This guide explores the unique Korean vocabulary and phrases needed to describe a fantastical scenario: a mermaid singer negotiating with a dolphin for a song of the deep currents. Learn the key terms for mythical creatures, negotiation, music, and the ocean depths to bring this imaginative scene to life in Korean.
Table Of Content
Core Concepts
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Expression: 인어 가수
Pronunciation: in-eo ga-su
Meaning: Mermaid singer -
Expression: 돌고래
Pronunciation: dol-go-rae
Meaning: Dolphin -
Expression: 협상하다
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang-ha-da
Meaning: To negotiate -
Expression: 깊은 해류의 노래
Pronunciation: gi-peun hae-ryu-ui no-rae
Meaning: Song of the deep currents -
Expression: 심해
Pronunciation: sim-hae
Meaning: Deep sea / Abyss -
Expression: 거래
Pronunciation: geo-rae
Meaning: Deal / Transaction / Bargain
Initiating the Negotiation
-
Expression: 안녕하세요, 지혜로운 돌고래님.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, ji-hye-ro-un dol-go-rae-nim.
Meaning: Hello, wise dolphin. (Using ‘-님’ for respect) -
Expression: 저는 노래하는 인어입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun no-rae-ha-neun in-eo-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I am a singing mermaid. -
Expression: 당신과 이야기하고 싶은 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-gwa i-ya-gi-ha-go si-peun geo-si it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: There is something I want to discuss with you. -
Expression: 깊은 해류의 노래에 대해 듣고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: gi-peun hae-ryu-ui no-rae-e dae-hae deut-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to hear about the song of the deep currents. -
Expression: 그 노래를 제게 가르쳐 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu no-rae-reul je-ge ga-reu-chyeo ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you teach me that song? -
Expression: 저는 당신께 무엇을 드릴 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: jeo-neun dang-sin-kke mu-eo-seul deu-ril su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: What can I offer you in return? -
Expression: 거래를 제안하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: geo-rae-reul je-an-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to propose a deal. -
Expression: 당신의 도움이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: dang-si-nui do-u-mi pi-ryo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I need your help. -
Expression: 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: jam-si si-gan gwaen-cha-neu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a moment? (Polite) -
Expression: 이 노래는 제게 매우 중요합니다.
Pronunciation: i no-rae-neun je-ge mae-u jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: This song is very important to me.
Making Offers and Counteroffers
-
Expression: 제가 가진 가장 아름다운 진주를 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: je-ga ga-jin ga-jang a-reum-da-un jin-ju-reul deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will give you the most beautiful pearl I possess. -
Expression: 제 목소리로 당신을 위한 노래를 불러 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: je mok-so-ri-ro dang-si-neul wi-han no-rae-reul bul-leo deu-ril-kke-yo.
Meaning: I will sing a song for you with my voice. -
Expression: 심해의 비밀을 하나 알려드릴 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: sim-hae-ui bi-mi-reul ha-na al-lyeo-deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I can tell you one secret of the deep sea. -
Expression: 그것만으로는 부족한가요?
Pronunciation: geu-geon-ma-neu-ro-neun bu-jo-kan-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is that not enough? -
Expression: 다른 제안이 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: da-reun je-a-ni i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have another suggestion/offer? -
Expression: 당신은 무엇을 원하시나요?
Pronunciation: dang-si-neun mu-eo-seul won-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: What do you want? -
Expression: 가격을 협상해 봅시다.
Pronunciation: ga-gyeo-geul hyeop-sang-hae bop-si-da.
Meaning: Let’s negotiate the price (or terms). -
Expression: 더 좋은 조건을 제시해 주세요.
Pronunciation: deo jo-eun jo-kkeo-neul je-si-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please offer better terms. -
Expression: 서로에게 이득이 되는 거래를 합시다.
Pronunciation: seo-ro-e-ge i-deu-gi doe-neun geo-rae-reul hap-si-da.
Meaning: Let’s make a deal that benefits both of us. -
Expression: 이것이 제 마지막 제안입니다.
Pronunciation: i-geo-si je ma-ji-mak je-a-nim-ni-da.
Meaning: This is my final offer. -
Expression: 생각할 시간을 좀 주세요.
Pronunciation: saeng-ga-kal si-ga-neul jom ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me some time to think.
Describing the Song and Currents
-
Expression: 그 노래는 바다 깊은 곳의 소리입니다.
Pronunciation: geu no-rae-neun ba-da gi-peun go-sui so-ri-im-ni-da.
