Korean · Difficult words
How to pronounce 우리 in Korean
우리
Romanization: uri
We
Standard South Korean; reference: SK-Standard, Seoul · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
우리 is pronounced [uɾi] in Korean. In 우리: Make a quick tongue-tip contact between the surrounding sounds. Its realization depends on position. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in 우리
The reference transcription for 우리 is [uɾi]. 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.The Korean flap /ɾ/
In 우리: Make a quick tongue-tip contact between the surrounding sounds. Its realization depends on position.
Watch out: Do not impose an English r on every ㄹ; final and doubled positions can be l-like.
2.Front-vowel position
In 우리: 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.Back rounded vowels
In 우리: Round your lips and keep the tongue toward the back. Follow the closer /u/ or more relaxed /ʊ/ quality written in the IPA.
Watch out: Avoid inserting a y sound before the vowel unless the IPA includes /j/.
Hear it in context
우리는 같이 가요.
urineun gachi gayo.
We go together.
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
우리 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 우리
How do you pronounce 우리?
우리 is pronounced [uɾi] in Korean. In 우리: Make a quick tongue-tip contact between the surrounding sounds. Its realization depends on position. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In 우리: Make a quick tongue-tip contact between the surrounding sounds. Its realization depends on position. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
