W

*wa 와¹ PARTICLE

1 = and

사과와 레몬은 비타민이 풍부해요. Sagwawa remoneun bitamini pungbuhaeyo. Apples and lemons are full of vitamins.

2 = with

누구와 일하는지는 중요하지 않아요. Nuguwa ilhaneunjineun jungyohaji anayo. Who I work with is not important.

NOTE: A noun with a vowel ending combines with 와, while a noun with a consonant ending combines with 과.

wa 와² INTERJECTION = wow

와! 이 노래 정말 좋은데! Wa! I norae jeongmal joeunde! Wow! This song is awesome!

*wae 왜 ADVERB = why

제가 왜 이 남자랑 결혼했는지 모르겠어요. Jega wae i namjarang gyeolhonhaenneunji moreugesseoyo. I don’t know why I married this guy.

waenji 왠지 ADVERB = somehow (SYN. 어쩐지)

왠지 기분이 이상해요. Waenji gibuni isanghaeyo. I feel strange somehow.

*waenyahamyeon 왜냐하면 ADVERB = because

졌지만 괜찮아요. 왜냐하면 우리는 최선을 다했으니까요. Jeotjjiman gwaenchanayo. Waenyahamyeo nurineun choeseoneul dahaesseunikkayo. We lost, but we’re fine, because we did our best.

NOTE: 왜냐하면 is usually followed by 때문 or -(으) 니까 at the end of the sentence.

wain 와인 [from English wine] NOUN = wine (SYN. 포도주)

와인 한 잔 할래? Wain han jan hallae? How about a glass of wine?

waisyeocheu 와이셔츠 [from English Y-shirts] NOUN = dress shirt

이 와이셔츠 내일까지 드라이 좀 해 주세요. I waisyeocheu naeilkkaji deurai jom hae juseyo. Dry-clean this dress shirt by tomorrow, please.

NOTE: A 와이셔츠 is so called because the front of the shirt resembles the letter “ Y. ”

wanbyeok(ada) 완벽(하다) 완벽(하다) [完 complete + 璧 pearl] I NOUN = perfection II ADJECTIVE = perfect

세상에 완벽한 번역은 없어. Sesange wanbyeokan beonyeogeun eopsseo. No translation is perfect.

wang 왕 [王 king] NOUN = king

손님은 왕이다. Sonnimeun wangida. The customer is king.

wangbi 왕비 [王 king + 妃 wife of king → wife of a king] NOUN = queen

엄마는 아버지에게 왕비 대접을 받고 사세요. Eommaneun abeojiege wangbi daejeobeul batkko saseyo. Dad treats Mom like a queen.

wangja 왕자 [王 king + 子 son → son of a king] NOUN = prince (ANT. 공주)

‘어린 왕자’는 우리나라에서 가장 인기 있는 외국 소설 중 하나예요. Eori nwangjaneun urinaraeseo gajang inkki inneu noeguk soseol jung hanayeyo. The Little Prince is one of the most popular foreign novels in my country.

wanjeonhada 완전하다 [完 complete + 全 entire + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = complete

이건 완전한 문장이 아닌데요. Igeon wanjeonhan munjangi anindeyo. This is not a complete sentence.

wanjeonhi 완전히 [完 complete + 全 entire + 히 adverbial suffix] ADVERB = completely, entirely

그 사람은 인기를 얻더니 완전히 달라졌어요. Geu sarameun inkkireul eottteoni wanjeonhi dallajeosseoyo. He became a totally different person after gaining some popularity.

wanseong(hada) 완성(하다) [完 complete + 成 accomplish] I NOUN = completion II VERB = complete

주어진 단어들을 이용해 문장을 완성하시오. Jueojin daneodeureul iyonghae munjangeul wanseonghasio. Complete the sentences, using the words provided.

wanseongdoeda 완성되다 [完 complete + 成 accomplish + 되다 become] VERB = be finished

그 빌딩은 올 겨울쯤에 완성될 예정입니다. Geu bildingeun ol gyeouljjeume wanseongdoel ryejeongimnida. The building is scheduled for completion around this winter.

wen 웬 DETERMINER

1 = what, what kind of

이른 아침부터 웬 전화니? Ireu nachimbuteo wen jeonhwani? What made you call so early in the morning?

2 = some, a certain

웬 남자가 대문 앞에서 널 기다리던데. Wen namjaga daemu napeseo neol gidarideonde. There’s a man waiting for you at the gate.

wenmanhada 웬만하다 ADJECTIVE = passable, tolerable, not so bad

웬만하면 네가 참아라. Wenmanhamyeon nega chamara. Try to tolerate it if you can.

wennil 웬일 /웬닐/ [웬 what + 일 matter] NOUN = what matter, what reason

오늘 이렇게 일찍 여기 오다니 웬일이야? Oneul ireoke iljjik yeogi odani wenniriya? What brings you here so early today?

*wi 위¹ NOUN = top, above (ANT. 아래)

네 핸드폰은 책상 위에 있어. Ne haendeuponeun chaekssang wie isseo. Your cell phone is on the table.

위로 올라와. Wiro ollawa. Come up here. 누나는 저보다 네 살 위예요. Nunaneun jeoboda ne sa rwiyeyo. My sister is four years older than me.

wi 위² [胃 stomach] NOUN = stomach

저는 위가 안 좋아요. Jeoneu nwiga an joayo. I have some stomach problems.

wi 위³ [位 seat] DEPENDENT NOUN = unit of counting one’s ranking

저는 3위를 목표로 하고 있습니다. Jeoneun sa mwireul mokpyoro hago itsseumnida. My goal is to take third place.

NOTE: To check out the difference between 위 and 등, see the note on 등² deung.

wiarae 위아래 [위 top + 아래 the lower part] NOUN = top and the lower part

이 옷 위아래를 따로 살 수는 없나요? I o dwiaraereul ttaro sal ssuneun eomnayo? Can I buy these clothes separately?

wiban(hada) 위반(하다) [違 violate + 反 against] I NOUN = violation II VERB = violate (SYN. 어기다)

신호 위반하셨습니다. Sinho wibanhasyeotsseumnida. You went through a red light.

wicheung 위층 [위 top + 層 floor] NOUN = upstairs (ANT. 아래층)

손님 좌석은 위층에 있습니다. Sonnim jwaseogeun wicheunge itsseumnida. Your seat is upstairs, sir.

wichi(hada) 위치(하다) [位 seat + 置 place → place where you are seated] I NOUN = position, location II VERB = be located

집은 괜찮은데 위치가 마음에 안 들어요. Jibeun gwaenchaneunde wichiga maeume an deureoyo. The house itself is good, but I don’t like the location.

widaehada 위대하다 [偉 great + 大 great + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = great

사랑의 힘은 위대하다. Sarange himeun widaehada. The power of love is mighty.

wigi 위기 [危 danger + 機 momentum] NOUN = crisis, emergency

이번 경제 위기는 오래 계속될 것이다. Ibeon gyeongje wigineun orae gyesokttoel kkeosida. This economic crisis will last for a long time.

wihada 위하다 [爲 care for + 하다 verbal suffix] VERB = (care) for

널 위해 뭐든 할게. Neo rwihae mwodeun halkke. I’ll do anything for you.

NOTE: 위하다 is usually used as 위한 or 위해. Nouns and the nominal ending - 기 can precede it.

*wiheom(hada) 위험(하다) [危 danger + 險 dangerous] I NOUN = danger, risk (ANT. 안전)

II ADJECTIVE = dangerous (ANT. 안전하다)

운전하면서 전화하는 것은 위험해. Unjeonhamyeonseo jeonhwahaneun geoseun wiheomhae. It’s dangerous to talk on the phone while driving.

wihyeop(ada) 위협(하다) [威 power + 脅 threat] I NOUN = threat, menace II VERB = threaten, menace

음주 운전은 다른 사람의 생명을 위협하는 행위입니다. Eumju unjeoneun dareun sarame saengmyeongeul wihyeopaneun haengwiimnida. Drunk driving is a behavior that threatens the lives of others.

wijjok 위쪽 [위 top + 쪽 direction] NOUN = top, above (ANT. 아래쪽)

다음 페이지의 위쪽을 보세요. Daeum peijie wijjogeul boseyo. Look at the top of the next page.

wiju 위주 [爲 care for + 主 main] NOUN = center

저희 반은 회화 위주로 수업을 합니다. Jeohi baneun hoehwa wijuro sueobeul hamnida. Our class focuses on conversational skills.

wiro(hada) 위로(하다) [慰 console + 勞 work] I NOUN = consolation II VERB = console, comfort

지금 그 선수에게 필요한 것은 따뜻한 위로예요. Jigeum geu seonsuege piryohan geoseun ttatteuta nwiroyeyo. What the player needs at the moment is some comforting.

*wol 월 [月 month] DEPENDENT NOUN = month

올해는 추석이 몇 월에 있지? Olhaeneun chuseogi myeo dwore itjji? What month is Chuseok this year?

