NOUN = front door (ANT. 뒷문)

앞문하고 뒷문 둘 다 잠갔지? Ammunhago dwinmun dul da jamgatjji? You locked both the front and the back door, right?

amnal 앞날 /암날/ [앞 the front + 날 day → days in front of you] NOUN = the future (SYN. 미래)

사람의 앞날은 알 수가 없어요. Sarame amnareun al ssuga eopsseoyo. No one knows what the future will bring.

amnyeok 압력 /암녁/ [壓 press + 力 strength] NOUN = pressure

압력은 자동으로 조절됩니다. Amnyeogeun jadongeuro jojeoldoemnida. The pressure is controlled automatically.

*amu 아무¹ PRONOUN = anyone, anybody

그 문제는 아무나 풀 수 있어요. Geu munjeneun amuna pul ssu isseoyo. Anyone could solve the problem.

저는 한국에 아는 사람이 아무도 없습니다. Jeoneun hanguge aneun sarami amudo eopsseumnida. I don’t know anybody in Korea.

amu 아무² DETERMINER = any

저는 아무 때나 좋아요. Jeoneun amu ttaena joayo. Any time is okay for me.

지금까지는 아무 문제 없어요. Jigeumkkajineun amu munje eopsseoyo. I haven’t had any problem so far.

amugeo 아무거 = colloquial word of 아무것 amugeot

amugeot 아무것 /아무걷/ [아무 any + 것 thing] NOUN = anything

이가 아파서 아무것도 먹을 수가 없어요. Iga apaseo amugeottto meogeul ssuga eopsseoyo. I have a toothache. I can’t eat anything.

amuraedo 아무래도 ADVERB = how hard I think

아무래도 병원에 가 봐야 할 것 같아. Amuraedo byeongwone ga bwaya hal kkeot gata. I think I need to see a doctor.

amureon 아무런 = 아무²

amureota 아무렇다 /아무러타/ ADJECTIVE = concerned, meaningful

저는 약속을 어기는 것을 아무렇지 않게 여기는 사람들이 싫어요. Jeoneun yakssogeul eogineun geoseul amureochi anke yeogineun saramdeuri sireoyo. I hate people who think nothing of breaking promises.

NOTE: 아무렇다 is always used as 아무렇지 않다.

amuri 아무리 ADVERB = no matter how

아무리 더워도 오늘은 샤워를 하시면 안 됩니다. Amuri deowodo oneureun syaworeul hasimyeon an doemnida. No matter how hot it is, you should not take a shower today.

NOTE: 아무리 is followed by - 아도/어도/여도.

amuteun 아무튼 ADVERB = anyway (SYN. 어쨌든, 하여튼)

아무튼 고마워. Amuteun gomawo. Thank you anyway.

*an 안¹ NOUN

1 = the inside (SYN. 속 1; ANT. 밖)

영화관 안은 시원할 거야. Yeonghwagwan aneun siwonhal kkeoya. It’ll be cool in the theater.

DEPENDENT NOUN

2 = within (SYN. 내¹)

오늘 안으로 숙제를 다 끝내야 해. Oneu raneuro sukjjereul da kkeunnaeya hae. I have to finish my homework by today.

*an 안² ADVERB = not

지금 자면 안 돼! Jigeum jamyeon an dwae. You mustn’t sleep now!

NOTE: In Korean, there are two forms of negation: a short-form and a long-form. The short-form negation is to add the adverb 안 before the predicate and the long-form negation is to use the ending - 지 않다. The former is mostly used in spoken language and the latter is likely to appear in written language.

*anae 아내 NOUN = wife (SYN. 부인, 마누라; ANT. 남편)

아내에게 꽃을 사 주려고 합니다. Anaeege kkocheul sa juryeogo hamnida. I want to buy some flowers for my wife.

NOTE: 아내 is a general Korean word for one’s wife; these days the word 와이프 is also widely used, though. And 마누라 is used to refer to your wife in a casual manner. 부인 is used for someone else’s wife.

anaunseo 아나운서 [from English announcer] NOUN = announcer, anchor

저는 TV 방송국 아나운서입니다. Jeoneun tibeui bangsonggu ganaunseoimnida. I’m an anchor for a TV station.

anbu 안부 [安 comfortable + 否 no → asking whether one is comfortable or not] NOUN = regards

오빠한테 안부 전해 줘. Oppahante anbu jeonhae jwo. Say hello to your brother for me.

anchida 앉히다 /안치다/ [앉다 sit + 히 causative suffix] VERB = sit, seat

아이들은 차의 앞 좌석에 앉히면 안 됩니다. Aideureun chae ap jwaseoge anchimyeon an doemnida. You shouldn’t let children sit in the front seat of a car.

