Understanding and Discussing Racial Discrimination in Korean
Discussing sensitive topics like racial discrimination requires precise language and cultural awareness. This guide provides essential Korean vocabulary and phrases to help you understand and talk about 인종차별 (in-jong-cha-byeol), racial discrimination, in various contexts. Learning these expressions is crucial for engaging in meaningful conversations and addressing related issues appropriately in Korean society.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
- Expression: 인종차별
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol
Meaning: Racial discrimination (인종: race, 차별: discrimination)
Basic Phrases Related to Discrimination
This section covers fundamental phrases used when discussing or identifying racial discrimination.
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Expression: 인종차별은 부당합니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-eun bu-dang-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Racial discrimination is unfair. -
Expression: 인종차별을 경험한 적이 있습니까?
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-eul gyeong-heom-han jeog-i it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Have you ever experienced racial discrimination? -
Expression: 이것은 인종차별적인 발언입니다.
Pronunciation: i-geos-eun in-jong-cha-byeol-jeog-in bar-eon-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is a racially discriminatory remark. -
Expression: 인종차별 문제에 대해 이야기하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol mun-je-e dae-hae i-ya-gi-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to talk about the issue of racial discrimination. -
Expression: 그는 인종차별 때문에 고통받았습니다.
Pronunciation: geu-neun in-jong-cha-byeol ttae-mun-e go-tong-bad-at-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: He suffered because of racial discrimination. -
Expression: 인종차별은 심각한 사회 문제입니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-eun sim-gak-han sa-hoe mun-je-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Racial discrimination is a serious social problem. -
Expression: 인종차별 금지법이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol geum-ji-beop-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Anti-racial discrimination laws are needed. -
Expression: 인종차별적인 행동을 목격했습니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-jeog-in haeng-dong-eul mok-gyeok-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I witnessed a racially discriminatory act. -
Expression: 모든 사람은 평등하게 대우받아야 합니다.
Pronunciation: mo-deun sa-ram-eun pyeong-deung-ha-ge dae-u-bad-a-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Everyone should be treated equally. -
Expression: 인종차별에 반대합니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-e ban-dae-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I oppose racial discrimination. -
Expression: 인종차별 의식을 개선해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol ui-sig-eul gae-seon-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We need to improve awareness regarding racial discrimination. -
Expression: 인종차별 피해자를 돕고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol pi-hae-ja-reul dop-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to help victims of racial discrimination.
Expressing Disagreement and Condemnation
Use these phrases to voice opposition to discriminatory acts or statements.
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Expression: 그런 말은 인종차별적입니다.
Pronunciation: geu-reon mar-eun in-jong-cha-byeol-jeog-im-ni-da.
Meaning: That kind of talk is racially discriminatory. -
Expression: 저는 그 의견에 동의하지 않습니다. 명백한 차별입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun geu ui-gyeon-e dong-ui-ha-ji an-seum-ni-da. myeong-baek-han cha-byeor-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I disagree with that opinion. It’s clear discrimination. -
Expression: 인종차별은 절대로 용납될 수 없습니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-eun jeol-dae-ro yong-nap-doel su eop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Racial discrimination can never be tolerated. -
Expression: 왜 그런 차별적인 행동을 하십니까?
Pronunciation: wae geu-reon cha-byeol-jeog-in haeng-dong-eul ha-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: Why are you acting in such a discriminatory way? -
Expression: 피부색으로 사람을 판단해서는 안 됩니다.
Pronunciation: pi-bu-saeg-eu-ro sa-ram-eul pan-dan-hae-seo-neun an doem-ni-da.
Meaning: You shouldn’t judge people by their skin color. -
Expression: 이런 종류의 차별은 멈춰야 합니다.
Pronunciation: i-reon jong-nyu-ui cha-byeor-eun meom-chwo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: This kind of discrimination must stop. -
Expression: 당신의 발언은 매우 불쾌합니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui bar-eon-eun mae-u bul-kwae-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Your remarks are very offensive. -
Expression: 인종에 근거한 편견은 잘못되었습니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-e geun-geo-han pyeon-gyeon-eun jal-mot-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Prejudice based on race is wrong. -
Expression: 우리는 차별 없는 사회를 만들어야 합니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri-neun cha-byeol eom-neun sa-hoe-reul man-deur-eo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We must create a society without discrimination. -
Expression: 그 행동은 인종차별로 간주될 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: geu haeng-dong-eun in-jong-cha-byeol-lo gan-ju-doel su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: That action can be considered racial discrimination. -
Expression: 인종차별적인 농담은 재미있지 않습니다.
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-jeog-in nong-dam-eun jae-mi-it-ji an-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Racist jokes are not funny. -
Expression: 모든 문화는 존중받아야 합니다.
Pronunciation: mo-deun mun-hwa-neun jon-jung-bad-a-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: All cultures should be respected.
