How to Ask About Korean Study Methods

Learning how others approach studying Korean can provide valuable insights and new strategies for your own language journey. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for asking about study methods, resources, and habits, enabling you to learn from fellow students, native speakers, or teachers.

Core Expression

This is the most fundamental way to ask someone how they study Korean.

• Expression: 한국어 공부 어떻게 하세요?
  Pronunciation: Hangugeo gongbu eotteoke haseyo?
  Meaning: How do you study Korean? (Polite)

Asking About General Study Habits

Use these phrases to inquire about someone’s overall approach to learning Korean.

• Expression: 보통 하루에 몇 시간 공부하세요?
  Pronunciation: Botong harue myeot sigan gongbuhaseyo?
  Meaning: Usually, how many hours do you study per day?
• Expression: 한국어 공부한 지 얼마나 되셨어요?
  Pronunciation: Hangugeo gongbuhan ji eolmana doesyeosseoyo?
  Meaning: How long have you been studying Korean?
• Expression: 어떤 방법이 가장 효과적이었어요?
  Pronunciation: Eotteon bangbeobi gajang hyogwajeogieosseoyo?
  Meaning: Which method was the most effective for you?
• Expression: 주로 어디에서 공부하세요?
  Pronunciation: Juro eodieseo gongbuhaseyo?
  Meaning: Where do you usually study?
• Expression: 매일 꾸준히 공부하는 편이세요?
  Pronunciation: Maeil kkujunhi gongbuhaneun pyeon-iseyo?
  Meaning: Do you tend to study consistently every day?
• Expression: 공부할 때 가장 중요하다고 생각하는 것은 무엇인가요?
  Pronunciation: Gongbuhal ttae gajang jung-yohadago saenggakaneun geoseun mueosingayo?
  Meaning: What do you think is the most important thing when studying?
• Expression: 슬럼프는 어떻게 극복하셨어요?
  Pronunciation: Seulleompeuneun eotteoke geukbokasyeosseoyo?
  Meaning: How did you overcome slumps (periods of low motivation/progress)?
• Expression: 한국어 공부 목표가 무엇인가요?
  Pronunciation: Hangugeo gongbu mokpyoga mueosingayo?
  Meaning: What are your Korean study goals?
• Expression: 공부 계획은 어떻게 세우세요?
  Pronunciation: Gongbu gyehoegeun eotteoke seuseyo?
  Meaning: How do you make your study plan?
• Expression: 혼자 공부하세요 아니면 스터디 그룹이 있으세요?
  Pronunciation: Honja gongbuhaseyo animyeon seuteodi geurubi isseuseyo?
  Meaning: Do you study alone or do you have a study group?
• Expression: 어떤 점이 가장 어렵다고 느끼세요?
  Pronunciation: Eotteon jeomi gajang eoryeopdago neukkiseyo?
  Meaning: What aspect do you find the most difficult?

Inquiring About Specific Skills

These questions focus on how someone improves particular language skills like vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking.