*andoeda 안되다¹ [안 not + 되다 become → not to become successful] VERB = go poorly (ANT. 잘되다)

밖이 너무 시끄러워서 공부가 안돼요. Bakki neomu sikkeureowoseo gongbuga andwaeyo. I can’t study because it’s noisy outside.

andoeda 안되다² ADJECTIVE = sorry

그것 참 안됐군요. Geugeot cha mandwaetkkunnyo. That’s too bad.

NOTE: 안되다 is usually used as its past tense form: 안됐다.

angae 안개 NOUN = fog, mist

안개 때문에 10미터 앞도 보이지 않아요. Angae ttaemune sim miteo aptto boiji anayo. The fog is making it impossible to see 10 meters ahead.

angida 안기다 [안다 hug + 기 passive suffix] VERB = throw oneself into sb’s arms

아기는 엄마에게 안겨 있을 때가 제일 편안해 보여요. Agineun eommaege angyeo isseul ttaega jeil pyeonanhae boyeoyo. Babies look comfortable when they are in their moms’ arms.

angmong 악몽 /앙몽/ [惡 bad + 夢 dream] NOUN = nightmare, bad dream

나 그 영화 보고 나서 악몽을 꿨어요. Na geu yeonghwa bogo naseo angmongeul kkwosseoyo. After I saw that movie, I had a nightmare.

*angyeong 안경 [眼 eye + 鏡 lens → an item with lenses you wear for your vision] NOUN = glasses

그 안경 너한테 정말 잘 어울려. Geu angyeong neohante jeongmal ja reoullyeo. Those glasses really suit you.

*ani 아니 INTERJECTION = no

자? - 아니, 깨어 있어. Ja? - Ani, kkaeeo isseo. Are you sleeping? - No, I’m awake.

*anida 아니다 ADJECTIVE = not

그건 네가 걱정할 일이 아니다. Geugeon nega geokjjeongha riri anida. It is nothing you should be concerned about.

NOTE: 아니다 is transformed to 아니야, 아니에 요. See the note on 야³ ya and 에요 eyo.

*aniyo 아니요 INTERJECTION = no (honorific of

아니)

더 드시겠어요? - 아니요, 괜찮아요. Deo deusigesseoyo? - Aniyo, gwaenchanayo. Do you want some more? - No, thanks.

anjeon(hada) 안전 (하다) [安 comfortable + 全 whole] I NOUN = safety (ANT. 위험) II ADJECTIVE = safe (ANT. 위험하다)

이 장난감은 아이들이 가지고 놀기에 안전한 건가요? I jangnankkameun aideuri gajigo nolgie anjeonhan geongayo? Is this toy safe for kids to play with?

anjeonbelteu 안전벨트 [安 comfortable + 全 whole + belt] NOUN = seat belt

안전벨트 매는 법 좀 가르쳐 주시겠어요? Anjeonbelteu maeneun beop jjom gareucheo jusigesseoyo? Can you teach me how to fasten the seat belt?

anjeong 안정 [安 comfortable + 定 stable] NOUN = stability

제가 원하는 것은 경제적 안정입니다. Jega wonhaneun geoseun gyeongjejeok anjeongimnida. What I want is economic stability.

anjeongdoeda 안정되다 [安 comfortable + 定 stable + 되다 become] VERB = be stabilized

안정된 직장도 없이 결혼할 생각이야? Anjeongdoen jikjjangdo eopssi gyeolhonhal ssaenggagiya? Are you going to marry without a stable job?

anjjok 안쪽 [안 inside + 쪽 direction] NOUN = the inside

그 문은 안쪽에서 열린다. Geu muneun anjjogeseo yeollinda. The door opens from the inside.

anju 안주 [按 press + 酒 liquor] NOUN = food served with alcoholic drinks

안주는 뭐로 하시겠어요? Anjuneun mworo hasigesseoyo? What would you like with your drink?

ankkwa 안과 /안꽈/ [眼 eye + 科 department] NOUN = eye clinic

눈에 뭐가 들어가서 안과에 가는 길이야. Nune mwoga deureogaseo ankkwae ganeun giriya. I’m going to the eye doctor because I’ve got something in my eye.

