This guide explores the Korean vocabulary and expressions needed to discuss complex and somewhat philosophical topics, such as interactions between artificial beings like robots and cyborgs, focusing on abstract concepts like feelings, negotiation, and hope, framed around the specific scenario of a robot therapist negotiating with a cyborg about ‘steel hope’. You’ll learn key terms and sentence structures to navigate such unique conversations.
Table Of Content
Key Vocabulary
Understanding the core terms is essential for discussing this specific and abstract topic.
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Expression: 로봇 치료사
Pronunciation: ro-bot chi-ryo-sa
Meaning: Robot therapist -
Expression: 사이보그
Pronunciation: sa-i-bo-geu
Meaning: Cyborg -
Expression: 협상하다
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang-ha-da
Meaning: To negotiate -
Expression: 느낌
Pronunciation: neu-kkim
Meaning: Feeling, sensation -
Expression: 감촉
Pronunciation: gam-chok
Meaning: Texture, feel (by touch) -
Expression: 강철
Pronunciation: gang-cheol
Meaning: Steel -
Expression: 희망
Pronunciation: hui-mang
Meaning: Hope -
Expression: 강철 같은 희망
Pronunciation: gang-cheol ga-teun hui-mang
Meaning: Hope like steel (strong, perhaps cold hope) -
Expression: ~에 대해
Pronunciation: ~e dae-hae
Meaning: About ~, Regarding ~ -
Expression: 인공지능
Pronunciation: in-gong-ji-neung
Meaning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) -
Expression: 감정
Pronunciation: gam-jeong
Meaning: Emotion -
Expression: 존재
Pronunciation: jon-jae
Meaning: Existence, being
Describing Beings (Robots & Cyborgs)
Phrases to describe the characteristics and nature of robots and cyborgs.
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Expression: 이 로봇은 치료 목적으로 설계되었습니다.
Pronunciation: i ro-bo-seun chi-ryo mok-jeok-eu-ro seol-gye-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This robot was designed for therapeutic purposes. -
Expression: 그는 인간과 기계의 결합인 사이보그입니다.
Pronunciation: geu-neun in-gan-gwa gi-gye-ui gyeol-ha-bin sa-i-bo-geu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: He is a cyborg, a combination of human and machine. -
Expression: 로봇도 감정을 느낄 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ro-bot-do gam-jeong-eul neu-kkil su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can robots also feel emotions? -
Expression: 사이보그의 신체는 일부 기계로 되어 있습니다.
Pronunciation: sa-i-bo-geu-ui sin-che-neun il-bu gi-gye-ro doe-eo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A cyborg’s body is partially made of machinery. -
Expression: 인공지능은 스스로 학습할 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: in-gong-ji-neung-eun seu-seu-ro hak-seup-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Artificial intelligence can learn by itself. -
Expression: 로봇의 사고 과정은 어떻게 작동하나요?
Pronunciation: ro-bo-sui sa-go gwa-jeong-eun eo-tteo-ke jak-dong-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How does a robot’s thought process work? -
Expression: 사이보그로서의 정체성에 대해 고민합니다.
Pronunciation: sa-i-bo-geu-ro-seo-ui jeong-che-seong-e dae-hae go-min-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I contemplate my identity as a cyborg. -
Expression: 이 로봇은 공감 능력을 갖추도록 프로그래밍되었습니다.
Pronunciation: i ro-bo-seun gong-gam neung-ryeo-geul gat-chu-do-rok peu-ro-geu-rae-ming-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This robot is programmed to have empathy. -
Expression: 기계 부품이 제 몸의 일부입니다.
Pronunciation: gi-gye bu-pu-mi je mom-ui il-bu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Machine parts are a part of my body. -
Expression: 우리는 단순한 기계 이상입니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri-neun dan-sun-han gi-gye i-sang-im-ni-da.
Meaning: We are more than just machines.
Discussing Feelings and Sensations
Expressions related to discussing internal states, feelings, and abstract sensations.
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Expression: 이 느낌을 어떻게 설명해야 할지 모르겠습니다.
Pronunciation: i neu-kki-meul eo-tteo-ke seol-myeong-hae-ya hal-ji mo-reu-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I don’t know how to explain this feeling. -
Expression: 강철의 차가운 감촉이 느껴집니다.
