Korean · Difficult words

How to pronounce 신발 in Korean

신발

Romanization: sinbal

Shoes

sheenbahl[ɕʰinba̠ɭ]

Standard South Korean; reference: SK-Standard, Seoul · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.

신발 is pronounced [ɕʰinba̠ɭ] in Korean. In 신발: 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 신발

The reference transcription for 신발 is [ɕʰinba̠ɭ]. 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. 1.Aspirated consonants

    In 신발: 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. 2.Front-vowel position

    In 신발: Listen for the distinction between the closer /i/ and the more relaxed /ɪ/ when shown. Keep your tongue toward the front.

    Watch out: Do not decide vowel quality from English spelling alone.

  3. 3.An open vowel

    In 신발: 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

신발을 잃어버렸어요.

sinbareul ireobeoryeosseoyo.

I have lost my shoes.

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

신발 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 신발

How do you pronounce 신발?

신발 is pronounced [ɕʰinba̠ɭ] in Korean. In 신발: 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 신발: 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.

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