[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 11: Asking About Preferences

 

Basic Korean Conversation 11: Asking About Preferences

Dialogue

A: 어떤 음식을 좋아해요? (Eotteon eumsigeul joahaeyo?)

B: 김치를 좋아해요. (Kimchireul joahaeyo.)

A: 왜 김치를 좋아해요? (Wae kimchireul joahaeyo?)

B: 맛있어요. (Masisseoyo.)

Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 어떤 음식을 좋아해요? (Eotteon eumsigeul joahaeyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "What kind of food do you like?" It’s a common question to ask someone about their food preferences.
• Usage: Use this question when you want to know someone's favorite type of food.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "eo-tteon eum-si-geul jo-a-hae-yo?" The word "어떤" (eotteon) means "what kind of," "음식을" (eumsigeul) means "food," and "좋아해요" (joahaeyo) means "like."

2. 김치를 좋아해요. (Kimchireul joahaeyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "I like kimchi." It’s a straightforward response indicating a preference for kimchi.
• Usage: Use this phrase to state that you like kimchi.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "kim-chi-reul jo-a-hae-yo." The word "김치" (kimchi) means "kimchi," and "좋아해요" (joahaeyo) means "like."

3. 왜 김치를 좋아해요? (Wae kimchireul joahaeyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "Why do you like kimchi?" It’s a follow-up question asking for the reason behind the preference.
• Usage: Use this question when you want to know the reason someone likes a particular food.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "wae kim-chi-reul jo-a-hae-yo?" The word "왜" (wae) means "why," "김치를" (kimchireul) means "kimchi," and "좋아해요" (joahaeyo) means "like."

4. 맛있어요. (Masisseoyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "It's delicious." It’s a simple and common response when explaining why you like a particular food.
• Usage: Use this phrase to describe that the food is tasty.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "ma-sit-seo-yo." The word "맛있어요" (masisseoyo) means "delicious."

Vocabulary and Expressions

• 어떤 (Eotteon): What kind of
  • Example: "어떤 영화를 좋아해요?" (What kind of movies do you like?).
• 음식 (Eumsik): Food
  • Example: "좋아하는 음식이 뭐예요?" (What’s your favorite food?).
• 좋아해요 (Joahaeyo): Like
  • Example: "저는 음악을 좋아해요" (I like music).
• 김치 (Kimchi): Kimchi
  • Example: "김치를 먹어봤어요?" (Have you tried kimchi?).
• 왜 (Wae): Why
  • Example: "왜 늦었어요?" (Why are you late?).
• 맛있어요 (Masisseoyo): Delicious
  • Example: "이 음식 정말 맛있어요" (This food is really delicious).

Additional Examples

• Asking About Different Preferences:
  • A: 어떤 취미를 좋아해요? (Eotteon chwimireul joahaeyo?) - What kind of hobbies do you like?
  • B: 독서를 좋아해요. (Dokseoreul joahaeyo.) - I like reading.
  • A: 왜 독서를 좋아해요? (Wae dokseoreul joahaeyo?) - Why do you like reading?
  • B: 재미있어요. (Jaemiisseoyo.) - It's fun.
• Talking About Preferences Informally:
  • A: 무슨 음식을 좋아해? (Museun eumsigeul joahae?) - What food do you like? (informal)
  • B: 김치 좋아해. (Kimchi joahae.) - I like kimchi. (informal)
  • A: 왜 김치 좋아해? (Wae kimchi joahae?) - Why do you like kimchi? (informal)
  • B: 맛있어. (Masisseo.) - It's delicious. (informal)

When to Use These Phrases

• Formal Settings: Use these phrases in formal settings like professional environments, when meeting new people, or when talking to someone older or of higher status.
• Informal Settings: The informal versions can be used with friends, peers, or younger people in casual settings.

Things to Be Careful About

• Formality: Ensure you use the correct level of formality based on the situation. Using informal speech in a formal setting can be seen as disrespectful.
• Pronunciation: Pronounce each syllable clearly. Mispronouncing key phrases can lead to misunderstandings or seem impolite.
• Cultural Sensitivity: When discussing preferences, be mindful of cultural differences and personal tastes.

Pronunciation Tips

• 어떤 음식을 좋아해요? (Eotteon eumsigeul joahaeyo?): Break it down into syllables – "eo-tteon eum-si-geul jo-a-hae-yo?" The "어떤" (eotteon) should be pronounced clearly.
• 김치를 좋아해요. (Kimchireul joahaeyo.): Say it as "kim-chi-reul jo-a-hae-yo." The "김치" (kimchi) sounds like "kim-chi."
• 왜 김치를 좋아해요? (Wae kimchireul joahaeyo?): Pronounce it as "wae kim-chi-reul jo-a-hae-yo?" The "왜" (wae) should be pronounced with emphasis.
• 맛있어요. (Masisseoyo.): Say it as "ma-sit-seo-yo." The "맛" (mat) part should be clear, sounding like "ma-sit."

By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can comfortably ask about and express preferences, enhancing your communication skills and cultural understanding in Korean-speaking environments. Happy learning!