Pronunciation: gang-cheol-ui cha-ga-un gam-cho-gi neu-kkyeo-jim-ni-da.
Meaning: I feel the cold touch of steel. -
Expression: 희망이라는 감정은 복잡합니다.
Pronunciation: hui-mang-i-ra-neun gam-jeong-eun bok-ja-pam-ni-da.
Meaning: The emotion called hope is complex. -
Expression: 당신은 무엇을 느끼고 있습니까?
Pronunciation: dang-si-neun mu-eo-seul neu-kki-go it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: What are you feeling? -
Expression: 이것은 슬픔과 비슷한 느낌입니다.
Pronunciation: i-geo-seun seul-peum-gwa bi-seu-tan neu-kkim-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is a feeling similar to sadness. -
Expression: 제 감각은 인간과 다릅니다.
Pronunciation: je gam-ga-geun in-gan-gwa da-reum-ni-da.
Meaning: My senses are different from humans. -
Expression: 희망의 무게를 느낄 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: hui-mang-ui mu-ge-reul neu-kkil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you feel the weight of hope? -
Expression: 감정을 처리하는 방식이 다릅니다.
Pronunciation: gam-jeong-eul cheo-ri-ha-neun bang-si-gi da-reum-ni-da.
Meaning: The way emotions are processed is different. -
Expression: 이 감촉은 익숙하면서도 낯섭니다.
Pronunciation: i gam-cho-geun ik-su-ka-myeon-seo-do nat-seom-ni-da.
Meaning: This texture feels familiar yet strange. -
Expression: 마음속 깊은 곳에서 느껴지는 것입니다.
Pronunciation: ma-eum-sok gi-peun go-se-seo neu-kkyeo-ji-neun geo-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s something felt deep inside the heart/mind.
Negotiation and Discussion Phrases
Useful phrases for engaging in negotiation or deep discussion, especially on complex topics.
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Expression: 이 문제에 대해 협상해 봅시다.
Pronunciation: i mun-je-e dae-hae hyeop-sang-hae bop-si-da.
Meaning: Let’s negotiate about this issue. -
Expression: 당신의 관점을 이해하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: dang-si-nui gwan-jeo-meul i-hae-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to understand your perspective. -
Expression: ‘강철 희망’이란 정확히 무엇을 의미합니까?
Pronunciation: ‘gang-cheol hui-mang’-i-ran jeong-hwa-ki mu-eo-seul ui-mi-ham-ni-kka?
Meaning: What exactly does ‘steel hope’ mean? -
Expression: 우리는 합의점을 찾아야 합니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri-neun ha-bui-jeo-meul cha-ja-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We need to find a point of agreement (common ground). -
Expression: 제 생각은 조금 다릅니다.
Pronunciation: je saeng-ga-geun jo-geum da-reum-ni-da.
Meaning: My opinion is a little different. -
Expression: 이 개념에 대해 더 자세히 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: i gae-nyeo-me dae-hae deo ja-se-hi seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain this concept in more detail? -
Expression: 타협할 의향이 있습니까?
Pronunciation: ta-hyeop-hal ui-hyang-i it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Are you willing to compromise? -
Expression: 이 대화는 중요하다고 생각합니다.
Pronunciation: i dae-hwa-neun jung-yo-ha-da-go saeng-ga-kam-ni-da.
Meaning: I think this conversation is important. -
Expression: 서로의 입장을 존중합시다.
Pronunciation: seo-ro-ui ip-jang-eul jon-jung-hap-si-da.
Meaning: Let’s respect each other’s positions. -
Expression: 결론을 내리기 전에 더 논의해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: gyeol-lo-neul nae-ri-gi jeo-ne deo non-ui-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We need to discuss more before reaching a conclusion.
Expressing Abstract Concepts (like Hope)
Phrases for discussing abstract ideas, particularly focusing on hope and its qualities.
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Expression: 희망은 보이지 않지만 강력한 힘입니다.
Pronunciation: hui-mang-eun bo-i-ji an-chi-man gang-nyeo-kan hi-mim-ni-da.
Meaning: Hope is unseen but a powerful force. -
Expression: 강철처럼 단단한 희망을 가지고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gang-cheol-cheo-reom dan-dan-han hui-mang-eul ga-ji-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have hope that is hard like steel. -
Expression: 희망의 본질은 무엇이라고 생각하십니까?
