Korean · Real conversations
Support and boundaries: useful Korean phrases
Show care while being clear about your limits.
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'm sorry to hear that
정말 안됐어요jeongmal andwaesseoyo
I'm sorry to hear that
- Are you okay?
괜찮아요?gwaenchanayo?
Are you okay?
- I agree
동의해요donguihaeyo
I agree
- Don't worry
걱정하지 마세요geokjeonghaji maseyo
Don't worry
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Korean |
|---|---|
| I'm sorry to hear that | 정말 안됐어요jeongmal andwaesseoyo I'm sorry to hear that |
| Are you okay? | 괜찮아요?gwaenchanayo? Are you okay? |
| I agree | 동의해요donguihaeyo I agree |
| Don't worry | 걱정하지 마세요geokjeonghaji maseyo Don't worry |
| Would you like to talk about it? | 그 이야기를 하고 싶으세요?geu iyagireul hago sipeuseyo? Show English translationWould you like to talk about it? |
| I'd prefer not to discuss that. | 그 이야기는 하지 않았으면 좋겠어요.geu iyagineun haji anasseumyeon jokesseoyo. Show English translationI'd prefer not to discuss that. |
| I see what you mean, but ... | 무슨 말씀인지 알겠는데 …museun malsseuminji algenneunde ... Show English translationI see what you mean, but … |
| I don't feel comfortable with that. | 그건 좀 불편해요.geugeon jom bulpyeonhaeyo. Show English translationI don't feel comfortable with that. |
| Let me think about it. | 생각해 볼게요.saenggakhae bolgeyo. Show English translationLet me think about it. |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
힘든 한 주였지만 무슨 말을 해야 할지 모르겠어요.himdeun han juyeotjiman museun mareul haeya halji moreugesseoyo.
I've had a hard week, but I'm not sure what to say.
You
그 이야기를 하고 싶으세요?geu iyagireul hago sipeuseyo?
Would you like to talk about it?
Partner
나중에 할게요. 전에 하던 일을 왜 그만두셨는지 물어봐도 될까요?najunge halgeyo. jeone hadeon ireul wae geumandusyeonneunji mureobwado doelkkayo?
Maybe later. Can I ask why you left your last job?
You
그 이야기는 하지 않았으면 좋겠어요.geu iyagineun haji anasseumyeon jokesseoyo.
I'd prefer not to discuss that.
Support and boundaries 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.
