Knowing how to approach a teacher and inquire about extracurricular activities like a book club is a useful skill for students in Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for students wishing to ask their teacher about joining or learning more about an after-school book club.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 독서 동아리
Pronunciation: dok-seo dong-a-ri
Meaning: Book club (literally “reading club/group”)
Basic Questions to Ask Your Teacher
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Expression: 선생님, 질문 있어요.
Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim, jil-mun iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: Teacher, I have a question. -
Expression: 방과 후 독서 동아리에 대해 여쭤볼 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: bang-gwa hu dok-seo dong-a-ri-e dae-hae yeo-jjwo-bol geos-i iss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have something to ask about the after-school book club. -
Expression: 독서 동아리가 있나요?
Pronunciation: dok-seo dong-a-ri-ga iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a book club? -
Expression: 독서 동아리는 누가 담당하시나요?
Pronunciation: dok-seo dong-a-ri-neun nu-ga dam-dang-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Who is in charge of the book club? -
Expression: 독서 동아리에 대해 좀 더 알고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: dok-seo dong-a-ri-e dae-hae jom deo al-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to know more about the book club. -
Expression: 혹시 독서 동아리 관련 정보가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si dok-seo dong-a-ri gwal-lyeon jeong-bo-ga iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is there perhaps any information regarding the book club? -
Expression: 독서 동아리 활동에 관심이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: dok-seo dong-a-ri hwal-dong-e gwan-sim-i iss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am interested in the book club activities. -
Expression: 언제 여쭤보면 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: eon-je yeo-jjwo-bo-myeon jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: When would be a good time to ask? -
Expression: 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a moment? (Are you free for a moment?) -
Expression: 독서 동아리 관련해서 궁금한 점이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: dok-seo dong-a-ri gwal-lyeon-hae-seo gung-geum-han jeom-i iss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have some questions regarding the book club.
Asking for Specific Details
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Expression: 독서 동아리는 언제 모이나요?
Pronunciation: dok-seo dong-a-ri-neun eon-je mo-i-na-yo?
Meaning: When does the book club meet? -
Expression: 모임 시간과 장소를 알려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: mo-im si-gan-gwa jang-so-reul al-lyeo-ju-sil su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you tell me the meeting time and place? -
Expression: 주로 어떤 책을 읽나요?
Pronunciation: ju-ro eo-tteon chaek-eul ik-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of books do you mainly read? -
Expression: 동아리 활동은 어떻게 진행되나요?
Pronunciation: dong-a-ri hwal-dong-eun eo-tteo-ke jin-haeng-doe-na-yo?
Meaning: How are the club activities conducted? -
Expression: 독서 토론도 하나요?
Pronunciation: dok-seo to-ron-do ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you also have book discussions? -
Expression: 동아리에 가입하려면 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: dong-a-ri-e ga-ip-ha-ryeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How can I join the club? -
Expression: 신청 기간이 따로 있나요?
Pronunciation: sin-cheong gi-gan-i tta-ro iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a specific application period? -
Expression: 가입 조건이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ga-ip jo-geon-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any requirements to join? -
Expression: 몇 학년 학생들이 참여하나요?
Pronunciation: myeot hak-nyeon hak-saeng-deul-i cham-yeo-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Which grade level students participate? -
Expression: 동아리 회비가 있나요?
Pronunciation: dong-a-ri hoe-bi-ga iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a club fee? -
Expression: 다음 모임은 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: da-eum mo-im-eun eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the next meeting?
Potential Teacher Responses
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Expression: 네, 우리 학교에 독서 동아리가 있어요.
Pronunciation: ne, u-ri hak-gyo-e dok-seo dong-a-ri-ga iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: Yes, our school has a book club. -
Expression: 제가 담당 교사입니다.
Pronunciation: je-ga dam-dang gyo-sa-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I am the teacher in charge. -
Expression: 매주 수요일 방과 후에 도서관에서 모여요.
Pronunciation: mae-ju su-yo-il bang-gwa hu-e do-seo-gwan-e-seo mo-yeo-yo.
