Attending a Child’s School Consultation in Korean

Participating in your child’s school consultations is crucial for understanding their academic progress and school life in Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context needed to effectively communicate with teachers during these important meetings, covering everything from scheduling the appointment to discussing your child’s development.

Core Expression

• Expression: 아이 학교 상담 참석하기
  Pronunciation: a-i hak-gyo sang-dam cham-seok-ha-gi
  Meaning: Attending a child’s school consultation

Making an Appointment

• Expression: 안녕하세요, [아이 이름] 학부모입니다.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, [a-i i-reum] hak-bu-mo-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: Hello, I am [Child’s Name]’s parent.
• Expression: 담임 선생님과 상담 약속을 잡고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: da-mim seon-saeng-nim-gwa sang-dam yak-sok-eul jap-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to schedule a consultation appointment with the homeroom teacher.
• Expression: 상담 가능한 시간을 알려주시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: sang-dam ga-neung-han si-gan-eul al-lyeo-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Could you please let me know the available times for a consultation?
• Expression: [날짜] [시간] 괜찮으신가요?
  Pronunciation: [nal-jja] [si-gan] gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is [Date] at [Time] okay?
• Expression: 혹시 다른 시간도 가능할까요?
  Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun si-gan-do ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Are there perhaps any other available times?
• Expression: 네, 그 시간에 방문하겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: ne, geu si-gan-e bang-mun-ha-ge-sseum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Yes, I will visit at that time.
• Expression: 상담 시간은 보통 얼마나 걸리나요?
  Pronunciation: sang-dam si-gan-eun bo-tong eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
  Meaning: How long does the consultation usually take?
• Expression: 상담 장소는 어디인가요?
  Pronunciation: sang-dam jang-so-neun eo-di-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Where will the consultation take place?
• Expression: 약속을 변경해야 할 것 같습니다.
  Pronunciation: yak-sok-eul byeon-gyeong-hae-ya hal geot gat-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I think I need to change the appointment.
• Expression: 죄송하지만, 약속을 취소해야 할 것 같습니다.
  Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, yak-sok-eul chwi-so-hae-ya hal geot gat-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I’m sorry, but I think I need to cancel the appointment.

During the Consultation

• Expression: 안녕하세요, 선생님. [아이 이름] 엄마/아빠입니다.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, seon-saeng-nim. [a-i i-reum] eom-ma/a-ppa-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: Hello, Teacher. I am [Child’s Name]’s mother/father.
• Expression: 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: si-gan nae-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: Thank you for making time for me.
• Expression: 우리 아이 학교 생활은 어떤가요?
  Pronunciation: u-ri a-i hak-gyo saeng-hwal-eun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How is my child doing in school? / How is my child’s school life?
• Expression: 학업 성취도는 어떤 편인가요?
  Pronunciation: hak-eop seong-chwi-do-neun eo-tteon pyeon-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How is their academic achievement?
• Expression: 친구들과는 잘 지내나요?
  Pronunciation: chin-gu-deul-gwa-neun jal ji-nae-na-yo?
  Meaning: Does my child get along well with friends?
• Expression: 수업 태도는 어떤가요?
  Pronunciation: su-eop tae-do-neun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What is their attitude like in class?
• Expression: 특별히 잘하는 과목이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-hi jal-ha-neun gwa-mok-i in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are there any subjects they are particularly good at?
• Expression: 어려워하는 과목은 무엇인가요?
  Pronunciation: eo-ryeo-wo-ha-neun gwa-mok-eun mu-eo-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What subjects do they find difficult?
• Expression: 집에서 어떻게 도와주면 좋을까요?
  Pronunciation: jib-e-seo eo-tteo-ke do-wa-ju-myeon jo-eul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: How can I help them at home?
• Expression: 학교 활동에는 잘 참여하나요?
  Pronunciation: hak-gyo hwal-dong-e-neun jal cham-yeo-ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: Do they participate well in school activities?
• Expression: 아이의 장점은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?
  Pronunciation: a-i-ui jang-jeom-eun mu-eo-si-ra-go saeng-gak-ha-se-yo?
  Meaning: What do you think are my child’s strengths?
• Expression: 개선해야 할 점이 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: gae-seon-hae-ya hal jeom-i i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Are there any areas for improvement?

