Korean For Dummies

Studying Korean for business or travel? Learn the fun and easy way with this practical guide that teaches the basics of the Korean language and culture

Korean For Dummies is a no-nonsense guide to Korean culture and the basics of Korean language. Pick up basic phrases and commonly used words so that you can converse with Koreans in both business and personal situations. You'll learn Korean for everyday life and task-specific expressions for Korean on the go. In addition, you'll discover important and fascinating aspects of Korean culture.

This handy guide won't burden you with lists of grammar rules; just look up the phrases and cultural phrases you need or read through the whole book for a general overview. You'll be able to place material in a daily context with cultural tidbits, phonetic spelling of Korean words, and the recorded Korean dialogues on the accompanying CD.

Chapter-based exercises will jog your memory and reinforce everything you learn (answers are provided in an appendix). Find out how to:

• Use basic phrases and words correctly

• Converse intelligently about Korean culture

• Do business with a Korean company

• Say task-specific expressions

• Pronounce Korean words

• Put material in a real-world context

• Make a good first impression with Koreans

This book has four top ten lists to help you learn even more about Korean culture and language:

• Tips for learning Korean quickly

• Phrases that will help make you sound Korean

• Expressions that Koreans like to use

• Things to avoid doing in Korea or around a Korean

This practical guide includes an appendix on Korean verbs, a Korean-English mini-dictionary, and a list of what's on the CD. Get your copy of Korean For Dummies to begin speaking basic Korean and understanding the fundamentals of Korean culture.

Auteur

Jungwook Hong created a Korean language program and founded the Korean Studies Organization at the University of Virginia.

Wang Lee has worked as a Korean translator, tutor, and interpreter.

Contenu

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

Conventions Used in This Book 2

Foolish Assumptions 3

How This Book Is Organized 3

Part I: Getting Started 4

Part II: Korean in Action 4

Part III: Korean on the Go 4

Part IV: The Part of Tens 4

Part V: Appendixes 4

Icons Used in This Book 5

Where to Go From Here 5

Part I: Getting Started 7

Chapter 1: Getting Down the Basics 9

Getting the Basic Sounds 10

The Basic Vowel Sounds 10

Distinguishing among vowel sounds 12

Pronouncing eu and ui 12

The Basic Consonant Sounds 13

Pronouncing jj, kk, pp, and tt 14

Telling the difference between s and ss 15

Pronouncing the Korean r,l sound 16

Muting consonants at the end of a syllable 16

Sounding Fluent 17

Don't stress 17

Pronounce each syllable 17

Speak in a steady rhythm 18

Basic phrases 18

Saying It with Body Language 21

Beckoning 21

Bowing 21

Nodding 22

Shaking hands 22

Chapter 2: The Nitty-Gritty: Basic Korean Grammar and Numbers 25

Speaking Politely 25

Knowing the Basic Parts of Speech 27

Nouns 28

Pronouns 29

Verbs 31

Adjectives 36

Suffixes 37

Adverbs 37

Particles 38

Asking Questions 40

Counting Korean Style 41

Native Korean numbers 42

Sino-Korean numbers 43

Counters 44

Chapter 3: Introductions and Greetings 49

Making Introductions 49

Greetings and salutations 50

Bowing and shaking hands 51

Getting formal or informal 51

Introducing yourself 55

Introducing a friend or a peer 57

Introducing a senior or your parents 58

Asking for Names 61

Giving Thanks and Saying Sorry 64

Saying Goodbye 65

Part II: Korean in Action 69

Chapter 4: Getting to Know You: Making Small Talk 71

Asking Questions with Essential Words and Formal Usages 71

Where Are You From? 73

Describing your home community 74

Talking about where someone lives 76

Discussing ethnicity and citizenship 77

The Weather, the Seasons, and Everything In Between 80

Talking About Jobs and Occupations 83

Describing the Members of Your Family 87

Exchanging Contact Information 90

Chapter 5: Eating and Drinking 93

Dig In! Let's Eat! 93

Understanding meal time 94

Satisfying your hunger 95

Sitting down to eat 95

Practicing good table manners 98

Getting to Know Korean Cuisine 98

Popular dishes 99

Setting time for a meal 100

Liking and disliking with adjectives 100

Dining Out 101

Understanding what's on the menu 101

Ordering at a restaurant 102

Ordering at a roadside shop 103

Chatting with the waitstaff 106

Finding restrooms 106

Paying for your meal 106

Drinking, Korean style 107

Chapter 6: Shopping Made Easy 111

Navigating Stores 111

Visiting department stores, markets, and small shops 112

Browsing around 114

Asking for help 115

Comparing Merchandise 116

Comparing several items 117

Pointing out the best item 117

Shopping for Clothes 117

Checking for sizes 118

Asking about colors 119

Trying on clothes 120

Shopping for Specific Items 121

Groceries 122

Electronics 122 Antiques and souvenirs 122&lt...