This guide explores the unique vocabulary and phrases needed to describe a fantastical scenario: a fairy merchant negotiating with a troll over bridge tolls, using fairy dust as payment. Learn the specific Korean terms for mythical creatures, negotiation, and magical items to bring this imaginative scene to life in Korean.
Table Of Content
Core Concept: Fairy and Troll Negotiation
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Expression: 요정 상인과 트롤의 다리 통행료 협상
Pronunciation: yo-jeong sang-in-gwa teu-rol-ui da-ri tong-haeng-ryo hyeop-sang
Meaning: Negotiation of bridge toll between a fairy merchant and a troll
Key Characters and Items
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Expression: 요정
Pronunciation: yo-jeong
Meaning: Fairy -
Expression: 상인
Pronunciation: sang-in
Meaning: Merchant -
Expression: 트롤
Pronunciation: teu-rol
Meaning: Troll (loanword, common in fantasy contexts) -
Expression: 도깨비
Pronunciation: do-kkae-bi
Meaning: Dokkaebi (Korean mythical creature, sometimes compared to trolls or goblins) -
Expression: 다리
Pronunciation: da-ri
Meaning: Bridge -
Expression: 통행료
Pronunciation: tong-haeng-ryo
Meaning: Toll, passage fee -
Expression: 요정 가루
Pronunciation: yo-jeong ga-ru
Meaning: Fairy dust -
Expression: 마법의 가루
Pronunciation: ma-beop-ui ga-ru
Meaning: Magic dust/powder -
Expression: 반짝이는 가루
Pronunciation: ban-jjak-i-neun ga-ru
Meaning: Sparkling powder -
Expression: 협상
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang
Meaning: Negotiation -
Expression: 거래
Pronunciation: geo-rae
Meaning: Deal, transaction -
Expression: 지불 수단
Pronunciation: ji-bul su-dan
Meaning: Means of payment
Setting the Scene: At the Troll’s Bridge
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Expression: 다리를 건너고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: da-ri-reul geon-neo-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to cross the bridge. -
Expression: 이 다리는 내가 지킨다!
Pronunciation: i da-ri-neun nae-ga ji-kin-da!
Meaning: I guard this bridge! (Troll’s likely declaration) -
Expression: 통행료를 내야 지나갈 수 있다.
Pronunciation: tong-haeng-ryo-reul nae-ya ji-na-gal su it-da.
Meaning: You can only pass if you pay the toll. -
Expression: 통행료가 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: tong-haeng-ryo-ga eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the toll? -
Expression: 길을 막지 마세요.
Pronunciation: gil-eul mak-ji ma-se-yo.
Meaning: Please don’t block the way. -
Expression: 저는 길을 지나가는 상인입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun gil-eul ji-na-ga-neun sang-in-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I am a merchant passing through. -
Expression: 이 다리를 건너야만 해요.
Pronunciation: i da-ri-reul geon-neo-ya-man hae-yo.
Meaning: I must cross this bridge. -
Expression: 트롤이 다리를 지키고 있어요.
Pronunciation: teu-rol-i da-ri-reul ji-ki-go is-seo-yo.
Meaning: A troll is guarding the bridge. -
Expression: 통행료를 요구하고 있어요.
Pronunciation: tong-haeng-ryo-reul yo-gu-ha-go is-seo-yo.
Meaning: (He/She/It) is demanding a toll. -
Expression: 다리 밑에 사는 트롤
Pronunciation: da-ri mit-e sa-neun teu-rol
Meaning: The troll living under the bridge -
Expression: 무서운 트롤
Pronunciation: mu-seo-un teu-rol
Meaning: Scary troll -
Expression: 작고 영리한 요정
Pronunciation: jak-go yeong-ri-han yo-jeong
Meaning: Small and clever fairy
Negotiation Phrases: Offering Fairy Dust
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Expression: 돈이 없어요. 대신 요정 가루를 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: don-i eop-seo-yo. dae-sin yo-jeong ga-ru-reul deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I don’t have money. I’ll give you fairy dust instead. -
Expression: 이 요정 가루는 아주 귀한 것입니다.
Pronunciation: i yo-jeong ga-ru-neun a-ju gwi-han geot-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This fairy dust is very precious. -
Expression: 이걸로 통행료를 대신해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: i-geol-lo tong-haeng-ryo-reul dae-sin-hae-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can this substitute for the toll? -
Expression: 요정 가루 한 줌이면 충분할 겁니다.
Pronunciation: yo-jeong ga-ru han jum-i-myeon chung-bun-hal geom-ni-da.
Meaning: A handful of fairy dust should be enough. -
Expression: 이 가루는 마법의 힘을 가지고 있어요.
