Navigating a gym in Korea and asking how to use unfamiliar equipment can feel daunting. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context to help you confidently ask for assistance and understand instructions at a Korean fitness center (헬스장 – hel-seu-jang). Learn how to inquire about machines, proper form, and general gym etiquette.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
- Expression: 이거 어떻게 사용해요?
Pronunciation: i-geo eo-tteo-ke sa-yong-hae-yo?
Meaning: How do I use this? (This is the most fundamental question for asking about equipment usage.)
Basic Questions at the Gym
These phrases cover common initial questions when you need help at the gym.
- Expression: 저기요, 잠깐 시간 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, jam-kkan si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-se-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me, do you have a moment? - Expression: 여기 직원분이세요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi jig-won-bun-i-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you work here? - Expression: 이 기구 사용법 좀 알려주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: i gi-gu sa-yong-beop jom al-lyeo-ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please tell me how to use this machine? - Expression: (기구 이름) 어떻게 써요?
Pronunciation: (gi-gu i-reum) eo-tteo-ke sseo-yo?
Meaning: How do you use the (machine name)? - Expression: 올바른 자세가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: ol-ba-reun ja-se-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the correct posture/form? - Expression: 무게는 어떻게 조절해요?
Pronunciation: mu-ge-neun eo-tteo-ke jo-jeol-hae-yo?
Meaning: How do I adjust the weight? - Expression: 몇 세트 / 몇 회 해야 돼요?
Pronunciation: myeot se-teu / myeot hoe hae-ya dwae-yo?
Meaning: How many sets / reps should I do? - Expression: (물건) 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: (mul-geon) eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Where is the (item)? (e.g., 수건 – su-geon – towel, 물통 – mul-tong – water bottle) - Expression: 이거 지금 사용해도 괜찮아요?
Pronunciation: i-geo ji-geum sa-yong-hae-do gwaen-chan-a-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to use this now? - Expression: 보조 좀 해주실 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: bo-jo jom hae-ju-sil su iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you spot me? - Expression: 이 운동은 어느 근육에 좋아요?
Pronunciation: i un-dong-eun eo-neu geun-yug-e jo-a-yo?
Meaning: Which muscle is this exercise good for? - Expression: 처음 사용해 봐서 잘 모르겠어요.
Pronunciation: cheo-eum sa-yong-hae bwa-seo jal mo-reu-gess-eo-yo.
Meaning: It’s my first time using this, so I’m not sure.
Understanding Instructions
Use these phrases to respond to explanations or ask for clarification.
- Expression: 네, 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-gess-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. - Expression: 잘 모르겠어요.
Pronunciation: jal mo-reu-gess-eo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t understand well. - Expression: 다시 한번 설명해주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae-ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please explain it again? - Expression: 좀 더 천천히 말씀해주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jom deo cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae-ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please speak a bit more slowly? - Expression: 한번 보여주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: han-beon bo-yeo-ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you show me once? - Expression: 이렇게 하는 거 맞아요?
Pronunciation: i-reo-ke ha-neun geo maj-a-yo?
Meaning: Am I doing it like this? / Is this correct? - Expression: 주의할 점이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ju-ui-hal jeom-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any points to be careful about? - Expression: 흔히 하는 실수가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: heun-hi ha-neun sil-su-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What are common mistakes? - Expression: 감사합니다. / 고맙습니다.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da. / go-map-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you. - Expression: 다른 운동 기구도 추천해주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: da-reun un-dong gi-gu-do chu-cheon-hae-ju-sil su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you recommend other exercise machines too? - Expression: 무게를 더 올려도 될까요? / 내려도 될까요?
Pronunciation: mu-ge-reul deo ol-lyeo-do doel-kka-yo? / nae-ryeo-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I increase the weight? / Can I decrease the weight? - Expression: 이 기구 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i gi-gu i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the name of this machine?
Specific Machine and Area Questions
Here are questions tailored to common gym equipment and areas.
- Expression: (러닝머신) 어떻게 시작해요 / 멈춰요?
Pronunciation: (reo-ning-meo-sin) eo-tteo-ke si-jak-hae-yo / meom-chwo-yo?
Meaning: How do I start / stop the (treadmill)? - Expression: 속도 / 경사 조절은 어떻게 해요?
Pronunciation: sok-do / gyeong-sa jo-jeol-eun eo-tteo-ke hae-yo?
Meaning: How do I adjust the speed / incline? - Expression: (일립티컬) 사용법 좀 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: (il-lip-ti-keol) sa-yong-beop jom al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me how to use the (elliptical). - Expression: (웨이트 머신) 무게 / 의자 조절은 어디서 해요?
Pronunciation: (we-i-teu meo-sin) mu-ge / ui-ja jo-jeol-eun eo-di-seo hae-yo?
Meaning: Where do I adjust the weight / seat on the (weight machine)? - Expression: (덤벨/바벨) 운동 시 올바른 자세 좀 봐주세요.
Pronunciation: (deom-bel/ba-bel) un-dong si ol-ba-reun ja-se jom bwa-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please check my correct form when exercising with (dumbbells/barbells). - Expression: (벤치프레스) 보조 좀 부탁드려요.
Pronunciation: (ben-chi-peu-re-seu) bo-jo jom bu-tak-deu-ryeo-yo.
Meaning: I’d like to ask for a spot on the (bench press). - Expression: (스쿼트랙) 안전하게 설정하는 법 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: (seu-kwo-teu-raek) an-jeon-ha-ge seol-jeong-ha-neun beop al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me how to set up the (squat rack) safely. - Expression: (케이블 머신) 이 손잡이는 어떻게 연결해요?
