Understanding and respecting local customs is crucial when visiting or living in Korea. Knowing how to politely ask for guidance on etiquette can prevent misunderstandings and show your consideration for Korean culture. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and insights for requesting information about proper conduct in various situations.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
-
Expression: 한국 에티켓에 대해 알려주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: han-guk e-ti-ket-e dae-hae al-lyeo-ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please tell me about Korean etiquette?
Basic Questions about Etiquette
-
Expression: 제가 알아야 할 에티켓이 있나요?
Pronunciation: je-ga al-a-ya hal e-ti-ket-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there any etiquette I should know? -
Expression: 이런 상황에서는 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: i-reon sang-hwang-e-seo-neun eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What should I do in this kind of situation? -
Expression: 조심해야 할 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: jo-sim-hae-ya hal geos-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything I should be careful about? -
Expression: 실례가 되지 않으려면 어떻게 해야 할까요?
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ga doe-ji an-eu-ryeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke hae-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: What should I do to avoid being rude? -
Expression: 한국 문화에서는 이게 괜찮은가요?
Pronunciation: han-guk mun-hwa-e-seo-neun i-ge gwaen-chan-eun-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this acceptable in Korean culture? -
Expression: 이럴 때 보통 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: i-reol ttae bo-tong eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What do people usually do in this case? -
Expression: 에티켓에 대해 질문해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: e-ti-ket-e dae-hae jil-mun-hae-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I ask about etiquette? -
Expression: 제가 실수할까 봐 걱정돼요.
Pronunciation: je-ga sil-su-hal-kka bwa geok-jeong-dwae-yo.
Meaning: I’m worried I might make a mistake. -
Expression: 올바른 방법은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: ol-ba-reun bang-beob-eun mu-eos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the correct way? -
Expression: 문화적 차이에 대해 배우고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: mun-hwa-jeok cha-i-e dae-hae bae-u-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to learn about cultural differences. -
Expression: 혹시 제가 모르는 규칙이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si je-ga mo-reu-neun gyu-chik-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there perhaps any rules I don’t know?
Asking about Specific Etiquette Scenarios
-
Expression: 식사 예절은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: sik-sa ye-jeol-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the dining etiquette? -
Expression: 어른들께 인사할 때 어떻게 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: eo-reun-deul-kke in-sa-hal ttae eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How should I greet elders? -
Expression: 선물은 어떤 것을 주는 것이 좋나요?
Pronunciation: seon-mul-eun eo-tteon geos-eul ju-neun geos-i jo-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of gift is good to give? -
Expression: 집에 방문할 때 주의할 점이 있나요?
Pronunciation: jib-e bang-mun-hal ttae ju-ui-hal jeom-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there things to be careful about when visiting someone’s home? -
Expression: 술자리 예절에 대해 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: sul-ja-ri ye-jeol-e dae-hae al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me about drinking etiquette. -
Expression: 대중교통 이용 시 에티켓은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: dae-jung-gyo-tong i-yong si e-ti-ket-eun mu-eos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the etiquette when using public transportation? -
Expression: 비즈니스 미팅에서 지켜야 할 예절이 있나요?
Pronunciation: bi-jeu-ni-seu mi-ting-e-seo ji-kyeo-ya hal ye-jeol-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there etiquette to observe in business meetings? -
Expression: 명함은 어떻게 주고받아야 하나요?
Pronunciation: myeong-ham-eun eo-tteo-ke ju-go-ba-da-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How should I exchange business cards? -
Expression: 결혼식이나 장례식 에티켓은 다른가요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-hon-sik-i-na jang-nye-sik e-ti-ket-eun da-reun-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the etiquette for weddings or funerals different? -
Expression: 호칭은 어떻게 사용해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: ho-ching-eun eo-tteo-ke sa-yong-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How should I use titles/terms of address? -
Expression: 공공장소에서 전화 통화는 괜찮나요?
Pronunciation: gong-gong-jang-so-e-seo jeon-hwa tong-hwa-neun gwaen-chan-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to talk on the phone in public places?
Expressing Understanding and Gratitude
-
Expression: 아, 그렇군요. 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-kun-yo. al-gess-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Oh, I see. I understand. -
Expression: 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for letting me know. -
Expression: 정말 도움이 되었어요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal do-um-i doe-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: That was really helpful. -
Expression: 이제 이해가 돼요.
Pronunciation: i-je i-hae-ga dwae-yo.
Meaning: Now I understand. -
Expression: 명심하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: myeong-sim-ha-gess-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will keep that in mind. -
Expression: 덕분에 많이 배웠습니다.
Pronunciation: deok-bun-e man-i bae-woss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thanks to you, I learned a lot. -
Expression: 친절하게 설명해주셔서 고맙습니다.
Pronunciation: chin-jeol-ha-ge seol-myeong-hae-ju-syeo-seo go-map-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for explaining so kindly. -
Expression: 앞으로 조심할게요.
