This guide explores the unique Korean vocabulary and phrases needed for a hypothetical scenario: a time-traveling bard negotiating with a medieval scribe to record songs containing paradoxical future knowledge. You’ll learn essential terms and conversational expressions to navigate this imaginative encounter, focusing on explaining unusual concepts and striking a deal across time periods.
Table Of Content
Key Concepts
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Expression: 시간 여행자
Pronunciation: si-gan yeo-haeng-ja
Meaning: Time traveler -
Expression: 음유시인
Pronunciation: eum-yu-si-in
Meaning: Bard (minstrel poet) -
Expression: 중세 시대
Pronunciation: jung-se si-dae
Meaning: Medieval era / Middle Ages -
Expression: 필경사
Pronunciation: pil-gyeong-sa
Meaning: Scribe (copyist) -
Expression: 역설
Pronunciation: yeok-seol
Meaning: Paradox -
Expression: 역설적인 노래
Pronunciation: yeok-seol-jeok-in no-rae
Meaning: Paradoxical song(s) -
Expression: 미래
Pronunciation: mi-rae
Meaning: Future -
Expression: 과거
Pronunciation: gwa-geo
Meaning: Past -
Expression: 기록하다
Pronunciation: gi-rok-ha-da
Meaning: To record, to write down -
Expression: 협상하다
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang-ha-da
Meaning: To negotiate -
Expression: 비밀
Pronunciation: bi-mil
Meaning: Secret -
Expression: 계약
Pronunciation: gye-yak
Meaning: Contract, agreement
Bard’s Phrases: Explaining the Situation
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Expression: 저는 미래에서 온 시간 여행자입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun mi-rae-e-seo on si-gan yeo-haeng-ja-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I am a time traveler from the future. -
Expression: 당신의 도움이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui do-um-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I need your help. -
Expression: 제 노래들을 기록해 주시겠습니까?
Pronunciation: je no-rae-deul-eul gi-rok-hae ju-si-get-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Would you please record my songs? -
Expression: 이 노래들은 아직 일어나지 않은 일들에 관한 것입니다.
Pronunciation: i no-rae-deul-eun a-jik il-eo-na-ji an-eun il-deul-e gwan-han geot-im-ni-da.
Meaning: These songs are about things that haven’t happened yet. -
Expression: 약간 이해하기 어려울 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: yak-gan i-hae-ha-gi eo-ryeo-ul su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It might be a little difficult to understand. -
Expression: 이 노래들은 역설을 담고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: i no-rae-deul-eun yeok-seol-eul dam-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: These songs contain paradoxes. -
Expression: 미래의 지식이지만, 과거에 기록되어야 합니다.
Pronunciation: mi-rae-ui ji-sik-i-ji-man, gwa-geo-e gi-rok-doe-eo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s future knowledge, but it must be recorded in the past. -
Expression: 당신의 필사 기술이 뛰어나다고 들었습니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui pil-sa gi-sul-i ttwi-eo-na-da-go deul-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I heard your transcription skills are excellent. -
Expression: 이 작업은 극비로 진행되어야 합니다.
Pronunciation: i jak-eob-eun geuk-bi-ro jin-haeng-doe-eo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: This work must be carried out in utmost secrecy. -
Expression: 제가 어디서 왔는지 믿기 어려우시겠지만 사실입니다.
Pronunciation: je-ga eo-di-seo wat-neun-ji mit-gi eo-ryeo-u-si-get-ji-man sa-sil-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It might be hard for you to believe where I came from, but it’s true. -
Expression: 이 노래들은 시대를 초월하는 중요성을 지닙니다.
Pronunciation: i no-rae-deul-eun si-dae-reul cho-wol-ha-neun jung-yo-seong-eul ji-nim-ni-da.
Meaning: These songs hold importance that transcends time. -
Expression: 제 이야기를 들어주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: je i-ya-gi-reul deul-eo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for listening to my story.
Scribe’s Responses: Disbelief and Curiosity
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Expression: 미래에서 왔다고요? 그게 무슨 말씀이십니까?
Pronunciation: mi-rae-e-seo wat-da-go-yo? geu-ge mu-seun mal-sseum-i-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: From the future? What do you mean by that? -
Expression: 시간 여행이라니, 금시초문입니다.
Pronunciation: si-gan yeo-haeng-i-ra-ni, geum-si-cho-mun-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Time travel, I’ve never heard of such a thing. -
Expression: 역설적인 노래라니, 이해가 잘 안 됩니다.
Pronunciation: yeok-seol-jeok-in no-rae-ra-ni, i-hae-ga jal an doem-ni-da.
Meaning: Paradoxical songs? I don’t quite understand. -
Expression: 당신의 말을 어떻게 믿을 수 있겠습니까?
