Discussing extracurricular activities like competitions with teachers is a common scenario in Korean schools. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for a student wishing to inquire about a math competition scheduled for the next term, specifically approaching the teacher after school hours.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 수학 경시대회에 대해 여쭤보다
Pronunciation: su-hak gyeong-si-dae-hoe-e dae-hae yeo-jjwo-bo-da
Meaning: To ask about the math competition (polite form used towards a teacher)
Initiating the Conversation
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Expression: 선생님, 안녕하세요.
Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Hello, Teacher. -
Expression: 선생님, 지금 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim, ji-geum jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Teacher, do you have a moment right now? -
Expression: 방과 후에 잠깐 찾아뵈어도 될까요?
Pronunciation: bang-gwa hu-e jam-kkan cha-ja-boe-eo-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I come see you for a moment after school? -
Expression: 드릴 말씀이 있어서 왔습니다.
Pronunciation: deu-ril mal-sseum-i i-sseo-seo wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I came because I have something to ask you/tell you (polite). -
Expression: 다음 학기 수학 경시대회 관련해서 여쭤볼 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: da-eum hak-gi su-hak gyeong-si-dae-hoe gwal-lyeon-hae-seo yeo-jjwo-bol geo-si it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have something to ask regarding the math competition next term. -
Expression: 혹시 방해되지 않는다면 잠시 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si bang-hae-doe-ji an-neun-da-myeon jam-si yeo-jjwo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: If I’m not disturbing you, may I ask something for a moment? -
Expression: 수학 경시대회에 대해 궁금한 점이 있어서요.
Pronunciation: su-hak gyeong-si-dae-hoe-e dae-hae gung-geum-han jeom-i i-sseo-seo-yo.
Meaning: I have some questions about the math competition. -
Expression: 선생님께 문의드릴 사항이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim-kke mun-ui-deu-ril sa-hang-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have a matter to inquire about with you, Teacher. -
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: 간단하게 여쭤볼 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gan-dan-ha-ge yeo-jjwo-bol geo-si it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have something brief to ask you.
Asking About Competition Details
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Expression: 다음 학기 수학 경시대회는 언제 열리나요?
Pronunciation: da-eum hak-gi su-hak gyeong-si-dae-hoe-neun eon-je yeol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: When will the math competition be held next term? -
Expression: 대회 날짜가 확정되었나요?
Pronunciation: dae-hoe nal-jja-ga hwak-jeong-doe-eot-na-yo?
Meaning: Has the date for the competition been confirmed? -
Expression: 참가 신청은 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: cham-ga sin-cheong-eun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I apply to participate? -
Expression: 신청 기간은 언제까지인가요?
Pronunciation: sin-cheong gi-gan-eun eon-je-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the application deadline? -
Expression: 참가 자격 요건이 있나요?
Pronunciation: cham-ga ja-gyeok yo-geon-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any eligibility requirements? -
Expression: 몇 학년 학생들이 참가할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: myeot hang-nyeon hak-saeng-deul-i cham-ga-hal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Which grade levels can participate? -
Expression: 대회 형식은 어떻게 되나요? (예: 필기시험, 문제 풀이)
Pronunciation: dae-hoe hyeong-sik-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo? (ye: pil-gi-si-heom, mun-je pul-i)
Meaning: What is the format of the competition? (e.g., written test, problem-solving) -
Expression: 시험 범위는 어디까지인가요?
Pronunciation: si-heom beo-mwi-neun eo-di-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the scope of the test (what material does it cover)? -
Expression: 참가비가 있나요?
Pronunciation: cham-ga-bi-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a participation fee? -
Expression: 자세한 공지사항은 어디서 확인할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ja-se-han gong-ji-sa-hang-eun eo-di-seo hwa-gin-hal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where can I find detailed announcements? -
Expression: 작년 대회 정보는 참고할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: jang-nyeon dae-hoe jeong-bo-neun cham-go-hal su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I refer to information from last year’s competition? -
Expression: 대회 준비는 어떻게 하는 것이 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: dae-hoe jun-bi-neun eo-tteo-ke ha-neun geo-si jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: How would it be best to prepare for the competition?
Expressing Interest and Next Steps
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Expression: 저는 이 대회에 참가하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun i dae-hoe-e cham-ga-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to participate in this competition. -
Expression: 수학 경시대회에 관심이 많습니다.
Pronunciation: su-hak gyeong-si-dae-hoe-e gwan-sim-i man-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am very interested in the math competition. -
Expression: 신청서를 어디서 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: sin-cheong-seo-reul eo-di-seo ba-deul su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where can I get the application form? -
Expression: 신청서는 언제까지 제출해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sin-cheong-seo-neun eon-je-kka-ji je-chul-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: By when must I submit the application form? -
Expression: 혹시 추천서가 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si chu-cheon-seo-ga pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is a letter of recommendation required, by any chance? -
Expression: 대회 준비를 위해 조언을 구할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: dae-hoe jun-bi-reul wi-hae jo-eon-eul gu-hal su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I ask for advice on preparing for the competition? -
Expression: 참고할 만한 자료가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: cham-go-hal man-han ja-ryo-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Are there any reference materials available? -
Expression: 자세히 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: ja-se-hi al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for explaining in detail. -
Expression: 열심히 준비해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: yeol-sim-hi jun-bi-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will prepare diligently. -
Expression: 좋은 경험이 될 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: jo-eun gyeong-heom-i doel geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It seems like it will be a good experience. -
Expression: 다시 한번 감사드립니다.
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon gam-sa-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you once again.
