A1 Expression رسمی

한국말 잘 못해요

hangukmal jal motaeyo

I don't speak Korean well

معنی

Used to inform someone that one's Korean language skills are not proficient.

🌍

زمینه فرهنگی

Koreans highly value 'Gyeom-son' (humility). Admitting you aren't good at something is often seen as more attractive than boasting, even if you are actually skilled. Among expats in Korea, this phrase is often called the 'Beginner's Shield.' It's the first thing taught because it instantly changes how locals interact with you. In a job interview, saying '잘 못해요' might be too weak. Instead, use '아직 부족합니다' (I am still lacking), which sounds more professional. Older Koreans (Harabeoji/Halmeoni) might be very impressed if you use the formal 'Sumnida' version, as it shows you've studied the respect system.

🎯

Add '아직' (ajik)

Say '아직 한국말 잘 못해요' (I can't speak Korean well *yet*). It sounds more positive and shows you are a dedicated student.

⚠️

Don't over-apologize

You don't need to say '죄송합니다' every time. Most Koreans are happy you're trying! A simple '잘 못해요' is enough.

معنی

Used to inform someone that one's Korean language skills are not proficient.

🎯

Add '아직' (ajik)

Say '아직 한국말 잘 못해요' (I can't speak Korean well *yet*). It sounds more positive and shows you are a dedicated student.

⚠️

Don't over-apologize

You don't need to say '죄송합니다' every time. Most Koreans are happy you're trying! A simple '잘 못해요' is enough.

💬

The 'No' Gesture

When saying this, you can wave your hand in front of your face to emphasize the 'no' in a friendly, humble way.

خودت رو بسنج

Fill in the blank to say 'I don't speak Korean well.'

저는 한국말 ___ 못해요.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

'잘' means 'well.' Placing it before '못해요' creates the meaning 'not well.'

Which sentence is the most polite for a stranger?

Select the best option:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 한국말 잘 못해요

The '-yo' ending is the standard polite form for strangers.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.

A: 한국말 진짜 잘하시네요! B: 아니에요. ________.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 한국말 잘 못해요

In Korean culture, it is polite to deny a compliment with humility.

Match the phrase to the situation.

You are in a taxi and the driver is talking too fast. What do you say?

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 한국말 잘 못해요. 천천히 말씀해 주세요.

Combining the disclaimer with a request to speak slowly is the most practical approach.

🎉 امتیاز: /4

ابزارهای بصری یادگیری

Ability vs. Will

못해요 (Ability)
I can't speak well. 잘 못해요
안 해요 (Will)
I won't speak. 안 해요

بانک تمرین

4 تمرین‌ها
Fill in the blank to say 'I don't speak Korean well.' جای خالی A1

저는 한국말 ___ 못해요.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

'잘' means 'well.' Placing it before '못해요' creates the meaning 'not well.'

Which sentence is the most polite for a stranger? Choose A1

Select the best option:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 한국말 잘 못해요

The '-yo' ending is the standard polite form for strangers.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response. dialogue_completion A2

A: 한국말 진짜 잘하시네요! B: 아니에요. ________.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 한국말 잘 못해요

In Korean culture, it is polite to deny a compliment with humility.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching A1

You are in a taxi and the driver is talking too fast. What do you say?

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 한국말 잘 못해요. 천천히 말씀해 주세요.

Combining the disclaimer with a request to speak slowly is the most practical approach.

🎉 امتیاز: /4

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

No, as long as you use the '-yo' ending, it is perfectly polite. It shows you respect them enough to admit your limitations.

'Hanguk-mal' is 'Korean speech' (more casual/natural). 'Hanguk-eo' is 'Korean language' (more formal/academic). Both work here.

No, that will be confusing. Even if your grammar is bad, try to say '잘 못해요' to be understood.

They aren't laughing at you! Usually, it's a 'friendly' laugh because they find your attempt charming or they are surprised you know the phrase.

In Korean, 'I' is often dropped if it's obvious you are talking about yourself. '한국말 잘 못해요' is more natural than '저는 한국말 잘 못해요.'

Say '한국말 아예 못해요' (Hanguk-mal aye mot-hae-yo).

It's the verb 'hada' (to do) combined with the negation 'mot.' In writing, there is usually a space: '못 해요.'

Yes! You can even use the slang version '한말못' if you are texting a close friend.

Say '한국말 배우고 있어요' (Hanguk-mal bae-u-go iss-eo-yo).

Yes, in this context. But in other contexts, it can mean 'often' or 'thoroughly.'

عبارات مرتبط

🔗

한국어 조금 해요

similar

I speak a little Korean.

🔗

천천히 말씀해 주세요

builds on

Please speak slowly.

🔗

다시 말해 주세요

builds on

Please say it again.

🔗

한국말 잘하시네요

contrast

You speak Korean well!

مفید بود؟
هنوز نظری وجود ندارد. اولین نفری باشید که افکار خود را به اشتراک می‌گذارد!