Meaning: That song is the sound of the deep sea. -
Expression: 해류의 힘과 신비를 담고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: hae-ryu-ui him-gwa sin-bi-reul dam-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It contains the power and mystery of the currents. -
Expression: 오래된 바다의 지혜가 담긴 멜로디입니다.
Pronunciation: o-rae-doen ba-da-ui ji-hye-ga dam-gin mel-lo-di-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a melody containing the ancient wisdom of the sea. -
Expression: 그 노래를 부르면 해류를 이해할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: geu no-rae-reul bu-reu-myeon hae-ryu-reul i-hae-hal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: If I sing that song, can I understand the currents? -
Expression: 심해 생물들만이 아는 노래입니다.
Pronunciation: sim-hae saeng-mul-deul-ma-ni a-neun no-rae-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a song known only to deep-sea creatures. -
Expression: 해류는 바다의 길입니다.
Pronunciation: hae-ryu-neun ba-da-ui gi-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: The currents are the paths of the ocean. -
Expression: 강력하고 예측 불가능한 힘입니다.
Pronunciation: gang-nyeo-ka-go ye-cheuk bul-ga-neung-han hi-mim-ni-da.
Meaning: It is a powerful and unpredictable force. -
Expression: 노래는 해류와 소통하는 방법입니다.
Pronunciation: no-rae-neun hae-ryu-wa so-tong-ha-neun bang-beo-bim-ni-da.
Meaning: The song is a way to communicate with the currents. -
Expression: 그 노래의 음표 하나하나가 중요합니다.
Pronunciation: geu no-rae-ui eum-pyo ha-na-ha-na-ga jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Every single note of that song is important. -
Expression: 바다의 심장 박동 같은 노래입니다.
Pronunciation: ba-da-ui sim-jang bak-dong ga-teun no-rae-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a song like the heartbeat of the ocean. -
Expression: 해류의 흐름을 느낄 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: hae-ryu-ui heu-reu-meul neu-kkil su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: You can feel the flow of the currents.
Concluding the Negotiation
-
Expression: 좋습니다, 거래합시다.
Pronunciation: jo-seum-ni-da, geo-rae-hap-si-da.
Meaning: Alright, let’s make a deal. -
Expression: 당신의 제안을 받아들이겠습니다.
Pronunciation: dang-si-nui je-a-neul ba-da-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I accept your offer. -
Expression: 약속을 지켜주세요.
Pronunciation: yak-so-geul ji-kyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please keep your promise. -
Expression: 저도 제 약속을 지키겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-do je yak-so-geul ji-ki-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will also keep my promise. -
Expression: 이제 그 노래를 가르쳐 주십시오.
Pronunciation: i-je geu no-rae-reul ga-reu-chyeo ju-sip-si-o.
Meaning: Now, please teach me that song. -
Expression: 당신의 지혜에 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: dang-si-nui ji-hye-e gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your wisdom. -
Expression: 이 거래가 우리 모두에게 행운을 가져다주길 바랍니다.
Pronunciation: i geo-rae-ga u-ri mo-du-e-ge haeng-u-neul ga-jyeo-da-ju-gil ba-ram-ni-da.
Meaning: I hope this deal brings good fortune to us all. -
Expression: 다음에 또 만날 수 있기를 바랍니다.
Pronunciation: da-eu-me tto man-nal su it-kki-reul ba-ram-ni-da.
Meaning: I hope we can meet again next time. -
Expression: 협상이 잘 마무리되었습니다.
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang-i jal ma-mu-ri-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The negotiation concluded well. -
Expression: 이제 노래를 배울 준비가 되었습니다.
Pronunciation: i-je no-rae-reul bae-ul jun-bi-ga doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Now I am ready to learn the song.
Cultural Notes on Fantasy Elements
While mermaids (인어 – in-eo) aren’t native to traditional Korean folklore like the Gumiho (nine-tailed fox), they are well-understood through global stories. When depicting them, focus on their connection to the sea and often, their beautiful singing voices.
Dolphins (돌고래 – dol-go-rae) are generally seen as intelligent and friendly creatures. Attributing wisdom or special knowledge, like knowing a secret song, fits well within common cultural perceptions of dolphins.
Negotiation (협상 – hyeop-sang) in Korean culture, even in fantasy, often involves politeness and respect, especially when addressing someone perceived as wise or powerful (like the dolphin). Using honorifics like ‘-님’ (-nim) attached to ‘돌고래’ (dol-go-rae-nim) shows this respect.
The concept of a ‘song of deep currents’ (깊은 해류의 노래 – gi-peun hae-ryu-ui no-rae) taps into the mystique of the unknown depths (심해 – sim-hae). In storytelling, such elements often represent ancient power, hidden knowledge, or the untamed aspects of nature.
