This guide provides the essential Korean vocabulary and phrases needed to roleplay a specific fantasy scenario: a mermaid negotiating with a pirate captain to exchange pearls for a treasure map. Learn how to make offers, haggle, and reach an agreement (or disagreement!) in Korean, using appropriate language for this imaginative encounter.
Table Of Content
Key Vocabulary
Mastering these core words is the first step to successfully navigating this unique negotiation.
-
Expression: 인어
Pronunciation: in-eo
Meaning: Mermaid -
Expression: 해적
Pronunciation: hae-jeok
Meaning: Pirate -
Expression: 선장
Pronunciation: seon-jang
Meaning: Captain -
Expression: 보물 지도
Pronunciation: bo-mul ji-do
Meaning: Treasure map -
Expression: 진주
Pronunciation: jin-ju
Meaning: Pearl(s) -
Expression: 협상하다
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang-ha-da
Meaning: To negotiate -
Expression: 교환하다
Pronunciation: gyo-hwan-ha-da
Meaning: To exchange -
Expression: 제안하다
Pronunciation: je-an-ha-da
Meaning: To propose / To suggest -
Expression: 거래
Pronunciation: geo-rae
Meaning: Deal / Transaction -
Expression: 가치
Pronunciation: ga-chi
Meaning: Value / Worth
Initiating the Negotiation
Use these phrases to approach the pirate captain and state your purpose.
-
Expression: 해적 선장님, 드릴 말씀이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: hae-jeok seon-jang-nim, deu-ril mal-sseum-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Pirate Captain, I have something to tell you. (Formal) -
Expression: 당신과 거래를 하고 싶소.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-gwa geo-rae-reul ha-go sip-so.
Meaning: I want to make a deal with you. (Slightly archaic/dramatic tone suitable for fantasy) -
Expression: 인어가 나에게 무슨 볼일이지?
Pronunciation: in-eo-ga na-e-ge mu-seun bol-il-i-ji?
Meaning: What business does a mermaid have with me? (Pirate’s likely response) -
Expression: 당신이 가진 보물 지도가 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-i ga-jin bo-mul ji-do-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I need the treasure map you possess. -
Expression: 내게 원하는 것이 무엇이오?
Pronunciation: nae-ge won-ha-neun geo-si mu-eo-si-o?
Meaning: What is it that you want from me? -
Expression: 흥미로운 제안이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: heung-mi-ro-un je-an-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have an interesting proposal. -
Expression: 시간을 좀 내주시겠습니까?
Pronunciation: si-gan-eul jom nae-ju-si-get-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Could you spare some time? (Polite approach) -
Expression: 어디서 왔는지 먼저 밝히시지.
Pronunciation: eo-di-seo wat-neun-ji meon-jeo bal-ki-si-ji.
Meaning: First, reveal where you came from. (Pirate’s cautious response) -
Expression: 나는 깊은 바다에서 왔소.
Pronunciation: na-neun gip-eun ba-da-e-seo wat-so.
Meaning: I came from the deep sea. -
Expression: 당신의 도움이 필요하오, 선장.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui do-um-i pil-yo-ha-o, seon-jang.
Meaning: I need your help, Captain.
Making Offers and Counter-offers
These expressions are crucial for proposing the exchange and responding to offers.
-
Expression: 이 진주들을 드릴 테니, 보물 지도를 주십시오.
Pronunciation: i jin-ju-deu-reul deu-ril te-ni, bo-mul ji-do-reul ju-sip-si-o.
Meaning: I will give you these pearls, so please give me the treasure map. -
Expression: 이 진주의 가치를 아십니까?
Pronunciation: i jin-ju-ui ga-chi-reul a-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: Do you know the value of these pearls? -
Expression: 그것만으로는 부족하다.
Pronunciation: geu-geon-man-eu-ro-neun bu-jok-ha-da.
Meaning: That alone is not enough. -
Expression: 더 많은 진주를 원하십니까?
Pronunciation: deo man-eun jin-ju-reul won-ha-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: Do you want more pearls? -
Expression: 이 지도는 전설의 보물로 이어진다.
Pronunciation: i ji-do-neun jeon-seol-ui bo-mul-lo i-eo-jin-da.