NOTE: In English, every month has its own name. But in Korean, just put sino-Korean numerals (일, 이, 삼, 사, 오, …, 십이) before 월.

woldeukeop 월드컵 [from English World Cup] NOUN = the World Cup

다음 월드컵은 어느 나라에서 열리죠? Daeum woldeukeobeun eoneu naraeseo yeollijyo? What country is hosting the next World Cup?

wolgeup 월급 [月 month + 給 provide] NOUN = salary, monthly pay

저는 제 월급에 만족해요. Jeoneun je wolgeube manjokaeyo. I’m satisfied with my monthly pay.

wollae 원래 /월래/ [元 root + 來 come] I NOUN = origin, origination

우리 계획은 원래대로 진행되고 있어. Uri gyehoegeun wollaedaero jinhaengdoego isseo. Our plan is going ahead as we planned at the beginning.

II ADVERB = originally, naturally

다 쓴 후에는 원래 있던 곳에 갖다 둬라. Da sseun hueneun wollae ittteon gose gattta dwora. After use, put it back where it was.

wolsse 월세 /월쎄/ [月 month + 貰 rent] NOUN = monthly rent

월세가 얼마예요? Wolssega eolmayeyo? What’s the monthly rent?

NOTE: To check out the difference between 전세 and 월세, see the note on 전세 jeonse.

*won 원 DEPENDENT NOUN = won (monetary unit of Korea)

여기 잔돈 300원입니다. Yeogi jandon sambae gwonimnida. Here’s you change, 300 won.

NOTE: Put sino-Korean numerals (십, 이십, 삼 십, 사십, 오십, …) before 원. In English, dollar is a countable noun, while 원 is not. Thus, the plural marker 들 is never attached to it.

wonak 워낙 ADVERB = so, very, remarkably

요즘 워낙 바빠서 부모님께 전화도 드리지 못했어요. Yojeum wonak ppappaseo bumonimkke jeonhwado deuriji motaesseoyo. I was so busy these days that I haven’t been able to give a call to my parents.

wongo 원고 [原 original + 稿 draft] NOUN = manuscript

원고는 우편으로 보내 주세요. Wongoneun upyeoneuro bonae juseyo. Please send your manuscript by mail.

wonhada 원하다 [願 desire + 하다 verbal suffix] VERB = want, wish, hope (SYN. 바라다, 희망하다)

도대체 네가 원하는 게 뭐야? Dodaeche nega wonhaneun ge mwoya? What on earth do you want?

wonin 원인 /워닌/ [原 original + 因 cause] NOUN = cause

흡연은 암의 주요 원인 중 하나다. Heubyeoneun ame juyo wonin jung hanada. Smoking is one of the chief causes of cancer.

wonnum 원룸 /원눔/ [from English one room] NOUN = studio

제 원룸에 놓을 소파를 찾고 있습니다. Je wonnume noeul sopareul chatkko itsseumnida. I’m looking for a sofa suitable for my studio.

NOTE: 원룸 is a studio usually consisting of only one room in which to live and sleep.

wonsungi 원숭이 NOUN = monkey

원숭이도 나무에서 떨어질 때가 있다. Wonsungido namueseo tteoreojil ttaega ittta. Even a monkey will sometimes fall from a tree. (Even Homer nods.)

*woryoil 월요일 /워료일/ [月 moon + 曜 light + 日 day] NOUN = Monday

저는 월요일만 되면 회사에 가기가 싫어요. Jeoneun woryoilman doemyeon hoesae gagiga sireoyo. I hate going to work on Mondays.

Y

ya 야¹ INTERJECTION = [informal] hey!

야, 말 조심해! Ya, mal jjosimhae! Hey, watch your language!

ya 야² PARTICLE = vocative particle

철수야, 무슨 생각하고 있니? Cheolssuya, museun saenggakago inni? Cheolsu, what are you thinking about?

NOTE: The particle 아/야 is attached to someone’s given name when you call that person and particularly if you are close to that person. A noun with a consonant ending combines with 아, while a noun with a vowel ending combines with 야.

*ya 야³ ENDING

1 = declarative ending

그 사람은 참 좋은 사람이야. Geu sarameun cham joeun saramiya. He’s a very nice person.

2 = inquisitive ending

두 사람 친구 아니야? Du saram chingu aniya? Aren’t you two buddies?

NOTE: 야 has the same meaning as the final ending 아/어/여. But 야 is only attached to (이) 다 and 아니다. As a result, you get (이) 야 and 아니야. The honorific ending of 야 is 에요. See the note on 에요 eyo.

yachae 야채 [野 field + 菜 herb] NOUN = vegetable (SYN. 채소)

과일하고 야채를 많이 드셔야겠네요. Gwailhago yachaereul mani deusyeoyagenneyo. You need to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

yadan 야단 [惹 provoke + 端 end] NOUN

1 = scolding

어제 숙제를 안 해서 선생님한테 야단을 맞았어요. Eoje sukjjereul an haeseo seonsaengnimhante yadaneul majasseoyo. I was scolded by my teacher yesterday for not doing my homework.

2 = uproar, commotion

별일 아닌 거 가지고 왜 야단이야? Byeollil anin geo gajigo wae yadaniya? Why are you making a fuss about such a trivial thing?

yae 얘 = shortened form of 이 애

얘가 전에 말한 걔예요. Yaega jeone malhan gyaeyeyo. This is the guy I told you about before.

*yaegi(hada) 얘기(하다) = shortened form of

이야기(하다) iyagi(hada)

*yagu 야구 [野 field + 球 ball → a kind of sport where players hit a ball in the field] NOUN = baseball

야구 팬 여러분 반갑습니다. Yagu paen yeoreobun bangapsseumnida. Welcome, baseball fans!

yahada 야하다 [冶 decorate + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = erotic, sexual

그 사람은 야한 농담을 자주 해요. Geu sarameun yahan nongdameul jaju haeyo. He often makes sexual jokes.

*yak 약¹ [藥 medicine] NOUN = medicine, drug

식사하고 30분 후에 이 약을 드세요. Sikssahago samsip ppun hue i yageul deuseyo. Take this pill 30 minutes after every meal.

yak 약² [約 approximately] DETERMINER = about, approximately (SYN. 대략)

아침 일곱 시에 출발해서 약 네 시간 후에 도착했어. Achim ilgop ssie chulbalhaeseo yak ne sigan hue dochakaesseo. We took off seven in the morning and arrived about four hours later.

yak 약³ NOUN = anger, annoyance

약이 올라 죽겠어요. Yagi olla jukkkesseoyo. I’m so pissed off.

NOTE: 약 is usually used as 약을 올리다 (provoke) or 약이 오르다 (be exasperated).

yakada 약하다 /야카다/ [弱 weak + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = weak, poor (ANT. 강 하다)

우리 팀은 수비가 약해요. Uri timeun subiga yakaeyo. Our team is weak in defence.

yakjjeom 약점 /약쩜/ [弱 weak + 點 point] NOUN = weakness, weak point

남의 약점을 이용하지 마라. Name yakjjeomeul iyonghaji mara. Don’t take advantage of others’ weaknesses.

yakkkan 약간 /약깐/ [若 like + 干 empty] I NOUN = a small quantity, some (SYN. 조금 I)

약간의 문제가 생겼어요. Yakkkane munjega saenggyeosseoyo. A few problems have arisen.

II ADVERB = a little, a bit (SYN. 조금 II)

이 블라우스 저한테 약간 커요. I beullauseu jeohante yakkkan keoyo. This blouse is a little big for me.

*yakkkuk 약국 /약꾹/ [藥 medicine + 局 office → an office full of medicine] NOUN = pharmacy, drugstore

약국은 바로 병원 옆에 있어요. Yakkkugeun baro byeongwon yeope isseoyo. The pharmacy is right next to the hospital.

yakon(hada) 약혼(하다) /야콘(하다)/ [約 contract + 婚 marry → a contract that indicates you will get married] I NOUN = engagement II VERB = be engaged

약혼 축하해! Yakon chukahae! Congratulations on your engagement!

*yakssok(ada) 약속(하다) /약쏙, 약쏘카 다/ [約 contract + 束 bind → the binding between two people such as contracts] I NOUN = promise

II VERB = promise, make an appointment

죄송하지만 약속을 내일로 미룰 수 있을까요? Joesonghajiman yakssogeul naeillo mirul ssu isseulkkayo? I’m sorry, but can we put off our appointment until tomorrow?

조용히 있겠다고 약속할게요. Joyonghi itkketttago yakssokalkkeyo. I promise you that I’ll be very quiet.

yalmiptta 얄밉다 /얄밉따/ ADJECTIVE = detestable

저 남자 얄미워 죽겠어. Jeo namja yalmiwo jukkkesseo. That guy is so hateful.

yaltta 얇다 /얄따/ ADJECTIVE = thin, flimsy (ANT. 두껍다)

왜 겨울에 얇은 옷을 입고 있냐? Wae gyeoure yalbeu noseul ipkko innya? Why are you wearing flimsy clothes in winter?

yang 양¹ [羊 sheep] NOUN = sheep

양은 풀을 먹고 산다. Yangeun pureul meokkko sanda. Sheep feeds on grass.

yang 양² [量 quantity] NOUN = quantity, amount (ANT. 질)

양보다는 질이다. Yangbodaneun jirida. Quality matters more than quantity.

yang 양³ [兩 both] DETERMINER = both

가위로 양 끝을 잘라 줄래? Gawiro yang kkeuteul jalla jullae? Can you cut both ends with scissors?

yangbo(hada) 양보(하다) [讓 give way + 步 walk] I NOUN = yielding II VERB = yield, give way

노인에게 자리를 양보하세요. Noinege jarireul yangbohaseyo. Give your seat to the elderly.