Korean Culture Notes
Respectful Language (존댓말 – Jon-daen-mal): Always use formal and polite language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) when speaking to teachers in Korea. This includes using honorifics like 선생님 (seon-saeng-nim) for “teacher” and polite verb endings like -요 (-yo) or -ㅂ니다/습니다 (-m-ni-da / -seum-ni-da).
Approaching Teachers: While teachers are generally approachable, it’s considered polite to ask if they have time (잠시 시간 괜찮으세요? – jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-se-yo?) before launching into your questions, especially outside of class time. Approaching them after school or during designated office hours is common.
Importance of Competitions: Academic competitions (경시대회 – gyeong-si-dae-hoe) are quite common and often encouraged in the Korean education system. Participating can be seen as a valuable experience for students.
Clarity and Purpose: When approaching a teacher, clearly state your purpose early in the conversation. Phrases like ~에 대해 여쭤볼 것이 있습니다 (~e dae-hae yeo-jjwo-bol geo-si it-seum-ni-da – I have something to ask about ~) are direct and polite.
Showing Gratitude: Expressing thanks at the beginning (시간 내주셔서 감사합니다 – si-gan nae-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da – Thank you for your time) and end (알려주셔서 감사합니다 – al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da – Thank you for letting me know) is crucial for maintaining a respectful interaction.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A student (Min-jun) approaches his math teacher (Ms. Kim) after school to ask about the math competition next term.
Roles: A = Min-jun (Student), B = Ms. Kim (Teacher)
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Expression: A: 선생님, 안녕하세요. 저 민준입니다. 혹시 지금 잠깐 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: Seon-saeng-nim, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. Jeo Min-jun-im-ni-da. Hok-si ji-geum jam-kkan si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: Hello, Teacher. It’s Min-jun. Do you perhaps have a moment right now? -
Expression: B: 어, 민준 학생. 괜찮아요. 무슨 일이에요?
Pronunciation: Eo, Min-jun hak-saeng. Gwaen-chan-a-yo. Mu-seun ir-i-e-yo?
Meaning: B: Oh, Min-jun. Yes, it’s fine. What’s up? -
Expression: A: 다음 학기에 있을 수학 경시대회에 대해서 여쭤볼 것이 있어서요.
Pronunciation: Da-eum hak-gi-e i-sseul su-hak gyeong-si-dae-hoe-e dae-hae-seo yeo-jjwo-bol geo-si i-sseo-seo-yo.
Meaning: A: I have something to ask about the math competition that will be held next term. -
Expression: B: 아, 수학 경시대회요? 네, 물어보세요.
Pronunciation: A, su-hak gyeong-si-dae-hoe-yo? Ne, mur-eo-bo-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Ah, the math competition? Yes, go ahead and ask. -
Expression: A: 대회가 대략 언제쯤 열리는지 알 수 있을까요? 그리고 신청은 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: Dae-hoe-ga dae-ryak eon-je-jjeum yeol-li-neun-ji al su i-sseul-kka-yo? Geu-ri-go sin-cheong-eun eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Could I know approximately when the competition will be held? And how should I apply? -
Expression: B: 아직 정확한 날짜는 안 나왔는데, 다음 학기 중간고사 후에 열릴 예정이에요. 신청 방법은 나중에 학교 홈페이지에 공지될 테니 확인해 보세요.
Pronunciation: A-jik jeong-hwa-kan nal-jja-neun an na-wan-neun-de, da-eum hak-gi jung-gan-go-sa hu-e yeol-lil ye-jeong-i-e-yo. Sin-cheong bang-beob-eun na-jung-e hak-gyo hom-pe-i-ji-e gong-ji-doel te-ni hwa-gin-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: B: The exact date hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s scheduled to be held after the midterm exams next term. The application method will be announced later on the school website, so please check there. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 참가 자격 같은 건 따로 없나요?
Pronunciation: Ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. Cham-ga ja-gyeok ga-teun geon tta-ro eom-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, I understand. Are there any specific eligibility requirements? -
Expression: B: 특별한 건 없고, 우리 학교 재학생이면 누구나 신청할 수 있어요. 관심 있어요?
Pronunciation: Teuk-byeol-han geon eop-go, u-ri hak-gyo jae-hak-saeng-i-myeon nu-gu-na sin-cheong-hal su i-sseo-yo. Gwan-sim i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: B: Nothing special, any currently enrolled student at our school can apply. Are you interested? -
Expression: A: 네, 꼭 참가해 보고 싶습니다! 자세히 알려주셔서 감사합니다, 선생님. 공지 잘 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: Ne, kkok cham-ga-hae bo-go sip-seum-ni-da! Ja-se-hi al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da, seon-saeng-nim. Gong-ji jal hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Yes, I definitely want to try participating! Thank you for the detailed information, Teacher. I will check the announcement carefully. -
Expression: B: 그래요. 열심히 준비해서 좋은 결과 있길 바라요.
Pronunciation: Geu-rae-yo. Yeol-sim-hi jun-bi-hae-seo jo-eun gyeol-gwa it-gil ba-ra-yo.
Meaning: B: Okay. I hope you prepare well and get good results.
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect, especially with polite speech levels! Try role-playing this scenario with a friend or language partner, taking turns being the student and the teacher~ Remember to use the polite -요 or -ㅂ니다/습니다 endings when playing the student role.
Listen carefully to how native speakers interact in similar situations (e.g., in Korean dramas or educational programs) to get a feel for the natural flow and intonation. Pay attention to non-verbal cues like bowing slightly when greeting or thanking the teacher!
Don’t be afraid to use these phrases! Even if you make small mistakes, showing effort and politeness is highly valued. Good luck! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting! / Good luck!)