Meaning: This map leads to legendary treasure. -
Expression: 진주 열 개를 더 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jin-ju yeol gae-reul deo deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will give you ten more pearls. -
Expression: 당신의 제안을 고려해 보겠소.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui je-an-eul go-ryeo-hae bo-get-so.
Meaning: I will consider your offer. -
Expression: 이 정도면 충분할 것입니다.
Pronunciation: i jeong-do-myeon chung-bun-hal geo-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: This should be enough. -
Expression: 다른 원하는 것은 없으십니까?
Pronunciation: da-reun won-ha-neun geo-seun eop-seu-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: Is there anything else you want? -
Expression: 진주 말고 다른 것을 요구한다면?
Pronunciation: jin-ju mal-go da-reun geo-seul yo-gu-han-da-myeon?
Meaning: What if I demand something other than pearls? -
Expression: 내 제안은 이것뿐이오.
Pronunciation: nae je-an-eun i-geot-ppun-i-o.
Meaning: This is my only offer.
Agreeing or Disagreeing
Phrases for concluding the negotiation, whether successful or not.
-
Expression: 좋습니다, 거래합시다.
Pronunciation: jo-seum-ni-da, geo-rae-hap-si-da.
Meaning: Alright, let’s make a deal. -
Expression: 당신의 제안을 받아들이겠소.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui je-an-eul ba-da-deu-ri-get-so.
Meaning: I accept your offer. -
Expression: 거절하겠소.
Pronunciation: geo-jeol-ha-get-so.
Meaning: I refuse. -
Expression: 이 거래는 성립될 수 없겠군.
Pronunciation: i geo-rae-neun seong-nip-doel su eop-get-gun.
Meaning: It seems this deal cannot be made. -
Expression: 먼저 진주를 보여주시오.
Pronunciation: meon-jeo jin-ju-reul bo-yeo-ju-si-o.
Meaning: Show me the pearls first. -
Expression: 지도를 먼저 넘기시오.
Pronunciation: ji-do-reul meon-jeo neom-gi-si-o.
Meaning: Hand over the map first. -
Expression: 약속은 지켜야 하오.
Pronunciation: yak-sok-eun ji-kyeo-ya ha-o.
Meaning: You must keep your promise. -
Expression: 현명한 선택이십니다.
Pronunciation: hyeon-myeong-han seon-taek-i-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: That is a wise choice. -
Expression: 후회하게 될 거요.
Pronunciation: hu-hoe-ha-ge doel geo-yo.
Meaning: You will regret this. -
Expression: 그럼, 이만 가보겠소.
Pronunciation: geu-reom, i-man ga-bo-get-so.
Meaning: Well then, I shall be on my way. -
Expression: 우리의 거래는 끝났소.
Pronunciation: u-ri-ui geo-rae-neun kkeun-nat-so.
Meaning: Our deal is done.
Cultural Tips
While negotiating with mythical creatures doesn’t have direct cultural rules, applying general Korean communication principles can enhance your roleplay:
Formality Levels: Even in fantasy, characters often use different levels of formality. A mermaid addressing a fearsome pirate captain might use formal language (하십시오체 – ha-sip-si-o-che or 해요체 – hae-yo-che), while the pirate might use lower forms (해라체 – hae-ra-che or 반말 – ban-mal) to show dominance or gruffness. The examples above mix tones, reflecting potential character dynamics.
Indirectness vs. Directness: While Koreans often value indirect communication, a negotiation scenario, especially with a pirate, might involve more direct statements about wants and conditions. However, starting with polite inquiries before stating demands can be a strategic approach, even for a mermaid.
Establishing Trust (or Lack Thereof): Phrases like “Show me the pearls first” (먼저 진주를 보여주시오 – meon-jeo jin-ju-reul bo-yeo-ju-si-o) or “Hand over the map first” (지도를 먼저 넘기시오 – ji-do-reul meon-jeo neom-gi-si-o) reflect the inherent distrust in such a situation. This back-and-forth is common in bargaining scenarios.
The Concept of ‘Jeong’ (정): While less applicable between a mermaid and a pirate, the underlying Korean cultural concept of 정 (jeong) – a feeling of connection or attachment – is often absent in purely transactional relationships. This negotiation is likely purely business, lacking the warmth often sought in Korean interactions.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A mermaid surfaces beside a pirate ship, calling out to the captain on deck.
