Explaining safety rules to children, especially during potentially dangerous situations like a storm, requires clear and firm language. This guide provides essential Korean phrases a parent might use to tell their child why climbing a tree during a storm is unsafe, focusing on conveying the danger effectively while maintaining a caring tone.
Table Of Content
Core Expression: Explaining Danger
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Expression: 지금 나무에 올라가면 안 돼. 위험해.
Pronunciation: ji-geum na-mu-e ol-la-ga-myeon an dwae. wi-heom-hae.
Meaning: You can’t climb the tree now. It’s dangerous.
Describing the Storm and Its Dangers
Use these phrases to explain the specific reasons why climbing is unsafe due to the weather conditions.
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Expression: 밖에 폭풍우가 치고 있어.
Pronunciation: bak-ke pok-pung-u-ga chi-go i-sseo.
Meaning: There’s a storm outside. -
Expression: 바람이 너무 세게 불어.
Pronunciation: ba-ram-i neo-mu se-ge bu-reo.
Meaning: The wind is blowing too strongly. -
Expression: 나무가 흔들려서 떨어질 수 있어.
Pronunciation: na-mu-ga heun-deul-lyeo-seo tteo-reo-jil su i-sseo.
Meaning: The tree is shaking, so you could fall. -
Expression: 번개가 칠 수도 있어. 아주 위험해.
Pronunciation: beon-gae-ga chil su-do i-sseo. a-ju wi-heom-hae.
Meaning: Lightning could strike. It’s very dangerous. -
Expression: 비가 많이 와서 미끄러워.
Pronunciation: bi-ga ma-ni wa-seo mi-kkeu-reo-wo.
Meaning: It’s raining a lot, so it’s slippery. -
Expression: 나무에 올라가면 다칠 수 있단다.
Pronunciation: na-mu-e ol-la-ga-myeon da-chil su it-dan-da.
Meaning: You could get hurt if you climb the tree. (Slightly softer ending often used with children) -
Expression: 천둥소리 들리지? 날씨가 안 좋아.
Pronunciation: cheon-dung-so-ri deul-li-ji? nal-ssi-ga an jo-a.
Meaning: Can you hear the thunder? The weather is bad. -
Expression: 젖은 나뭇가지는 부러지기 쉬워.
Pronunciation: jeo-jeun na-mut-ga-ji-neun bu-reo-ji-gi swi-wo.
Meaning: Wet branches break easily. -
Expression: 폭풍우 칠 때는 밖에 나가면 안 되는 거야.
Pronunciation: pok-pung-u chil ttae-neun bak-ke na-ga-myeon an doe-neun geo-ya.
Meaning: You’re not supposed to go outside when there’s a storm. -
Expression: 큰일 날 수 있어.
Pronunciation: keun-il nal su i-sseo.
Meaning: Something bad could happen. / You could get into big trouble.
Setting Clear Boundaries
These phrases help firmly communicate that climbing the tree is not allowed right now.
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Expression: 안 돼. 절대 안 돼.
Pronunciation: an dwae. jeol-dae an dwae.
Meaning: No. Absolutely not. -
Expression: 엄마 (아빠) 말 들어야 해.
Pronunciation: eom-ma (a-ppa) mal deu-reo-ya hae.
Meaning: You have to listen to Mom (Dad). -
Expression: 지금은 나무 타기 금지야.
Pronunciation: ji-geum-eun na-mu ta-gi geum-ji-ya.
Meaning: Climbing the tree is forbidden right now. -
Expression: 위험한 행동은 하면 안 돼.
Pronunciation: wi-heom-han haeng-dong-eun ha-myeon an dwae.
Meaning: You shouldn’t do dangerous things. -
Expression: 이해했지?
Pronunciation: i-hae-haet-ji?
Meaning: Understand? / Got it? -
Expression: 약속해. 안 올라간다고.
Pronunciation: yak-sok-hae. an ol-la-gan-da-go.
Meaning: Promise me. That you won’t climb up. -
Expression: 네 안전을 위해서 하는 말이야.
Pronunciation: ne an-jeon-eul wi-hae-seo ha-neun ma-ri-ya.
Meaning: I’m saying this for your safety. -
Expression: 고집부리면 안 돼.
Pronunciation: go-jip-bu-ri-myeon an dwae.
Meaning: You shouldn’t be stubborn. -
Expression: 지금은 참아야 해.
Pronunciation: ji-geum-eun cham-a-ya hae.
Meaning: You have to be patient right now. -
Expression: 말썽 피우지 마.
Pronunciation: mal-sseong pi-u-ji ma.
