Korean, Delicate Language
- Color
Korean is a very delicate language. This can be clearly understood by studying the expression representing color. For example, there are well over 60 expressions that refer to red. Let’s see some expressions related to yellow in the picture below.
Most Koreans can distinguish the color expressions, but this subtle difference is difficult for foreigners learning Korean for the first time.
2. Taste
You can feel the delicacy of Korean not only in the expression of color but also in the expression of taste. There are various adjectives in Korean that represent one taste. Each adjective has a subtle difference in meaning, but there is no corresponding word in English. Therefore, the habit of matching these expressions with one’s native language can rather interfere with studying Korean.
3. Honorifics
One of the most common mistakes foreigners make when talking to Koreans is honorifics. Since there is no honorifics in English, it will be difficult for English speakers to catch the manners that come from Korean conversations. Among the honorifics in Korean, expressions are divided according to the degree of being respectful the other person and the height or whom is the subject of honorifics. Therefore, you must first understand the other person’s position and use expressions. This will be difficult to see in the Western culture with a relatively horizontal culture.
In order to understand these subtle differences in korean expression, it is necessary to experience many example sentences.
Korean, Delicate Language
Korean is a very delicate language. This can be clearly understood by studying the expression representing color. For example, there are well over 60 expressions that refer to red. Let’s see some expressions related to yellow in the picture below.
Most Koreans can distinguish the color expressions, but this subtle difference is difficult for foreigners learning Korean for the first time.
2. Taste
You can feel the delicacy of Korean not only in the expression of color but also in the expression of taste. There are various adjectives in Korean that represent one taste. Each adjective has a subtle difference in meaning, but there is no corresponding word in English. Therefore, the habit of matching these expressions with one’s native language can rather interfere with studying Korean.
3. Honorifics
One of the most common mistakes foreigners make when talking to Koreans is honorifics. Since there is no honorifics in English, it will be difficult for English speakers to catch the manners that come from Korean conversations. Among the honorifics in Korean, expressions are divided according to the degree of being respectful the other person and the height or whom is the subject of honorifics. Therefore, you must first understand the other person’s position and use expressions. This will be difficult to see in the Western culture with a relatively horizontal culture.
In order to understand these subtle differences in korean expression, it is necessary to experience many example sentences.