*yangbok 양복 [洋 the West + 服 clothes → western style clothes] NOUN = suit

이 넥타이는 네 양복이랑 잘 어울릴 거야. I nektaineun ne yangbogirang ja reoullil kkeoya. I think this tie will go with your suit.

yangjjok 양쪽 [兩 both + 쪽 direction] NOUN = both sides, both directions, both parties

양쪽 다리가 부었네요. Yangjjok ttariga bueonneyo. Both of your legs are swollen.

yangju 양주 [洋 the West + 酒 liquor] NOUN = hard liquor

나는 양주보다 소주가 좋아. Naneun yangjuboda sojuga joa. I prefer soju to hard liquor.

*yangmal 양말 [洋 the West + 襪 Korean socks → western style socks] NOUN = socks

이 양말 다른 한 짝이 안 보여. I yangmal dareun han jjagi an boyeo. I can’t find the other sock.

yangnyeok 양력 /양녁/ [陽 sunlight + 曆 calendar] NOUN = solar calendar (ANT. 음력)

한국 사람들은 양력과 음력을 모두 사용해요. Hanguk ssaramdeureun yangnyeokkkwa eumnyeogeul modu sayonghaeyo. Koreans use both solar and lunar calendar.

yangnyeom(hada) 양념(하다) I NOUN = seasoning II VERB = season

양념은 언제 넣어요? Yangnyeomeun eonje neoeoyo? When do we add seasoning?

yangnyeop 양옆 /양녑/ [兩 both + 옆 side] NOUN = both sides

출구는 비행기의 양옆에 위치해 있습니다. Chulguneun bihaenggie yangnyeope wichihae itsseumnida. Exits are located on both sides of the plane.

yangpa 양파 [洋 the West + 파 Welsh onion] NOUN = onion

양파 좀 까 줄래? Yangpa jom kka jullae? Can you peel onions for me?

yangsik 양식¹ [樣 shape + 式 rule] NOUN = form

양식은 어디에서 얻을 수 있나요? Yangsigeun eodieseo eodeul ssu innayo? Where do I get the form?

yangsik 양식² [洋 the West + 食 meal] NOUN = Western food

한식 먹을래, 아니면 양식 먹을래? Hansik meogeullae, animyeon yangsik meogeullae? Would you like Korean food or Western food?

yangsim 양심 [良 good + 心 heart → the part of your heart that judges which is good or bad] NOUN = conscience

이번 일은 네 양심에 맡길게. Ibeo nireun ne yangsime matkkilkke. I’ll leave this up to your conscience.

yaoe 야외 [野 field + 外 outside] NOUN = the outside, the outdoors

오늘 점심은 야외에서 먹는 게 어때요? Oneul jeomsimeun yaoeeseo meongneun ge eottaeyo? Why don’t we have our lunch outdoors?

yattta 얕다 /얃따/ ADJECTIVE = shallow (ANT. 깊다)

물이 얕아서 발이 바닥에 닿아요. Muri yataseo bari badage daayo. The water is so shallow my feet touch the ground.

ye 예¹ = 네² ne

ye 예² [例 example] NOUN = example

예를 들어 설명해 주세요. Yereul deureo seolmyeonghae juseyo. Explain with examples.

yebang(hada) 예방(하다) [豫 in advance + 防 protect] I NOUN = prevention (SYN. 방지) II VERB = prevent (SYN. 방지하다)

감기를 예방하려면 손을 자주 씻어라. Gamgireul yebangharyeomyeon soneul jaju ssiseora. Wash your hands often to prevent cold.

yebi 예비 [豫 in advance + 備 equip] I NOUN = reserve

만일을 위해서 돈을 예비로 남겨 둬라. Manireul wihaeseo doneul yebiro namgyeo dwora. Keep some money in reserve for emergencies.

II DETERMINER = preparatory, preliminary

이 사람이 제 예비 신부입니다. I sarami je yebi sinbuimnida. This is my bride-to-be.

yebo 예보 = 일기예보 ilgiyebo

yecheuk(ada) 예측(하다) [豫 in advance + 測 measure] I NOUN = prediction, forecast (SYN. 예상) II VERB = predict, foresee (SYN. 예상하다)

요즘 날씨는 예측할 수가 없어요. Yojeum nalssineun yecheukal ssuga eopsseoyo. The weather is unpredictable these days.

yegam(hada) 예감(하다) [豫 in advance + 感 feel → feeling before something happens] I NOUN = hunch, premonition II VERB = have a hunch

사실 지난주에 면접을 봤는데, 예감이 좋아. Sasil jinanjue myeonjeobeul bwanneunde, yegami joa. Actually I had an interview last week, and I have a good feeling about it.

yegeum(hada) 예금(하다) [預 deposit + 金 money] I NOUN = deposit, savings II VERB = deposit

얼마나 예금하실 건가요? Eolmana yegeumhasil kkeongayo? How much money would you like to deposit?

yego(hada) 예고(하다) [豫 in advance + 告 tell → telling of something in advance] I NOUN = notice II VERB = give notice

이렇게 예고도 없이 찾아오시면 어떡해요? Ireoke yegodo eopssi chajaosimyeon eotteokaeyo? Why did you come without letting me know first?

yei 예의 /예이/ [禮 courtesy + 儀 ceremony] NOUN = manners, courtesy (SYN. 예절, 매너)

예의 좀 지켜라. Yei jom jikyeora. Mind your manners.

yejeol 예절 [禮 courtesy + 節 etiquette] NOUN = manners, etiquette (SYN. 예의, 매너)

그 사람은 식탁 예절이 엉망이야. Geu sarameun siktang nyejeori eongmangiya. He has poor table manners.

yejeon 예전 NOUN = the old days (SYN. 이전 1)

내 생각에는 우리 예전에 이 얘기를 한 것 같은데. Nae saenggageneun uri yejeone i yaegireul han geot gateunde. I think we’ve discussed this before.

yejeong 예정 [豫 in advance + 定 decide] NOUN = schedule, plan

예정보다 약간 늦어지고 있습니다. Yejeongboda yakkkan neujeojigo itsseumnida. We’re running a little behind schedule.

yejeongdoeda 예정되다 [豫 in advance + 定 decide + 되다 become] VERB = be scheduled, be planned

회의는 내일로 예정되어 있어요. Hoeineun naeillo yejeongdoeeo isseoyo. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.

yemae(hada) 예매(하다) [豫 in advance + 買 buy → an early purchase] I NOUN = (ticket) reservation II VERB = reserve, book (a ticket)

제가 인터넷으로 예매할게요. Jega inteoneseuro yemaehalkkeyo. I’ll make reservations on the Internet.

*yennal 옛날 /옌날/ [옛 old + 날 day] NOUN = the old days, the past

옛날 주소는 어떻게 되십니까? Yennal jusoneun eotteoke doesimnikka? What’s your old address?

어제 길에서 옛날 여자 친구를 우연히 만났어요. Eoje gireseo yennal yeoja chingureul uyeonhi mannasseoyo. I came across my ex-girlfriend on the street yesterday.

yennalliyagi 옛날이야기 /옌날리야기/ [옛 old + 날 day + 이야기 story] NOUN = old time story

그 사람은 술자리에서 자기 옛날이야기로 사람들을 지루하게 만든다. Geu sarameun suljjarieseo jagi yennalliyagiro saramdeureul jiruhage mandeunda. He tires others with his old stories when drinking.

*yeo 여¹ ENDING

1 = 여서 yeoseo

2 = ending linking prime verbs/adjectives and auxiliary ones

심심해 죽겠어요. Simsimhae jukkkesseoyo. I’m bored to death.

NOTE: See the note on 아³ a.

*yeo 여² ENDING

1 = declarative ending

그 사람은 영어를 잘해. Geu sarameun yeongeoreul jalhae. He speaks English well.

2 = inquisitive ending

그 문제에 대해 어떻게 생각해? Geu munjee daehae eotteoke saenggakae? What do you think about that?

3 = imperative ending

얼른 말해. Eolleun malhae. Spit it out.

NOTE: When 여 is applied to the stem of verbs/ adjectives ending in 하다, it becomes 하여. When it is used as a connective ending (여¹), it CAN be shortened to 해. (And people mostly prefer to shorten it this way.) But when it is used as a final ending (여²), it MUST contract to 해. See the note on 아⁴ a.

yeobo 여보 INTERJECTION = darling, honey, sweetheart

여보, 도시에 사는 게 지겹지 않아요? Yeobo, dosie saneun ge jigyeopjji anayo? Honey, aren’t you tired of living in the city?

*yeoboseyo 여보세요 INTERJECTION = hello

여보세요, 소영이 있나요? Yeoboseyo, soyeongi innayo? Hello, can I speak to Soyoung?