NOTE: Be careful of the pronunciation of 안과.

annae(hada) 안내 (하다) [案 guide + 內 inside] I NOUN = guidance II VERB = guide, usher

손님을 202호실로 안내해 드리세요. Sonnimeul ibaegi hosillo annaehae deuriseyo. Show the gentleman to room 202.

*annyeong 안녕 [安 comfortable + 寧 peaceful] INTERJECTION

1 = hello, hi

안녕, 어떻게 지내니? Annyeong, eotteoke jinaeni? Hello, how have you been?

2 = bye

안녕, 나중에 보자. Annyeong, najunge boja. See you later.

*annyeonghada 안녕하다 [安 comfortable + 寧 peaceful + 하다 adjectival suffix → of being comfortable and peaceful] ADJECTIVE = well

안녕하세요? Annyeonghaseyo? Hello.

*annyeonghi 안녕히 [安 comfortable + 寧 peaceful + 히 adverbial suffix] ADVERB = peacefully

안녕히 계세요. Annyeonghi gyeseyo. Goodbye. 안녕히 가세요. Annyeonghi gaseyo. Goodbye.

anppang 안방 /안빵/ [안 inside + 房 room] NOUN = main room

여기가 안방이에요. Yeogiga anppangieyo. This is the master bedroom.

ansim(hada) 안심 (하다) [安 comfortable + 心 heart] I NOUN = relief II VERB = feel relieved, relax

이제 안심해도 돼. Ije ansimhaedo dwae. You can relax now.

*anta 않다 /안타/ I AUXILIARY VERB = (do) not

그 사람은 더 이상 여기에서 일하지 않아요. Geu sarameun deo isang yeogieseo ilhaji anayo. He doesn’t work here anymore. II AUXILIARY ADJECTIVE = not

나쁜 습관을 버리기는 쉽지 않아요. Nappeun seupkkwaneul beorigineun swipjji anayo. It’s not easy to get rid of a bad habit.

NOTE: The auxiliary verb/adjective 않다 appears as - 지 않다 after a verb/adjective.

antakkaptta 안타깝다 /안타깝따/ ADJECTIVE = regrettable, sad

안타깝지만 지금은 시간이 없어요. Antakkapjjiman jigeumeun sigani eopsseoyo. Unfortunately, I don’t have time right now.

*antta 안다 /안따/ VERB = hug, hold

제가 아기를 안고 있을 테니까 식사하세요. Jega agireul ankko isseul tenikka sikssahaseyo. I’ll hold the baby, so you can eat.

*antta 앉다 /안따/ VERB = sit, take a seat

여기 앉아도 되나요? Yeogi anjado doenayo? Can I sit here?

IDIOM

anjeuna seona 앉으나 서나 = always

그 사람은 앉으나 서나 일 생각만 해요. Geu sarameun anjeuna seona il saenggangman haeyo. He thinks about work 24/7.

anya 아냐 = shortened form of 아니야

*anyo 아뇨 = shortened form of 아니요 aniyo

*ap 앞 /압/ NOUN

1 = the front (ANT. 뒤 1)

앞으로 나오세요. Apeuro naoseyo. Come to the front.

2 = the future

앞으로 또 기회가 있을 거야. Apeuro tto gihoega isseul kkeoya. There will be another chance.

*apateu 아파트 [from English apart(ment)] NOUN = apartment (house), condominium

너희 아파트 근처에 지하철 역이 있니? Neohi apateu geuncheoe jihacheol yeogi inni? Is there a subway station near your apartment?

NOTE: 아파트 is from the English word apartment. It refers to an apartment or a condominium. (There’s a word 콘도, which came from the English word condo, but it is the equivalent of a resort with membership.)