Meaning: We meet every Wednesday after school in the library. -
Expression: 주로 문학 작품을 읽고 토론합니다.
Pronunciation: ju-ro mun-hak jak-pum-eul ik-go to-ron-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We mainly read and discuss literary works. -
Expression: 가입 신청서는 저에게 받으면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: ga-ip sin-cheong-seo-neun jeo-e-ge bad-eu-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: You can get the application form from me. -
Expression: 다음 주까지 신청서를 제출하면 돼요.
Pronunciation: da-eum ju-kka-ji sin-cheong-seo-reul je-chul-ha-myeon dwae-yo.
Meaning: You need to submit the application form by next week. -
Expression: 특별한 조건은 없고, 책을 좋아하는 학생이면 누구나 환영해요.
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-han jo-geon-eun eop-go, chaek-eul jo-a-ha-neun hak-saeng-i-myeon nu-gu-na hwan-yeong-hae-yo.
Meaning: There are no special requirements; any student who likes books is welcome. -
Expression: 관심 가져줘서 고마워요.
Pronunciation: gwan-sim ga-jyeo-jwo-seo go-ma-wo-yo.
Meaning: Thank you for your interest. -
Expression: 자세한 내용은 공지사항 게시판을 확인해 보세요.
Pronunciation: ja-se-han nae-yong-eun gong-ji-sa-hang ge-si-pan-eul hwak-in-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Please check the notice board for detailed information. -
Expression: 궁금한 점 있으면 언제든지 다시 물어보세요.
Pronunciation: gung-geum-han jeom iss-eu-myeon eon-je-deun-ji da-si mur-eo-bo-se-yo.
Meaning: If you have any more questions, feel free to ask again anytime.
Polite Expressions for Addressing Teachers
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Expression: 선생님 (Seonsaengnim)
Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim
Meaning: Teacher (Polite term of address) -
Expression: ~습니다 / ~ㅂ니다 (~seumnida / ~mnida)
Pronunciation: ~seum-ni-da / ~m-ni-da
Meaning: Formal sentence ending (used when speaking to teachers) -
Expression: ~시~ (~si~)
Pronunciation: ~si~
Meaning: Honorific infix added to verbs/adjectives to show respect (e.g., 담당하다 -> 담당하시다) -
Expression: 여쭤보다 (yeojjwoboda)
Pronunciation: yeo-jjwo-bo-da
Meaning: To ask (humble form of 묻다 – mutda) -
Expression: 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for letting me know. -
Expression: 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: si-gan nae-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your time. -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 질문 하나 해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, jil-mun ha-na hae-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me, but may I ask a question? -
Expression: 바쁘신데 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: ba-ppeu-sin-de joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Sorry to bother you when you’re busy. -
Expression: 덕분에 잘 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: deok-bun-e jal al-gess-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thanks to you, I understand well.
Korean Culture Notes
In Korea, addressing teachers requires using formal language (존댓말 – jondaetmal) and specific honorifics like 선생님 (seonsaengnim). Always use formal endings like ~습니다 / ~ㅂ니다 (~seumnida / ~mnida) or the polite ~아요 / ~어요 (~ayo / ~eoyo) ending, avoiding casual speech (반말 – banmal).
It’s polite to choose an appropriate time to approach a teacher, such as during a break or after class, rather than interrupting them when they seem busy. Asking “잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?” (Do you have a moment?) is a considerate way to start.
School clubs (동아리 – dongari) are an important part of Korean school life. Showing interest and participating actively is generally viewed positively by teachers and peers. Asking questions clearly and politely shows your enthusiasm.
Using humble language forms like 여쭤보다 (yeojjwoboda) instead of the standard 묻다 (mutda) when asking a question demonstrates respect towards the teacher.
Always express gratitude after receiving information or help from a teacher using phrases like 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) or 알려주셔서 감사합니다 (allyeojusyeoseo gamsahamnida).
