Korean · Difficult words
How to pronounce 사막 in Korean
사막
Romanization: samak
Desert
Standard South Korean; reference: SK-Standard, Seoul · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
사막 is pronounced [sʰa̠ma̠k̚] in Korean. In 사막: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in 사막
The reference transcription for 사막 is [sʰa̠ma̠k̚]. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. Korean pronunciation changes when sounds meet. Follow the spoken transcription and connected example rather than reading each Hangul letter in isolation.
1.Aspirated consonants
In 사막: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it.
Watch out: Do not confuse the breathy release with the tight, low-airflow tense consonants.
2.Unreleased final consonants
In 사막: Move into the final consonant position, then stop without a strong release. The corner mark /̚/ indicates no audible release.
Watch out: Do not add a vowel or a final English-style puff after the consonant.
3.An open vowel
In 사막: Open the jaw for the a-like vowel shown in the IPA. Keep it continuous and follow the recording’s tongue position.
Watch out: Do not substitute the English diphthong in “day”.
Hear it in context
사막을 사진으로 봤어요.
samageul sajineuro bwasseoyo.
I saw the desert in a photograph.
Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.
Pronunciation and variety
사막 is presented in standard South Korean pronunciation. Everyday speech can vary in vowel quality and consonant realization. Treat the romanization as a reading aid and follow the Hangul, IPA, and recording together.
The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.
Meaning and everyday use
Questions about 사막
How do you pronounce 사막?
사막 is pronounced [sʰa̠ma̠k̚] in Korean. In 사막: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In 사막: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