Asking Questions and Seeking Understanding
These phrases help initiate conversations to learn more about experiences or perspectives on racial discrimination.
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Expression: 한국에서 인종차별을 겪어본 적이 있나요?
Pronunciation: han-gug-e-seo in-jong-cha-byeol-eul gyeokk-eo-bon jeog-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Have you ever experienced racial discrimination in Korea? -
Expression: 인종차별 문제에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol mun-je-e dae-hae eo-tteo-ke saeng-gak-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What do you think about the issue of racial discrimination? -
Expression: 어떤 종류의 인종차별을 목격했습니까?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui in-jong-cha-byeol-eul mok-gyeok-haet-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: What kind of racial discrimination did you witness? -
Expression: 인종차별을 당했을 때 기분이 어땠어요?
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-eul dang-haess-eul ttae gi-bun-i eo-ttaess-eo-yo?
Meaning: How did you feel when you experienced racial discrimination? -
Expression: 인종차별에 어떻게 대처해야 할까요?
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-e eo-tteo-ke dae-cheo-hae-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: How should we deal with racial discrimination? -
Expression: 한국 사회에서 인종차별은 흔한가요?
Pronunciation: han-guk sa-hoe-e-seo in-jong-cha-byeol-eun heun-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is racial discrimination common in Korean society? -
Expression: 인종차별 문제 해결을 위해 무엇을 할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol mun-je hae-gyeol-eul wi-hae mu-eos-eul hal su iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: What can we do to solve the problem of racial discrimination? -
Expression: 외국인으로서 겪는 어려움이 있나요?
Pronunciation: oe-gug-in-eu-ro-seo gyeok-neun eo-ryeo-um-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there difficulties you face as a foreigner? -
Expression: 인종차별 신고는 어디에 할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol sin-go-neun eo-di-e hal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where can I report racial discrimination? -
Expression: 학교나 직장에서 인종차별 예방 교육이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hak-gyo-na jik-jang-e-seo in-jong-cha-byeol ye-bang gyo-yug-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there racial discrimination prevention education at school or work? -
Expression: 이 문제에 대한 당신의 경험을 공유해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i mun-je-e dae-han dang-sin-ui gyeong-heom-eul gong-yu-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you share your experience regarding this issue? -
Expression: 인종차별과 문화적 오해의 차이는 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: in-jong-cha-byeol-gwa mun-hwa-jeok o-hae-ui cha-i-neun mu-eos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the difference between racial discrimination and cultural misunderstanding?
Offering Support and Solidarity
Use these expressions to show support to someone who has experienced discrimination.
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Expression: 힘든 일을 겪으셨군요. 제가 도울 일이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: him-deun ir-eul gyeokk-eu-syeot-gun-yo. je-ga do-ul ir-i iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: You went through a difficult time. Is there anything I can do to help? -
Expression: 당신의 경험을 들어보니 마음이 아픕니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui gyeong-heom-eul deur-eo-bo-ni ma-eum-i a-peum-ni-da.
Meaning: It hurts my heart to hear about your experience. -
Expression: 혼자가 아니에요. 저희가 함께 하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: hon-ja-ga a-ni-e-yo. jeo-hui-ga ham-kke ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: You are not alone. We will stand with you. -
Expression: 필요하다면 제가 증언해 드릴 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: pil-yo-ha-da-myeon je-ga jeung-eon-hae deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I can testify for you if needed. -
Expression: 당신을 지지합니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-eul ji-ji-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I support you. -
Expression: 이런 일이 다시는 일어나지 않기를 바랍니다.
Pronunciation: i-reon ir-i da-si-neun ir-eo-na-ji an-ki-reul ba-ram-ni-da.
Meaning: I hope this never happens again. -
Expression: 어려움이 있다면 언제든지 저에게 이야기하세요.
Pronunciation: eo-ryeo-um-i it-da-myeon eon-je-deun-ji jeo-e-ge i-ya-gi-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: If you have any difficulties, please feel free to talk to me anytime. -
Expression: 우리는 이 문제에 함께 맞서 싸워야 합니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri-neun i mun-je-e ham-kke mat-seo ssa-wo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We must fight against this issue together. -
Expression: 당신의 용기에 경의를 표합니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui yong-gi-e gyeong-ui-reul pyo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I respect your courage. -
Expression: 법적 조치를 취하는 것을 고려해 보세요.
Pronunciation: beop-jeok jo-chi-reul chwi-ha-neun geos-eul go-ryeo-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Consider taking legal action. -
Expression: 관련 지원 단체 정보를 알려드릴까요?
Pronunciation: gwal-lyeon ji-won dan-che jeong-bo-reul al-lyeo-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I give you information about relevant support organizations? -
Expression: 당신의 이야기가 변화를 만들 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: dang-sin-ui i-ya-gi-ga byeon-hwa-reul man-deul su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Your story can make a difference.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding the cultural context surrounding racial discrimination in Korea is important for effective communication.
