Sibling disagreements are common, and deciding on food often sparks lively debates, especially when planning a family picnic. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and vocabulary to express opinions, argue points, and navigate a typical sibling squabble over choosing the picnic menu, helping you understand and even participate in such everyday conversations.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 내가 고를 거야!
Pronunciation: nae-ga go-reul kkeo-ya!
Meaning: I’m going to choose! (A common phrase when asserting one’s choice)
Basic Argument Phrases
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Expression: 내 차례야!
Pronunciation: nae cha-rye-ya!
Meaning: It’s my turn! -
Expression: 말도 안 돼!
Pronunciation: mal-do an dwae!
Meaning: No way! / That doesn’t make sense! -
Expression: 불공평해!
Pronunciation: bul-gong-pyeong-hae!
Meaning: It’s unfair! -
Expression: 나는 이거 먹고 싶어.
Pronunciation: na-neun i-geo meok-go si-peo.
Meaning: I want to eat this. -
Expression: 너는 항상 네 마음대로 하잖아.
Pronunciation: neo-neun hang-sang ne ma-eum-dae-ro ha-jan-a.
Meaning: You always do whatever you want. -
Expression: 왜 나만 양보해야 돼?
Pronunciation: wae na-man yang-bo-hae-ya dwae?
Meaning: Why do only I have to give in? -
Expression: 싫어, 그거 말고 다른 거!
Pronunciation: si-reo, geu-geo mal-go da-reun geo!
Meaning: No, not that, something else! -
Expression: 내 말 좀 들어봐!
Pronunciation: nae mal jom deu-reo-bwa!
Meaning: Listen to me! -
Expression: 이건 네가 정했잖아.
Pronunciation: i-geon ne-ga jeong-haet-jan-a.
Meaning: You decided this one already. -
Expression: 나도 의견이 있어!
Pronunciation: na-do ui-gyeo-ni i-sseo!
Meaning: I have an opinion too!
Discussing Menu Choices
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Expression: 우리 김밥 싸 가자.
Pronunciation: u-ri gim-bap ssa ga-ja.
Meaning: Let’s pack kimbap. -
Expression: 나는 샌드위치가 더 좋아.
Pronunciation: na-neun saen-deu-wi-chi-ga deo jo-a.
Meaning: I like sandwiches better. -
Expression: 과일도 좀 가져가야지.
Pronunciation: gwa-il-do jom ga-jyeo-ga-ya-ji.
Meaning: We should take some fruit too. -
Expression: 음료수는 뭘로 할까?
Pronunciation: eum-nyo-su-neun mwol-lo hal-kka?
Meaning: What should we do for drinks? -
Expression: 과자도 잊지 마.
Pronunciation: gwa-ja-do it-ji ma.
Meaning: Don’t forget snacks either. -
Expression: 치킨 시켜 갈까?
Pronunciation: chi-kin si-kyeo gal-kka?
Meaning: Shall we order chicken to go? -
Expression: 아니, 그건 너무 느끼해.
Pronunciation: a-ni, geu-geon neo-mu neu-kki-hae.
Meaning: No, that’s too greasy. -
Expression: 유부초밥은 어때?
Pronunciation: yu-bu-cho-ba-beun eo-ttae?
Meaning: How about yubuchobap (fried tofu rice balls)? -
Expression: 지난번에도 그거 먹었잖아.
Pronunciation: ji-nan-beo-ne-do geu-geo meo-geot-jan-a.
Meaning: We ate that last time too. -
Expression: 뭔가 새로운 거 먹고 싶어.
Pronunciation: mwon-ga sae-ro-un geo meok-go si-peo.
Meaning: I want to eat something new. -
Expression: 엄마는 뭘 좋아하실까?
Pronunciation: eom-ma-neun mwol jo-a-ha-sil-kka?
Meaning: What would Mom like?
Escalating the Argument
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Expression: 너 정말 이기적이다!
Pronunciation: neo jeong-mal i-gi-jeo-gi-da!
Meaning: You’re really selfish! -
Expression: 그만 좀 해!
Pronunciation: geu-man jom hae!
Meaning: Stop it! / Cut it out! -
Expression: 내 말 안 들을 거야?
Pronunciation: nae mal an deu-reul kkeo-ya?
Meaning: Are you not going to listen to me? -
Expression: 엄마한테 다 이를 거야!
Pronunciation: eom-ma-han-te da i-reul kkeo-ya!
Meaning: I’m going to tell Mom everything! -
Expression: 흥! 너랑 말 안 해!
Pronunciation: heung! neo-rang mal an hae!
Meaning: Hmph! I’m not talking to you! -
Expression: 됐어! 마음대로 해!
Pronunciation: dwae-sseo! ma-eum-dae-ro hae!
Meaning: Fine! Do whatever you want! -
Expression: 진짜 짜증나게 하네.
