Learning Korean: ‘Before Asking for a Date’ expressions for Beginners
What is “썸” in Korean?
When you are learning Korean, you will often hear the word “썸 (sseom)”. This term comes from the English word “something” and describes a relationship that is more than friendship, but not yet official dating.
In Korean culture, people say “썸 타다 (sseom tada)” which literally means “to ride the some.” It is the sweet stage when two people exchange messages, show interest, and spend time together, but no one has said “Let’s date” yet.
Understanding expressions used during this stage is very helpful, especially if you watch K-dramas or have Korean friends. Below are useful Korean expressions with English pronunciation for the “before dating” stage.
1. Everyday Casual Messages
During the “some” stage, people often send light, everyday texts.
- 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?) – What are you doing? (polite)
- 밥 먹었어요? (Bap meogeosseoyo?) – Did you eat?
- 잘 잤어요? (Jal jasseoyo?) – Did you sleep well?
- 오늘 뭐 해요? (Oneul mwo haeyo?) – What are you doing today?
Casual versions:
- 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?) = What are you doing?
- 밥 먹었어? (Bap meogeosseo?) = Did you eat?
- 잘 잤어? (Jal jasseo?) = Did you sleep well?
These questions are not just about daily life, but a way of showing interest and care.
2. Showing Subtle Interest
Instead of direct flirting, people in the “썸” stage often use compliments or hints.
- 오늘 기분 좋아 보여요 (Oneul gibun joa boyeoyo) – You look happy today.
- 오늘 옷 예쁘네요 (Oneul ot yeppeuneyo) – Your outfit looks nice today.
- 연락 기다리고 있었어요 (Yeollak gidarigo isseosseoyo) – I was waiting for your message.
Casual:
- 너 오늘 멋있다 (Neo oneul meositda) = You look cool today.
- 네 생각 났어 (Ne saenggak nasseo) = I thought of you.
- 너랑 얘기하면 기분 좋아 (Neorang yaegihamyeon gibun joa) = Talking with you makes me feel good.
These lines make the other person feel special without being too direct.
3. Flirty Expressions in Korean
Flirting in Korean is usually soft, playful, and a little indirect.
- 혹시 보고 싶었어요? (Hokshi bogo sipeosseoyo?) – Did you miss me, by any chance?
- 너랑 있으면 시간 빨리 가요 (Neorang isseumyeon sigan ppalli gayo) – Time flies when I’m with you.
- 너 때문에 웃었어요 (Neo ttaemune useosseoyo) – You made me smile.
- 자꾸 생각나요 (Jakku saenggangnayo) – I keep thinking about you.
Casual:
- 너 생각 많이 했어 (Neo saenggak mani haesseo) = I thought of you a lot.
- 너랑 있으면 재밌어 (Neorang isseumyeon jaemisseo) = It’s fun being with you.
4. Half-Joking, Half-Serious Lines
When two people are in this stage, they often test each other’s feelings.
- 우리 요즘 자주 만나네요 (Uri yojeum jaju mannaneoyo) – We meet often these days.
- 혹시 우리 썸 타는 거예요? (Hokshi uri sseom taneun geoyeyo?) – Are we… maybe in a “some” relationship?
- 다른 사람 만나면 질투할지도 몰라요 (Dareun saram mannamyeon jiltu haljido mollayo) – I might get jealous if you meet someone else.
- 나만 그렇게 느끼는 거 아니죠? (Naman geureoke neukkineun geo anijyo?) – I’m not the only one feeling this way, right?
These playful questions help people express feelings without making things too serious.
5. Small Caring Gestures in Words
In Korean culture, showing care is very important during the “썸” stage.
- 집에 잘 들어갔어요? (Jibe jal deureogasseoyo?) – Did you get home safely?
- 피곤하지 않아요? (Pigoonhaji anayo?) – Aren’t you tired?
- 밥 꼭 챙겨 먹어요 (Bap kkok chaenggyeo meogeoyo) – Make sure to eat your meals.
- 오늘 하루 어땠어요? (Oneul haru eottaesseoyo?) – How was your day?
These phrases show warmth and attention, which are key to building a closer bond.
6. Short “Some” Conversation Example
A: 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?)
= What are you doing?
B: 그냥 쉬고 있어요. (Geunyang swigo isseoyo.)
= Just relaxing.
A: 저도요. 사실 조금 심심했어요. (Jeodoyo. Sasil jogeum simsimhaesseoyo.)
= Me too. Honestly, I was a little bored.
B: 그래서 저 생각했죠? (Geuraeseo jeo saenggakhaetjyo?)
= So… you thought of me, right?
A: 네, 맞아요. (Ne, majayo.)
= Yes, that’s right.
This kind of light conversation is very typical in the “썸” stage.
Learning Korean with “썸” Expressions
The word “썸” is unique to Korean culture. It describes the exciting and sweet stage before dating officially. By practicing these expressions, you can better understand Korean dramas, songs, and even real-life conversations.
Learning Korean is not only about grammar and vocabulary, but also about emotions, relationships, and culture. Use these expressions to sound natural and confident in romantic situations.
꾸준히 (Kkujuni) = Consistently. That’s the real key to improving your Korean skills.
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