NOTE: 여보세요 is the word you use to answer your phone.

yeodaesaeng 여대생 [女 woman + 大 big + 生 people] NOUN = female university student

우리 누나는 여대생이에요. Uri nunaneun yeodaesaengieyo. My older sister goes to a women’s college.

NOTE: 여대생 has two meanings: a female student in college and a student attending a women’s university.

*yeodeol 여덟 /여덜/ NUMERAL = eight

시험은 여덟 시에 시작합니다. Siheomeun yeodeol ssie sijakamnida. The exam begins at eight.

*yeodeun 여든 NUMERAL = eighty

할머니는 올해 여든이세요. Halmeonineun olhae yeodeuniseyo. My grandmother is now 80 years old.

yeodeureum 여드름 NOUN = pimple

저는 등에도 여드름이 났어요. Jeoneun deungedo yeodeureumi nasseoyo. I have pimples even on my back.

yeodo 여도 ENDING = (even) if, though

부탁 하나 해도 될까요? Butak hana haedo doelkkayo? May I ask a favor of you?

NOTE: See the note on 아도 ado.

*yeodongsaeng 여동생 [女 woman + 同 same + 生 born → woman who was born later than you from the same mother] NOUN = younger sister (ANT. 남동생)

여동생에게 졸업 선물로 최신 핸드폰을 사 줬어. Yeodongsaengege joreop sseonmullo choesin haendeuponeul sa jwosseo. I bought my younger sister the latest cell phone for her graduation present.

yeoe 예외 [例 example + 外 except] NOUN = exception

예외 없는 규칙은 없다. Yeoe eomneun gyuchigeun eoptta. There’s no rule without an exception.

yeoga 여가 [餘 extra + 暇 free] NOUN = leisure time, spare time

여가 시간엔 뭐 해? Yeoga siganen mwo hae? What do you do in your spare time?

yeogan 여간 [如 the same + 干 empty] ADVERB = ordinarily

그 사람하고 10분 이상 얘기한다는 게 나로서는 여간 힘든 일이 아냐. Geu saramhago sip ppun isang yaegihandaneun ge naroseoneun yeogan himdeu niri anya. It is never easy for me talking to him for more than ten minutes.

NOTE: 여간 is always followed by 아니다 or 않다.

*yeogi 여기 PRONOUN, ADVERB = here

여기서 뭐 해? Yeogiseo mwo hae? What are you doing here?

여기 있어요. Yeogi isseoyo. Here you are.

yeogida 여기다 VERB = regard, consider

이것은 제가 가장 소중하게 여기는 작품입니다. Igeoseun jega gajang sojunghage yeogineun jakpumimnida. This is my most treasured piece.

yeogijeogi 여기저기 [여기 here + 저기 there] NOUN, ADVERB = here and there (SYN. 이곳저곳)

여기저기서 사람들이 모여들었어요. Yeogijeogiseo saramdeuri moyeodeureosseoyo. People came from all quarters.

아직 여기저기 이력서를 내고 있어요. Ajik yeogijeogi iryeoksseoreul naego isseoyo. I’m still sending out my résumé here and there.

yeogosaeng 여고생 [女 woman + 高 high + 生 people] NOUN = female high school student

저는 열여섯 살 여고생이에요. Jeoneun yeollyeoseot ssal ryeogosaengieyo. I’m a 16-year-old girl in high school.

yeogwan 여관 [旅 travel + 館 lodge → a lodge you stay at when you travel] NOUN = inn, motel

이 여관은 서비스가 별로예요. I yeogwaneun seobiseuga byeolloyeyo. The service of this inn is poor.

*yeohaeng(hada) 여행(하다) [旅 travel + 行 go] I NOUN = travel, trip II VERB = travel

여행 잘 갔다 와. Yeohaeng jal gattta wa. Have a nice trip.

yeohaengsa 여행사 [旅 travel + 行 go + 社 company] NOUN = travel agency

여행사가 모든 여행 준비를 알아서 해 줬어요. Yeohaengsaga modeun nyeohaeng junbireul araseo hae jwosseoyo. The travel agency handled all of our travel arrangements.

*yeohakssaeng 여학생 /여학쌩/ [女 woman + 學 study + 生 people] NOUN = female student (ANT. 남학생)

우리 반은 남학생보다 여학생이 많아요. Uri baneun namhakssaengboda yeohakssaengi manayo. My class has more female students than male students.

*yeoja 여자 [女 woman + 子 person] NOUN = woman (ANT. 남자)

내 평생 그런 여자는 다시 못 만날 거야. Nae pyeongsaeng geureon nyeojaneun dasi mon mannal kkeoya. I’ll never meet such a woman again in my life.

yeojeonhada 여전하다 [如 the same + 前 before → the same as before] ADJECTIVE = still the same

부지런한 건 여전하구나. Bujireonhan geon yeojeonhaguna. You are still as diligent as ever.

yeojeonhi 여전히 [如 the same + 前 before + 히 adverbial suffix] ADVERB = still, as ever

어제 아홉 시간을 잤는데도 여전히 피곤해. Eoje ahop ssiganeul janneundedo yeojeonhi pigonhae. I slept nine hours last night but I’m still tired.

yeojigwon 여직원 /여지권/ [女 woman + 職 work + 員 person] NOUN = female worker

여직원이 전체의 50% 정도 됩니다. Yeojigwoni jeonchee osip peosenteu jeongdo doemnida. Women account for about 50% of the staff.

yeojjuda 여쭈다 VERB = ask (humble word of 묻다¹)

한 가지 여쭤 봐도 될까요? Han gaji yeojjwo bwado doelkkayo? Do you mind if I ask you something?

yeojjuptta 여쭙다 /여쭙따/ = 여쭈다 yeojjuda

*yeok 역¹ [驛 station] NOUN = (train) station

역 근처에 추천할 만한 호텔이 있나요? Yeok geuncheoe chucheonhal manhan hoteri innayo? Is there any hotel you want to recommend near the station?

yeok 역² [役 role] NOUN = role, part (SYN. 역할)

저는 이번 드라마에서 왕비 역을 맡았습니다. Jeoneun ibeon deuramaeseo wangbi yeogeul matatsseumnida. I play the role of a queen in this drama.

yeokal 역할 /여칼/ [役 role + 割 cut] NOUN = role, part

오늘날 작가의 사회적 역할은 무엇이라고 생각하세요? Oneullal jakkkae sahoejeok yeokareun mueosirago saenggakaseyo? What do you think about the writer’s role in society today?

yeokkeon 여건 /여껀/ [與 together + 件 condition] NOUN = conditions

우리 회사는 근무 여건이 좋은 편입니다. Uri hoesaneun geunmu yeokkeoni joeun pyeonimnida. The working conditions of our company are rather good.

*yeokkwon 여권 /여꿘/ [旅 travel + 券 document → a document that identifies you when you travel] NOUN = passport

여권을 좀 볼 수 있을까요? Yeokkwoneul jom bol ssu isseulkkayo? May I see your passport?

*yeokssa 역사 /역싸/ [歷 pass + 史 record → records of what has happened in the past] NOUN = history

저는 동양의 역사에 관심이 있어요. Jeoneun dongyange yeokssae gwansimi isseoyo. I’m interested in Oriental history.

yeokssahak 역사학 /역싸학/ [歷 pass + 史 record + 學 study] NOUN = history, historical studies

내 친구 중에는 역사학을 전공한 사람이 하나 있어요. Nae chingu jungeneun yeokssahageul jeongonghan sarami hana isseoyo. A friend of mine majored in history.

yeokssajeok 역사적 /역싸적/ [歷 pass + 史 record + 的 of] NOUN, DETERMINER = historic, historical

이 영화는 역사적 사실을 바탕으로 하고 있어요. I yeonghwaneun yeokssajeok sasireul batangeuro hago isseoyo. This movie is based on historical facts.

yeokssasang 역사상 /역싸상/ [歷 pass + 史 record + 上 over] NOUN, ADVERB = in history

그것은 역사상 가장 충격적인 사건 가운데 하나였다. Geugeoseun yeokssasang gajang chunggyeokjjeogin sakkeon gaunde hanayeottta. It was one of the most shocking events in history.

yeokssi 역시 /역씨/ [亦 too + 是 this] ADVERB

1 = also, too, as well (SYN. 또한 1)

나 역시 너와 같은 생각이야. Na yeokssi neowa gateun saenggagiya. I’m with you, too.

2 = as expected

역시 예상했던 대로구나. Yeokssi yesanghaettteon daeroguna. It’s just as I expected.

yeol 열¹ [熱 hot] NOUN

1 = fever

열이 계속 나면 내일 다시 오세요. Yeori gyesong namyeon naeil dasi oseyo. Come back tomorrow if you still have a fever.

2 = heat

배터리를 열 근처에 두지 마세요. Baeteorireul yeol geuncheoe duji maseyo. Don’t put the battery near heat.

3 = [informal] anger

그 사람 때문에 정말 열 받아요. Geu saram ttaemune jeongmal ryeol badayo. I’m really pissed off at him.