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui mal-eul eo-tteo-ke mit-eul su it-get-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: How can I possibly believe your words? -
Expression: 증명할 수 있습니까?
Pronunciation: jeung-myeong-hal su it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Can you prove it? -
Expression: 그 노래들은 어떤 내용을 담고 있습니까?
Pronunciation: geu no-rae-deul-eun eo-tteon nae-yong-eul dam-go it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: What kind of content do those songs hold? -
Expression: 위험한 일이 될 수도 있겠군요.
Pronunciation: wi-heom-han il-i doel su-do it-get-gun-yo.
Meaning: This could become dangerous work. -
Expression: 왜 하필 저를 찾아오셨습니까?
Pronunciation: wae ha-pil jeo-reul chaj-a-o-syeot-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Why did you come looking for me specifically? -
Expression: 보수는 어떻게 되는 겁니까?
Pronunciation: bo-su-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-neun geom-ni-kka?
Meaning: What about the payment (compensation)? -
Expression: 당신의 정체가 무엇인지 궁금합니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui jeong-che-ga mu-eot-in-ji gung-geum-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I am curious about your identity. -
Expression: 좀 더 자세히 설명해 주십시오.
Pronunciation: jom deo ja-se-hi seol-myeong-hae ju-sip-si-o.
Meaning: Please explain in more detail. -
Expression: 만약 이것이 사실이라면, 역사를 바꿀 수도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: man-yak i-geot-i sa-sil-i-ra-myeon, yeok-sa-reul ba-kkul su-do it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If this is true, it could change history.
Negotiation Terms and Phrases
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Expression: 이 작업에 대한 보상을 제안합니다.
Pronunciation: i jak-eob-e dae-han bo-sang-eul je-an-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I propose compensation for this work. -
Expression: 어떤 종류의 보상을 원하십니까?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui bo-sang-eul won-ha-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: What kind of compensation do you desire? -
Expression: 금전적인 보상 외에 다른 것을 드릴 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: geum-jeon-jeok-in bo-sang oe-e da-reun geos-eul deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I can offer something other than monetary compensation. -
Expression: 미래의 물건이나 지식을 드릴 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: mi-rae-ui mul-geon-i-na ji-sik-eul deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I can give you items or knowledge from the future. -
Expression: 비밀 유지를 약속해 주셔야 합니다.
Pronunciation: bi-mil yu-ji-reul yak-sok-hae ju-syeo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You must promise to maintain secrecy. -
Expression: 이 계약은 우리 둘만의 비밀입니다.
Pronunciation: i gye-yak-eun u-ri dul-man-ui bi-mil-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This agreement is a secret just between the two of us. -
Expression: 작업 기간은 얼마나 걸릴 것으로 예상하십니까?
Pronunciation: jak-eop gi-gan-eun eol-ma-na geol-lil geot-eu-ro ye-sang-ha-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: How long do you expect the work period to take? -
Expression: 필요한 재료는 제가 제공하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han jae-ryo-neun je-ga je-gong-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will provide the necessary materials. -
Expression: 당신의 안전을 보장하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui an-jeon-eul bo-jang-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will guarantee your safety. -
Expression: 이 조건에 동의하십니까?
Pronunciation: i jo-geon-e dong-ui-ha-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: Do you agree to these terms? -
Expression: 계약서를 작성하는 것이 좋겠습니다.
Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo-reul jak-seong-ha-neun geos-i jo-ket-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It would be good to draw up a contract. -
Expression: 우리의 합의를 명확히 합시다.
Pronunciation: u-ri-ui hap-ui-reul myeong-hwak-hi hap-si-da.
Meaning: Let’s make our agreement clear.
Cultural Notes
While this scenario is fantastical, understanding historical context helps. In pre-modern Korea (like the Goryeo or Joseon dynasties, often analogous to the Western ‘medieval’ period), scribes (often associated with government offices or Buddhist temples) held important roles in record-keeping. Their work was highly valued.
The concept of a wandering ‘bard’ isn’t a direct match, though storytellers (이야기꾼 – i-ya-gi-kkun) and folk singers existed. Explaining one’s profession might require careful wording. Using formal language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) is crucial when addressing someone whose status or age is unknown or respected, like a skilled scribe.
Negotiation in historical contexts often involved establishing trust and mutual benefit rather than purely transactional exchanges. Highlighting the importance and uniqueness of the songs, while assuring safety and discretion, would be key.
The idea of ‘paradox’ (역설 – yeok-seol) might be challenging. Framing it as ‘songs containing hidden truths’ or ‘songs about events yet to pass’ might be more relatable than abstract temporal mechanics.