Pronunciation: (ke-i-beul meo-sin) i son-jab-i-neun eo-tteo-ke yeon-gyeol-hae-yo?
Meaning: How do I connect this handle on the (cable machine)? - Expression: (로잉머신) 저항은 어떻게 조절해요?
Pronunciation: (ro-ing-meo-sin) jeo-hang-eun eo-tteo-ke jo-jeol-hae-yo?
Meaning: How do I adjust the resistance on the (rowing machine)? - Expression: 스트레칭 매트는 어디 있나요?
Pronunciation: seu-teu-re-ching mae-teu-neun eo-di iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Where are the stretching mats? - Expression: 사용 후에 기구는 닦아야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sa-yong hu-e gi-gu-neun dakk-a-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I wipe down the equipment after use? - Expression: 소독제는 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: so-dok-je-neun eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Where is the disinfectant?
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding gym culture in Korea can enhance your experience.
- Approaching Staff: It’s generally best to ask gym staff (직원 – jig-won or 트레이너 – teu-re-i-neo) for help rather than other members, unless you know them. Staff usually wear uniforms.
- Politeness (존댓말 – Jondaetmal): Always use formal Korean (phrases ending in -요 [-yo] or -ㅂ니다/습니다 [-mnida/-seumnida]) when speaking to staff or strangers at the gym.
- Gym Etiquette: Wiping down machines after use with the provided towels (수건 – su-geon) and re-racking weights (원판 정리 – won-pan jeong-ri) are expected manners.
- Personal Trainers (PT): Personal training is very popular. Trainers often actively assist clients, so be mindful not to interrupt their sessions. If you need help, look for a trainer who seems available or ask at the information desk.
- Gym Clothes and Shoes: Many Korean gyms require members to change into dedicated indoor workout shoes to keep the facility clean. Some gyms provide workout clothes (운동복 – un-dong-bok) and towels.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A gym member (A) wants to use the leg press machine but is unsure how. They approach a trainer (B).
Roles:
- A: Gym Member (회원 – hoe-won)
- B: Trainer (트레이너 – teu-re-i-neo)
- Expression: A: 저기요, 트레이너님. 잠깐 시간 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, teu-re-i-neo-nim. jam-kkan si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-se-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me, Trainer. Do you have a moment? - Expression: B: 네, 회원님. 무슨 일 이세요?
Pronunciation: ne, hoe-won-nim. mu-seun il i-se-yo?
Meaning: Yes, Member. What can I help you with? - Expression: A: 이 레그프레스 기구는 처음 써봐서요. 어떻게 사용하는지 알려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i re-geu-peu-re-seu gi-gu-neun cheo-eum sseo-bwa-seo-yo. eo-tteo-ke sa-yong-ha-neun-ji al-lyeo-ju-sil su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: It’s my first time using this leg press machine. Could you tell me how to use it? - Expression: B: 아, 네. 그럼요. 먼저 여기 앉으셔서 발을 발판에 올리시고요. 이 옆에 있는 레버로 무게를 조절하시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: a, ne. geu-reom-nyo. meon-jeo yeo-gi anj-eu-syeo-seo bar-eul bal-pan-e ol-li-si-go-yo. i yeop-e iss-neun re-beo-ro mu-ge-reul jo-jeol-ha-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: Ah, yes. Of course. First, sit here and place your feet on the footplate. You can adjust the weight with this lever on the side. - Expression: A: 아, 이 레버요? 무게는 어느 정도로 시작하는 게 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: a, i re-beo-yo? mu-ge-neun eo-neu jeong-do-ro si-jak-ha-neun ge jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Ah, this lever? About what weight would be good to start with? - Expression: B: 처음이시면 가볍게 시작하시는 게 좋아요. 이 정도로 한번 해보시겠어요? 무릎은 완전히 펴지 마시고 살짝 구부린 상태까지만 미세요.
Pronunciation: cheo-eum-i-si-myeon ga-byeop-ge si-jak-ha-si-neun ge jo-a-yo. i jeong-do-ro han-beon hae-bo-si-gess-eo-yo? mu-reup-eun wan-jeon-hi pyeo-ji ma-si-go sal-jjak gu-bu-rin sang-tae-kka-ji-man mi-se-yo.
Meaning: If it’s your first time, it’s good to start light. Would you like to try about this much? Don’t fully extend your knees; push only until they are slightly bent. - Expression: A: 네. 이렇게요?
Pronunciation: ne. i-reo-ke-yo?
Meaning: Yes. Like this? - Expression: B: 네, 맞아요! 아주 잘하시네요. 15회씩 3세트 정도 하시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: ne, maj-a-yo! a-ju jal-ha-si-ne-yo. sib-o-hoe-ssik sam-se-teu jeong-do ha-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, that’s right! You’re doing very well. Doing about 3 sets of 15 reps should be good. - Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 친절하게 알려주셔서 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: ne, al-gess-seum-ni-da. chin-jeol-ha-ge al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Yes, I understand. Thank you for kindly explaining!
Practice Tips
Okay, now you have the essential phrases~! How can you practice?
- Listen & Repeat: Pay close attention to the pronunciations. Practice saying the phrases out loud, focusing on the syllable breaks!
- Visualize: Imagine yourself at a Korean gym. Think about which machines you’d use and practice asking how to use them.
- Role-play: Grab a friend and practice the conversation example. One person can be the member, the other the trainer~.
- Watch Korean Fitness Content: Look for Korean workout videos on YouTube. You’ll hear these phrases used naturally!
- Be Brave!: If you get the chance to visit a gym in Korea, don’t hesitate to ask for help using these expressions. Staff are usually happy to assist~! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Good luck!)