*yeol 열² NUMERAL = ten

우리 부모님은 제가 열 살 때 이혼하셨어요. Uri bumonimeun jega yeol sal ttae ihonhasyeosseoyo. My parents divorced when I was ten.

yeolcha 열차 [列 line + 車 car → cars that are linked as a line] NOUN = train (SYN. 기차)

이 열차는 잠시 후 서울역에 도착합니다. I yeolchaneun jamsi hu seoullyeoge dochakamnida. This train will soon be arriving at Seoul Station.

*yeolda 열다 VERB = open (ANT. 닫다)

지금 열어 봐도 될까요? Jigeum nyeoreo bwado doelkkayo? Shall I open it now?

몇 시까지 문 여세요? Myeot ssikkaji mun nyeoseyo? How late are you open?

yeolheul 열흘 NOUN = ten days

이제 열흘만 있으면 올해도 끝나. Ije yeolheulman isseumyeon olhaedo kkeunna. There are only 10 days left before the year is out.

yeoljjeong 열정 /열쩡/ [熱 hot + 情 affection] NOUN = passion, ardor

우리 사장님은 교육에 대한 열정이 남다르세요. Uri sajangnimeun gyoyuge daehan nyeoljjeongi namdareuseyo. Our CEO has an exceptional passion for education.

yeoljjunghada 열중하다 /열쭝하다/ [熱 hot + 中 center + 하다 verbal suffix] VERB = be absorbed in

딸아이는 어찌나 게임에 열중했던지 제가 다가가는 것도 몰랐어요. Ttaraineun eojjina geime yeoljjunghaettteonji jega dagaganeun geottto mollasseoyo. My daughter was so absorbed in the game that she didn’t see me coming.

yeollak(ada) 연락(하다) /열락, 열라카다/ [連 connect + 絡 bind] I NOUN = contact II VERB = contact, call

우리 계속 연락하고 지내자. Uri gyesok yeollakago jinaeja. Let’s keep in touch.

yeollakcheo 연락처 /열락처/ [連 connect + 絡 bind + 處 place] NOUN = contact place or number

연락처 좀 알 수 있을까요? Yeollakcheo jo mal ssu isseulkkayo? Can I have your number?

yeollida 열리다 [열다 open + 리 passive suffix] VERB

1 = open, be opened (ANT. 닫히다)

창문이 안 열려요. Changmuni an nyeollyeoyo. The window won’t open.

2 = be held, take place (SYN. 펼쳐지다 2)

이번 행사는 3일간 서울에서 열려요. Ibeon haengsaneun sa milgan seoureseo yeollyeoyo. This event will be held in Seoul for three days.

yeollyeong 연령 /열령/ [年 age + 齡 age] NOUN = age (SYN. 나이)

연령에 관계없이 누구나 지원할 수 있습니다. Yeollyeonge gwangyeeopssi nuguna jiwonhal ssu itsseumnida. Everybody can apply regardless of age.

yeolmae 열매 NOUN = fruit, nut

아직 열매를 따면 안 됩니다. Ajik yeolmaereul ttamyeon an doemnida. You should not pick the fruit yet.

*yeolssimhi 열심히 /열씸히/ [熱 hot + 心 heart + 히 adverbial suffix] ADVERB = hard, diligently

다음 번엔 공부 더 열심히 할게요. Daeum beonen gongbu deo yeolssimhi halkkeyo. I’ll study harder next time.

*yeolssoe 열쇠 /열쐬/ NOUN = key

열쇠 아직도 못 찾았어요? Yeolssoe ajiktto mot chajasseoyo? Haven’t you found your key yet?

yeomnyeo(hada) 염려(하다) /염녀(하다)/ [念 think + 慮 consider] I NOUN = worry, anxiety (SYN. 걱정) II VERB = worry, feel uneasy (SYN. 걱 정하다)

염려 마세요. 내일 좋은 소식이 있을 거예요. Yeomnyeo maseyo. Naeil joeun sosigi isseul kkeoyeyo. Don’t worry. There will be good news tomorrow.

yeonae(hada) 연애(하다) /여내(하다)/ [戀 love + 愛 love] I NOUN = date, love II VERB = date, go out

저희는 연애한 지 2년 만에 결혼했어요. Jeohineun yeonaehan ji i nyeon mane gyeolhonhaesseoyo. We got married after two years of dating.

yeonchul(hada) 연출(하다) [演 perform + 出 produce] I NOUN = direction II VERB = direct

그 사람이 이 연극의 연출을 맡고 있습니다. Geu sarami i yeongeuge yeonchureul matkko itsseumnida. He is the director of this play.

yeong 영¹ [零 zero] NOUN = zero

백만에 0이 몇 개지? Baengmane yeongi myeot kkaeji? How many zeroes are there in a million?

yeong 영² ADVERB = at all

과자를 먹었더니 영 밥맛이 없어. Gwajareul meogeottteoni yeong bammasi eopsseo. I have no appetite because I had some cookies.

NOTE: 영 is followed by a negative expression.

yeongan 연간 [年 year + 間 during] DETERMINER, ADVERB = per year

연간 5백만 명의 외국인 관광객들이 서울을 방문하고 있다. Yeongan obaengman myeonge oegugin gwangwanggaektteuri seoureul bangmunhago ittta. Five million foreign tourists visit Seoul each year.

*yeongeo 영어 [英 flower + 語 language] NOUN = English

영어 할 줄 아세요? Yeongeo hal jjul aseyo? Can you speak English?

yeongeop(ada) 영업(하다) [營 manage + 業 business] I NOUN = business, sales II VERB = do business

저희는 24시간 영업합니다. Jeohineun seumulle sigan yeongeopamnida. We’re open 24 hours a day.

정상 영업 중 jeongsang nyeongeop jjung Open Regular Hours

yeongeuk 연극 [演 perform + 劇 drama] NOUN = play, theater

어제 본 연극 어땠어? Eoje bon nyeongeuk eottaesseo? How did you feel about the play yesterday?

*yeongguk 영국 [英 flower + 國 country] NOUN = the United Kingdom

일 년 동안 영국에서 살 계획이에요. Il ryeon dongan yeonggugeseo sal kkyehoegieyo. I’m planning to live in England for a year.

yeongha 영하 [零 zero + 下 under → under zero] NOUN = below zero (ANT. 영상²)

아침 기온이 영하로 떨어졌다. Achim gioni yeongharo tteoreojeottta. This morning’s temperature has dropped below zero.

yeonghon 영혼 [靈 spirit + 魂 spirit] NOUN = soul, spirit

영혼이 정말 존재할까? Yeonghoni jeongmal jonjaehalkka? Does soul really exist?

*yeonghwa 영화 [映 project + 畵 picture] NOUN = movie, film

그냥 집에서 영화 보자. Geunyang jibeseo yeonghwa boja. Let’s just stay home and watch a movie.

yeonghwabaeu 영화배우 [映 project + 畵 picture + 俳 entertainer + 優 entertainer] NOUN = screen actor, actress

제일 좋아하는 영화배우가 누구예요? Jeil joahaneun nyeonghwabaeuga nuguyeyo? Who’s your favorite movie star?

yeonghwagwan 영화관 [映 project + 畵 picture + 館 building] NOUN = movie theater (SYN. 극장)

영화관에서 전화기를 꺼 주세요. Yeonghwagwaneseo jeonhwagireul kkeo juseyo. Please turn your mobile off in the theater.

yeonghyang 영향 [影 image + 響 echo] NOUN = influence, effect

아이들은 부모의 영향을 받게 되어 있다. Aideureun bumoe yeonghyangeul batkke doeeo ittta. Children are bound to be influenced by their parents.

yeonghyangnyeok 영향력 /영향녁/ [影 image + 響 echo + 力 strength] NOUN = influence, clout, leverage

김 부장은 우리 회사에서 영향력이 있는 사람이다. Gim bujangeun uri hoesaeseo yeonghyangnyeogi inneun saramida. Mr. Kim, the manager, is influential in our company.

yeongi 연기¹ [煙 smoke + 氣 gas] NOUN = smoke

연기가 너무 많이 나는 것 같아요. Yeongiga neomu mani naneun geot gatayo. There seems to be too much smoke.

yeongi(hada) 연기² [演 perform + 技 skill] I NOUN = performance, acting II VERB = act, perform

그 여자의 연기는 왠지 자연스럽지가 않아. Geu yeojae yeongineun waenji jayeonseureopjjiga ana. Her acting is somehow unnatural.

yeongi(hada) 연기³(하다) [延 extend + 期 time] I NOUN = delay II VERB = delay, postpone

왜 회의를 연기했습니까? Wae hoeireul yeongihaetsseumnikka? Why did you postpone the meeting?

yeongidoeda 연기되다 [延 extend + 期 time + 되다 become] VERB = be delayed

재판은 다음 주로 연기됐어요. Jaepaneun daeum juro yeongidwaesseoyo. The trial was adjourned until the following week.

yeongija 연기자 [演 perform + 技 skill + 者 person] NOUN = actor, actress (SYN. 배우)

저는 어릴 때부터 연기자의 꿈을 꾸어 왔어요. Jeoneun eoril ttaebuteo yeongijae kkumeul kkueo wasseoyo. I’ve dreamed of becoming an actor since I was a child.

yeongsang 영상¹ [映 project + 像 shape] NOUN = picture, image

이 TV는 아주 깨끗한 영상을 제공합니다. I tibeuineun aju kkaekkeutan nyeongsangeul jegonghamnida. This TV offers very clear pictures.