• Expression: 단어는 어떻게 외우세요?
  Pronunciation: Daneoneun eotteoke oeuseyo?
  Meaning: How do you memorize vocabulary?
• Expression: 문법 공부는 어떤 책으로 하세요?
  Pronunciation: Munbeop gongbuneun eotteon chaegeuro haseyo?
  Meaning: What book do you use for studying grammar?
• Expression: 듣기 실력은 어떻게 늘리셨어요?
  Pronunciation: Deutgi sillyeogeun eotteoke neullisyeosseoyo?
  Meaning: How did you improve your listening skills?
• Expression: 말하기 연습은 누구랑 하세요?
  Pronunciation: Malhagi yeonseubeun nugurang haseyo?
  Meaning: Who do you practice speaking with?
• Expression: 쓰기 연습은 자주 하시는 편인가요?
  Pronunciation: Sseugi yeonseubeun jaju hasineun pyeoningayo?
  Meaning: Do you practice writing often?
• Expression: 발음 교정은 어떻게 하셨어요?
  Pronunciation: Bareum gyojeongeun eotteoke hasyeosseoyo?
  Meaning: How did you correct your pronunciation?
• Expression: 어휘력 향상을 위해 특별히 하는 것이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: Eohwiryeok hyangsangeul wihae teukbyeolhi haneun geosi innayo?
  Meaning: Is there anything specific you do to improve your vocabulary?
• Expression: 복잡한 문장 구조는 어떻게 이해하세요?
  Pronunciation: Bokjapan munjang gujoneun eotteoke ihaehaseyo?
  Meaning: How do you understand complex sentence structures?
• Expression: 드라마나 영화로 공부하는 것은 효과가 있었나요?
  Pronunciation: Deuramana yeonghwaro gongbuhaneun geoseun hyogwaga isseonnayo?
  Meaning: Was studying with dramas or movies effective?
• Expression: 뉴스나 팟캐스트를 듣는 것이 도움이 되나요?
  Pronunciation: Nyuseuna patkaeseuteureul deunneun geosi doumi doenayo?
  Meaning: Is listening to news or podcasts helpful?
• Expression: 원어민처럼 자연스럽게 말하려면 어떻게 해야 할까요?
  Pronunciation: Woneomincheoreom jayeonseureopge malharyeomyeon eotteoke haeya halkkayo?
  Meaning: What should I do to speak naturally like a native speaker?

Asking About Resources

Use these phrases to ask for recommendations on study materials and tools.

• Expression: 추천해 주실 만한 한국어 교재가 있나요?
  Pronunciation: Chucheonhae jusil manhan hangugeo gyojaega innayo?
  Meaning: Are there any Korean textbooks you would recommend?
• Expression: 좋은 한국어 사전 앱 아시는 거 있으세요?
  Pronunciation: Joeun hangugeo sajeon aep asineun geo isseuseyo?
  Meaning: Do you know any good Korean dictionary apps?
• Expression: 공부하기 좋은 웹사이트나 유튜브 채널 추천해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: Gongbuhagi joeun wepsaiteuna yutyubeu chaeneol chucheonhae juseyo.
  Meaning: Please recommend any good websites or YouTube channels for studying.
• Expression: 단어 암기할 때 유용한 앱이 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: Daneo amgihal ttae yuyonghan aebi isseulkkayo?
  Meaning: Are there any useful apps for memorizing vocabulary?
• Expression: 한국 드라마나 영화 중에서 공부에 도움 되는 작품이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: Hanguk deuramana yeonghwa jungeseo gongbue doum doeneun jakpumi innayo?
  Meaning: Are there any Korean dramas or movies that are helpful for studying?
• Expression: 한국어 능력 시험(TOPIK) 준비는 어떻게 하셨어요?
  Pronunciation: Hangugeo neungnyeok siheom (TOPIK) junbineun eotteoke hasyeosseoyo?
  Meaning: How did you prepare for the TOPIK test?
• Expression: 언어 교환 파트너는 어디서 찾으셨어요?
  Pronunciation: Eoneo gyohwan pateuneoneun eodiseo chajeusyeosseoyo?
  Meaning: Where did you find your language exchange partner?
• Expression: 한국 문화도 같이 배울 수 있는 자료가 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: Hanguk munhwado gachi baeul su inneun jaryoga isseulkkayo?
  Meaning: Are there any resources where I can learn about Korean culture as well?
• Expression: 초급/중급/고급 학습자에게 맞는 자료 추천 부탁드려요.
  Pronunciation: Chogeup/junggeup/gogeup hakseupjaege manneun jaryo chucheon butakdeuryeoyo.
  Meaning: Please recommend resources suitable for beginner/intermediate/advanced learners.
• Expression: 혹시 사용하시는 플래시카드 앱이 있으신가요?
  Pronunciation: Hoksi sayonghasineun peullaesikadeu aebi isseusingayo?
  Meaning: Do you happen to use any flashcard apps?
• Expression: 문법 설명을 잘 해주는 책을 찾고 있어요.
  Pronunciation: Munbeop seolmyeong-eul jal haejuneun chaegeul chatgo isseoyo.
  Meaning: I’m looking for a book that explains grammar well.