Pronunciation: i ga-ru-neun ma-beop-ui him-eul ga-ji-go is-seo-yo.
Meaning: This dust possesses magical power. -
Expression: 트롤에게 요정 가루가 무슨 소용이지?
Pronunciation: teu-rol-e-ge yo-jeong ga-ru-ga mu-seun so-yong-i-ji?
Meaning: What use is fairy dust to a troll? (Troll’s potential thought/question) -
Expression: 더 많이 줘야 해!
Pronunciation: deo man-i jwo-ya hae!
Meaning: You have to give more! (Troll’s demand) -
Expression: 이것이 제가 가진 전부입니다.
Pronunciation: i-geos-i je-ga ga-jin jeon-bu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is all I have. -
Expression: 협상을 해봅시다.
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang-eul hae-bop-si-da.
Meaning: Let’s negotiate. -
Expression: 가격을 좀 깎아주세요. (비유적)
Pronunciation: ga-gyeok-eul jom kkak-a-ju-se-yo. (bi-yu-jeok)
Meaning: Please lower the price a bit. (Figuratively, asking for less toll/dust) -
Expression: 이 가루의 가치를 아시나요?
Pronunciation: i ga-ru-ui ga-chi-reul a-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you know the value of this dust? -
Expression: 좋아요, 거래합시다.
Pronunciation: jo-a-yo, geo-rae-hap-si-da.
Meaning: Okay, let’s make a deal.
Describing Fairy Dust
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Expression: 이 가루는 반짝반짝 빛나요.
Pronunciation: i ga-ru-neun ban-jjak-ban-jjak bit-na-yo.
Meaning: This dust sparkles brightly. -
Expression: 아주 가볍고 고와요.
Pronunciation: a-ju ga-byeop-go go-wa-yo.
Meaning: It’s very light and fine. -
Expression: 신비한 힘이 담겨 있어요.
Pronunciation: sin-bi-han him-i dam-gyeo is-seo-yo.
Meaning: It contains mysterious power. -
Expression: 소원을 이루어 줄지도 몰라요.
Pronunciation: so-won-eul i-ru-eo jul-ji-do mol-la-yo.
Meaning: It might even grant wishes. -
Expression: 요정의 날개에서 떨어졌어요.
Pronunciation: yo-jeong-ui nal-gae-e-seo tteol-eo-jyeos-seo-yo.
Meaning: It fell from a fairy’s wings. -
Expression: 만지면 따뜻한 느낌이 나요.
Pronunciation: man-ji-myeon tta-tteut-han neu-kkim-i na-yo.
Meaning: It feels warm when you touch it. -
Expression: 달빛 아래에서 모았어요.
Pronunciation: dal-bit a-rae-e-seo mo-as-seo-yo.
Meaning: I gathered it under the moonlight. -
Expression: 이것은 돈보다 더 가치가 있어요.
Pronunciation: i-geos-eun don-bo-da deo ga-chi-ga is-seo-yo.
Meaning: This is more valuable than money. -
Expression: 트롤도 탐낼 만한 물건이에요.
Pronunciation: teu-rol-do tam-nael man-han mul-geon-i-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s an item even a troll would covet. -
Expression: 무지개 빛깔이 나요.
Pronunciation: mu-ji-gae bit-kkal-i na-yo.
Meaning: It has rainbow colors. -
Expression: 공중에 뿌리면 날 수 있어요.
Pronunciation: gong-jung-e ppu-ri-myeon nal su is-seo-yo.
Meaning: If you sprinkle it in the air, you can fly. (Common fairy dust trope) -
Expression: 아주 희귀한 물질입니다.
Pronunciation: a-ju hwi-gwi-han mul-jil-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It is a very rare substance.
Cultural Notes
While Western-style fairies (요정 – yo-jeong) and trolls (트롤 – teu-rol) are well-understood in modern Korea due to global media, traditional Korean folklore has its own rich cast of mythical beings. The closest equivalent to a troll might be the 도깨비 (do-kkae-bi), though Dokkaebi are often depicted differently – sometimes mischievous, sometimes helpful, and often associated with objects rather than bridges.
The concept of bartering or using non-monetary items for passage or favors is common in folklore worldwide, including Korean tales. Using something magical like 요정 가루 (yo-jeong ga-ru) fits well within this narrative structure, where value isn’t just monetary but can be based on rarity, magic, or usefulness to the specific being (even if a troll’s use for fairy dust is questionable!).
Negotiation (협상 – hyeop-sang) itself is a universal concept. In a fantastical context like this, the negotiation might be less about formal business practices and more about wit, persuasion, and perhaps a bit of trickery or cleverness, reflecting common themes in fairy tales where protagonists outsmart obstacles.