yeongsang 영상² [零 zero + 上 over] NOUN = over zero (ANT. 영하)

지금은 영상 2도예요. Jigeumeun yeongsang i doyeyo. It’s two degrees Celsius right now.

yeongsujeung 영수증 [領 receive + 收 obtain + 證 prove → a proof you receive in order to prove that you obtained something] NOUN = receipt

영수증이 없으면 교환이 안 됩니다. Yeongsujeungi eopsseumyeon gyohwani an doemnida. You can’t exchange purchased goods without a receipt.

yeongu(hada) 연구(하다) [硏 research + 究 study] I NOUN = study, research II VERB = study, research

저는 암에 대해 연구하고 있습니다. Jeoneun ame daehae yeonguhago itsseumnida. I’m researching on cancer.

yeonguja 연구자 [硏 research + 究 study + 者 person] NOUN = researcher

연구자들은 키스가 감기와 상관이 없다는 결론을 내렸다. Yeongujadeureun kiseuga gamgiwa sanggwani eopttaneun gyeolloneul naeryeottta. Researchers concluded that kiss has nothing to do with a cold.

yeongung 영웅 [英 outstanding + 雄 brave → someone who is brave and thus outstanding] NOUN = hero, heroine

이승훈은 올림픽에서 금메달을 획득한 뒤 국가적 영웅이 되었다. Iseunghuneun ollimpigeseo geummedareul hoektteukan dwi gukkkajeok yeongungi doeeottta. Seunghun Lee became a national hero after winning the gold medal in the Olympics.

yeonguso 연구소 [硏 research + 究 study + 所 place] NOUN = laboratory

저는 로봇 연구소에서 일하고 있습니다. Jeoneun robon nyeongusoeseo ilhago itsseumnida. I’m a researcher in a robotics lab.

yeongwan 연관 [聯 connect + 關 relate] NOUN = relation, connection (SYN. 관련, 관계)

많은 교통사고가 직접적, 간접적으로 술과 관련이 있습니다. Maneun gyotongsagoga jikjjeopjjeok, ganjeopjjeogeuro sulgwa gwallyeoni itsseumnida. Many traffic accidents are associated with drinking, either directly or indirectly.

yeongwonhada 영원하다 [永 forever + 遠 distant + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = permanent, everlasting

기억은 없어지지만 사진은 영원한 거야. Gieogeun eopsseojijiman sajineun yeongwonhan geoya. Memory will disappear, but photos last forever.

yeongwonhi 영원히 [永 forever + 遠 distant + 히 adverbial suffix] ADVERB = forever

그 일은 내 기억에서 영원히 지워 버리고 싶어. Geu ireun nae gieogeseo yeongwonhi jiwo beorigo sipeo. I want to erase it from my memory forever.

yeongyang 영양 [營 manage + 養 support → substances that support life and help manage it well] NOUN = nutrition

이 음식은 영양이 풍부하다. I eumsigeun yeongyangi pungbuhada. This food is nutritious.

yeongyeok 영역 [領 govern + 域 area] NOUN = territory, domain

그건 제 영역 밖의 일이에요. Geugeon je yeongyeok bakke irieyo. That’s not within my domain.

yeongyeol(hada) 연결(하다) [連 connect + 結 tie] I NOUN = connection II VERB = connect

담당자를 연결해 드리겠습니다. Damdangjareul yeongyeolhae deurigetsseumnida. I’ll connect you with the person in charge.

yeongyeoldoeda 연결되다 [連 connect + 結 tie + 되다 become] VERB = be connected, be linked

그 두 섬은 다리로 연결되어 있다. Geu du seomeun dariro yeongyeoldoeeo ittta. Those two islands are connected by a bridge.

yeonhada 연하다 [軟 soft + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE

1 = light, soft (ANT. 진하다 1)

좀 더 연한 색깔 없어요? Jom deo yeonhan saekkkal eopsseoyo? Don’t you have one in a lighter color?

2 = soft, tender (SYN. 부드럽다)

고기가 참 연하네요. Gogiga cham nyeonhaneyo. The meat is really tender.

yeonhyu 연휴 [連 connect + 休 rest → connective days for resting] NOUN = long weekend, holidays

연휴 잘 보내세요. Yeonhyu jal bonaeseyo. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

yeonin 연인 /여닌/ [戀 love + 人 people] NOUN = couple

이 노래는 연인들이 같이 부르기에 좋아. I noraeneun yeonindeuri gachi bureugie joa. This song is good for couples to sing.

yeonjang(hada) 연장(하다) [延 extend + 長 long] I NOUN = extension, renewal II VERB = extend, renew

제 여권을 연장하고 싶은데요. Je yeokkwoneul yeonjanghago sipeundeyo. I’d like to renew my passport.

yeonju(hada) 연주(하다) [演 perform + 奏 play] I NOUN = musical performance II VERB = play, perform

저는 연주할 줄 아는 악기가 하나도 없어요. Jeoneun yeonjuhal jjul aneu nakkkiga hanado eopsseoyo. I don’t play any musical instrument.

yeonmal 연말 [年 year + 末 end] NOUN = the end of the year

연말에는 술자리가 많아요. Yeonmareneun suljjariga manayo. There are lots of drinking parties at the end of the year.

*yeonpil 연필 [鉛 lead + 筆 writing brush → writing brush with a tip made of lead] NOUN = pencil

연필로 써도 됩니까? Yeonpillo sseodo doemnikka? May I use a pencil?

yeonse 연세 [年 year + 歲 age] NOUN = age (honorific of 나이)

어머님 올해 연세가 어떻게 되세요? Eomeonim olhae yeonsega eotteoke doeseyo? How old is your mother?

yeonseol(hada) 연설(하다) [演 perform + 說 say] I NOUN = speech II VERB = speak, address

대통령이 국회의원들 앞에서 연설을 했다. Daetongnyeongi gukoeuiwondeul apeseo yeonseoreul haettta. The president delivered a speech in front of the National Assembly.

*yeonseup(ada) 연습(하다) [練 learn + 習 practice] I NOUN = practice II VERB = practice

연습할 시간이 많지를 않아요. Yeonseupal ssigani manchireul anayo. I don’t have much time to practice.

yeonsok 연속 [連 connect + 續 continue] I NOUN = continuity, continuance

그 사람의 인생은 불행의 연속이었다. Geu sarame insaengeun bulhaenge yeonsogieottta. His life was an endless chain of misfortune.

II ADVERB = straight, consecutively

이틀 연속 밤새웠더니 피곤해 죽겠어. Iteul yeonsok bamsaewottteoni pigonhae jukkkesseo. Having stayed up two nights in a row, I’m dead tired.

yeonyein 연예인 /여녜인/ [演 perform + 藝 skill + 人 people] NOUN = entertainer, celebrity

사실 대부분의 연예인들은 수입이 많지 않다. Sasil daebubune yeonyeindeureun suibi manchi anta. Actually most of entertainers have a small income.

*yeop 옆 /엽/ NOUN = side

네 옆에 있는 남자 애는 누구니? Ne yeope inneun namja aeneun nuguni? Who is the boy next to you?

yeopjjip 옆집 /엽찝/ [옆 side + 집 house] NOUN = the house next door, the people next door (SYN. 이 웃집)

옆집은 다음 달에 이사 간대요. Yeopjjibeun daeum dare isa gandaeyo. My neighbor will move out next month.

yeopjjok 옆쪽 /엽쪽/ [옆 side + 쪽 direction] NOUN = side (SYN. 옆)

옆쪽으로 좀 가 주세요. Yeopjjogeuro jom ga juseyo. Please move over a little.

yeopkkuri 옆구리 /엽꾸리/ [옆 side + 구리] NOUN = side, flank

오랜만에 달리기를 했더니 옆구리가 아파요. Oraenmane dalligireul haettteoni yeopkku-riga apayo. I have a pain in the side because it’s been a long time since the last time I ran.

yeopppang 옆방 /엽빵/ [옆 side + 房 room] NOUN = next room

부모님이 옆방에 계세요. Bumonimi yeopppange gyeseyo. My parents are in the next room.

yeopsseo 엽서 /엽써/ [葉 leaf + 書 writing] NOUN = postcard

런던에 도착하면 엽서 보내는 거 잊지 마. Reondeone dochakamyeon yeopsseo bonaeneun geo itjji ma. Be sure to send me a postcard when you get to London.

*yeora 여라 ENDING = imperative ending

필요한 게 있으면 말해라. Piryohan ge isseumyeon malhaera. Tell me if you need anything.

NOTE: See the note on 아라 ara.

*yeoreo 여러 DETERMINER = many, several

여러 나라를 가 보고 싶어요. Yeoreo narareul ga bogo sipeoyo. I’d like to visit many countries.

*yeoreobun 여러분 [여러 several + 분 people] PRONOUN = (all) of you, everybody

안녕하세요, 여러분. Annyeonghaseyo, yeoreobun. Hello, everyone.

yeoreot 여럿 /여럳/ NOUN = many

라면은 여럿이 먹으면 더 맛있는 거 같아. Ramyeoneun yeoreosi meogeumyeon deo madinneun geo gata. I think ramen tastes better when you share it with others.