Responding to Advice

After receiving study tips, use these phrases to express gratitude or react.

• Expression: 좋은 정보 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: Joeun jeongbo gamsahamnida.
  Meaning: Thank you for the good information.
• Expression: 알려주셔서 고맙습니다.
  Pronunciation: Allyeojusyeoseo gomapseumnida.
  Meaning: Thank you for letting me know.
• Expression: 정말 도움이 많이 될 것 같아요.
  Pronunciation: Jeongmal doumi mani doel geot gatayo.
  Meaning: I think that will be really helpful.
• Expression: 저도 그 방법 한번 써봐야겠어요.
  Pronunciation: Jeodo geu bangbeop hanbeon sseobwayagesseoyo.
  Meaning: I should try that method too.
• Expression: 아, 그런 방법이 있었군요!
  Pronunciation: A, geureon bangbeobi isseotgunyo!
  Meaning: Oh, so there was a method like that!
• Expression: 추천해 주신 책/앱 꼭 확인해 볼게요.
  Pronunciation: Chucheonhae jusin chaek/aep kkok hwaginhae bolgeyo.
  Meaning: I’ll definitely check out the book/app you recommended.
• Expression: 덕분에 공부 방향을 잡는 데 도움이 되었어요.
  Pronunciation: Deokbune gongbu banghyangeul jamneun de doumi doeeosseoyo.
  Meaning: Thanks to you, it helped me figure out my study direction.
• Expression: 역시 경험자의 조언은 다르네요.
  Pronunciation: Yeoksi gyeongheomjaui joeoneun dareuneyo.
  Meaning: As expected, advice from someone experienced is different.
• Expression: 참고해서 열심히 해보겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: Chamgohaeseo yeolsimhi haebogetseumnida.
  Meaning: I will use it as a reference and work hard.
• Expression: 다음에 또 모르는 거 있으면 여쭤봐도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: Daeume tto moreuneun geo isseumyeon yeojjeobwado doelkkayo?
  Meaning: May I ask you again next time if there’s something I don’t know?

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding these cultural points can enhance your interactions when discussing study methods.

• Humility in Learning: Koreans often value humility (겸손 – gyeomson). When asking for advice, phrasing your questions politely and acknowledging the other person’s experience is appreciated. Similarly, when sharing your own methods, avoid sounding overly boastful.
• Value of Education: Education (교육 – gyoyuk) is highly valued in Korean society. Discussing study methods is a common and acceptable topic, reflecting a shared understanding of the importance of learning and self-improvement.
• Sharing Information: People are generally willing to share study tips and resources, especially within academic settings or among fellow learners. Asking directly, as shown in the phrases above, is usually well-received.
• Effort and Persistence: There’s a cultural emphasis on hard work (노력 – noryeok) and persistence (끈기 – kkeun-gi). Discussions about study methods often touch upon the time and effort invested.
• Respect for Seniors/Experienced Individuals: When asking someone older or more experienced (선배 – seonbae), using polite language (존댓말 – jondaetmal) is crucial. Their advice is often highly regarded.

Real Conversation Example

This conversation demonstrates how to ask about and share Korean study methods.

• Situation: Two university students, Minjun (a more experienced learner) and Sarah (a newer learner), meet at the library.
• Roles:
  • A: Sarah (Newer learner asking for advice)
  • B: Minjun (More experienced learner sharing tips)

