Understanding how to operate home appliances is essential when living or staying in Korea, whether in a guesthouse, apartment, or homestay. This guide provides key Korean phrases for asking how to use various electronic devices and appliances, ensuring you can navigate daily tasks smoothly. Learn the essential questions and related vocabulary to confidently manage household electronics in Korean.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the most fundamental phrase for asking how to use something.
- Expression: 이거 어떻게 사용해요?
Pronunciation: Igeo eotteoke sayonghaeyo?
Meaning: How do I use this?
Basic Usage Questions
Use these general questions when inquiring about the basic operation of any appliance.
- Expression: 전원 버튼이 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: Jeonwon beoteuni eodie isseoyo?
Meaning: Where is the power button? - Expression: 어떻게 켜요?
Pronunciation: Eotteoke kyeoyo?
Meaning: How do I turn it on? - Expression: 어떻게 꺼요?
Pronunciation: Eotteoke kkeoyo?
Meaning: How do I turn it off? - Expression: 이 버튼은 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: I beoteuneun mwoyeyo?
Meaning: What is this button for? - Expression: 설명서 있어요?
Pronunciation: Seolmyeongseo isseoyo?
Meaning: Is there an instruction manual? - Expression: 영어 설명서 있어요?
Pronunciation: Yeongeo seolmyeongseo isseoyo?
Meaning: Is there an English instruction manual? - Expression: 플러그는 어디에 꽂아요?
Pronunciation: Peulleogeuneun eodie kkojayo?
Meaning: Where do I plug it in? - Expression: 사용법 좀 가르쳐 주세요.
Pronunciation: Sayongbeop jom gareucheo juseyo.
Meaning: Please teach me how to use it. - Expression: 뭐가 필요해요?
Pronunciation: Mwoga piryohaeyo?
Meaning: What do I need (to operate this)? - Expression: 설정은 어떻게 바꿔요?
Pronunciation: Seoljeongeun eotteoke bakkwoyo?
Meaning: How do I change the settings? - Expression: 리모컨 어디 있어요?
Pronunciation: Rimokeon eodi isseoyo?
Meaning: Where is the remote control? - Expression: 배터리 교체해야 돼요?
Pronunciation: Baeteori gyochehaeya dwaeyo?
Meaning: Does the battery need to be replaced?
Specific Appliance Questions
Here are questions tailored to common household appliances.
- Expression: 세탁기 어떻게 돌려요?
Pronunciation: Setakgi eotteoke dollyeoyo?
Meaning: How do I run the washing machine? - Expression: 세제는 어디에 넣어요?
Pronunciation: Sejeneun eodie neoeoyo?
Meaning: Where do I put the detergent? - Expression: 이 코스는 얼마나 걸려요?
Pronunciation: I koseuneun eolmana geollyeoyo?
Meaning: How long does this cycle take? (washing machine/dryer) - Expression: 전자레인지 시간 설정 어떻게 해요?
Pronunciation: Jeonjareinji sigan seoljeong eotteoke haeyo?
Meaning: How do I set the time on the microwave? - Expression: 에어컨 온도 조절 어떻게 해요?
Pronunciation: Eeokeon ondo jojeol eotteoke haeyo?
Meaning: How do I adjust the air conditioner temperature? - Expression: 텔레비전 채널 어떻게 바꿔요?
Pronunciation: Tellebijeon chaeneol eotteoke bakkwoyo?
Meaning: How do I change the TV channel? - Expression: 밥솥 취사 버튼이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: Bapsot chwisa beoteuni mwoyeyo?
Meaning: Which button is for cooking rice (on the rice cooker)? - Expression: 냉장고 온도 설정은 어디서 해요?
Pronunciation: Naengjanggo ondo seoljeongeun eodiseo haeyo?
Meaning: Where do I set the refrigerator temperature? - Expression: 건조기 사용해도 돼요?
Pronunciation: Geonjogi sayonghaedo dwaeyo?
Meaning: Can I use the dryer? - Expression: 인덕션/가스레인지 어떻게 켜요?
Pronunciation: Indeoksyeon/gaseureinji eotteoke kyeoyo?
Meaning: How do I turn on the induction cooktop/gas stove? - Expression: 정수기 사용법 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: Jeong sugi sayongbeop allyeojuseyo.