*yeoreum 여름 NOUN = summer

이번 여름에는 제주도에 갈 생각이야. Ibeon yeoreumeneun jejudoe gal ssaenggagiya. I’m planning to go to Jeju Island this summer.

yeoreumcheol 여름철 [여름 summer + 철 season] NOUN = summer time

여름철에는 음식이 쉽게 상한다. Yeoreumcheoreneun eumsigi swipkke sanghanda. Food spoils easily in the summer.

yeoron 여론 [輿 public + 論 argue] NOUN = public opinion

어떤 정부도 여론을 무시하고 존재할 수 없다. Eotteon jeongbudo yeoroneul musihago jonjaehal ssu eoptta. No government can exist that disregards public opinion.

*yeoseo 여서 ENDING

1 = and then

우리는 두 시에 도착해서 한 시간 뒤에 떠났다. Urineun du sie dochakaeseo han sigan dwie tteonattta. We arrived at two and left an hour later.

2 = and so

어젯밤은 너무 취해서 아무것도 기억이 안 나요. Eojeppameun neomu chwihaeseo amugeottto gieogi an nayo. Since I was drunk last night, I can’t remember anything.

NOTE: See the note on 아서 aseo.

yeoseong 여성 [女 woman + 性 gender] NOUN = woman, female (ANT. 남성)

당신이 여성으로서는 처음 뽑힌 거라고 들었습니다. Dangsini yeoseongeuroseoneun cheoeum ppopin georago deureotsseumnida. I hear you’re the first woman they’ve ever hired.

*yeoseot 여섯 /여섣/ NUMERAL = six

남편은 저보다 여섯 살 어려요. Nampyeoneun jeoboda yeoseot ssal eoryeoyo. My husband is six years younger than me.

*yeot 였 /엳/ SUFFIX = past tense suffix

그들은 가난했지만 행복했다. Geudeureun gananhaetjjiman haengbokaettta. They were poor but happy.

NOTE: See the note on 았 at.

yeotppoda 엿보다 /엳뽀다/ [엿 + 보다 see] VERB = peep, peek

누가 자꾸 날 엿보는 기분이 들어요. Nuga jakku nal yeotpponeun gibuni deureoyo. I feel like someone keeps peeping at me.

yeou 여우 NOUN = fox

여자가 왜 여우나 곰과 상관이 있는 거예요? Yeojaga wae yeouna gomgwa sanggwani inneun geoyeyo? Why are women associated with a fox or a bear?

yeowang 여왕 [女 woman + 王 king → a woman king] NOUN = queen

오늘 여왕 같은데요. Oneul yeowang gateundeyo. You look like a queen today.

NOTE: In English, queen means either the wife of the king or a hereditary queen. But in Korean the former is 왕비, and the latter is 여왕.

yeoya 여야 ENDING = only when

건강해야 일도 할 수 있죠. Geonganghaeya ildo hal ssu itjjyo. You can work when you are healthy.

NOTE: See the note on 아야 aya.

yeoyu 여유 [餘 extra + 裕 abundant] NOUN

1 = (enough) space, time, a margin

서두르지 마. 아직 여유 있어. Seodureuji ma. Ajik yeoyu isseo. We don’t have to rush. We still have time.

2 = composure, calmness

긴장하지 말고 여유를 가져. Ginjanghaji malgo yeoyureul gajeo. Don’t be nervous and keep your composure.

*yeppeuda 예쁘다 ADJECTIVE = pretty, lovely (ANT. 아름답다)

이 옷 정말 예쁘지 않니? I ot jjeongmal ryeppeuji anni? Don’t you think these clothes are beautiful?

yesan 예산 [豫 in advance + 算 count → the amount of money you would need later] NOUN = budget

예산이 부족한데 어떡하죠? Yesani bujokande eotteokajyo? The budget is insufficient. What shall we do?

yesang(hada) 예상(하다) [豫 in advance + 想 think] I NOUN = expectation, prediction (SYN. 예측)

II VERB = expect, predict (SYN. 예측하다)

제 예상보다 훨씬 어려웠어요. Je yesangboda hwolssi neoryeowosseoyo. It was much more difficult than I had expected.

yesangdoeda 예상되다 [豫 in advance + 想 think + 되다 become] VERB = be expected, be predicted

오늘 밤에는 소나기가 예상됩니다. Oneul bameneun sonagiga yesangdoemnida. Showers are expected tonight.

yeseon 예선 [豫 in advance + 選 select] NOUN = the preliminaries

매년 50개 이상의 학교가 예선에 참가한다. Maenyeon swin gae isange hakkkyoga yeseone chamgahanda. More than 50 schools enter the preliminary round every year.

yeseup(ada) 예습(하다) [豫 in advance + 習 practice → practice that is done in advance] I NOUN = preparation (ANT. 복습) II VERB = prepare (ANT. 복습하다)

그다음 장 예습해 오세요. Geudaeum jjang yeseupae oseyo. Come prepared for the next chapter.

yesikjjang 예식장 /예식짱/ [禮 courtesy + 式 ceremony + 場 place] NOUN = wedding hall

요즘에는 예식장 구하기가 하늘의 별 따기야. Yojeumeneun yesikjjang guhagiga haneure byeol ttagiya. It’s really difficult to find a wedding hall these days.

yesul 예술 [藝 skill + 術 skill] NOUN = art

저는 예술에 대해 아는 게 없어요. Jeoneun yesure daehae aneun ge eopsseoyo. I don’t know anything about art.

yesulga 예술가 [藝 skill + 術 skill + 家 skilled person] NOUN = artist

백남준은 한국이 낳은 위대한 예술가였어요. Baengnamjuneun hangugi naeu nwidaehan nyesulgayeosseoyo. Namjun Baek was a great artist from Korea.

*yo 요¹ PARTICLE = honorific particle

돈이 없어요. Doni eopsseoyo. I don’t have money.

이 꽃은 참 빨리 자라네요. I kkocheun cham ppalli jaraneyo. This flower grows so fast.

NOTE: The particle 요 is attached only to some of the final endings such as - 아/어/여, - 지, and - ㄹ래/을래 in order to show respect for the listener.

yo 요² DETERMINER

1 = this, here (SYN. 이²)

요 근처 아무 데나 내려주세요. Yo geuncheo amu dena naeryeojuseyo. Let me off anywhere around here.

2 = recent

요 며칠 동안 정말 바빴어요. Yo myeochil dongan jeongmal bappasseoyo. I’ve been really busy for the last few days.

yocheong(hada) 요청(하다) [要 request + 請 request] I NOUN = request (SYN. 요구) II VERB = request (SYN. 요구하다)

우리는 경찰에 도움을 요청했지만 소용이 없었다. Urineun gyeongchare doumeul yocheonghaetjjiman soyongi eopsseottta. We called in the police for help to no avail.

yogeum 요금 [料 fee + 金 money] NOUN = fee, fare

서울의 버스 요금은 얼마죠? Seoure beoseu yogeumeun eolmajyo? What’s the bus fare in Seoul?

yogi 요기 = 여기 yeogi

yogu(hada) 요구(하다) [要 request + 求 ask] I NOUN = demand, ask (SYN. 요청) II VERB = demand (SYN. 요청하다)

한국의 부모들은 자식들에게 너무 많은 것을 요구하는 것 같아요. Hanguge bumodeureun jasiktteurege neomu maneun geoseul yoguhaneun geot gatayo. I think Korean parents demand too much of their children.

yogureuteu 요구르트 [from English yogurt] NOUN = yogurt

냉장고에서 요구르트 좀 꺼내 줄래? Naengjanggoeseo yogureuteu jom kkeonae jullae? Would you take out some yogurt from the fridge?

NOTE: 야구르트, 야쿠르트, and 요쿠르트 are all the same as 요구르트.

*yoil 요일 [曜 light + 日 day] NOUN = day of the week

엄마, 오늘이 무슨 요일이죠? Eomma, oneuri museun nyoirijyo? Mom, what day is it today?

*yojeueum 요즈음 NOUN, ADVERB = these days (SYN. 요새)

요즈음 어떻게 지내? Yojeueu meotteoke jinae? How’s everything going these days?