• Expression: A: 민준 씨, 안녕하세요. 여기서 또 뵙네요. 한국어 공부하고 계셨어요?
  Pronunciation: Minjun ssi, annyeonghaseyo. Yeogiseo tto boemneyo. Hangugeo gongbuhago gyesyeosseoyo?
  Meaning: Hello, Minjun. Fancy seeing you here again. Were you studying Korean?
• Expression: B: 아, 사라 씨. 네, 잠깐 단어 좀 외우고 있었어요. 사라 씨는요?
  Pronunciation: A, Sara ssi. Ne, jamkkan daneo jom oeugo isseosseoyo. Sara ssineunyo?
  Meaning: Oh, Sarah. Yes, I was just memorizing some vocabulary for a bit. How about you?
• Expression: A: 저도 한국어 숙제하려고요. 그런데 민준 씨는 한국어 공부 어떻게 하세요? 정말 잘하시는 것 같아서요.
  Pronunciation: Jeodo hangugeo sukjeh Karyeogoyo. Geureonde Minjun ssineun hangugeo gongbu eotteoke haseyo? Jeongmal jalhasineun geot gataseoyo.
  Meaning: I’m planning to do my Korean homework too. By the way, Minjun, how do you study Korean? You seem really good at it.
• Expression: B: 아유, 아니에요. 아직 부족한데요. 저는 매일 꾸준히 하려고 노력해요. 단어는 앱으로 외우고, 문법은 교재 보면서 정리하고 있어요.
  Pronunciation: Ayu, anieyo. Ajik bujokandeyo. Jeoneun maeil kkujunhi haryeogo noryeokaeyo. Daneoneun aebeuro oeugo, munbeobeun gyojae bomyeonseo jeongrihago isseoyo.
  Meaning: Oh no, not at all. I’m still lacking. I try to study consistently every day. I memorize vocabulary using an app and organize grammar points while looking at my textbook.
• Expression: A: 그렇군요. 듣기나 말하기 연습은 어떻게 하세요? 저는 그게 제일 어려워요.
  Pronunciation: Geureokunyo. Deutgina malhagi yeonseubeun eotteoke haseyo? Jeoneun geuge jeil eoryeowoyo.
  Meaning: I see. How do you practice listening or speaking? That’s the hardest part for me.
• Expression: B: 듣기는 한국 드라마나 예능을 자막 없이 보려고 노력하고, 말하기는 언어 교환 파트너랑 일주일에 두 번 정도 연습해요.
  Pronunciation: Deutgineun hanguk deuramana yeneungeul jamak eopsi boryeogo noryeokago, malhagineun eoneo gyohwan pateuneorang iljuire du beon jeongdo yeonseupaeyo.
  Meaning: For listening, I try to watch Korean dramas or entertainment shows without subtitles, and for speaking, I practice with my language exchange partner about twice a week.
• Expression: A: 와, 정말 체계적으로 하시네요! 추천해 주실 만한 앱이나 드라마 있으세요?
  Pronunciation: Wa, jeongmal chegyejeogeuro hasineyo! Chucheonhae jusil manhan aebina deurama isseuseyo?
  Meaning: Wow, you’re really systematic! Are there any apps or dramas you’d recommend?
• Expression: B: 단어 앱은 ‘Memrise’ 괜찮고, 드라마는 일상 대화 많은 ‘슬기로운 의사생활’ 같은 거 추천해요.
  Pronunciation: Daneo aebeun ‘Memrise’ gwaenchanhgo, deuramaneun ilsang daehwa maneun ‘Seulgirowoon Uisasaenghwal’ gateun geo chucheonhaeyo.
  Meaning: For a vocabulary app, ‘Memrise’ is quite good, and for dramas, I recommend something with a lot of daily conversation like ‘Hospital Playlist’.
• Expression: A: 좋은 정보 정말 감사합니다! 저도 참고해서 열심히 해볼게요!
  Pronunciation: Joeun jeongbo jeongmal gamsahamnida! Jeodo chamgohaeseo yeolsimhi haebolgeyo!
  Meaning: Thank you so much for the great information! I’ll use it as a reference and work hard too!

Practice Tips

Don’t just memorize these phrases~ try using them! Ask your Korean friends, language partners, or teachers about their study methods. You can start with “한국어 공부 어떻게 하세요?” and see where the conversation leads! Comparing different approaches can give you new ideas for your own learning journey. Remember, finding what works best for you is key. Fighting! (화이팅! – Hwaiting!)