Korean · Difficult words
How to pronounce 상사 in Korean
상사
Romanization: sangsa
Boss
Standard South Korean; reference: SK-Standard, Seoul · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
상사 is pronounced [ˈsʰa̠(ː)ŋsʰa̠] in Korean. In 상사: 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 상사
The reference transcription for 상사 is [ˈsʰa̠(ː)ŋsʰa̠]. 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 상사: 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.An open vowel
In 상사: 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”.
3.A clear /s/
In 상사: Let air pass through a narrow groove near the front of the mouth. Keep the sound unvoiced.
Watch out: Do not add voicing and turn /s/ into /z/.
Hear it in context
저분은 상사예요.
jeobuneun sangsayeyo.
That person is a boss.
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
상사 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 상사
How do you pronounce 상사?
상사 is pronounced [ˈsʰa̠(ː)ŋsʰa̠] in Korean. In 상사: 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 상사: 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.
