[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 8: Expressing Opinions

Basic Korean Conversation 8: Expressing Opinions

Dialogue

A: 한국 음식 어때요? (Hanguk eumsik eottaeyo?)

B: 정말 맛있어요. (Jeongmal masisseoyo.)

A: 좋아하는 음식 있어요? (Joahaneun eumsik isseoyo?)

B: 네, 불고기를 좋아해요. (Ne, bulgogireul joahaeyo.)

Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 한국 음식 어때요? (Hanguk eumsik eottaeyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "How is Korean food?" in English. It’s a way to ask for someone's opinion on Korean cuisine.
• Usage: Use this question when you want to know someone's thoughts or impressions about Korean food.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "han-guk eum-sik eo-ttae-yo?" The word "한국" (hanguk) means "Korea," "음식" (eumsik) means "food," and "어때요" (eottaeyo) means "how is it."

2. 정말 맛있어요. (Jeongmal masisseoyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "It's really delicious." It’s a strong positive reaction to the taste of the food.
• Usage: Use this phrase to express that you find the food very tasty.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "jeong-mal ma-sit-seo-yo." The word "정말" (jeongmal) means "really," and "맛있어요" (masisseoyo) means "delicious."

3. 좋아하는 음식 있어요? (Joahaneun eumsik isseoyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "Do you have a favorite food?" It’s a way to ask someone about their favorite dish.
• Usage: Use this question to inquire about someone's favorite food.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "jo-a-ha-neun eum-sik is-seo-yo?" The word "좋아하는" (joahaneun) means "favorite," and "있어요" (isseoyo) means "is there" or "do you have."

4. 네, 불고기를 좋아해요. (Ne, bulgogireul joahaeyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "Yes, I like bulgogi." It’s a specific answer indicating a preference for a particular Korean dish.
• Usage: Use this phrase when you want to specify that you like bulgogi. The structure can be adapted by changing "불고기" to the name of another dish.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "ne, bul-go-gi-reul jo-a-hae-yo." The word "네" (ne) means "yes," "불고기" (bulgogi) is a type of Korean barbecue, and "좋아해요" (joahaeyo) means "like."

Vocabulary and Expressions

• 한국 (Hanguk): Korea
  • Example: "한국 음식" (Korean food).
• 음식 (Eumsik): Food
  • Example: "맛있는 음식" (delicious food).
• 어때요 (Eottaeyo): How is it
  • Example: "날씨 어때요?" (How is the weather?).
• 정말 (Jeongmal): Really
  • Example: "정말 예뻐요" (Really pretty).
• 맛있어요 (Masisseoyo): Delicious
  • Example: "이 음식은 정말 맛있어요" (This food is really delicious).
• 좋아하는 (Joahaneun): Favorite
  • Example: "좋아하는 색깔" (favorite color).
• 있어요 (Isseoyo): Is there / Do you have
  • Example: "질문 있어요?" (Do you have a question?).
• 불고기 (Bulgogi): Bulgogi (a type of Korean barbecue)
  • Example: "불고기를 먹어요" (I eat bulgogi).

Additional Examples

• Discussing Preferences:
  • A: 한국 음식 어때요? (Hanguk eumsik eottaeyo?) - How is Korean food?
  • B: 아주 맛있어요. (Aju masisseoyo.) - It’s very delicious.
  • A: 좋아하는 음식 있어요? (Joahaneun eumsik isseoyo?) - Do you have a favorite food?
  • B: 네, 김치를 좋아해요. (Ne, gimchireul joahaeyo.) - Yes, I like kimchi.
• Talking About Food Informally:
  • A: 한국 음식 어때? (Hanguk eumsik eottae?) - How is Korean food? (informal)
  • B: 정말 맛있어. (Jeongmal masisseo.) - It’s really delicious. (informal)
  • A: 좋아하는 음식 있어? (Joahaneun eumsik isseo?) - Do you have a favorite food? (informal)
  • B: 응, 라면 좋아해. (Eung, ramyeon joahae.) - Yes, I like ramen. (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 food, be mindful of cultural differences and personal preferences. Some people may have dietary restrictions or strong preferences.

Pronunciation Tips

• 한국 음식 어때요? (Hanguk eumsik eottaeyo?): Break it down into syllables – "han-guk eum-sik eo-ttae-yo?" The "한국" (hanguk) should be pronounced clearly with a soft "g."
• 정말 맛있어요. (Jeongmal masisseoyo.): Say it as "jeong-mal ma-sit-seo-yo." The "정말" (jeongmal) sounds like "chong-mal."
• 좋아하는 음식 있어요? (Joahaneun eumsik isseoyo?): Pronounce it as "jo-a-ha-neun eum-sik is-seo-yo?" The "좋아하는" (joahaneun) should be clear, with "좋아" sounding like "jo-a."
• 네, 불고기를 좋아해요. (Ne, bulgogireul joahaeyo.): Say it as "ne, bul-go-gi-reul jo-a-hae-yo." The "불고기" (bulgogi) should be pronounced with emphasis on the "bul-go-gi."

By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can comfortably ask about someone's opinion on food and discuss your own. This not only helps in building rapport but also enhances your cultural understanding and communication skills in Korean-speaking environments. Happy learning!