Communicating effectively with your child’s school teacher is crucial for supporting their education, especially in a different cultural context like Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights for scheduling and conducting a consultation (상담 – sang-dam) with a teacher (선생님 – seon-saeng-nim) at a Korean school (학교 – hak-gyo).
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 학교 선생님과 상담하기
Pronunciation: hak-gyo seon-saeng-nim-gwa sang-dam-ha-gi
Meaning: Consulting with a school teacher
Initiating the Consultation
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Expression: 안녕하세요, 저는 [학생 이름] 학부모입니다.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, jeo-neun [hak-saeng i-reum] hak-bu-mo-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Hello, I am [Student’s Name]’s parent/guardian. -
Expression: 담임 선생님과 상담하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: da-mim seon-saeng-nim-gwa sang-dam-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to have a consultation with the homeroom teacher. -
Expression: 상담 예약을 하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: sang-dam ye-yak-eul ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to schedule a consultation appointment. -
Expression: 언제 시간이 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: eon-je si-gan-i gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: When would be a convenient time for you? -
Expression: [날짜] [시간]에 방문해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: [nal-jja] [si-gan]-e bang-mun-hae-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I visit on [Date] at [Time]? -
Expression: 전화 상담도 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: jeon-hwa sang-dam-do ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is a phone consultation possible as well? -
Expression: 상담 시간은 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: sang-dam si-gan-eun eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: How long will the consultation take? -
Expression: 상담 전에 미리 준비해야 할 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: sang-dam jeon-e mi-ri jun-bi-hae-ya hal geo-si it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything I should prepare before the consultation? -
Expression: 교무실이 어디인가요?
Pronunciation: gyo-mu-sil-i eo-di-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Where is the teachers’ office? -
Expression: [선생님 성함] 선생님 계신가요?
Pronunciation: [seon-saeng-nim seong-ham] seon-saeng-nim gye-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is Teacher [Teacher’s Last Name] here? -
Expression: 상담 약속 때문에 왔습니다.
Pronunciation: sang-dam yak-sok ttae-mun-e wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am here for the consultation appointment.
Discussing Student Progress
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Expression: 우리 아이의 학교 생활은 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: u-ri a-i-ui hak-gyo saeng-hwal-eun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: How is my child’s school life? -
Expression: 요즘 성적이 좀 걱정됩니다.
Pronunciation: yo-jeum seong-jeog-i jom geok-jeong-doem-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m a bit worried about their recent grades. -
Expression: 수업 태도는 어떤 편인가요?
Pronunciation: su-eop tae-do-neun eo-tteon pyeon-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is their attitude like in class? -
Expression: 친구들과는 잘 지내나요?
Pronunciation: chin-gu-deul-gwa-neun jal ji-nae-na-yo?
Meaning: Do they get along well with friends? -
Expression: 특별히 잘하는 과목이 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-hi jal-ha-neun gwa-mog-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any subjects they are particularly good at? -
Expression: 어려워하는 과목은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: eo-ryeo-wo-ha-neun gwa-mog-eun mu-eo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: What subjects do they find difficult? -
Expression: 숙제는 잘 해오나요?
Pronunciation: suk-je-neun jal hae-o-na-yo?
Meaning: Do they complete their homework well? -
Expression: 학습 습관에 대해 조언해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: hak-seup seup-gwan-e dae-hae jo-eon-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you give some advice on their study habits? -
Expression: 아이의 진로에 대해 상담하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: a-i-ui jin-ro-e dae-hae sang-dam-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to discuss my child’s future path/career. -
Expression: 학교 활동 참여는 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: hak-gyo hwal-dong cham-yeo-neun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: How is their participation in school activities? -
Expression: 아이의 강점과 약점은 무엇이라고 생각하시나요?
Pronunciation: a-i-ui gang-jeom-gwa yak-jeom-eun mu-eo-si-ra-go saeng-gak-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: What do you think are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?
Expressing Concerns
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Expression: 아이가 학교 가기 싫어하는 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: a-i-ga hak-gyo ga-gi sil-eo-ha-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think my child doesn’t want to go to school. -
Expression: 혹시 학교에서 무슨 일이 있었나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si hak-gyo-e-seo mu-seun il-i is-seot-na-yo?
Meaning: Did something happen at school, perhaps? -
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 like they are having difficulties with friendships. -
Expression: 특정 과목을 따라가기 힘들어합니다.
Pronunciation: teuk-jeong gwa-mog-eul tta-ra-ga-gi him-deul-eo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: They are struggling to keep up with a specific subject. -
Expression: 아이가 집중력이 부족한 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: a-i-ga jip-jung-nyeog-i bu-jok-han geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I feel my child lacks concentration. -
Expression: 건강 문제 때문에 걱정이 됩니다.
Pronunciation: geon-gang mun-je ttae-mun-e geok-jeong-i doem-ni-da.
Meaning: I am worried because of health issues. -
Expression: 집에서 어떻게 도와주면 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: jib-e-seo eo-tteo-ke do-wa-ju-myeon jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: How can I best help them at home? -
Expression: 선생님의 도움이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim-ui do-um-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I need your help, teacher. -
Expression: 이 문제에 대해 좀 더 자세히 이야기하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: i mun-je-e dae-hae jom deo ja-se-hi i-ya-gi-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to talk more about this issue in detail. -
Expression: 아이가 스트레스를 많이 받는 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: a-i-ga seu-teu-re-seu-reul ma-ni bat-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: It seems like my child is under a lot of stress. -
Expression: 혹시 상담 선생님 연결이 가능할까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si sang-dam seon-saeng-nim yeon-gyeol-i ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to connect with the school counselor?