- Historical Context: Korea has historically been a relatively ethnically homogeneous society. Increased immigration and international exchange in recent decades have brought diversity, but societal awareness and infrastructure regarding multiculturalism and racial issues are still developing.
- Legal Framework: While Korea has laws against discrimination based on various factors, a comprehensive anti-discrimination law specifically addressing race with strong enforcement mechanisms has been debated for years but not yet enacted. Reporting mechanisms exist through bodies like the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (국가인권위원회 – guk-ga-in-kwon-wi-won-hoe).
- Common Manifestations: Discrimination can range from microaggressions (subtle, often unintentional slights) and stereotypes portrayed in media to more overt forms like discriminatory hiring practices or refusal of service. Issues often arise related to nationality, ethnicity, and skin color.
- Awareness and Activism: Awareness of racial discrimination is growing, particularly among younger generations and through the efforts of NGOs and activist groups. Public discourse on multiculturalism and anti-racism is becoming more common.
- Distinguishing from Xenophobia: While related, it’s useful to distinguish general xenophobia (dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries) from specific racial discrimination, although they often overlap in practice.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two friends, Minjun (Korean) and David (Foreigner living in Korea), are discussing a recent incident David experienced.
Roles:
* A: Minjun (민준)
* B: David (데이비드)
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Expression: A: 데이비드 씨, 오늘 표정이 안 좋아 보여요. 무슨 일 있었어요?
Pronunciation: de-i-bi-deu ssi, o-neul pyo-jeong-i an jo-a bo-yeo-yo. mu-seun il iss-eoss-eo-yo?
Meaning: David, you don’t look well today. Did something happen? -
Expression: B: 네, 민준 씨. 오늘 아침에 좀 불쾌한 일을 겪었어요. 아마 인종차별인 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: ne, min-jun ssi. o-neul a-chim-e jom bul-kwae-han ir-eul gyeokk-eoss-eo-yo. a-ma in-jong-cha-byeor-in geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: Yes, Minjun. I had an unpleasant experience this morning. I think it might have been racial discrimination. -
Expression: A: 정말요? 어떤 일이 있었는지 자세히 말해줄 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: jeong-mal-lyo? eo-tteon ir-i iss-eonn-neun-ji ja-se-hi mar-hae-jul su iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Really? Can you tell me in detail what happened? -
Expression: B: 버스에서 어떤 사람이 저를 보고 계속 이상한 말을 했어요. 제 외모에 대해서요. 다른 사람들은 그냥 보고만 있었고요.
Pronunciation: beo-seu-e-seo eo-tteon sa-ram-i jeo-reul bo-go gye-sok i-sang-han mar-eul haess-eo-yo. je oe-mo-e dae-hae-seo-yo. da-reun sa-ram-deur-eun geu-nyang bo-go-man iss-eot-go-yo.
Meaning: On the bus, someone kept saying strange things while looking at me. About my appearance. Other people just watched. -
Expression: A: 세상에… 그런 말은 명백한 인종차별적인 발언이에요. 기분이 정말 나빴겠어요.
Pronunciation: se-sang-e… geu-reon mar-eun myeong-baek-han in-jong-cha-byeol-jeog-in bar-eon-i-e-yo. gi-bun-i jeong-mal na-ppat-get-seo-yo.
Meaning: Oh my goodness… Those kinds of remarks are clearly racially discriminatory. You must have felt really bad. -
Expression: B: 네, 좀 속상했어요. 한국에서 이런 경험은 처음이라서요.
Pronunciation: ne, jom sok-sang-haess-eo-yo. han-gug-e-seo i-reon gyeong-heom-eun cheo-eum-i-ra-seo-yo.
Meaning: Yes, I was quite upset. It’s the first time I’ve experienced something like this in Korea. -
Expression: A: 그런 인종차별은 절대로 용납될 수 없어요. 힘든 일을 겪으셨군요. 혼자가 아니에요.
Pronunciation: geu-reon in-jong-cha-byeol-eun jeol-dae-ro yong-nap-doel su eop-seo-yo. him-deun ir-eul gyeokk-eu-syeot-gun-yo. hon-ja-ga a-ni-e-yo.
Meaning: That kind of racial discrimination should never be tolerated. You went through a difficult time. You are not alone. -
Expression: B: 고마워요, 민준 씨. 그렇게 말해주니 힘이 되네요.
Pronunciation: go-ma-wo-yo, min-jun ssi. geu-reo-ke mar-hae-ju-ni him-i doe-ne-yo.
Meaning: Thank you, Minjun. It’s encouraging to hear you say that.
Practice Tips
Discussing sensitive topics like 인종차별 (in-jong-cha-byeol) takes practice and sensitivity! Try using these phrases when discussing news articles or social issues with Korean friends or language partners~. Remember to listen actively and respectfully to others’ experiences. Understanding different perspectives is key! Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about cultural nuances. 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)




