Unexpected situations can arise while hiking, like stepping into a puddle and soaking your sock. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for politely asking a fellow hiker if they have a spare sock you could use. Learn how to explain your predicament and make the request appropriately.
Table Of Content
Essential Phrase
-
Expression: 혹시 여분 양말 한 짝 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si yeo-bun yang-mal han jjak i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have a spare sock? (Polite)
Explaining the Situation
-
Expression: 죄송한데, 제가 실수로 웅덩이에 발을 빠뜨렸어요.
Pronunciation: joe-song-han-de, je-ga sil-su-ro ung-deong-i-e ba-reul ppa-tteu-ryeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but I accidentally stepped in a puddle. -
Expression: 양말이 완전히 젖어버렸어요.
Pronunciation: yang-ma-ri wan-jeon-hi jeo-jeo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: My sock got completely wet. -
Expression: 신발이랑 양말이 다 젖었어요.
Pronunciation: sin-ba-ri-rang yang-ma-ri da jeo-jeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: My shoe and sock are all wet. -
Expression: 물웅덩이를 못 보고 밟았어요.
Pronunciation: mul-ung-deong-i-reul mot bo-go bal-ba-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I didn’t see the puddle and stepped in it. -
Expression: 발이 너무 차가워요.
Pronunciation: ba-ri neo-mu cha-ga-wo-yo.
Meaning: My foot is very cold. -
Expression: 이 젖은 양말 때문에 계속 가기가 힘들 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: i jeo-jeun yang-mal ttae-mu-ne gye-sok ga-gi-ga him-deul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think it will be difficult to keep going because of this wet sock. -
Expression: 제가 여분 양말을 안 가져왔네요.
Pronunciation: je-ga yeo-bun yang-ma-reul an ga-jyeo-wan-ne-yo.
Meaning: I didn’t bring a spare sock. -
Expression: 정말 난감한 상황이네요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal nan-gam-han sang-hwang-i-ne-yo.
Meaning: This is a really awkward situation. -
Expression: 등산 중에 이런 일이 생길 줄 몰랐어요.
Pronunciation: deung-san jung-e i-reon i-ri saeng-gil jul mol-la-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I didn’t expect something like this to happen while hiking.
Asking for Help Politely
-
Expression: 실례합니다. 잠시 뭐 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. jam-si mwo jom yeo-jjwo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me. May I ask you something quickly? -
Expression: 정말 죄송한 부탁인데요…
Pronunciation: jeong-mal joe-song-han bu-ta-gin-de-yo…
Meaning: I have a really sorry request, but… -
Expression: 혹시 괜찮으시다면, 양말 한 짝 빌릴 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si gwaen-cha-neu-si-da-myeon, yang-mal han jjak bil-lil su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: If you happen to be okay with it, could I possibly borrow one sock? -
Expression: 여분의 양말이 있으시면 하나만 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-bu-nui yang-ma-ri i-sseu-si-myeon ha-na-man ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: If you have a spare sock, could you give me just one? -
Expression: 염치없지만, 혹시 양말 남는 거 있으세요?
Pronunciation: yeom-chi-eop-ji-man, hok-si yang-mal nam-neun geo i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: It’s shameless of me, but do you happen to have a leftover sock? -
Expression: 어떤 양말이든 괜찮습니다.
Pronunciation: eo-tteon yang-ma-ri-deun gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Any kind of sock is fine. -
Expression: 혹시 도움을 받을 수 있을까 해서요.
Pronunciation: hok-si do-u-meul ba-deul su i-sseul-kka hae-seo-yo.
Meaning: I was wondering if I could possibly receive some help. -
Expression: 폐가 안 된다면 부탁 좀 드려도 될까요?
Pronunciation: pye-ga an doen-da-myeon bu-tak jom deu-ryeo-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask a favor? -
Expression: 정말 곤란해서 그런데, 혹시…
Pronunciation: jeong-mal gol-lan-hae-seo geu-reon-de, hok-si…
Meaning: I’m in a really difficult situation, so perhaps… -
Expression: 잠시 신을 양말 한 짝만 빌려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: jam-si si-neul yang-mal han jjak-man bil-lyeo-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you possibly lend me just one sock to wear for a while?
