Approaching a professor to inquire about academic opportunities like study groups requires appropriate language and etiquette, especially in a Korean university setting. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for students wishing to ask their professor about joining or forming a study group for the upcoming semester.
Table Of Content
Core Inquiry
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Expression: 교수님, 다음 학기 스터디 그룹에 대해 여쭤보고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim, da-eum hak-gi seu-teo-di geu-rup-e dae-hae yeo-jjwo-bo-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Professor, I would like to ask about the study group for next semester.
Introducing Yourself and Stating Your Purpose
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Expression: 교수님, 안녕하세요. [수업 이름] 수업을 듣는 [학생 이름]입니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. [su-eop i-reum] su-eop-eul deut-neun [hak-saeng i-reum]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Hello, Professor. I am [Student Name] from your [Class Name] class. -
Expression: 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a moment? (Are you available for a short time?) -
Expression: 다음 학기 스터디 그룹 관련해서 질문이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: da-eum hak-gi seu-teo-di geu-rup gwal-lyeon-hae-seo jil-mun-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have a question regarding the study group for next semester. -
Expression: 교수님 연구실에 찾아뵈어도 될까요?
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim yeon-gu-sil-e cha-ja-boe-eo-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I visit your office? -
Expression: 혹시 다음 학기에 스터디 그룹을 운영하실 계획이 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si da-eum hak-gi-e seu-teo-di geu-rup-eul un-yeong-ha-sil gye-hoek-i i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: By any chance, do you have plans to run a study group next semester? -
Expression: 스터디 그룹에 대해 문의드릴 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: seu-teo-di geu-rup-e dae-hae mun-ui-deu-ril geo-si it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have something to inquire about regarding the study group. -
Expression: [과목명] 관련 스터디 그룹에 관심이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: [gwa-mok-myeong] gwal-lyeon seu-teo-di geu-rup-e gwan-sim-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am interested in a study group related to [Subject Name]. -
Expression: 교수님께서 지도하시는 스터디 그룹이 있는지 궁금합니다.
Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim-kke-seo ji-do-ha-si-neun seu-teo-di geu-rup-i it-neun-ji gung-geum-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I am wondering if there is a study group supervised by you, Professor. -
Expression: 다음 학기 학습 계획을 세우고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: da-eum hak-gi hak-seup gye-hoek-eul se-u-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am planning my studies for next semester. -
Expression: 스터디 그룹 정보를 얻고 싶어서 연락드렸습니다.
Pronunciation: seu-teo-di geu-rup jeong-bo-reul eot-go si-peo-seo yeol-lak-deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I contacted you because I wanted to get information about the study group.
Asking About Study Group Details
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Expression: 스터디 그룹은 어떤 주제로 진행되나요?
Pronunciation: seu-teo-di geu-rup-eun eo-tteon ju-je-ro jin-haeng-doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What topic will the study group cover? -
Expression: 언제, 어디서 모이나요?
Pronunciation: eon-je, eo-di-seo mo-i-na-yo?
Meaning: When and where does it meet? -
Expression: 스터디 그룹에 참여하려면 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: seu-teo-di geu-rup-e cham-yeo-ha-ryeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How can I participate in the study group? -
Expression: 혹시 지원 요건이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ji-won yo-geon-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any application requirements? -
Expression: 몇 명 정도 참여하나요?
Pronunciation: myeot myeong jeong-do cham-yeo-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: About how many people participate? -
Expression: 주로 어떤 활동을 하나요? (예: 발표, 토론, 문제 풀이)
Pronunciation: ju-ro eo-tteon hwal-dong-eul ha-na-yo? (ye: bal-pyo, to-ron, mun-je pul-i)
Meaning: What kind of activities do you mainly do? (e.g., presentations, discussions, problem-solving) -
Expression: 신청 기간은 언제까지인가요?
Pronunciation: sin-cheong gi-gan-eun eon-je-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the application deadline? -
Expression: 제가 참여할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: je-ga cham-yeo-hal su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would it be possible for me to join? -
Expression: 스터디 그룹 관련해서 더 자세한 정보를 알 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: seu-teo-di geu-rup gwal-lyeon-hae-seo deo ja-se-han jeong-bo-reul al su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I get more detailed information about the study group? -
Expression: 어떤 교재나 자료를 사용하나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon gyo-jae-na ja-ryo-reul sa-yong-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What textbooks or materials are used?
Expressing Interest and Gratitude
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Expression: 네, 꼭 참여하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, kkok cham-yeo-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I definitely want to participate. -
Expression: 정말 좋은 기회인 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal jo-eun gi-hoe-in geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It seems like a really great opportunity. -
Expression: 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for letting me know. -
Expression: 긍정적으로 검토해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: geung-jeong-jeo-geu-ro geom-to-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will consider it positively. -
Expression: 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다, 교수님.
Pronunciation: si-gan nae-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da, gyo-su-nim.
Meaning: Thank you for your time, Professor. -
Expression: 많은 도움이 되었습니다.
Pronunciation: ma-neun do-um-i doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It was very helpful. -
Expression: 스터디 그룹에 참여하게 된다면 열심히 하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: seu-teo-di geu-rup-e cham-yeo-ha-ge doen-da-myeon yeol-sim-hi ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If I get to participate in the study group, I will work hard. -
Expression: 기대됩니다.
Pronunciation: gi-dae-doem-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m looking forward to it. -
Expression: 다음에 또 찾아뵙겠습니다.
Pronunciation: da-eum-e tto cha-ja-boep-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will come see you again next time. (A polite closing) -
Expression: 안녕히 계세요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo.
