Discussing Movie Plots in Korean

Talking about movies is a great way to connect with others, and knowing how to discuss the plot is key. This guide provides essential Korean expressions for describing, asking about, and sharing opinions on movie storylines, helping you engage in more detailed conversations about films.

Core Expression

• Expression: 영화 줄거리 이야기하기
  Pronunciation: yeong-hwa jul-geo-ri i-ya-gi-ha-gi
  Meaning: Talking about a movie plot (lit. movie plot talking-about)

Basic Questions About Plots

This section covers fundamental questions you might ask or hear when discussing a movie’s storyline.

• Expression: 그 영화 봤어요?
  Pronunciation: geu yeong-hwa bwat-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Did you see that movie?

• Expression: 영화 어땠어요?
  Pronunciation: yeong-hwa eo-ttae-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: How was the movie?

• Expression: 무슨 내용이에요?
  Pronunciation: mu-seun nae-yong-i-e-yo?
  Meaning: What is it about?

• Expression: 줄거리가 뭐예요?
  Pronunciation: jul-geo-ri-ga mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What’s the plot?

• Expression: 간단하게 줄거리 좀 말해주세요.
  Pronunciation: gan-dan-ha-ge jul-geo-ri jom mal-hae-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please tell me the plot briefly.

• Expression: 누가 나와요? (누가 출연해요?)
  Pronunciation: nu-ga na-wa-yo? (nu-ga chul-yeon-hae-yo?)
  Meaning: Who is in it? (Who stars in it?)

• Expression: 주인공이 누구예요?
  Pronunciation: ju-in-gong-i nu-gu-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Who is the main character?

• Expression: 어떤 장르예요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon jang-neu-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What genre is it?

• Expression: 결말이 어떻게 돼요?
  Pronunciation: gyeol-mal-i eo-tteo-ke dwae-yo?
  Meaning: How does it end?

• Expression: 스포일러 괜찮아요?
  Pronunciation: seu-po-il-leo gwaen-chan-a-yo?
  Meaning: Are spoilers okay?

Describing the Plot

Use these phrases to summarize or explain different parts of a movie’s storyline.

• Expression: 이 영화는 [주제]에 관한 이야기예요.
  Pronunciation: i yeong-hwa-neun [ju-je]-e gwan-han i-ya-gi-ye-yo.
  Meaning: This movie is about [topic].

• Expression: 주인공은 [설명]하는 사람이에요.
  Pronunciation: ju-in-gong-eun [seol-myeong]-ha-neun sa-ram-i-e-yo.
  Meaning: The main character is someone who [description].

• Expression: 이야기는 [사건]으로 시작해요.
  Pronunciation: i-ya-gi-neun [sa-geon]-eu-ro si-jak-hae-yo.
  Meaning: The story begins with [event].

• Expression: 중간에 반전이 있어요.
  Pronunciation: jung-gan-e ban-jeon-i it-eo-yo.
  Meaning: There’s a twist in the middle.

• Expression: 갈등이 점점 심해져요.
  Pronunciation: gal-deung-i jeom-jeom sim-hae-jyeo-yo.
  Meaning: The conflict gradually intensifies.

• Expression: [캐릭터]가 중요한 역할을 해요.
  Pronunciation: [kae-rik-teo]-ga jung-yo-han yeok-hal-eul hae-yo.
  Meaning: [Character] plays an important role.

• Expression: 결국에는 [결과]가 돼요.
  Pronunciation: gyeol-guk-e-neun [gyeol-gwa]-ga dwae-yo.
  Meaning: In the end, it results in [outcome].

• Expression: 결말이 좀 충격적이었어요.
  Pronunciation: gyeol-mal-i jom chung-gyeok-jeok-i-eot-eo-yo.
  Meaning: The ending was a bit shocking.

• Expression: 예상했던 대로 흘러갔어요.
  Pronunciation: ye-sang-haet-deon dae-ro heul-leo-ga-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: It went as expected.

• Expression: 전체적인 줄거리는 흥미로웠어요.
  Pronunciation: jeon-che-jeok-in jul-geo-ri-neun heung-mi-ro-wot-eo-yo.
  Meaning: The overall plot was interesting.

• Expression: 복선이 많았어요.
  Pronunciation: bok-seon-i man-a-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: There was a lot of foreshadowing.

• Expression: 시간 가는 줄 모르고 봤어요.
  Pronunciation: si-gan ga-neun jul mo-reu-go bwat-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I was so engrossed I lost track of time.

Sharing Opinions on the Plot

Express your thoughts and feelings about the movie’s storyline with these expressions.