Expressing Gratitude or Handling Rejection
-
Expression: 정말 감사합니다! 덕분에 살았어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da! deok-bu-ne sa-ra-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Thank you so much! You saved me. (If they give you a sock) -
Expression: 이 은혜는 잊지 않겠습니다.
Pronunciation: i eun-hye-neun it-ji an-ket-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I won’t forget this kindness. (If they give you a sock) -
Expression: 정말 큰 도움이 되었어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal keun do-u-mi doe-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: This was a really big help. (If they give you a sock) -
Expression: 혹시 연락처를 알 수 있을까요? 나중에 돌려드리거나 사례하고 싶어서요.
Pronunciation: hok-si yeol-lak-cheo-reul al su i-sseul-kka-yo? na-jung-e dol-lyeo-deu-ri-geo-na sa-rye-ha-go si-peo-seo-yo.
Meaning: Could I possibly get your contact information? I’d like to return it or thank you properly later. (Optional, if appropriate) -
Expression: 아, 없으시군요. 괜찮습니다.
Pronunciation: a, eop-seu-si-gun-yo. gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Oh, you don’t have one. That’s okay. (If they don’t have one) -
Expression: 그럼 어쩔 수 없죠. 신경 써주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: geu-reom eo-jjeol su eop-jjo. sin-gyeong sseo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Then it can’t be helped. Thank you for your concern. (If they don’t have one) -
Expression: 물어봐 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: mu-reo-bwa ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for asking (or checking). (If they look but don’t have one) -
Expression: 아니에요, 제가 죄송하죠.
Pronunciation: a-ni-e-yo, je-ga joe-song-ha-jyo.
Meaning: No, no, I’m the one who should be sorry (for asking). (Polite response to their apology) -
Expression: 이해합니다. 무리한 부탁 드려서 죄송해요.
Pronunciation: i-hae-ham-ni-da. mu-ri-han bu-tak deu-ryeo-seo joe-song-hae-yo.
Meaning: I understand. I’m sorry for making an unreasonable request. (If they seem hesitant or refuse) -
Expression: 그럼 조심히 가세요!
Pronunciation: geu-reom jo-sim-hi ga-se-yo!
Meaning: Well then, have a safe trip! (Parting words)
Related Hiking Vocabulary
-
Expression: 등산
Pronunciation: deung-san
Meaning: Hiking, mountain climbing -
Expression: 등산객
Pronunciation: deung-san-gaek
Meaning: Hiker -
Expression: 등산화
Pronunciation: deung-san-hwa
Meaning: Hiking boots/shoes -
Expression: 양말
Pronunciation: yang-mal
Meaning: Socks -
Expression: 웅덩이
Pronunciation: ung-deong-i
Meaning: Puddle -
Expression: 젖다
Pronunciation: jeot-tta
Meaning: To get wet -
Expression: 마르다
Pronunciation: ma-reu-da
Meaning: To get dry -
Expression: 배낭
Pronunciation: bae-nang
Meaning: Backpack -
Expression: 여분 / 스페어
Pronunciation: yeo-bun / seu-pe-eo
Meaning: Spare, extra -
Expression: 등산로 / 등산길
Pronunciation: deung-san-no / deung-san-gil
Meaning: Hiking trail -
Expression: 정상
Pronunciation: jeong-sang
Meaning: Summit, peak -
Expression: 하산하다
Pronunciation: ha-san-ha-da
Meaning: To descend the mountain
Cultural Notes
Approaching strangers in Korea, especially for an unusual request like borrowing a sock, requires extra politeness. Always start with a clear apology like 실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da – Excuse me) and 죄송합니다 (joe-song-ham-ni-da – I’m sorry).
Explain your situation briefly but clearly. Koreans generally appreciate context. Mentioning that you stepped in a puddle (웅덩이에 빠졌어요 – ung-deong-i-e ppa-jyeo-sseo-yo) helps them understand why you’re asking.
Phrasing the request indirectly and acknowledging the imposition is key. Using phrases like 혹시 (hok-si – perhaps, by any chance) and 괜찮으시다면 (gwaen-chan-eu-si-da-myeon – if you are okay with it) softens the request.
Be prepared for refusal. It’s an odd request, and the person might genuinely not have a spare sock or feel uncomfortable lending one. Accept refusal gracefully with phrases like 괜찮습니다 (gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da – It’s okay) and thank them for their time.