Discussing Concerns

• Expression: 사실 [문제점]에 대해 걱정이 좀 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: sa-sil [mun-je-jeom]-e dae-hae geok-jeong-i jom it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Actually, I have some concerns about [the issue].
• Expression: 아이가 [과목]을 어려워하는 것 같아요.
  Pronunciation: a-i-ga [gwa-mok]-eul eo-ryeo-wo-ha-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: It seems my child is struggling with [Subject].
• Expression: 숙제를 할 때 힘들어합니다.
  Pronunciation: suk-je-reul hal ttae him-deul-eo-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: They have difficulty doing homework.
• Expression: 친구 관계에 어려움이 있는 것 같습니다.
  Pronunciation: chin-gu gwan-gye-e eo-ryeo-um-i it-neun geot gat-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: It seems they are having difficulties with friendships.
• Expression: 학교 가기 싫어하는 것 같아요.
  Pronunciation: hak-gyo ga-gi sil-eo-ha-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: It seems like they don’t want to go to school.
• Expression: 혹시 학교에서 특별한 일은 없었나요?
  Pronunciation: hok-si hak-gyo-e-seo teuk-byeol-han il-eun eop-seon-na-yo?
  Meaning: Was there anything unusual that happened at school?
• Expression: 이 문제에 대해 어떻게 생각하시나요?
  Pronunciation: i mun-je-e dae-hae eo-tteo-ke saeng-gak-ha-si-na-yo?
  Meaning: What are your thoughts on this issue?
• Expression: 제가 집에서 도울 수 있는 일이 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: je-ga jib-e-seo do-ul su it-neun il-i i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Is there anything I can do to help at home?
• Expression: 선생님께서 좀 더 신경 써 주시면 감사하겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim-kke-seo jom deo sin-gyeong sseo ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-ge-sseum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would appreciate it if you could pay a little more attention to this.
• Expression: 아이가 집중을 잘 못하는 것 같아요.
  Pronunciation: a-i-ga jip-jung-eul jal mot-ha-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: It seems my child has trouble concentrating.

Follow-up and Closing

• Expression: 오늘 말씀 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: o-neul mal-sseum gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: Thank you for your time and insights today.
• Expression: 많은 도움이 되었습니다.
  Pronunciation: ma-neun do-um-i doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: It was very helpful.
• Expression: 앞으로도 잘 부탁드립니다.
  Pronunciation: ap-eu-ro-do jal bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
  Meaning: I ask for your continued support (Please continue to take good care of my child).
• Expression: 다음에 또 상담 드릴 일이 있으면 연락드리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: da-eum-e tto sang-dam deu-ril il-i i-sseu-myeon yeol-lak-deu-ri-ge-sseum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will contact you if I need further consultation next time.
• Expression: 혹시 제가 더 알아야 할 사항이 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: hok-si je-ga deo ar-a-ya hal sa-hang-i i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Is there anything else I should know?
• Expression: 진행 상황을 계속 지켜보겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: jin-haeng sang-hwang-eul gye-sok ji-kyeo-bo-ge-sseum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will keep monitoring the progress.
• Expression: 선생님과 협력해서 아이를 잘 지도하겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim-gwa hyeop-ryeok-hae-seo a-i-reul jal ji-do-ha-ge-sseum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will cooperate with you (the teacher) to guide the child well.
• Expression: 궁금한 점이 생기면 다시 연락드려도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: gung-geum-han jeom-i saeng-gi-myeon da-si yeol-lak-deu-ryeo-do doel-kka-yo?
  Meaning: May I contact you again if I have more questions?
• Expression: 안녕히 계세요.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo.
  Meaning: Goodbye (to someone staying).
• Expression: 수고하셨습니다.
  Pronunciation: su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Thank you for your hard work / You’ve worked hard. (Common closing remark)

Cultural Tips

Punctuality is Key: Being on time for appointments is highly valued in Korea. Arrive a few minutes early for the school consultation to show respect for the teacher’s schedule.

Gift-Giving Etiquette: While not strictly required, some parents may bring a small, inexpensive gift like coffee, tea, or snacks for the teacher as a gesture of appreciation. Avoid overly expensive gifts, as they can be perceived inappropriately under anti-graft laws.

Formal Language: Always use formal language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) when speaking with teachers. Address them as “선생님” (seon-saeng-nim). Using polite language shows respect for their position and age.

Focus on Collaboration: Korean parent-teacher consultations often emphasize collaboration. Frame your questions and concerns in a way that shows you want to work together with the teacher for the child’s benefit.