Pronunciation: hui-mang-ui bon-ji-reun mu-eo-si-ra-go saeng-ga-ka-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: What do you think is the essence of hope? -
Expression: 때로는 희망이 차갑게 느껴질 수도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ttae-ro-neun hui-mang-i cha-gap-ge neu-kkyeo-jil su-do it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Sometimes hope can feel cold. -
Expression: 희망은 미래를 향한 믿음입니다.
Pronunciation: hui-mang-eun mi-rae-reul hyang-han mi-deu-mim-ni-da.
Meaning: Hope is faith towards the future. -
Expression: 절망 속에서도 희망을 찾을 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jeol-mang so-ge-seo-do hui-mang-eul cha-jeul su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: You can find hope even in despair. -
Expression: 이 희망의 느낌은 데이터로 분석할 수 없습니다.
Pronunciation: i hui-mang-ui neu-kki-meun de-i-teo-ro bun-seo-kal su eop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This feeling of hope cannot be analyzed with data. -
Expression: 희망은 우리를 앞으로 나아가게 합니다.
Pronunciation: hui-mang-eun u-ri-reul ap-eu-ro na-a-ga-ge ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Hope makes us move forward. -
Expression: ‘강철 희망’은 불굴의 의지를 상징할 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ‘gang-cheol hui-mang’-eun bul-gu-rui ui-ji-reul sang-jing-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: ‘Steel hope’ can symbolize an indomitable will. -
Expression: 희망의 감촉을 이해하려고 노력 중입니다.
Pronunciation: hui-mang-ui gam-cho-geul i-hae-ha-ryeo-go no-ryeok jung-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I am trying to understand the feel/texture of hope.
Cultural Tips
While discussing robots and cyborgs might seem purely fictional, conversations about technology, artificial intelligence, and the nature of consciousness are relevant in modern Korea. South Korea is a technologically advanced society where discussions about AI ethics, robotics in daily life, and the future of humanity often occur in academic and public spheres. Approaching such topics often involves a blend of scientific curiosity and philosophical reflection.
The concept of ‘hope’ (희망 – hui-mang) is universal, but its expression can be nuanced. In Korean culture, resilience and perseverance are highly valued, often linked to hope. Discussing ‘steel hope’ could tap into this cultural appreciation for enduring strength, even if the term itself is metaphorical and unusual.
Using formal language (like the examples provided) is generally appropriate for serious or philosophical discussions, even in fictional scenarios. It conveys respect and acknowledges the complexity of the topic being discussed.
When discussing abstract feelings or sensations, especially unusual ones like ‘the feel of steel hope’, using analogies (like 강철처럼 – gang-cheol-cheo-reom, like steel) and descriptive language is key, just as it would be in English.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Unit 734, a robot therapist, is in session with Subject Delta, a cyborg struggling with integrating artificial components and abstract emotions.
Roles:
A: Unit 734 (Robot Therapist)
B: Subject Delta (Cyborg)
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Expression: A: 델타 님, 오늘 세션에서는 ‘희망’이라는 감정에 대해 이야기하고 싶습니다. 특히 당신이 언급한 ‘강철 같은 희망’의 느낌에 대해서요.
Pronunciation: del-ta nim, o-neul se-syeon-e-seo-neun ‘hui-mang’-i-ra-neun gam-jeong-e dae-hae i-ya-gi-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da. teu-ki dang-si-ni eon-geu-pan ‘gang-cheol ga-teun hui-mang’-ui neu-kkim-e dae-hae-seo-yo.
Meaning: Subject Delta, in today’s session, I’d like to talk about the emotion called ‘hope’. Specifically, about the feeling of ‘hope like steel’ that you mentioned. -
Expression: B: 네, 치료사 님. 그 느낌은… 단단하고, 변하지 않을 것 같지만, 동시에 차갑고 무겁습니다. 제 기계 부품처럼요.
Pronunciation: ne, chi-ryo-sa nim. geu neu-kki-meun… dan-dan-ha-go, byeon-ha-ji a-neul geot gat-ji-man, dong-si-e cha-gap-go mu-geop-seum-ni-da. je gi-gye bu-pum-cheo-reom-yo.