Meaning: Please tell me how to use the water purifier. - Expression: 식기세척기 시작 버튼이 어디예요?
Pronunciation: Sikki secheokgi sijak beoteuni eodiyeyo?
Meaning: Where is the start button for the dishwasher?
Troubleshooting Questions
Use these phrases when an appliance isn’t working as expected.
- Expression: 이게 작동이 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: Ige jakdongi an dwaeyo.
Meaning: This isn’t working. - Expression: 고장 난 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: Gojang nan geot gatayo.
Meaning: I think it’s broken. - Expression: 이상한 소리가 나요.
Pronunciation: Isanghan soriga nayo.
Meaning: It’s making a strange noise. - Expression: 전원이 안 켜져요.
Pronunciation: Jeonwoni an kyeojyeoyo.
Meaning: The power won’t turn on. - Expression: 물이 새는 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: Muri saeneun geot gatayo.
Meaning: I think it’s leaking water. - Expression: 화면이 안 나와요.
Pronunciation: Hwamyeoni an nawayo.
Meaning: The screen isn’t displaying anything. - Expression: 너무 뜨거워요.
Pronunciation: Neomu tteugeowoyo.
Meaning: It’s too hot. - Expression: 작동이 멈췄어요.
Pronunciation: Jakdongi meomchwosseoyo.
Meaning: It stopped working. - Expression: 에러 메시지가 떠요.
Pronunciation: Ereo mesijiga tteoyo.
Meaning: An error message is displayed. - Expression: 한번 봐주실 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: Hanbeon bwajusil su isseoyo?
Meaning: Could you take a look at it? - Expression: 수리해야 할 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: Surihaeya hal geot gatayo.
Meaning: I think it needs to be repaired. - Expression: 왜 이러는지 모르겠어요.
Pronunciation: Wae ireoneunji moreugesseoyo.
Meaning: I don’t know why it’s doing this.
Understanding Instructions
These phrases are useful when you need clarification or simpler explanations.
- Expression: 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: Dasi hanbeon seolmyeonghae jusigesseoyo?
Meaning: Could you explain that again? - Expression: 좀 더 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Jom deo cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo.
Meaning: Please speak a little more slowly. - Expression: 죄송하지만, 이해가 잘 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: Joesonghajiman, ihaega jal an dwaeyo.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand. - Expression: 이게 무슨 뜻이에요?
Pronunciation: Ige museun tteusieyo?
Meaning: What does this mean? - Expression: 직접 보여주실 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: Jikjeop boyeojusil su isseoyo?
Meaning: Can you show me directly? - Expression: 순서대로 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: Sunseodaero allyeojuseyo.
Meaning: Please tell me step-by-step. - Expression: 그림으로 설명해 주실 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: Geurimeuro seolmyeonghae jusil su isseoyo?
Meaning: Can you explain it with a drawing/picture? - Expression: 중요한 점만 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: Jungyohan jeomman allyeojuseyo.
Meaning: Please just tell me the important points. - Expression: 제가 맞게 이해했나요?
Pronunciation: Jega matge ihaethaennayo?
Meaning: Did I understand correctly? - Expression: 혹시 다른 방법이 있어요?
Pronunciation: Hoksi dareun bangbeobi isseoyo?
Meaning: Is there perhaps another way? - Expression: 간단하게 설명해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Gandanhage seolmyeonghae juseyo.
Meaning: Please explain it simply.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding cultural context can make interactions smoother when asking for help with appliances.
- Politeness is Key: Always use polite language (존댓말 – jondaenmal), especially when asking someone older or someone you don’t know well (like a landlord or guesthouse owner) for help. Phrases ending in -요 (-yo) or -ㅂ/습니다 (-b/seumnida) are standard polite forms. Adding “죄송하지만” (Joesonghajiman – Excuse me, but…) or “실례지만” (Sillyejiman – Excuse me, but…) before asking can soften the request.
- Offering Help: Koreans often appreciate proactiveness. If someone is explaining, listen attentively. It’s also common for people to directly demonstrate how to use the appliance rather than just explaining verbally.
- Manuals: While larger appliances might come with manuals, they are often primarily in Korean. Don’t be surprised if an English manual isn’t readily available, especially for older models or in non-tourist accommodations. Asking “영어 설명서 있어요?” (Yeongeo seolmyeongseo isseoyo? – Is there an English manual?) is fine, but be prepared if the answer is no.
