Basic Korean Conversation 21: Asking About the Weather
Dialogue
A: 날씨 어때요? (Nalssi eottaeyo?)
B: 따뜻해요. (Ttatteuthaeyo.)
A: 비 와요? (Bi wayo?)
B: 아니요. (Aniyo.)
Breakdown of the Dialogue
1. 날씨 어때요? (Nalssi eottaeyo?)
- Meaning: This phrase means "How's the weather?" It's a common way to inquire about the current weather conditions.
- Usage: Use this question when you want to know about the weather.
- Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "nal-ssi eot-tae-yo?" The word "날씨" (nalssi) means "weather," and "어때요" (eottaeyo) means "how is."
2. 따뜻해요. (Ttatteuthaeyo.)
- Meaning: This phrase means "It's warm." It describes the current weather as being warm.
- Usage: Use this phrase to describe the weather as warm.
- Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "tta-tteut-hae-yo." The word "따뜻해요" (ttatteuthaeyo) means "warm."
3. 비 와요? (Bi wayo?)
- Meaning: This phrase means "Is it raining?" It's a way to ask if it's raining.
- Usage: Use this question when you want to know if it's raining.
- Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "bi wa-yo?" The word "비" (bi) means "rain," and "와요" (wayo) means "is coming."
4. 아니요. (Aniyo.)
- Meaning: This phrase means "No." It indicates a negative response.
- Usage: Use this phrase to say "no."
- Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "a-ni-yo." The word "아니요" (aniyo) means "no."
Vocabulary and Expressions
- 날씨 (Nalssi): Weather
- Example: "오늘 날씨가 좋아요" (The weather is good today).
- 어때요 (Eottaeyo): How is
- Example: "기분이 어때요?" (How do you feel?).
- 따뜻해요 (Ttatteuthaeyo): Warm
- Example: "방이 따뜻해요" (The room is warm).
- 비 (Bi): Rain
- Example: "비가 옵니다" (It's raining).
- 와요 (Wayo): Is coming
- Example: "버스가 와요" (The bus is coming).
- 아니요 (Aniyo): No
- Example: "아니요, 괜찮아요" (No, it's okay).
Additional Examples
- Discussing Different Weather Conditions:
- A: 날씨 어때요? (Nalssi eottaeyo?) - How's the weather?
- B: 추워요. (Chuwoyo.) - It's cold.
- A: 눈 와요? (Nun wayo?) - Is it snowing?
- B: 네, 눈 와요. (Ne, nun wayo.) - Yes, it's snowing.
- Talking About the Weather Informally:
- A: 날씨 어때? (Nalssi eottae?) - How's the weather? (informal)
- B: 따뜻해. (Ttatteut hae.) - It's warm. (informal)
- A: 비 와? (Bi wa?) - Is it raining? (informal)
- B: 아니. (Ani.) - No. (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.
- Weather Descriptions: Be prepared to use additional vocabulary to describe different weather conditions accurately.
Pronunciation Tips
- 날씨 어때요? (Nalssi eottaeyo?): Break it down into syllables – "nal-ssi eot-tae-yo?" The "날씨" (nalssi) should be pronounced clearly.
- 따뜻해요. (Ttatteuthaeyo.): Say it as "tta-tteut-hae-yo." Ensure to pronounce the double consonants "따" and "뜨" correctly.
- 비 와요? (Bi wayo?): Pronounce it as "bi wa-yo?" The "비" (bi) should be pronounced clearly.
- 아니요. (Aniyo.): Say it as "a-ni-yo." The "아니요" (aniyo) should be pronounced smoothly.
By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can comfortably discuss weather conditions, enhancing your communication skills and cultural understanding in Korean-speaking environments. Happy learning!