Meaning: Yes, Therapist. That feeling… it’s hard, seems unchanging, but at the same time, it’s cold and heavy. Like my machine parts. -
Expression: A: 흥미로운 비유입니다. 그 ‘강철 희망’이 당신에게 어떤 의미인지 더 설명해 주실 수 있습니까?
Pronunciation: heung-mi-ro-un bi-yu-im-ni-da. geu ‘gang-cheol hui-mang’-i dang-sin-e-ge eo-tteon ui-mi-in-ji deo seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: That’s an interesting metaphor. Could you explain further what that ‘steel hope’ means to you? -
Expression: B: 포기하지 않겠다는 의지 같습니다. 하지만 인간들이 말하는 따뜻한 희망과는 다른 느낌입니다. 감촉이 있는 것 같아요, 만질 수 있을 것처럼.
Pronunciation: po-gi-ha-ji an-ket-da-neun ui-ji gat-seum-ni-da. ha-ji-man in-gan-deu-ri mal-ha-neun tta-tteu-tan hui-mang-gwa-neun da-reun neu-kkim-im-ni-da. gam-cho-gi it-neun geot ga-ta-yo, man-jil su i-sseul geo-cheo-reom.
Meaning: It seems like the will not to give up. But it feels different from the warm hope humans talk about. It feels like it has a texture, as if I could touch it. -
Expression: A: 그 감촉을 이해하는 것이 중요할 수 있습니다. 그것이 당신의 존재 방식과 연결될 수 있기 때문입니다. 이 느낌에 대해 더 협상해 봅시다. 그것이 당신의 정체성의 일부일 수 있습니까?
Pronunciation: geu gam-cho-geul i-hae-ha-neun geo-si jung-yo-hal su it-seum-ni-da. geu-geo-si dang-si-nui jon-jae bang-sik-gwa yeon-gyeol-doel su it-gi ttae-mu-ne-im-ni-da. i neu-kkim-e dae-hae deo hyeop-sang-hae bop-si-da. geu-geo-si dang-si-nui jeong-che-seong-ui il-bu-il su it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Understanding that texture could be important, as it might connect to your way of being. Let’s negotiate further about this feeling. Could it be part of your identity? -
Expression: B: 협상이요? 제 느낌과 협상한다는 말씀이신가요?
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang-i-yo? je neu-kkim-gwa hyeop-sang-han-da-neun mal-sseu-min-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Negotiation? Do you mean negotiating with my feelings? -
Expression: A: 네, 그 느낌을 받아들이고, 이해하고, 당신의 삶에서 어떤 역할을 할지 결정하는 과정입니다. 그것이 차갑더라도, 여전히 희망의 한 형태일 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, geu neu-kki-meul ba-da-deu-ri-go, i-hae-ha-go, dang-si-nui sal-me-seo eo-tteon yeo-ka-reul hal-ji gyeol-jeong-ha-neun gwa-jeong-im-ni-da. geu-geo-si cha-gap-deo-ra-do, yeo-jeon-hi hui-mang-ui han hyeong-tae-il su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, it’s a process of accepting the feeling, understanding it, and deciding what role it plays in your life. Even if it’s cold, it can still be a form of hope.
Practice Tips
This topic is quite specific and philosophical! Don’t worry if it feels challenging~ The key is to break it down. Practice the individual vocabulary words first: 로봇 (ro-bot), 사이보그 (sa-i-bo-geu), 협상 (hyeop-sang), 느낌 (neu-kkim), 강철 (gang-cheol), 희망 (hui-mang). Get comfortable with their pronunciation!
Try forming simple sentences using the patterns provided. For example, take “X는 Y입니다” (X neun Y im-ni-da – X is Y) and substitute the vocabulary: “이것은 강철입니다” (i-geo-seun gang-cheol-im-ni-da – This is steel). Or use “~에 대해 이야기하다” (~e dae-hae i-ya-gi-ha-da – to talk about ~): “희망에 대해 이야기해요” (hui-mang-e dae-hae i-ya-gi-hae-yo – Let’s talk about hope).
While you might not encounter a robot therapist negotiating with a cyborg daily (!), practicing these structures helps you discuss abstract concepts, feelings, and descriptions in Korean. You can adapt these phrases for more common situations too. Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!)