- Shared Spaces: In shared housing like guesthouses or dorms, there might be specific rules or times for using appliances like washing machines. It’s courteous to ask about any rules beforehand, e.g., “세탁기 사용 규칙이 있어요?” (Setakgi sayong gyuchigi isseoyo? – Are there rules for using the washing machine?).
- Energy Saving: Korea is conscious of energy consumption. You might notice reminders to turn off lights or air conditioners when leaving a room. Be mindful of this when using appliances, especially air conditioning and heating.
Real Conversation Example
This example shows how you might ask about using a washing machine in a guesthouse.
Situation: A guest (A) needs to do laundry and asks the guesthouse owner (B) how to use the washing machine.
Roles:
* A: Guest
* B: Guesthouse Owner
- Expression: A: 저기요, 세탁기 사용법 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: Jeogiyo, setakgi sayongbeop jom yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?
Meaning: Excuse me, may I ask how to use the washing machine? - Expression: B: 네, 그럼요. 이쪽으로 오세요. 이게 세탁기예요.
Pronunciation: Ne, geureomyo. Ijjogeuro oseyo. Ige setakgiyeyo.
Meaning: Yes, of course. Please come this way. This is the washing machine. - Expression: A: 감사합니다. 세제는 어디에 넣으면 돼요?
Pronunciation: Gamsahamnida. Sejeneun eodie neoeumyeon dwaeyo?
Meaning: Thank you. Where should I put the detergent? - Expression: B: 세제는 여기 서랍을 열어서 이 칸에 넣으시면 돼요. 섬유유연제는 옆 칸이고요.
Pronunciation: Sejeneun yeogi seorabeul yeoreoseo i kane neoeusimyeon dwaeyo. Seomyuyuyeonjeneun yeop kanigoyo.
Meaning: You can put the detergent in this compartment after opening this drawer here. Fabric softener goes in the next compartment. - Expression: A: 아, 네. 그럼 전원은 어떻게 켜요?
Pronunciation: A, ne. Geureom jeonwoneun eotteoke kyeoyo?
Meaning: Ah, okay. Then how do I turn on the power? - Expression: B: 이 버튼이 전원 버튼이에요. 누르시면 켜져요.
Pronunciation: I beoteuni jeonwon beoteunieyo. Nurusimyeon kyeojyeoyo.
Meaning: This button is the power button. It turns on when you press it. - Expression: A: 코스는 어떤 걸로 선택해야 하나요? 그냥 보통 빨래인데요.
Pronunciation: Koseuneun eotteon geollo seontaekhaeya hanayo? Geunyang botong ppallaeindeyo.
Meaning: Which cycle should I choose? It’s just regular laundry. - Expression: B: 보통 빨래는 여기 ‘표준’ 코스를 선택하시고 시작 버튼 누르시면 돼요. 한 시간 정도 걸릴 거예요.
Pronunciation: Botong ppallaeneun yeogi ‘pyojun’ koseureul seontaekhasigo sijak beoteun nurusimyeon dwaeyo. Han sigan jeongdo geollil geoyeyo.
Meaning: For regular laundry, just select the ‘Standard’ (표준 – pyojun) cycle here and press the start button. It will take about an hour. - Expression: A: 네, 잘 알겠습니다. 정말 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: Ne, jal algesseumnida. Jeongmal gamsahamnida!
Meaning: Okay, I understand. Thank you so much! - Expression: B: 네. 필요하신 거 있으면 또 물어보세요.
Pronunciation: Ne. Piryohasin geo isseumyeon tto mureoboseyo.
Meaning: You’re welcome. Ask me again if you need anything else.
Practice Tips
The best way to master these phrases is to use them~!
- Labeling: If you’re staying somewhere long-term, consider putting small sticky notes with Korean labels on appliances (e.g., 전원 – power, 시작 – start, 표준 – standard).
- Role-playing: Practice the conversation example with a friend or language partner. Take turns being the person asking and the person explaining!
- Observe: Watch how Koreans use appliances in cafes, public restrooms (hand dryers!), or other places. Pay attention to the buttons they press and any displayed text.
- Don’t Be Shy: Most people are happy to help if you ask politely. Use “이거 어떻게 사용해요?” (Igeo eotteoke sayonghaeyo?) as your go-to phrase when unsure. Good luck!~