Respecting Teacher’s Authority: While expressing concerns is important, do so respectfully. Korean culture places high regard on teachers, so approach discussions constructively rather than confrontationally.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: A parent (A) meets with their child Minjun’s homeroom teacher (B) for a scheduled consultation.

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 선생님. 민준이 엄마입니다. 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, seon-saeng-nim. min-jun-i eom-ma-im-ni-da. si-gan nae-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: A: Hello, Teacher. I am Minjun’s mother. Thank you for making time for me.
• Expression: B: 네, 어머님. 어서 오세요. 앉으세요. 민준이 학교 생활에 대해 궁금하신 점 있으신가요?
  Pronunciation: ne, eo-meo-nim. eo-seo o-se-yo. an-jeu-se-yo. min-jun-i hak-gyo saeng-hwal-e dae-hae gung-geum-ha-sin jeom i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: B: Yes, Mother. Welcome. Please sit down. Do you have any questions about Minjun’s school life?
• Expression: A: 네, 전반적으로 민준이가 학교에서 어떻게 지내는지 궁금합니다. 특히 친구들과 잘 어울리는지요?
  Pronunciation: ne, jeon-ban-jeok-eu-ro min-jun-i-ga hak-gyo-e-seo eo-tteo-ke ji-nae-neun-ji gung-geum-ham-ni-da. teuk-hi chin-gu-deul-gwa jal eo-ul-li-neun-ji-yo?
  Meaning: A: Yes, I’m curious about how Minjun is doing overall at school. Especially, is he getting along well with his friends?
• Expression: B: 민준이는 아주 밝고 활발한 학생입니다. 친구들과도 문제없이 잘 지내고 있어요. 수업 참여도 적극적이고요.
  Pronunciation: min-jun-i-neun a-ju bak-go hwal-bal-han hak-saeng-im-ni-da. chin-gu-deul-gwa-do mun-je-eop-si jal ji-nae-go i-sseo-yo. su-eop cham-yeo-do jeok-geuk-jeo-gi-go-yo.
  Meaning: B: Minjun is a very bright and active student. He gets along well with his friends without any problems. He also participates actively in class.
• Expression: A: 다행이네요. 혹시 학업 면에서는 어떤가요? 수학을 조금 어려워하는 것 같아서요.
  Pronunciation: da-haeng-i-ne-yo. hok-si hak-eom myeon-e-seo-neun eo-tteon-ga-yo? su-hak-eul jo-geum eo-ryeo-wo-ha-neun geot ga-ta-seo-yo.
  Meaning: A: That’s a relief. How about academically? It seems he finds math a little difficult.
• Expression: B: 네, 맞습니다. 수학 개념 이해에 조금 시간이 걸리는 편이지만, 꾸준히 노력하고 있습니다. 집에서 복습을 좀 더 도와주시면 좋을 것 같아요.
  Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. su-hak gae-nyeom i-hae-e jo-geum si-gan-i geol-li-neun pyeon-i-ji-man, kku-jun-hi no-ryeok-ha-go it-seum-ni-da. jib-e-seo bok-seup-eul jom deo do-wa-ju-si-myeon jo-eul geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: B: Yes, that’s correct. It takes him a little time to understand math concepts, but he is consistently trying hard. It would be helpful if you could assist him more with reviewing at home.
• Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 집에서 신경 써서 지도하겠습니다. 오늘 말씀 정말 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: al-ge-sseum-ni-da. jib-e-seo sin-gyeong sseo-seo ji-do-ha-ge-sseum-ni-da. o-neul mal-sseum jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: A: I understand. I will pay attention and guide him at home. Thank you so much for your time today.
• Expression: B: 네, 어머님. 궁금한 점 있으시면 언제든지 편하게 연락 주세요.
  Pronunciation: ne, eo-meo-nim. gung-geum-han jeom i-sseu-si-myeon eon-je-deun-ji pyeon-ha-ge yeol-lak ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: B: Yes, Mother. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions.

Practice Tips

Attending school consultations can feel daunting, but preparation is key! Try practicing these phrases aloud, maybe even role-playing with a friend or family member~ Focus on the pronunciation, especially the formal endings like ‘-습니다’ (seum-ni-da) and ‘-요’ (yo). Write down your specific questions beforehand using the templates provided. Remember, teachers appreciate parents who are involved and show genuine interest in their child’s education. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Good luck!)