*apeuda 아프다 ADJECTIVE = sick, painful (ANT. 건강하다)

무릎이 아파서 걸을 수가 없어요. Mureupi apaseo georeul ssuga eopsseoyo. I can’t walk because my knee hurts.

apeum 아픔 [아프 sick (from 아프다) + ㅁ nominal suffix] NOUN = pain, agony (SYN. 괴로움, 고통)

이 정도 아픔은 참을 수 있어요. I jeongdo apeumeun chameul ssu isseoyo. I can stand this much pain.

apeurika 아프리카 [from English Africa] NOUN = Africa

제 계획은 학교를 마치고 아프리카 여행을 하는 거예요. Je gyehoegeun hakkkyoreul machigo apeurika yeohaengeul haneun geoyeyo. My plan is to finish school and then travel in Africa.

apjjok 앞쪽 /압쪽/ [앞 the front + 쪽 direction] NOUN = the front, the head (ANT. 뒤쪽)

앞쪽으로 더 가까이 오세요. Apjjogeuro deo gakkai oseyo. Come closer to the front.

*appa 아빠 NOUN = dad (ANT. 엄마)

아빠 말씀이 맞아요. Appa malsseumi majayo. I suppose you’re right, Dad.

apsseo 앞서 /압써/ ADVERB = before, earlier

면접에 앞서 간단한 테스트가 있습니다. Myeonjeobe apsseo gandanhan teseuteuga itsseumnida. Before the interview, there will be a simple test.

apsseoda 앞서다 /압써다/ VERB

1 = go in advance

곧 따라갈 테니까 앞서 가세요. Got ttaragal tenikka apsseo gaseyo. Go ahead. I’ll catch up soon.

2 = take the lead

우리 팀이 아직 앞서고 있어요. Uri timi aji gapsseogo isseoyo. Our team is still leading the game.

apttuda 앞두다 /압뚜다/ [앞 the front + 두다 put] VERB = have sth ahead

저는 다음 달 입대를 앞두고 있습니다. Jeoneun daeum dal ripttaereul apttugo itsseumnida. I’m going to join the army next month.

NOTE: 앞두다 is usually used as - 을/를 앞두고.

apttwi 앞뒤 /압뛰/ [앞 the front + 뒤 the rear] NOUN = the front and the rear

팔을 앞뒤로 흔들어 보세요. Pareul apttwiro heundeureo boseyo. Swing your arms back and forth.

IDIOMS

apttwiga makida 앞뒤가 막히다 = narrow-minded, stubborn

우리 아버지는 앞뒤가 꽉 막힌 분이에요. Uri abeojineun apttwiga kkwang makin bunieyo. My father is so narrow-minded and inflexible.

apttwiga mattta 앞뒤가 맞다 = be consistent

네 말은 앞뒤가 안 맞아. Ne mareun apttwiga an maja. Your story doesn’t make sense.

*ara 아라 ENDING = imperative ending

내 손 잡아라. Nae son jabara. Hold my hand.

NOTE: 아라/어라/여라 is attached to the stem of verbs. If the final vowel in the stem of the verb is a ㅏ/ㅗ, the stem is combined with the ending 아라, and in other cases, with 어라. (But as an exception, 오다 takes 아라 as its ending and not 어라.) When 여라 is applied to the stem of verbs ending in 하다, it becomes 하여라. But it is mostly shortened to 해라.

araboda 알아보다 /아라보다/ VERB

1 = check, investigate

연극이 몇 시에 시작하는지 알아봐야겠다. Yeongeugi myeot ssie sijakaneunji arabwayagettta. I’ll check what time the play starts.

2 = recognize, identify

저를 알아보시겠어요? Jeoreul arabosigesseoyo? Do you recognize me?

aradeuttta 알아듣다 /아라듣따/ VERB = understand, follow

좀 더 알아듣기 쉽게 설명해 줄래? Jom deo aradeutkki swipkke seolmyeonghae jullae? Could you explain in a way that’s easier for me to understand?

*arae 아래 NOUN = the lower part (SYN. 밑; ANT. 위¹)

책을 책상 아래에 두세요. Chaegeul chaekssang araee duseyo. Lay the book under the desk.