Exchanging valuable items or services (like a song for a pearl or a secret) is a common trope in folklore worldwide. In a Korean context, the emphasis might be on the sincerity of the offer and the keeping of promises (약속 – yak-sok).
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A mermaid singer approaches a wise old dolphin resting near a deep-sea trench, hoping to learn a legendary song.
Characters:
- A: 인어 가수 (리라) – Mermaid Singer (Lira)
- B: 지혜로운 돌고래 – Wise Dolphin
-
Expression: A: 저기, 지혜로운 돌고래님. 잠시 말씀 좀 나눌 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: jeo-gi, ji-hye-ro-un dol-go-rae-nim. jam-si mal-sseum jom na-nul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Excuse me, wise dolphin. May I speak with you for a moment? -
Expression: B: 오, 인어로구나. 무슨 일이지? 이 깊은 곳까지는 웬일인가?
Pronunciation: o, in-eo-ro-gu-na. mu-seun i-ri-ji? i gi-peun got-kka-ji-neun wen-i-rin-ga?
Meaning: B: Oh, a mermaid. What is it? What brings you to this deep place? -
Expression: A: 저는 노래하는 인어 리라입니다. 당신께서 ‘깊은 해류의 노래’를 아신다고 들었습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun no-rae-ha-neun in-eo ri-ra-im-ni-da. dang-sin-kke-seo ‘gi-peun hae-ryu-ui no-rae’-reul a-sin-da-go deu-reot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: I am Lira, a singing mermaid. I heard that you know the ‘Song of the Deep Currents’. -
Expression: B: 흠, 그 오래된 노래를… 맞다, 알고 있지. 하지만 아무에게나 가르쳐 줄 수는 없는 노래다.
Pronunciation: heum, geu o-rae-doen no-rae-reul… mat-tta, al-go it-jji. ha-ji-man a-mu-e-ge-na ga-reu-chyeo jul su-neun eom-neun no-rae-da.
Meaning: B: Hmm, that ancient song… Yes, I know it. But it’s not a song I can teach to just anyone. -
Expression: A: 그 노래를 배우고 싶습니다. 제 목소리로 그 노래를 세상에 전하고 싶어요. 대가를 치르겠습니다. 무엇을 원하십니까?
Pronunciation: geu no-rae-reul bae-u-go sip-seum-ni-da. je mok-so-ri-ro geu no-rae-reul se-sang-e jeon-ha-go si-peo-yo. dae-kka-reul chi-reu-get-seum-ni-da. mu-eo-seul won-ha-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: A: I wish to learn that song. I want to share it with the world through my voice. I will pay a price. What do you desire? -
Expression: B: 대가라… 좋다. 네가 가진 가장 빛나는 ‘달빛 조개’를 가져오너라. 그러면 노래의 첫 소절을 가르쳐 주마.
Pronunciation: dae-kka-ra… jo-ta. ne-ga ga-jin ga-jang bin-na-neun ‘dal-bit jo-gae’-reul ga-jyeo-o-neo-ra. geu-reo-myeon no-rae-ui cheot so-jeo-reul ga-reu-chyeo ju-ma.
Meaning: B: A price… Alright. Bring me the most radiant ‘Moonlight Clam’ you possess. Then, I shall teach you the first verse of the song. -
Expression: A: 달빛 조개… 알겠습니다. 꼭 가져오겠습니다! 약속드립니다.
Pronunciation: dal-bit jo-gae… al-get-seum-ni-da. kkok ga-jyeo-o-get-seum-ni-da! yak-sok-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: A: The Moonlight Clam… I understand. I will surely bring it! I promise. -
Expression: B: 좋다. 약속을 믿겠다. 조개를 가져오면, 여기서 다시 만나자.
Pronunciation: jo-ta. yak-so-geul mit-kket-tta. jo-gae-reul ga-jyeo-o-myeon, yeo-gi-seo da-si man-na-ja.
Meaning: B: Good. I will trust your promise. When you bring the clam, let us meet here again.
Practice and Imagination
Imagining fantastical scenarios like this is a fun way to stretch your Korean vocabulary! Try creating your own dialogues between mythical creatures or characters with special abilities~ Use the phrases for negotiation, describing unique items or powers, and making deals.
Practice reading the pronunciations aloud, focusing on the syllable breaks. Even though the situation is imaginary, the sentence structures and politeness levels are based on real Korean usage. Have fun bringing your own creative stories to life in Korean! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Good luck!)