Meaning: Goodbye (to someone who is staying).
Cultural Notes for Interacting with Professors
Formality is Key: Always address professors using their title followed by 님 (nim), such as 교수님 (gyo-su-nim). Use formal Korean speech levels (-ㅂ니다/-습니다 or the polite -아요/-어요 ending, though the former is generally safer for initial interactions).
Respecting Time and Space: It’s best to approach professors during their designated office hours (오피스 아워 – o-pi-seu a-wo or 면담 시간 – myeon-dam si-gan). If approaching outside these times (e.g., after class), be brief and ask if they have a moment (잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요? – jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?). Emailing beforehand to schedule a meeting is also a common and respectful practice.
Clear Purpose: State your reason for approaching clearly and concisely. Korean culture values directness in professional or academic inquiries, once initial pleasantries are exchanged.
Showing Gratitude: Expressing thanks (감사합니다 – gam-sa-ham-ni-da) at the beginning (for their time) and end of the conversation is standard politeness.
Hierarchy Awareness: The student-professor relationship in Korea is traditionally hierarchical. Maintain a respectful posture and attitude throughout the interaction. Avoid overly casual language or behavior.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A student (Minji) approaches Professor Kim after class to ask about a potential study group for the next semester.
Roles: A: Minji (Student), B: Professor Kim
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Expression: A: 교수님, 안녕하세요. 오늘 수업 잘 들었습니다. 저는 김민지입니다.
Pronunciation: A: gyo-su-nim, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. o-neul su-eop jal deu-reot-seum-ni-da. jeo-neun gim-min-ji-im-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Hello, Professor. I enjoyed the class today. I am Kim Minji. -
Expression: B: 아, 네, 민지 학생. 반가워요. 무슨 일이에요?
Pronunciation: B: a, ne, min-ji hak-saeng. ban-ga-wo-yo. mu-seun i-ri-e-yo?
Meaning: B: Ah, yes, Minji. Nice to see you. What can I help you with? -
Expression: A: 네, 교수님. 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요? 다음 학기 스터디 그룹 관련해서 여쭤볼 것이 있어서요.
Pronunciation: A: ne, gyo-su-nim. jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo? da-eum hak-gi seu-teo-di geu-rup gwal-lyeon-hae-seo yeo-jjwo-bol geo-si i-sseo-seo-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, Professor. Do you have a moment? I have something to ask regarding a study group for next semester. -
Expression: B: 네, 괜찮아요. 다음 학기 스터디요? 아직 구체적인 계획은 없는데, 어떤 스터디에 관심 있어요?
Pronunciation: B: ne, gwaen-chan-a-yo. da-eum hak-gi seu-teo-di-yo? a-jik gu-che-jeo-gin gye-hoek-eun eop-neun-de, eo-tteon seu-teo-di-e gwan-sim i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, that’s fine. A study group next semester? I don’t have concrete plans yet, but what kind of study group are you interested in? -
Expression: A: 교수님께서 지도하시는 고급 회계 스터디가 혹시 있는지 궁금했습니다. 다음 학기에 그 과목을 심도 있게 공부하고 싶어서요.
Pronunciation: A: gyo-su-nim-kke-seo ji-do-ha-si-neun go-geup hoe-gye seu-teo-di-ga hok-si it-neun-ji gung-geum-haet-seum-ni-da. da-eum hak-gi-e geu gwa-mo-geul sim-do it-ge gong-bu-ha-go si-peo-seo-yo.
Meaning: A: I was wondering if there might be an advanced accounting study group supervised by you, Professor. I want to study that subject in depth next semester. -
Expression: B: 아, 고급 회계 스터디요. 몇몇 학생들이 관심을 보이긴 했는데, 아직 확정된 건 없어요. 만약 개설하게 되면 공지할게요.
Pronunciation: B: a, go-geup hoe-gye seu-teo-di-yo. myeot-myeot hak-saeng-deul-i gwan-sim-eul bo-i-gin haet-neun-de, a-jik hwak-jeong-doen geon eop-seo-yo. man-yak gae-seol-ha-ge doe-myeon gong-ji-hal-kke-yo.
Meaning: B: Ah, an advanced accounting study group. A few students have shown interest, but nothing is confirmed yet. If I do open one, I will make an announcement. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 만약 개설된다면 꼭 참여하고 싶습니다! 알려주셔서 감사합니다, 교수님.
Pronunciation: A: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. man-yak gae-seol-doen-da-myeon kkok cham-yeo-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da! al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da, gyo-su-nim.
Meaning: A: Okay, I understand. If it does open, I would definitely like to participate! Thank you for letting me know, Professor. -
Expression: B: 그래요. 관심 가져줘서 고마워요. 나중에 공지 확인해 보세요.
Pronunciation: B: geu-rae-yo. gwan-sim ga-jyeo-jwo-seo go-ma-wo-yo. na-jung-e gong-ji hwa-gin-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Alright. Thank you for your interest. Check the announcements later. -
Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다! 안녕히 계세요.
Pronunciation: A: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da! an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, thank you! Goodbye.
Practice Tips
Mastering these phrases requires practice! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner~ Focus on using the formal -ㅂ니다/-습니다 endings when addressing a professor. Pay attention to pronunciation, especially the respectful title 교수님 (gyo-su-nim). You can also practice writing an email to a professor using these expressions. Remember, politeness and clear communication are key when interacting with professors in Korea. Good luck! Fighting! (화이팅! – hwa-i-ting!)