Hiking (등산 – deung-san) is a very popular activity in Korea. While fellow hikers are often friendly, asking for personal items like socks is uncommon. Emphasizing your discomfort (e.g., 발이 너무 차가워요 – ba-ri neo-mu cha-ga-wo-yo) might increase your chances, but maintain politeness above all.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Hiker A accidentally stepped into a deep puddle on a trail and their sock is soaked. They see another hiker (Hiker B) taking a break nearby.
Roles:
* A: Hiker with the wet sock
* B: Stranger hiker
-
Expression: A: 저기… 실례합니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-gi… sil-lye-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Uh… Excuse me. -
Expression: B: 네? 무슨 일이세요?
Pronunciation: ne? mu-seun i-ri-se-yo?
Meaning: Yes? What is it? -
Expression: A: 정말 죄송한데요, 제가 아까 웅덩이에 발을 잘못 디뎌서 양말이 완전히 젖어버렸어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal joe-song-han-de-yo, je-ga a-kka ung-deong-i-e ba-reul jal-mot di-dyeo-seo yang-ma-ri wan-jeon-hi jeo-jeo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m really sorry, but I accidentally stepped wrongly into a puddle earlier and my sock got completely soaked. -
Expression: B: 아이고, 저런. 괜찮으세요? 발 많이 차가우시겠네요.
Pronunciation: a-i-go, jeo-reon. gwaen-cha-neu-se-yo? bal ma-ni cha-ga-u-si-gen-ne-yo.
Meaning: Oh dear. Are you okay? Your foot must be very cold. -
Expression: A: 네, 발이 너무 시려서요. 그래서 정말 염치없지만… 혹시 여분 양말 한 짝이라도 가지고 계신 게 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ne, ba-ri neo-mu si-ryeo-seo-yo. geu-rae-seo jeong-mal yeom-chi-eop-ji-man… hok-si yeo-bun yang-mal han jja-gi-ra-do ga-ji-go gye-sin ge i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, my foot is so cold. So, it’s really shameless of me, but… do you happen to have even just one spare sock with you? -
Expression: B: 양말이요? 음… 잠시만요, 가방 한번 볼게요. (가방을 뒤적이며) 아, 여기 하나 있네요! 등산용은 아니고 그냥 일반 양말인데 괜찮으시겠어요?
Pronunciation: yang-ma-ri-yo? eum… jam-si-man-yo, ga-bang han-beon bol-kke-yo. (ga-bang-eul dwi-jeo-gi-myeo) a, yeo-gi ha-na in-ne-yo! deung-san-yong-eun a-ni-go geu-nyang il-ban yang-ma-rin-de gwaen-cha-neu-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: A sock? Hmm… Just a moment, let me check my bag. (Rummages through bag) Ah, here’s one! It’s not for hiking, just a regular sock, would that be okay? -
Expression: A: 네! 그럼요! 어떤거든 괜찮습니다! 정말 감사합니다! 덕분에 살았어요!
Pronunciation: ne! geu-reom-yo! eo-tteon-geo-deun gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da! jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da! deok-bu-ne sa-ra-sseo-yo!
Meaning: Yes! Of course! Anything is fine! Thank you so much! You saved me! -
Expression: B: 별말씀을요. 젖은 양말 신고 계속 가면 감기 걸려요. 조심히 가세요!
Pronunciation: byeol-mal-sseu-meul-lyo. jeo-jeun yang-mal sin-go gye-sok ga-myeon gam-gi geol-lyeo-yo. jo-sim-hi ga-se-yo!
Meaning: Don’t mention it. You’ll catch a cold if you keep hiking with a wet sock. Hike safely! -
Expression: A: 네, 정말 감사합니다! 복 받으실 거예요!
Pronunciation: ne, jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da! bok ba-deu-sil geo-ye-yo!
Meaning: Yes, thank you so much! You’ll be blessed!
Practice Tips
While hopefully you won’t need to ask for a spare sock often, practicing these phrases can boost your confidence in handling unexpected situations in Korean! Try role-playing the scenario with a friend or language partner~.
Focus on mastering the polite introductory phrases like 실례합니다 and 죄송한데요, as they are useful in many situations. Pay attention to the pronunciation, especially the syllable breaks, to sound more natural!
Imagine yourself in the hiker’s shoes (or wet sock!) – how would you feel? Connecting emotion to the language can help you remember the expressions better. Good luck, and happy (and dry) hiking!~