Concluding the Consultation
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Expression: 오늘 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: o-neul si-gan nae-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your time today. -
Expression: 많은 도움이 되었습니다.
Pronunciation: ma-neun do-um-i doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It was very helpful. -
Expression: 선생님 말씀대로 지도해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim mal-sseum-dae-ro ji-do-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will try to guide them as you suggested. -
Expression: 앞으로도 잘 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: ap-eu-ro-do jal bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: I ask for your continued guidance (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 is-seu-myeon yeol-lak-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will contact you if I need further consultation next time. -
Expression: 궁금한 점이 있으면 언제든지 연락 주세요.
Pronunciation: gung-geum-han jeom-i is-seu-myeon eon-je-deun-ji yeol-lak ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions. (Teacher might say this) -
Expression: 아이에게 신경 써 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: a-i-e-ge sin-gyeong sseo ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for paying attention to my child / taking care of my child. -
Expression: 조만간 다시 연락드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jo-man-gan da-si yeol-lak-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will contact you again soon. -
Expression: 안녕히 계세요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo.
Meaning: Goodbye (to someone staying).
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding the cultural context of parent-teacher interactions in Korea can be very helpful. Teachers (선생님 – seon-saeng-nim) are highly respected figures. Always use formal language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) when speaking with them.
It’s common for Korean parents (학부모 – hak-bu-mo) to show appreciation by occasionally offering small gifts, like coffee or snacks, especially during scheduled consultations or parent-teacher conference days. However, this is not strictly required, and overly expensive gifts can be inappropriate due to anti-bribery regulations in schools.
Parent-teacher consultations (학부모 상담 – hak-bu-mo sang-dam) are often scheduled formally, usually once or twice a semester. However, if you have urgent concerns, you can request a meeting at other times. It’s best to call the school office or the teacher directly to schedule.
Focusing on academic performance (성적 – seong-jeok) and future path (진로 – jin-ro) is very common during consultations. Be prepared to discuss these aspects, but also feel free to bring up social development or well-being concerns.
Showing active involvement and concern for your child’s education is generally viewed positively. Expressing gratitude for the teacher’s efforts is also a key part of maintaining a good relationship.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A parent (Hakbumo) calls the school to schedule a consultation with their child’s homeroom teacher (Seonsaengnim).
Roles:
A: 학부모 (Hak-bu-mo) – Parent/Guardian
B: 선생님 (Seon-saeng-nim) – Teacher
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Expression: A: 여보세요? 거기 [학교 이름] 맞나요? 저는 김민준 학생 학부모입니다.
Pronunciation: yeo-bo-se-yo? geo-gi [hak-gyo i-reum] mat-na-yo? jeo-neun gim-min-jun hak-saeng hak-bu-mo-im-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Hello? Is this [School Name]? I am Kim Minjun’s parent. -
Expression: B: 네, 맞습니다. 안녕하세요, 어머님/아버님. 무슨 일로 전화 주셨나요?
Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, eo-meo-nim/a-beo-nim. mu-seun il-lo jeon-hwa ju-syeot-na-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, it is. Hello, Mother/Father. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 네, 민준이 담임 선생님과 상담 예약을 하고 싶어서요.
Pronunciation: ne, min-jun-i da-mim seon-saeng-nim-gwa sang-dam ye-yak-eul ha-go sip-eo-seo-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, I’d like to schedule a consultation appointment with Minjun’s homeroom teacher. -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 제가 민준이 담임입니다. 상담 가능하신 시간 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: a, ne. je-ga min-jun-i da-mim-im-ni-da. sang-dam ga-neung-ha-sin si-gan is-seu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Ah, yes. I am Minjun’s homeroom teacher. Do you have a preferred time for the consultation? -
Expression: A: 혹시 다음 주 수요일 오후 3시는 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si da-eum ju su-yo-il o-hu se-si-neun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: How about next Wednesday at 3 PM? -
Expression: B: 네, 수요일 3시 괜찮습니다. 그럼 그때 학교 교무실로 와주시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: ne, su-yo-il se-si gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da. geu-reom geu-ttae hak-gyo gyo-mu-sil-lo wa-ju-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, Wednesday at 3 PM is fine. Please come to the teachers’ office at the school then. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 그날 뵙겠습니다. 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. geu-nal boep-get-seum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Okay, I understand. I will see you then. Thank you. -
Expression: B: 네, 감사합니다. 조심히 오세요.
Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. jo-sim-hi o-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, thank you. Please come safely.
Practice Tips
Preparing for a teacher consultation in Korean might seem daunting, but practice makes perfect! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner~ Focus on pronouncing the key phrases clearly, especially your child’s name and your relationship (e.g., 학부모 – hak-bu-mo).
Before the actual meeting, write down the main points you want to discuss. Having notes can help you stay focused and ensure you cover everything important. Don’t be afraid to ask the teacher to repeat something if you don’t understand (다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요? – da-si han-beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-sseo-yo?).
Remember to use formal language and show respect! A simple 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da – Thank you) goes a long way. Good luck with your consultation! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
