Learning Korean: ‘Daily Small Talk’ for Beginners
When you begin learning Korean, one of the easiest and most natural ways to practice is through daily small talk. In Korea, small talk often starts with asking about the weather or someone’s feelings. These conversations may be short, but they help build connections and make you sound more natural. In this guide, we will go through the most common small talk expressions in Korean with English explanations for beginners.
1. Talking About the Weather
Weather is a very safe and common topic in daily conversations.
- 오늘 날씨 어때요? (Oneul nalssi eottaeyo?)
Meaning: How’s the weather today? (polite) - 오늘 날씨 어때? (Oneul nalssi eottae?)
Meaning: How’s the weather today? (casual) - 날씨가 좋아요. (Nalssiga joayo.)
Meaning: The weather is nice. - 날씨가 안 좋아요. (Nalssiga an joayo.)
Meaning: The weather is not good. - 오늘 덥네요. (Oneul deopneyo.)
Meaning: It’s hot today. (polite, conversational tone) - 오늘 진짜 덥다! (Oneul jinjja deopda!)
Meaning: It’s really hot today! (casual). - 비가 와요. (Biga wayo.) – It’s raining.
- 눈이 와요. (Nuni wayo.) – It’s snowing.
- 바람이 불어요. (Barami bureoyo.) – It’s windy.
Tip: In Korean, people often add “네” or “요” to sound softer and more polite when making small talk about the weather.
2. Asking About Feelings or Mood
Checking on someone’s feelings is a warm way to start small talk.
- 오늘 기분 어때요? (Oneul gibun eottaeyo?)
Meaning: How are you feeling today? (polite) - 오늘 기분 어때? (Oneul gibun eottae?)
Meaning: How’s your mood today? (casual). - 저는 기분이 좋아요. (Jeoneun gibuni joayo.)
Meaning: I’m in a good mood. - 저는 기분이 별로예요. (Jeoneun gibuni byeolloyeyo.)
Meaning: I don’t feel so good. - 피곤해요. (Pigonhaeyo.) – I’m tired. (polite)
- 피곤해. (Pigonhae.) – I’m tired. (casual)
- 오늘 좀 바빠요. (Oneul jom bappayo.) – I’m a bit busy today.
- 심심해요. (Simsimhaeyo.) – I’m bored.
Casual versions for friends:
- 나 오늘 완전 행복해! (Na oneul wanjeon haengbokhae!) – I’m super happy today!
- 진짜 피곤해 죽겠다. (Jinjja pigonhe jukgetda.) – I’m so tired I could die. (very casual).
3. Common Daily Conversation Starters
Here are a few phrases to start small talk naturally:
- 요즘 어떻게 지내세요? (Yojum eotteoke jinaeseyo?)
Meaning: How have you been these days? (polite). - 요즘 뭐 해요? (Yojum mwo haeyo?)
Meaning: What are you up to these days? - 요즘 어때? (Yojum eottae?)
Meaning: How’s it going these days? (casual). - 밥 먹었어요? (Bap meogeosseoyo?)
Meaning: Did you eat? (common greeting in Korea, polite). - 밥 먹었어? (Bap meogeosseo?)
Meaning: Did you eat? (casual).
Note: In Korean culture, asking “밥 먹었어요?” can mean “How are you?” It shows care about someone’s well-being.
4. Casual Everyday Expressions
To sound more natural with friends, try these casual sentences:
- 날씨 진짜 좋지? (Nalssi jinjja jotji?) – The weather’s really nice, right?
- 오늘 너무 덥지 않아? (Oneul neomu deopji ana?) – Isn’t it too hot today?
- 기분 완전 업됐어! (Gibun wanjeon eop dwaesseo!) – I’m super excited!
- 나 오늘 좀 다운이야. (Na oneul jom daun-iya.) – I feel a bit down today.
These expressions sound friendly and natural among young Koreans.
5. Ending Small Talk Politely
When finishing a short chat, you can close politely:
- 좋은 하루 보내세요. (Joeun haru bonaeseyo.) – Have a nice day.
- 또 봐요. (Tto bwayo.) – See you again.
- 안녕~ (Annyeong~) – Bye (casual).
Cultural Notes
- Small talk in Korea often feels shorter than in English-speaking cultures, but it’s warm and sincere.
- Weather is a universal safe topic, so starting with “오늘 날씨 어때요?” is always good.
- Asking about food or health, like “밥 먹었어요?” or “건강은 어때요?” shows you care.
- Casual expressions with slang, like “대박!” (Awesome!) or “헐~” (OMG~), are common among young people in daily talk.
For beginners learning Korean, mastering small talk phrases is an easy way to start real conversations. Try using simple questions like “오늘 날씨 어때요?” or “요즘 어때요?” and respond naturally with your feelings. With practice, you’ll feel more confident starting and maintaining conversations in Korean.
Next time you talk with a language partner or Korean friend, open with small talk. It’s simple, effective, and helps you sound more natural.
‘Dating Expressions’: https://rrrdgt.site/learning-korean-25/
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