• Expression: 줄거리가 정말 탄탄했어요.
  Pronunciation: jul-geo-ri-ga jeong-mal tan-tan-hae-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: The plot was really solid.

• Expression: 스토리가 조금 아쉬웠어요.
  Pronunciation: seu-to-ri-ga jo-geum a-swi-wo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: The story was a little disappointing.

• Expression: 전개가 너무 빨랐어요.
  Pronunciation: jeon-gae-ga neo-mu ppal-lat-eo-yo.
  Meaning: The development was too fast.

• Expression: 이야기가 너무 느리게 진행됐어요.
  Pronunciation: i-ya-gi-ga neo-mu neu-ri-ge jin-haeng-dwae-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: The story progressed too slowly.

• Expression: 결말이 마음에 들었어요.
  Pronunciation: gyeol-mal-i ma-eum-e deul-eo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I liked the ending.

• Expression: 결말이 좀 허무했어요.
  Pronunciation: gyeol-mal-i jom heo-mu-hae-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: The ending felt a bit empty/anticlimactic.

• Expression: 예측 가능한 스토리였어요.
  Pronunciation: ye-cheuk ga-neung-han seu-to-ri-yeo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: It was a predictable story.

• Expression: 반전이 정말 놀라웠어요.
  Pronunciation: ban-jeon-i jeong-mal nol-la-wo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: The twist was really surprising.

• Expression: 감동적인 이야기였어요.
  Pronunciation: gam-dong-jeok-in i-ya-gi-yeo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: It was a touching story.

• Expression: 생각할 거리를 많이 던져주는 영화였어요.
  Pronunciation: saeng-gak-hal geo-ri-reul man-i deon-jyeo-ju-neun yeong-hwa-yeo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: It was a movie that gave a lot to think about.

• Expression: 캐릭터 설정이 좋았어요.
  Pronunciation: kae-rik-teo seol-jeong-i jo-a-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: The character setup/development was good.

• Expression: 개연성이 좀 부족했어요.
  Pronunciation: gae-yeon-seong-i jom bu-jok-hae-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: It lacked a bit of plausibility.

Asking for More Details

When you want to know more specific plot points, use these questions. Be mindful of spoilers!

• Expression: 그래서 주인공은 어떻게 됐어요?
  Pronunciation: geu-rae-seo ju-in-gong-eun eo-tteo-ke dwae-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: So, what happened to the main character?

• Expression: 그 장면이 왜 중요했어요?
  Pronunciation: geu jang-myeon-i wae jung-yo-hae-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Why was that scene important?

• Expression: 그 다음에 무슨 일이 있었어요?
  Pronunciation: geu da-eum-e mu-seun il-i it-eo-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: What happened after that?

• Expression: 악당은 어떻게 됐나요?
  Pronunciation: ak-dang-eun eo-tteo-ke dwaen-na-yo?
  Meaning: What happened to the villain?

• Expression: 가장 인상 깊었던 장면은 뭐예요?
  Pronunciation: ga-jang in-sang gip-eot-deon jang-myeon-eun mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What was the most memorable scene?

• Expression: 이해가 안 가는 부분이 있었어요?
  Pronunciation: i-hae-ga an ga-neun bu-bun-i it-eo-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Was there any part you didn’t understand?

• Expression: 그 복선은 뭐였어요?
  Pronunciation: geu bok-seon-eun mwo-yeo-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: What was that foreshadowing about?

• Expression: 결말 말고 다른 중요한 사건 있었어요?
  Pronunciation: gyeol-mal mal-go da-reun jung-yo-han sa-geon it-eo-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Besides the ending, were there other important events?

• Expression: 그 캐릭터의 동기가 뭐였을까요?
  Pronunciation: geu kae-rik-teo-ui dong-gi-ga mwo-yeo-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: What do you think that character’s motivation was?

• Expression: 영화의 주제가 뭐라고 생각해요?
  Pronunciation: yeong-hwa-ui ju-je-ga mwo-ra-go saeng-gak-hae-yo?
  Meaning: What do you think the theme of the movie is?