Pronunciation: jin-jja jja-jeung-na-ge ha-ne.
Meaning: You’re really annoying me. -
Expression: 이럴 거면 소풍 안 가!
Pronunciation: i-reol kkeo-myeon so-pung an ga!
Meaning: If it’s going to be like this, I’m not going on the picnic! -
Expression: 너 때문에 다 망쳤어!
Pronunciation: neo ttae-mu-ne da mang-chyeo-sseo!
Meaning: You ruined everything! -
Expression: 나 화났어!
Pronunciation: na hwa-na-sseo!
Meaning: I’m angry!
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding sibling interactions in Korea involves some cultural context. While arguments happen everywhere, family harmony (화목 – hwa-mok) is highly valued. Often, older siblings are expected to be more mature or yielding, while younger siblings might be perceived as getting their way more often, though this varies greatly by family.
Food is central to Korean social gatherings, including picnics (소풍 – so-pung). Choosing the menu isn’t just about preference; it’s about sharing and enjoyment together. Common picnic foods like 김밥 (gim-bap) are often prepared collectively, making the menu choice a significant part of the event planning.
Expressing disagreement directly, especially between siblings, is common. However, involving parents (엄마한테 이를 거야! – eom-ma-han-te i-reul kkeo-ya!) is a frequent tactic, relying on parental authority to resolve disputes.
Despite arguments, the underlying bond between siblings is strong. Disagreements often resolve quickly, especially when a common goal, like enjoying the picnic, is involved. Making up might involve a simple apology or just moving past the argument without explicitly addressing it.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two siblings, Minjun (older brother) and Sora (younger sister), are deciding what food to bring for a family picnic.
Roles:
A: Minjun (민준)
B: Sora (소라)
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Expression: A: 소풍 메뉴 정해야지. 김밥 싸 갈까?
Pronunciation: so-pung me-nyu jeong-hae-ya-ji. gim-bap ssa gal-kka?
Meaning: We need to decide the picnic menu. Shall we pack kimbap? -
Expression: B: 싫어! 지난번에도 김밥 먹었잖아. 샌드위치 먹고 싶어!
Pronunciation: si-reo! ji-nan-beo-ne-do gim-bap meo-geot-jan-a. saen-deu-wi-chi meok-go si-peo!
Meaning: No! We had kimbap last time too. I want to eat sandwiches! -
Expression: A: 샌드위치는 만들기도 귀찮고… 김밥이 편해.
Pronunciation: saen-deu-wi-chi-neun man-deul-gi-do gwi-chan-go… gim-ba-bi pyeon-hae.
Meaning: Making sandwiches is a hassle… Kimbap is easier. -
Expression: B: 오빠는 항상 오빠 편한 것만 생각하잖아! 내 차례야! 내가 고를 거야!
Pronunciation: o-ppa-neun hang-sang o-ppa pyeon-han geon-man saeng-ga-ka-jan-a! nae cha-rye-ya! nae-ga go-reul kkeo-ya!
Meaning: Oppa, you always just think about what’s convenient for you! It’s my turn! I’m going to choose! -
Expression: A: 말도 안 돼! 무슨 네 차례야? 같이 정해야지!
Pronunciation: mal-do an dwae! mu-seun ne cha-rye-ya? ga-chi jeong-hae-ya-ji!
Meaning: No way! What do you mean it’s your turn? We have to decide together! -
Expression: B: 그럼 유부초밥은 어때? 그건 쉽잖아.
Pronunciation: geu-reom yu-bu-cho-ba-beun eo-ttae? geu-geon swip-jan-a.
Meaning: Then how about yubuchobap? That’s easy, isn’t it? -
Expression: A: 음… 유부초밥은 괜찮네. 그럼 과일이랑 과자도 좀 챙기자.
Pronunciation: eum… yu-bu-cho-ba-beun gwaen-chan-ne. geu-reom gwa-i-ri-rang gwa-ja-do jom chaeng-gi-ja.
Meaning: Hmm… Yubuchobap is okay. Then let’s also pack some fruit and snacks. -
Expression: B: 좋아! 그럼 음료수는 내가 고른다?
Pronunciation: jo-a! geu-reom eum-nyo-su-neun nae-ga go-reun-da?
Meaning: Okay! Then I get to choose the drinks? -
Expression: A: 알았어, 마음대로 해.
Pronunciation: a-ra-sseo, ma-eum-dae-ro hae.
Meaning: Alright, do whatever you want (for the drinks).
Practice Tips
Learning these phrases is just the start! Try role-playing this kind of argument with a friend or language partner~ It might feel silly at first, but it’s great practice for natural conversation flow and expressing opinions firmly but playfully!
Listen for similar exchanges in Korean dramas or variety shows. You’ll notice how tone and context change the meaning. Pay attention to how siblings interact and resolve their small conflicts. Have fun practicing these very real-life Korean expressions!
