[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 19: Asking about Hobbies

Basic Korean Conversation 19: Asking About Hobbies

Dialogue

A: 취미가 뭐예요? (Chwimiga mwoyeyo?)

B: 책 읽기예요. (Chaek ilgi yeyo.)

A: 무슨 책 좋아해요? (Museun chaek joahaeyo?)

B: 소설책 좋아해요. (Soseolchaek joahaeyo.)

Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 취미가 뭐예요? (Chwimiga mwoyeyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "What is your hobby?" It's a common way to ask about someone's hobbies.
• Usage: Use this question when you want to know about someone's hobbies.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "chwi-mi-ga mwo-ye-yo?" The word "취미" (chwimi) means "hobby," and "뭐예요" (mwoyeyo) means "what is."

2. 책 읽기예요. (Chaek ilgi yeyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "It's reading books." It indicates the specific hobby.
• Usage: Use this phrase to state that your hobby is reading books.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "chaek il-gi ye-yo." The word "책" (chaek) means "book," and "읽기" (ilgi) means "reading."

3. 무슨 책 좋아해요? (Museun chaek joahaeyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "What kind of books do you like?" It's a way to ask about the type of books someone prefers.
• Usage: Use this question when you want to know someone's book preferences.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "mu-seun chaek jo-a-hae-yo?" The word "무슨" (museun) means "what kind of," and "좋아해요" (joahaeyo) means "like."

4. 소설책 좋아해요. (Soseolchaek joahaeyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "I like novels." It indicates a preference for novels.
• Usage: Use this phrase to state that you like reading novels.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "so-seol-chaek jo-a-hae-yo." The word "소설책" (soseolchaek) means "novel," and "좋아해요" (joahaeyo) means "like."

Vocabulary and Expressions

• 취미 (Chwimi): Hobby
  • Example: "취미가 뭐예요?" (What is your hobby?).
• 뭐예요 (Mwoyeyo): What is
  • Example: "이게 뭐예요?" (What is this?).
• 책 읽기 (Chaek ilgi): Reading books
  • Example: "책 읽기를 좋아해요" (I like reading books).
• 무슨 (Museun): What kind of
  • Example: "무슨 음식을 좋아해요?" (What kind of food do you like?).
• 좋아해요 (Joahaeyo): Like
  • Example: "음악을 좋아해요" (I like music).
• 소설책 (Soseolchaek): Novel
  • Example: "소설책을 자주 읽어요" (I often read novels).

Additional Examples

• Discussing Other Hobbies:
  • A: 취미가 뭐예요? (Chwimiga mwoyeyo?) - What is your hobby?
  • B: 음악 듣기예요. (Eumak deutgi yeyo.) - It's listening to music.
  • A: 무슨 음악 좋아해요? (Museun eumak joahaeyo?) - What kind of music do you like?
  • B: 클래식 음악 좋아해요. (Keullaesik eumak joahaeyo.) - I like classical music.
• Talking About Hobbies Informally:
  • A: 취미가 뭐야? (Chwimiga mwoya?) - What is your hobby? (informal)
  • B: 책 읽기야. (Chaek ilgiya.) - It's reading books. (informal)
  • A: 무슨 책 좋아해? (Museun chaek joahae?) - What kind of books do you like? (informal)
  • B: 소설책 좋아해. (Soseolchaek joahae.) - I like novels. (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.
• Hobbies: Be prepared to explain your hobbies in more detail if someone shows interest.

Pronunciation Tips

• 취미가 뭐예요? (Chwimiga mwoyeyo?): Break it down into syllables – "chwi-mi-ga mwo-ye-yo?" The "취미" (chwimi) should be pronounced clearly.
• 책 읽기예요. (Chaek ilgi yeyo.): Say it as "chaek il-gi ye-yo." Ensure to pronounce the "책" part smoothly.
• 무슨 책 좋아해요? (Museun chaek joahaeyo?): Pronounce it as "mu-seun chaek jo-a-hae-yo?" The "무슨" (museun) should be pronounced with emphasis.
• 소설책 좋아해요. (Soseolchaek joahaeyo.): Say it as "so-seol-chaek jo-a-hae-yo." The "소설책" (soseolchaek) should be pronounced clearly, sounding like "so-seol-chaek."

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