Pronunciation: ap-eu-ro jo-sim-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll be careful from now on. -
Expression: 좋은 정보 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: jo-eun jeong-bo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the good information. -
Expression: 다음에 또 물어봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: da-eum-e tto mul-eo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I ask you again next time?
Korean Culture Notes
Showing Respect is Key: Korean society places a high value on respect, especially towards elders and those in senior positions. Using polite language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) and appropriate non-verbal cues (like bowing) is fundamental. Asking about etiquette shows you care about respecting these norms.
Proactive Inquiry is Appreciated: Koreans generally appreciate foreigners who make an effort to understand and follow local customs. Don’t hesitate to ask politely if you’re unsure about something. It’s seen as considerate rather than ignorant.
‘Nunchi’ (눈치): This concept refers to the subtle art of sensing others’ feelings and the social atmosphere. While difficult for foreigners to master, being aware of ‘nunchi’ helps understand why certain unspoken rules exist. Asking about etiquette helps navigate situations where ‘nunchi’ is expected.
Context Matters: Etiquette can vary significantly depending on the situation (e.g., casual meal with friends vs. formal business dinner). When asking for advice, try to provide context for more specific and helpful answers.
Gift-Giving Culture: Giving and receiving gifts has its own set of rules (e.g., using two hands, appropriate items, when to open). Asking about gift etiquette, especially when visiting someone’s home or for special occasions, is highly recommended.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Alex (a foreigner) is going to have dinner at his Korean friend Minjun’s parents’ house for the first time and asks Minjun for advice.
Roles: A: Alex, B: Minjun
-
Expression: A: 민준아, 내일 너희 부모님 댁에 저녁 식사 초대받았는데, 내가 알아야 할 특별한 식사 예절이 있을까?
Pronunciation: min-jun-a, nae-il neo-hui bu-mo-nim daeg-e jeo-nyeok sik-sa cho-dae-bat-ass-neun-de, nae-ga al-a-ya hal teuk-byeol-han sik-sa ye-jeol-i iss-eul-kka?
Meaning: Minjun, I’m invited to your parents’ house for dinner tomorrow, is there any special dining etiquette I should know? -
Expression: B: 음, 특별히 어려운 건 없는데, 어른들이 먼저 식사를 시작하시면 따라 시작하고, 식사 속도를 맞춰드리는 게 좋아. 그리고 밥그릇은 들고 먹지 말고.
Pronunciation: eum, teuk-byeol-hi eo-ryeo-un geon eops-neun-de, eo-reun-deul-i meon-jeo sik-sa-reul si-jak-ha-si-myeon tta-ra si-jak-ha-go, sik-sa sok-do-reul mat-chwo-deu-ri-neun ge jo-a. geu-ri-go bap-geu-reus-eun deul-go meok-ji mal-go.
Meaning: Hmm, nothing particularly difficult, but it’s good to start eating after the elders begin, and try to match their eating pace. Also, don’t lift your rice bowl while eating. -
Expression: A: 아, 알겠어. 그리고 혹시 작은 선물이라도 가져가는 게 좋을까? 선물 에티켓은 어때?
Pronunciation: a, al-gess-eo. geu-ri-go hok-si jag-eun seon-mul-i-ra-do ga-jyeo-ga-neun ge jo-eul-kka? seon-mul e-ti-ket-eun eo-ttae?
Meaning: Ah, okay. And also, would it be good to bring a small gift? What’s the gift etiquette like? -
Expression: B: 응, 작은 과일 바구니나 롤케이크 같은 거 좋아하실 거야. 드릴 때는 두 손으로 공손하게 드리고. 너무 걱정 마, 우리 부모님 괜찮으셔.
Pronunciation: eung, jag-eun gwa-il ba-gu-ni-na rol-ke-i-keu gat-eun geo jo-a-ha-sil geo-ya. deu-ril ttae-neun du son-eu-ro gong-son-ha-ge deu-ri-go. neo-mu geok-jeong ma, u-ri bu-mo-nim gwaen-chan-eu-syeo.
Meaning: Yes, they’d probably like something like a small fruit basket or a roll cake. When you give it, use two hands politely. Don’t worry too much, my parents are easy-going. -
Expression: A: 고마워, 민준아! 알려줘서 정말 도움이 됐어. 명심할게!
Pronunciation: go-ma-wo, min-jun-a! al-lyeo-jwoseo jeong-mal do-um-i dwaess-eo. myeong-sim-hal-ge!
Meaning: Thanks, Minjun! It was really helpful that you told me. I’ll keep it in mind!
Practice Tips
Asking about etiquette shows respect and a willingness to learn! Don’t be afraid to use these phrases when you’re unsure~ Most Koreans will appreciate your effort and gladly help you navigate cultural nuances. Observe how Koreans interact in different settings, and when in doubt, a polite question like “제가 어떻게 해야 할까요? (je-ga eo-tteo-ke hae-ya hal-kka-yo? – What should I do?)” can go a long way. Practice these expressions, and you’ll feel much more confident interacting in Korea! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
