Korean · Real conversations
Repairing a conversation: useful Korean phrases
Check a meaning and leave with something you can use.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I don't understand
이해가 안 돼요ihaega an dwaeyo
I don't understand
- Can you repeat that, please?
다시 말씀해 주세요dasi malsseumhae juseyo
Can you repeat that, please?
- More slowly, please
천천히 말씀해 주세요cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo
More slowly, please
- I have a question
질문이 있어요jilmuni isseoyo
I have a question
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Korean |
|---|---|
| I don't understand | 이해가 안 돼요ihaega an dwaeyo I don't understand |
| Can you repeat that, please? | 다시 말씀해 주세요dasi malsseumhae juseyo Can you repeat that, please? |
| More slowly, please | 천천히 말씀해 주세요cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo More slowly, please |
| I have a question | 질문이 있어요jilmuni isseoyo I have a question |
| Could you write it down? | 적어 주실 수 있어요?jeogeo jusil su isseoyo? Show English translationCould you write it down? |
| Could you give me an example? | 예를 들어 주실 수 있어요?yereul deureo jusil su isseoyo? Show English translationCould you give me an example? |
| Do you mean ...? | …(이)라는 뜻이에요?...(i)raneun tteusieyo? Show English translationDo you mean …? |
| Let me check that I understood. | 제가 제대로 이해했는지 확인해 볼게요.jega jedaero ihaehaenneunji hwaginhae bolgeyo. Show English translationLet me check that I understood. |
| Is this the right word? | 이 단어가 맞아요?i daneoga majayo? Show English translationIs this the right word? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
이 이름은 철자가 조금 어려워요.i ireumeun cheoljaga jogeum eoryeowoyo.
The name is a little difficult to spell.
You
적어 주실 수 있어요?jeogeo jusil su isseoyo?
Could you write it down?
Partner
물론이죠. 이 단어는 규칙적으로 하는 행동을 나타내요.mullonijyo. i daneoneun gyuchikjeogeuro haneun haengdongeul natanaeyo.
Of course. This word describes a regular action.
You
예를 들어 주실 수 있어요?yereul deureo jusil su isseoyo?
Could you give me an example?
Repairing a conversation in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