아래 그림을 참고하세요. Arae geurimeul chamgohaseyo. Please refer to the following picture.

araecheung 아래층 [아래 the lower part + 層 floor] NOUN = downstairs (ANT. 위층)

10분 후에 아래층으로 내려갈게요. Sip ppun hue araecheungeuro naeryeogalkkeyo. I’ll be downstairs in ten minutes.

araejjok 아래쪽 [아래 the lower part + 쪽 direction] NOUN = lower direction, lower position (ANT. 위쪽)

화장실은 이 계단의 아래쪽에 있습니다. Hwajangsireun i gyedane araejjoge itsseumnida. The bathroom is down these stairs.

aranaeda 알아내다 /아라내다/ VERB = find out, discover, detect

그 사건에 대해 뭐 좀 알아낸 거 있어요? Geusakkeone daehae mwo jo maranaen geo isseoyo? Did you find out anything about the accident?

areubaiteu(hada) 아르바이트 (하다) [from German Arbeit] I NOUN = part-time job II VERB = work part-time

어떤 아르바이트를 해 봤나요? Eotteon areubaiteureul hae bwannayo? What kind of part-time jobs have you done before?

NOTE: Young people often shorten 아르바이트 to 알바.

*areumdaptta 아름답다 /아름답따/ ADJECTIVE = beautiful (ANT. 예쁘다)

제주도는 경치가 아름답기로 유명해요. Jejudoneun gyeongchiga areumdapkkiro yumyeonghaeyo. Jeju Island is famous for its beautiful scenery.

*aseo 아서 ENDING

1 = and then

일단 앉아서 얘기하시죠. Iltta nanjaseo yaegihasijyo. Let’s sit first and have a talk.

2 = and so

저는 바빠서 거기 못 갈 거 같아요. Jeoneun bappaseo geogi mot kkal geo gatayo. I’m too busy to go there.

NOTE: 아서/어서/여서 is attached to the stem of verbs/adjectives. If the final vowel in the stem of the verbs/adjectives is a ㅏ/ㅗ, the stem combines with an ending 아서, and in other cases, with 어 서. When 여서 is applied to the stem of verbs/ adjectives ending in 하다, it becomes 하여서. But it mostly contracts to 해서.

asia 아시아 [from English Asia] NOUN = Asia

저희 제품은 아시아 국가들에서 인기가 많습니다. Jeohi jepumeun asia gukkkadeureseo inkkiga mansseumnida. Our products are very popular in Asian countries.

aswiptta 아쉽다 /아쉽따/ ADJECTIVE = sorry, sad

아쉽지만 이제 가야겠어요. Aswipjjiman ije gayagesseoyo. I’m sorry but I should get going.

aswium 아쉬움 [아쉬우 sorry (from 아쉽다) + ㅁ nominal suffix] NOUN = regret, feeling that something’s missing

지금 그만두면 아쉬움이 남을 것 같아요. Jigeum geumandumyeon aswiumi nameul kkeot gatayo. I think I will regret it if I quit now.

NOTE: 아쉽다 means unsatisfied in the sense that you feel something is missing or has not been finished as you would like it to be.

*at 았 /앋/ SUFFIX = past tense suffix

고기 좀 잡았어요? Gogi jom jabasseoyo? Did you catch any fish?

NOTE: 았/었/였 is attached to the stem of verbs/ adjectives to indicate that they are in the past tense. 았/었/였 are to be followed by other endings. If the final vowel in the stem of the verb/ adjective is ㅏ/ㅗ, it combines with the ending 았, and in any other cases, with 었. 였 is used when the verb/adjective ends in 하다, and becomes 하였. But it mostly appears in a shortened form: 했.

aya 아야 ENDING = only when

미국에 가려면 영어를 할 줄 알아야 해요. Miguge garyeomyeon yeongeoreul hal jjul araya haeyo. If you want to go to America, you should be able to speak English.

NOTE: 아야/어야/여야 is attached to the stem of verbs/adjectives to indicate that the preceding content is a prerequisite for the following content. - 아야/어야/여야 하다 is the most frequently used expression that comes with “If.” It means “should/have to.” If the final vowel in the stem of the verbs/adjectives is a ㅏ/ㅗ, the stem is combined with an ending 아야, and in other cases, with 어야. When 여야 is applied to the stem of verbs/adjectives ending in 하다, it becomes 하 여야. But it is mostly shortened to 해야.

aye 아예 ADVERB = from the very first, never

지키지 못할 약속은 아예 하지도 마라. Jikiji motal ryakssogeun aye hajido mara. Don’t make a promise that you can’t keep.

NOTE: 아예 is followed by negative expressions.

ayu 아유 INTERJECTION = oh, oops, my goodness

아유, 놀랐잖아. Ayu, nollatjjana. Wow, that scared me.