Roles:
A: Mermaid (인어 – In-eo)
B: Pirate Captain (해적 선장 – Hae-jeok Seon-jang)
-
Expression: A: 해적 선장님! 잠시 얘기 좀 할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: A: hae-jeok seon-jang-nim! jam-si yae-gi jom hal su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Pirate Captain! Could we talk for a moment? -
Expression: B: 허허, 인어가 내 배에 무슨 일로 찾아왔나? 원하는 게 뭐냐?
Pronunciation: B: heo-heo, in-eo-ga nae bae-e mu-seun il-lo cha-ja-wan-na? won-ha-neun ge mwo-nya?
Meaning: B: Ho ho, what brings a mermaid to my ship? What do you want? -
Expression: A: 당신이 가진 오래된 보물 지도가 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: A: dang-sin-i ga-jin o-rae-doen bo-mul ji-do-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: A: I need the old treasure map you possess. -
Expression: B: 내 보물 지도? 그걸 가져서 뭘 하려고? 그리고 내게 뭘 줄 수 있지?
Pronunciation: B: nae bo-mul ji-do? geu-geol ga-jyeo-seo mwol ha-ryeo-go? geu-ri-go nae-ge mwol jul su it-ji?
Meaning: B: My treasure map? What do you plan to do with it? And what can you give me? -
Expression: A: 깊은 바다에서 가져온 최고급 진주들을 드리겠습니다. 이 정도면 충분한 가치가 있을 겁니다.
Pronunciation: A: gip-eun ba-da-e-seo ga-jyeo-on choe-go-geup jin-ju-deu-reul deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. i jeong-do-myeon chung-bun-han ga-chi-ga it-eul geom-ni-da.
Meaning: A: I will give you the finest pearls brought from the deep sea. This should be of sufficient value. -
Expression: B: (진주를 보며) 흠… 빛깔은 좋군. 하지만 이 지도는 보통 물건이 아니야. 진주 몇 개로는 어림없다.
Pronunciation: B: (jin-ju-reul bo-myeo) heum… bit-kka-reun jo-kun. ha-ji-man i ji-do-neun bo-tong mul-geon-i a-ni-ya. jin-ju myeot gae-ro-neun eo-rim-eop-da.
Meaning: B: (Looking at the pearls) Hmm… The luster is good. But this map is no ordinary item. A few pearls won’t cut it. -
Expression: A: 그럼 몇 개를 원하십니까? 스무 개는 어떻습니까?
Pronunciation: A: geu-reom myeot gae-reul won-ha-sim-ni-kka? seu-mu gae-neun eo-tteo-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: A: Then how many do you want? How about twenty? -
Expression: B: 좋아, 스무 개. 그리고… 네가 바다 속에서 본 가장 큰 난파선의 위치를 알려줘야겠다.
Pronunciation: B: jo-a, seu-mu gae. geu-ri-go… ne-ga ba-da sok-e-seo bon ga-jang keun nan-pa-seon-ui wi-chi-reul al-lyeo-jwo-ya-get-da.
Meaning: B: Alright, twenty. And… you must tell me the location of the largest shipwreck you’ve seen in the sea. -
Expression: A: …알겠습니다. 진주 스무 개와 난파선 위치 정보. 그걸로 거래합시다.
Pronunciation: A: …al-get-seum-ni-da. jin-ju seu-mu gae-wa nan-pa-seon wi-chi jeong-bo. geu-geol-lo geo-rae-hap-si-da.
Meaning: A: …Understood. Twenty pearls and the shipwreck location information. Let’s make a deal with that. -
Expression: B: 좋다! 먼저 진주를 이리 다오!
Pronunciation: B: jo-ta! meon-jeo jin-ju-reul i-ri da-o!
Meaning: B: Good! Give me the pearls first!
Practice Tips
Ready to practice your pirate negotiation skills?~ Try role-playing this scenario with a friend or language partner! You can switch roles between the mermaid and the pirate captain to practice both sides of the conversation. Don’t be afraid to mix and match the phrases you’ve learned or even add your own creative flair. The more you practice, the more natural these expressions will become! You could even try writing your own short dialogue based on this theme. Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!)