Secrecy (비밀 – bi-mil) would be paramount. Revealing future knowledge could be seen as dangerous, potentially inviting accusations of sorcery or disrupting social order. Emphasizing confidentiality is vital for the scribe’s cooperation.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Elara, a time-traveling bard, approaches Master Kim, a respected scribe in a Joseon Dynasty town, to transcribe her paradoxical songs.
Characters:
- A: Elara (the Bard)
- B: Master Kim (the Scribe)
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Expression: A: 김 선생님, 잠시 시간 괜찮으십니까? 드릴 말씀이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gim seon-saeng-nim, jam-si si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-sim-ni-kka? deu-ril mal-sseum-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Master Kim, do you have a moment? I have something I need to discuss with you. -
Expression: B: 네, 들어오시지요. 무슨 일이십니까, 낯선 분이신데.
Pronunciation: ne, deul-eo-o-si-ji-yo. mu-seun il-i-sim-ni-kka, nat-seon bun-i-sin-de.
Meaning: Yes, please come in. What is it? You seem unfamiliar. -
Expression: A: 저는 먼 곳에서 온 음유시인, 엘라라라고 합니다. 실은… 저는 미래에서 왔습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun meon got-e-seo on eum-yu-si-in, el-la-ra-ra-go ham-ni-da. sil-eun… jeo-neun mi-rae-e-seo wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am a bard from a faraway place, named Elara. Actually… I have come from the future. -
Expression: B: 미래라고요? 허황된 말씀 마십시오. 장난치러 오신 겁니까?
Pronunciation: mi-rae-ra-go-yo? heo-hwang-doen mal-sseum ma-sip-si-o. jang-nan-chi-reo o-sin geom-ni-kka?
Meaning: The future? Don’t speak such nonsense. Did you come here to play a joke? -
Expression: A: 아닙니다. 제게는 꼭 기록되어야 할 노래들이 있습니다. 이 시대에는 없는, 역설적인 내용을 담고 있지요. 선생님의 필사 솜씨가 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: a-nim-ni-da. je-ge-neun kkok gi-rok-doe-eo-ya hal no-rae-deul-i it-seum-ni-da. i si-dae-e-neun eop-neun, yeok-seol-jeok-in nae-yong-eul dam-go it-ji-yo. seon-saeng-nim-ui pil-sa som-ssi-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: No. I have songs that absolutely must be recorded. They contain paradoxical content, things that don’t exist in this era. I need your transcription skills. -
Expression: B: 역설적인 노래라… 믿기 어렵지만, 흥미롭군요. 어떤 종류의 노래입니까? 그리고 제게 무엇을 해 주실 수 있습니까?
Pronunciation: yeok-seol-jeok-in no-rae-ra… mit-gi eo-ryeop-ji-man, heung-mi-rop-gun-yo. eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui no-rae-im-ni-kka? geu-ri-go je-ge mu-eot-eul hae ju-sil su it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Paradoxical songs… It’s hard to believe, but interesting. What kind of songs are they? And what can you offer me in return? -
Expression: A: 노래는 미래의 사건과 감정을 담고 있습니다. 보상으로는… 이 시대에는 없는 귀한 물건이나 지식을 드릴 수 있습니다. 물론, 모든 것은 비밀로 해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: no-rae-neun mi-rae-ui sa-geon-gwa gam-jeong-eul dam-go it-seum-ni-da. bo-sang-eu-ro-neun… i si-dae-e-neun eop-neun gwi-han mul-geon-i-na ji-sik-eul deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da. mul-lon, mo-deun geos-eun bi-mil-lo hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: The songs contain future events and emotions. As compensation… I can offer precious items or knowledge unknown in this era. Of course, everything must be kept secret. -
Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 위험 부담이 크지만… 당신의 제안을 고려해 보겠습니다. 노래를 먼저 들어볼 수 있겠습니까?
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. wi-heom bu-dam-i keu-ji-man… dang-sin-ui je-an-eul go-ryeo-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da. no-rae-reul meon-jeo deul-eo-bol su it-get-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Understood. The risk is significant… but I will consider your proposal. May I hear one of the songs first?
Practice Tips
While you might not meet a time traveler soon, practicing these phrases can be fun! Try imagining similar fantastical scenarios. What if you met someone from the past? How would you explain modern technology? What if you needed to negotiate for something unusual?
Focus on the core structures: introducing yourself, explaining a complex situation simply, asking for help, and negotiating terms. Pay close attention to the pronunciation, breaking down each syllable~ Practice saying the phrases aloud to get comfortable with the sounds and rhythm!
You can also adapt these phrases for more common situations involving explaining something unfamiliar or negotiating a service. Good luck with your Korean studies!