Meaning: Don’t cause trouble.
Offering Alternatives and Reassurance
Acknowledge the child’s desire while suggesting safer activities and promising future opportunities.
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Expression: 나무 타고 싶은 마음은 알겠어.
Pronunciation: na-mu ta-go si-peun ma-eum-eun al-ge-sseo.
Meaning: I understand you want to climb the tree. -
Expression: 폭풍우가 지나가면 그때 올라가자.
Pronunciation: pok-pung-u-ga ji-na-ga-myeon geu-ttae ol-la-ga-ja.
Meaning: Let’s climb it then, after the storm passes. -
Expression: 날씨 좋아지면 같이 나가자.
Pronunciation: nal-ssi jo-a-ji-myeon ga-chi na-ga-ja.
Meaning: Let’s go out together when the weather gets better. -
Expression: 지금은 집 안에서 안전하게 놀자.
Pronunciation: ji-geum-eun jip an-e-seo an-jeon-ha-ge nol-ja.
Meaning: Let’s play safely inside the house for now. -
Expression: 다른 재미있는 거 할까?
Pronunciation: da-reun jae-mi-in-neun geo hal-kka?
Meaning: Shall we do something else fun? -
Expression: 책 읽어줄까? 아니면 그림 그릴까?
Pronunciation: chaek il-geo-jul-kka? a-ni-myeon geu-rim geu-ril-kka?
Meaning: Shall I read you a book? Or shall we draw pictures? -
Expression: 조금만 기다리면 돼.
Pronunciation: jo-geum-man gi-da-ri-myeon dwae.
Meaning: You just have to wait a little bit. -
Expression: 엄마 (아빠)가 옆에 있을게.
Pronunciation: eom-ma (a-ppa)-ga yeop-e i-sseul-ge.
Meaning: Mom (Dad) will be right here beside you. -
Expression: 실망했구나. 그래도 안전이 먼저야.
Pronunciation: sil-mang-haet-gu-na. geu-rae-do an-jeon-i meon-jeo-ya.
Meaning: You must be disappointed. But safety comes first. -
Expression: 다음에 꼭 같이 나무 타자. 약속!
Pronunciation: da-eum-e kkok ga-chi na-mu ta-ja. yak-sok!
Meaning: Let’s definitely climb the tree together next time. Promise!
Expressing Concern for Safety
Emphasize that the rules are out of love and concern for the child’s well-being.
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Expression: 네가 다칠까 봐 걱정돼.
Pronunciation: ne-ga da-chil-kka bwa geok-jeong-dwae.
Meaning: I’m worried you might get hurt. -
Expression: 안전이 제일 중요해. 알겠지?
Pronunciation: an-jeon-i je-il jung-yo-hae. al-get-ji?
Meaning: Safety is the most important thing. Okay? -
Expression: 엄마 (아빠)는 네가 안전하길 바라.
Pronunciation: eom-ma (a-ppa)-neun ne-ga an-jeon-ha-gil ba-ra.
Meaning: Mom (Dad) wants you to be safe. -
Expression: 위험한 장난은 치면 안 돼.
Pronunciation: wi-heom-han jang-nan-eun chi-myeon an dwae.
Meaning: You shouldn’t play dangerous games/pranks. -
Expression: 항상 조심해야 해.
Pronunciation: hang-sang jo-sim-hae-ya hae.
Meaning: You always have to be careful. -
Expression: 사랑하니까 걱정하는 거야.
Pronunciation: sa-rang-ha-ni-kka geok-jeong-ha-neun geo-ya.
Meaning: I’m worried because I love you. -
Expression: 다치면 엄마 (아빠) 마음이 너무 아파.
Pronunciation: da-chi-myeon eom-ma (a-ppa) ma-eum-i neo-mu a-pa.
Meaning: If you get hurt, Mom’s (Dad’s) heart hurts so much. -
Expression: 우리 아들 (딸)은 똑똑하니까 잘 알 거야.
Pronunciation: u-ri a-deul (ttal)-eun ttok-ttok-ha-ni-kka jal al geo-ya.
Meaning: Our son (daughter) is smart, so you understand, right? -
Expression: 안전 규칙은 꼭 지켜야 해.
Pronunciation: an-jeon gyu-chik-eun kkok ji-kyeo-ya hae.
Meaning: You must follow the safety rules.
Korean Culture Notes
Emphasis on Safety (안전 제일 – an-jeon je-il): The phrase “Safety First” is deeply ingrained in Korean culture, especially concerning children. Parents often prioritize safety above exploration or fun, particularly in situations perceived as risky, like bad weather.