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding cultural context enhances language use. Here are some points regarding movie discussions in Korea:

• Spoiler Sensitivity: Koreans are generally very sensitive about spoilers (스포일러 – seu-po-il-leo). It’s polite to ask “스포일러 괜찮아요?” (seu-po-il-leo gwaen-chan-a-yo? – Are spoilers okay?) before revealing key plot points, especially endings. Often, people use the term “스포” (seu-po) as a shortened version.
• “Cheon-man Yeonghwa” (천만 영화): Movies surpassing 10 million viewers (천만 관객 – cheon-man gwan-gaek) are considered major blockbusters in Korea. Discussing these films is common as many people will have seen them.
• Post-Movie Discussions: It’s common for friends or couples to go for coffee or a meal after watching a movie specifically to discuss it. Sharing opinions and analyzing the plot is a popular social activity.
• Emphasis on Emotion: Korean movie reviews and discussions often focus heavily on the emotional impact (감동 – gam-dong: being moved/touched, 재미 – jae-mi: fun/interest) and the actors’ performances (연기력 – yeon-gi-ryeok: acting ability).
• Genre Preferences: While diverse, genres like thrillers, historical dramas, and heartwarming comedies/dramas often perform very well domestically and generate significant discussion.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: Two friends, Minjun (A) and Sora (B), are talking about a movie they both recently watched.

Roles:
* A: Minjun
* B: Sora

• Expression: A: 소라 씨, 새로 나온 스릴러 영화 봤어요? 저는 어제 봤는데 진짜 재밌었어요.
  Pronunciation: so-ra ssi, sae-ro na-on seu-ril-leo yeong-hwa bwat-eo-yo? jeo-neun eo-je bwan-neun-de jin-jja jae-mi-sseo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: Sora, did you see the new thriller movie? I saw it yesterday, and it was really fun.

• Expression: B: 아, 저도 봤어요! 줄거리가 정말 흥미롭더라고요. 특히 마지막 반전이 대박이었어요.
  Pronunciation: a, jeo-do bwat-eo-yo! jul-geo-ri-ga jeong-mal heung-mi-rop-deo-ra-go-yo. teuk-hi ma-ji-mak ban-jeon-i dae-bak-i-eo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: Ah, I saw it too! The plot was really interesting. Especially the final twist, it was amazing.

• Expression: A: 맞아요! 저 전혀 예상 못 했어요. 주인공이 결국 범인이었다니…
  Pronunciation: ma-ja-yo! jeo jeon-hyeo ye-sang mot hae-sseo-yo. ju-in-gong-i gyeol-guk beom-in-i-eot-da-ni…
  Meaning: Right! I didn’t expect it at all. To think the main character was the culprit in the end…

• Expression: B: 저도요. 중간에 나온 복선들을 다 놓쳤어요. 다시 보면 보일 것 같아요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-do-yo. jung-gan-e na-on bok-seon-deul-eul da no-chyeo-sseo-yo. da-si bo-myeon bo-il geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: Me too. I missed all the foreshadowing in the middle. I think I’d notice them if I watched it again.

• Expression: A: 근데 전개가 조금 빠른 느낌도 있었어요. 놓친 부분이 있을까 봐 걱정돼요.
  Pronunciation: geun-de jeon-gae-ga jo-geum ppa-reun neu-kkim-do it-eo-sseo-yo. no-chin bu-bun-i it-eul-kka bwa geok-jeong-dwae-yo.
  Meaning: But I also felt the plot development was a bit fast. I’m worried I might have missed some parts.

• Expression: B: 음, 저는 딱 좋았어요. 지루할 틈이 없었거든요. 그 형사 캐릭터도 인상 깊지 않았어요?
  Pronunciation: eum, jeo-neun ttak jo-a-sseo-yo. ji-ru-hal teum-i eop-eot-geo-deun-yo. geu hyeong-sa kae-rik-teo-do in-sang gip-ji an-a-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Hmm, I thought it was just right. There was no time to get bored. Wasn’t the detective character memorable too?

• Expression: A: 네, 그 배우 연기 정말 잘하더라고요. 전체적으로 만족스러운 영화였어요.
  Pronunciation: ne, geu bae-u yeon-gi jeong-mal jal-ha-deo-ra-go-yo. jeon-che-jeok-eu-ro man-jok-seu-reo-un yeong-hwa-yeo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: Yes, that actor’s performance was really good. Overall, it was a satisfying movie.

Practice Tips

Now you have a good set of phrases for discussing movie plots in Korean~! Try using them next time you talk about a film with Korean-speaking friends. Start by asking simple questions like “영화 어땠어요?” (yeong-hwa eo-ttae-sseo-yo?) or “줄거리가 뭐예요?” (jul-geo-ri-ga mwo-ye-yo?). When describing, try summarizing briefly first, then add your opinions using phrases like “줄거리가 탄탄했어요” (jul-geo-ri-ga tan-tan-hae-sseo-yo) or “결말이 아쉬웠어요” (gyeol-mal-i a-swi-wo-sseo-yo). Remember to be mindful of spoilers! Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be discussing movie plots like a pro! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)