*yojeum 요즘 = shortened form of 요즈음 yojeueum

yok(ada) 욕(하다) [辱 insult] I NOUN = swear word, abuse II VERB = swear

아이들 앞에서 욕하지 마세요. Aideul apeseo yokaji maseyo. Don’s swear in front of children.

yokssil 욕실 /욕씰/ [浴 bathe + 室 room] NOUN = bathroom (SYN. 화장실)

오늘 아침 욕실에서 비누를 밟고 미끄러졌어요. Oneul achim nyokssireseo binureul bapkko mikkeureojeosseoyo. I slipped on a bar of soap in the bathroom this morning.

yokssim 욕심 /욕씸/ [欲 desire + 心 heart → a heart full of excessive desire for something] NOUN = greed

그 사람은 돈에 욕심이 많아요. Geu sarameun done yokssimi manayo. He is greedy for money.

yongdo 용도 [用 use + 途 road] NOUN = use

회사 차를 개인적인 용도로 사용하면 안 됩니다. Hoesa chareul gaeinjeogin nyongdoro sayonghamyeon an doemnida. You shouldn’t use a company car for your personal business.

yongeo 용어 [用 use + 語 words → a special set of words used in a particular subject] NOUN = term, terminology

법률 용어를 보면 머리가 아파요. Beomnyul ryongeoreul bomyeon meoriga apayo. Legal terms always give me a headache.

yonggamhada 용감하다 [勇 courageous + 敢 dare + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = brave, courageous

걔 보기보다 용감하던데. Gyae bogiboda yonggamhadeonde. He was braver than he looked.

yonggi 용기 [勇 courageous + 氣 spirit] NOUN = courage

그 애에게 데이트 신청할 용기가 없어요. Geu aeege deiteu sincheonghal ryonggiga eopsseoyo. I have no guts to ask her out.

yongseo(hada) 용서(하다) [容 accept + 恕 forgive] I NOUN = forgiveness, pardon II VERB = forgive, excuse

제발 이번 한 번만 용서해 주세요. Jebal ibeon han beonman yongseohae juseyo. Please forgive me this once.

yongtton 용돈 /용똔/ [用 use + 돈 money] NOUN = allowance, pocket money

엄마, 저 용돈 좀 올려 주시면 안 돼요? Eomma, jeo yongtton jo mollyeo jusimyeon an dwaeyo? Mom, can I get a raise on my allowance, please?

*yori(hada) 요리(하다) [料 ingredient + 理 arrange → an arrangement and mixture of ingredients] I NOUN = cooking, food (SYN. 음식) II VERB = cook

저는 중국 요리가 좋아요. Jeoneun junggung nyoriga joayo. I likes Chinese food.

미안하지만 지금은 요리하느라 너무 바빠요. Mianhajiman jigeumeun yorihaneura neomu bappayo. Sorry, I’m too busy cooking at the moment.

yorisa 요리사 [料 ingredient + 理 arrange + 師 skilled person] NOUN = cook, chef

저희 부모님은 두 분 다 요리사세요. Jeohi bumonimeun du bun da yorisaseyo. Both of my parents are chefs.

yosae 요새 [요 recent + 새 during] NOUN, ADVERB = these days (SYN. 요즈음)

요새 스트레스를 많이 받아요. Yosae seuteureseureul mani badayo. I’ve been stressed out a lot lately.

yoyak(ada) 요약(하다) [要 necessary + 約 contract → contract of something that shows only necessary facts] I NOUN = summary, summing-up

II VERB = summarize

상황을 요약해서 설명해 줄래? Sanghwangeul yoyakaeseo seolmyeonghae jullae? Can you give a concise explanation of the situation?

yuchiwon 유치원 [幼 young + 稚 young + 園 garden] NOUN = kindergarten, preschool

저는 유치원에서 한글을 배웠어요. Jeoneun yuchiwoneseo hangeureul baewosseoyo. I learned Hangul in kindergarten.

yugyo 유교 [儒 Confucionism + 敎 teach] NOUN = Confucianism

한국 사회는 유교에 바탕을 두고 있다. Hanguk ssahoeneun yugyoe batangeul dugo ittta. Korean society is based on Confucianism.

yuhaeng(hada) 유행(하다) [流 flow + 行 do → a flow of movement many people follow] I NOUN = fashion, trend II ADJECTIVE = in fashion, popular

올 여름은 70년대 패션이 다시 유행하고 있어요. Ol ryeoreumeun chilssim nyeondae paesyeoni dasi yuhaenghago isseoyo. The 70s look is back in style this summer.

yuhak 유학 [留 stay + 學 study] NOUN = studying overseas

한국에서의 유학 생활은 어때요? Hangugeseoe yuhak ssaenghwareun eottaeyo? How’s your life in Korea as a foreign student?

yuhakssaeng 유학생 /유학쌩/ [留 stay + 學 study + 生 people] NOUN = student studying abroad

우리 대학에는 외국인 유학생을 위한 한국어 강좌가 마련되어 있습니다. Uri daehageneun oegugin nyuhakssaengeul wihan hangugeo gangjwaga maryeondoeeo itsseumnida. There’re Korean language courses for students from abroad in our university.

yuhyeong 유형 [類 class + 型 type] NOUN = type, class, pattern

이 문제는 많은 학생들이 틀리는 유형입니다. I munjeneun maneun hakssaengdeuri teullineun nyuhyeongimnida. Many students make mistakes on this type of question.

yuihada 유의하다 /유이하다/ [留 stay + 意 intention + 하다 verbal suffix] VERB = beware, be careful (SYN. 주의하다)

떨어뜨리지 않게 유의하세요. Tteoreotteuriji anke yuihaseyo. Be careful not to drop it.

yuji(hada) 유지(하다) [維 tie up + 持 hold] VERB = keep, maintain

몸매를 유지하는 비결이 뭔가요? Mommaereul yujihaneun bigyeori mwongayo? What’s your secret to keeping in shape?

*yuk 육 [六 six] NUMERAL = six

의사 말로는 저한테 남은 시간이 6개월이래요. Uisa malloneun jeohante nameun sigani yuk kkaeworiraeyo. The doctor told me I only had six months.

yukche 육체 [肉 flesh + 體 body] NOUN = body (ANT. 정신)

사람의 육체는 언젠가 죽지만, 정신은 영원한 거예요. Sarame yukcheneun eonjenga jukjjiman, jeongsineun yeongwonhan geoyeyo. Someday a man’s body dies, but his soul is immortal.

yukchejeok 육체적 [肉 flesh + 體 body + 的 of] NOUN, DETERMINER = physical (ANT. 정신적)

육체적 고통은 얼마든지 이겨 낼 수 있습니다. Yukchejeok gotongeun eolmadeunji igyeo nael ssu itsseumnida. I can overcome a physical pain no matter how great it is.

yukkkun 육군 /육꾼/ [陸 land + 軍 military → the millitary in land] NOUN = the army

군대는 육군과 공군, 해군으로 이루어진다. Gundaeneun yukkkungwa gonggun, haeguneuro irueojinda. The military forces consist of army, air force and navy.

yukssang 육상 /육쌍/ [陸 land + 上 over] NOUN = track and field, athletics

마라톤은 육상의 꽃이다. Maratoneun yukssange kkochida. Marathon is the crown jewel of all track and field events.

*yukssip 육십 /육씹/ [六 six + 十 ten → six times ten] NUMERAL = sixty

1분은 왜 100초가 아니고 60초일까? Il buneun wae baek choga anigo yukssip choilkka? Why are there 60 seconds in a minute, not 100 seconds?

yumeo 유머 [from English humor] NOUN = humor, wit

유머는 스트레스를 해소하는 좋은 방법입니다. Yumeoneun seuteureseureul haesohaneun joeun bangbeobimnida. Humor is a great way to relieve stress.

yumyeonghada 유명하다 [有 exist + 名 name + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = famous

부산은 국제 영화 축제로 유명해요. Busaneun gukjje yeonghwa chukjjero yumyeonghaeyo. Busan is famous for its international film festival.

yunanhi 유난히 ADVERB = particularly, especially

올해는 유난히 봄이 늦어요. Olhaeneun yunanhi bomi neujeoyo. Spring is unusually late this year.

yuneunghada 유능하다 [有 exist + 能 able + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = competent

유능한 인재를 뽑는 것보다 더 중요한 일은 없어요. Yuneungha ninjaereul ppomneun geotppoda deo jungyoha nireun eopsseoyo. Nothing is more important than hiring competent people.

yureop 유럽 [from English Europe] NOUN = Europe

우리는 유럽 시장에 진출할 계획입니다. Urineun nyureop ssijange jinchulhal kkyehoegimnida. We are planning to enter European market.

yuri 유리 [琉 glass + 璃 glass] NOUN = glass

깨진 유리 조각에 손가락을 벴어요. Kkaejin yuri jogage sonkkarageul besseoyo. I cut my finger on a piece of broken glass.

yurichang 유리창 [琉 glass + 璃 glass + 窓 window] NOUN = (glass) window

아드님이 친구들과 야구를 하다 유리창을 깼어요. Adeunimi chingudeulgwa yagureul hada yurichangeul kkaesseoyo. Your son was playing baseball with his friends and broke a window.

yurihada 유리하다 [有 exist + 利 helpful + 하다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = advantageous, favorable (SYN. 이롭다; ANT. 불리하다)

일찍 신청하는 사람이 유리할 거야. Iljjik sincheonghaneun sarami yurihal kkeoya. Early applicants will be given advantages.

yusahada 유사하다 [類 class + 似 similar + 하

다 adjectival suffix] ADJECTIVE = similar, alike, like (SYN. 비슷하다)

이 두 소설은 줄거리가 유사해요. I du soseoreun julgeoriga yusahaeyo. These two novels are much alike in their synopsis.

*yuwol 유월 [六 six + 月 month → the sixth month] NOUN = June

올해 6월은 유난히 쌀쌀해요. Olhae yuworeun yunanhi ssalssalhaeyo. It’s particularly chilly this June.

NOTE: For the convenience of the pronunciation, the original spelling 육월 has changed to 유월. 시월 (October) is another example.