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A student (Minjun) approaches his Korean language teacher (Ms. Kim) after class to ask about the school’s book club.
Characters:
- A: Minjun (Student)
- B: Ms. Kim (Teacher)
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Expression: A: 선생님, 안녕하세요. 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: seon-saeng-nim, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Hello, teacher. Do you have a moment? -
Expression: B: 네, 민준 학생. 무슨 일이에요?
Pronunciation: ne, min-jun hak-saeng. mu-seun ir-i-e-yo?
Meaning: Yes, Minjun. What is it? -
Expression: A: 방과 후 독서 동아리에 대해 여쭤볼 것이 있어서요. 혹시 선생님께서 담당하시나요?
Pronunciation: bang-gwa hu dok-seo dong-a-ri-e dae-hae yeo-jjwo-bol geos-i iss-eo-seo-yo. hok-si seon-saeng-nim-kke-seo dam-dang-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: I have something to ask about the after-school book club. Are you perhaps in charge of it? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 맞아요. 제가 독서 동아리 담당이에요. 관심 있어요?
Pronunciation: a, ne. maj-a-yo. je-ga dok-seo dong-a-ri dam-dang-i-e-yo. gwan-sim iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Ah, yes. That’s right. I’m in charge of the book club. Are you interested? -
Expression: A: 네, 관심 있습니다! 동아리는 언제, 어디서 모이나요? 그리고 주로 어떤 활동을 하나요?
Pronunciation: ne, gwan-sim iss-seum-ni-da! dong-a-ri-neun eon-je, eo-di-seo mo-i-na-yo? geu-ri-go ju-ro eo-tteon hwal-dong-eul ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Yes, I’m interested! When and where does the club meet? And what kind of activities do you mainly do? -
Expression: B: 매주 금요일 방과 후에 도서관 세미나실에서 모여요. 같이 책을 정해서 읽고, 자유롭게 토론하는 시간을 가져요.
Pronunciation: mae-ju geum-yo-il bang-gwa hu-e do-seo-gwan se-mi-na-sil-e-seo mo-yeo-yo. gat-i chaek-eul jeong-hae-seo ik-go, ja-yu-rop-ge to-ron-ha-neun si-gan-eul ga-jyeo-yo.
Meaning: We meet every Friday after school in the library seminar room. We choose a book together, read it, and have time for free discussion. -
Expression: A: 정말 재미있을 것 같아요! 가입하려면 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: jeong-mal jae-mi-iss-eul geot gat-a-yo! ga-ip-ha-ryeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: That sounds really fun! How can I join? -
Expression: B: 제가 신청서를 줄게요. 작성해서 다음 주까지 제출하면 돼요. 특별한 조건은 없으니 부담 갖지 마세요.
Pronunciation: je-ga sin-cheong-seo-reul jul-ge-yo. jak-seong-hae-seo da-eum ju-kka-ji je-chul-ha-myeon dwae-yo. teuk-byeol-han jo-geon-eun eop-seu-ni bu-dam gat-ji ma-se-yo.
Meaning: I’ll give you an application form. Just fill it out and submit it by next week. There are no special requirements, so don’t feel pressured. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다! 신청서 주셔서 감사합니다, 선생님!
Pronunciation: ne, al-gess-seum-ni-da! sin-cheong-seo ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da, seon-saeng-nim!
Meaning: Yes, I understand! Thank you for the application form, teacher! -
Expression: B: 천만에요. 동아리에서 봐요!
Pronunciation: cheon-man-e-yo. dong-a-ri-e-seo bwa-yo!
Meaning: You’re welcome. See you at the club!
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner. Imagine you are the student and they are the teacher, then switch roles. Focus on using the correct formal language (존댓말) and pronunciation.
Listen to recordings of the phrases and repeat them aloud. Pay close attention to the syllable breaks and intonation. You can even record yourself and compare!
Try writing out your own questions about a hypothetical school club using the structures learned here. This will help solidify the grammar and vocabulary. Good luck with your Korean studies! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