Direct but Caring Communication: While Korean parents can be direct in setting boundaries (e.g., “안 돼! – an dwae! – No!”), this is usually coupled with expressions of care and concern (“걱정돼 – geok-jeong-dwae – I’m worried”). The firmness comes from a place of love and responsibility for the child’s well-being.
Respect for Authority and Elders: Children are generally expected to listen to their parents’ instructions, especially regarding safety. Phrases like “엄마 말 들어야 해 (eomma mal deu-reo-ya hae – You have to listen to Mom)” reinforce this cultural expectation.
Acknowledging Feelings: While setting firm rules, Korean parents often acknowledge the child’s feelings (“나무 타고 싶은 마음은 알겠어 – na-mu ta-go si-peun ma-eum-eun al-ge-sseo – I understand you want to climb the tree”) before redirecting them, showing empathy alongside authority.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A storm is brewing outside. A child (Minjun) wants to climb the tree in the yard, and his mother (Eomma) stops him.
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Expression: 민준 (Minjun): 엄마! 저 나무에 올라가도 돼요?
Pronunciation: eom-ma! jeo na-mu-e ol-la-ga-do dwae-yo?
Meaning: Mom! Can I climb that tree? -
Expression: 엄마 (Eomma): 어머, 민준아. 지금 밖에 비 오고 바람 부는 거 봐. 지금 나무에 올라가면 안 돼.
Pronunciation: eo-meo, min-jun-a. ji-geum bak-ke bi o-go ba-ram bu-neun geo bwa. ji-geum na-mu-e ol-la-ga-myeon an dwae.
Meaning: Oh my, Minjun. Look at the rain and wind outside. You can’t climb the tree now. -
Expression: 민준 (Minjun): 왜요? 조금만 탈래요!
Pronunciation: wae-yo? jo-geum-man tal-lae-yo!
Meaning: Why? I just want to climb a little! -
Expression: 엄마 (Eomma): 안 돼. 바람이 너무 세서 나무가 흔들리잖아. 떨어지면 크게 다칠 수 있어. 그리고 번개 칠 수도 있고. 아주 위험해.
Pronunciation: an dwae. ba-ram-i neo-mu se-seo na-mu-ga heun-deul-li-ja-na. tteo-reo-ji-myeon keu-ge da-chil su i-sseo. geu-ri-go beon-gae chil su-do it-go. a-ju wi-heom-hae.
Meaning: No. The wind is too strong, and the tree is shaking. If you fall, you could get seriously hurt. And lightning could strike too. It’s very dangerous. -
Expression: 민준 (Minjun): 그래도 타고 싶은데…
Pronunciation: geu-rae-do ta-go si-peun-de…
Meaning: But I still want to climb it… -
Expression: 엄마 (Eomma): 네 마음은 알겠지만, 안전이 제일 중요해. 네가 다칠까 봐 엄마는 너무 걱정돼. 폭풍우 지나가고 날씨 좋아지면 그때 같이 올라가 보자. 알겠지?
Pronunciation: ne ma-eum-eun al-get-ji-man, an-jeon-i je-il jung-yo-hae. ne-ga da-chil-kka bwa eom-ma-neun neo-mu geok-jeong-dwae. pok-pung-u ji-na-ga-go nal-ssi jo-a-ji-myeon geu-ttae ga-chi ol-la-ga bo-ja. al-get-ji?
Meaning: I understand how you feel, but safety is the most important thing. Mom is so worried you might get hurt. Let’s try climbing it together when the storm passes and the weather gets better. Okay? -
Expression: 민준 (Minjun): 네… 약속이에요!
Pronunciation: ne… yak-sok-i-e-yo!
Meaning: Okay… It’s a promise! -
Expression: 엄마 (Eomma): 그래, 약속! 지금은 들어와서 따뜻한 코코아 마실까?
Pronunciation: geu-rae, yak-sok! ji-geum-eun deu-reo-wa-seo tta-tteu-tan ko-ko-a ma-sil-kka?
Meaning: Yes, promise! For now, shall we come inside and drink some warm cocoa?
Practice Tips
Communicating safety rules clearly is vital! Try practicing these phrases by imagining different scenarios~ Maybe role-play with a friend or family member, taking turns being the parent and the child. Focus on conveying both the firmness of the rule and the underlying care and concern. Remember, using phrases like 위험해 (wi-heom-hae) and explaining *why* (바람이 너무 세 (ba-ram-i neo-mu se), 번개가 칠 수 있어 (beon-gae-ga chil su i-sseo)) helps children understand. Good luck with your practice!