When translating fantasy concepts, sometimes direct loanwords like 트롤 (teu-rol) are used, especially if the specific Western image is intended. Other times, Korean creators might adapt the concept using native mythical figures like 도깨비 (do-kkae-bi), giving it a unique Korean flavor.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A small fairy merchant (A) arrives at a bridge guarded by a grumpy troll (B).
Roles:
A: Fairy Merchant (요정 상인 – yo-jeong sang-in)
B: Troll (트롤 – teu-rol)
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Expression: A: 실례합니다, 이 다리를 좀 건너고 싶습니다만.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da, i da-ri-reul jom geon-neo-go sip-seum-ni-da-man.
Meaning: Excuse me, I’d like to cross this bridge. -
Expression: B: 흥! 내 다리를 건너려면 통행료를 내야지!
Pronunciation: heung! nae da-ri-reul geon-neo-ryeo-myeon tong-haeng-ryo-reul nae-ya-ji!
Meaning: Hmph! If you want to cross my bridge, you have to pay the toll! -
Expression: A: 아, 죄송하지만 지금 돈이 하나도 없네요. 대신 아주 특별한 것을 드릴 수 있어요.
Pronunciation: a, joe-song-ha-ji-man ji-geum don-i ha-na-do eom-ne-yo. dae-sin a-ju teuk-byeol-han geos-eul deu-ril su is-seo-yo.
Meaning: Ah, I’m sorry but I don’t have any money right now. Instead, I can give you something very special. -
Expression: B: 특별한 것? 그게 뭔데? 반짝이는 돌멩이? 맛없는 버섯?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-han geot? geu-ge mwon-de? ban-jjak-i-neun dol-meng-i? mat-eom-neun beo-seot?
Meaning: Something special? What is it? Shiny pebbles? Tasteless mushrooms? -
Expression: A: 아니요, 바로 이 요정 가루입니다! 보세요, 얼마나 아름답게 빛나는지요.
Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, ba-ro i yo-jeong ga-ru-im-ni-da! bo-se-yo, eol-ma-na a-reum-dap-ge bit-na-neun-ji-yo.
Meaning: No, it’s this fairy dust! Look, how beautifully it shines. -
Expression: B: 요정 가루? 흠… 그걸로 뭘 할 수 있는데? 먹을 수도 없고.
Pronunciation: yo-jeong ga-ru? heum… geu-geol-lo mwol hal su it-neun-de? meok-eul su-do eop-go.
Meaning: Fairy dust? Hmm… What can I do with that? Can’t even eat it. -
Expression: A: 이건 보통 물건이 아니에요. 아주 귀하고 마법의 힘이 깃들어 있답니다. 통행료로 이 한 주머니면 충분할 거예요.
Pronunciation: i-geon bo-tong mul-geon-i a-ni-e-yo. a-ju gwi-ha-go ma-beop-ui him-i git-deul-eo it-dam-ni-da. tong-haeng-ryo-ro i han ju-meo-ni-myeon chung-bun-hal geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: This isn’t an ordinary thing. It’s very precious and imbued with magical power. This one pouch should be enough for the toll. -
Expression: B: 한 주머니? 부족해! 두 주머니는 내놔야 건너게 해주지!
Pronunciation: han ju-meo-ni? bu-jok-hae! du ju-meo-ni-neun nae-nwa-ya geon-neo-ge hae-ju-ji!
Meaning: One pouch? Not enough! You have to give me two pouches for me to let you cross! -
Expression: A: 두 주머니는 너무 많아요! 그럼 한 주머니 반으로 합의하는 건 어때요?
Pronunciation: du ju-meo-ni-neun neo-mu man-a-yo! geu-reom han ju-meo-ni ban-eu-ro hap-ui-ha-neun geon eo-ttae-yo?
Meaning: Two pouches is too much! Then how about we agree on one and a half pouches? -
Expression: B: 흠… 좋아. 한 주머니 반. 빨리 내놓고 지나가!
Pronunciation: heum… jo-a. han ju-meo-ni ban. ppal-li nae-no-ko ji-na-ga!
Meaning: Hmm… Fine. One and a half pouches. Hand it over quickly and pass!
Practice Tips
While you might not meet a troll demanding fairy dust anytime soon, practicing these phrases can be fun! Try creating your own fantastical negotiation scenarios~. Maybe a goblin wants shiny buttons, or a dragon demands riddles instead of gold? Use the vocabulary for negotiation (협상하다), offering alternatives (대신 ~을/를 주다), and describing unique items. This kind of creative practice helps solidify vocabulary in a memorable way! Good luck~!
