Signification
Stating one's limited ability in Korean.
Contexte culturel
Humility is paramount. Even if you are fluent, saying you are 'not good' is a way to show respect to the language and the listener. Many foreigners use this phrase as a 'get out of jail free' card to avoid awkward social situations or sales pitches on the street. In business, being too humble can sometimes be misinterpreted as incompetence. It's better to specify what you *can* do. Older Koreans (Harabeoji/Halmeoni) love it when you try to speak Korean. Even if you say you 'can't speak well,' they will often praise you anyway.
Add '아직'
Adding '아직' (ajik - yet) makes you sound like a dedicated student rather than someone who has given up.
Watch the 'Yo'
Never forget the '요' (yo) when talking to someone you don't know. '못해' (mothae) can sound very aggressive or rude.
Signification
Stating one's limited ability in Korean.
Add '아직'
Adding '아직' (ajik - yet) makes you sound like a dedicated student rather than someone who has given up.
Watch the 'Yo'
Never forget the '요' (yo) when talking to someone you don't know. '못해' (mothae) can sound very aggressive or rude.
The 'Smile' Technique
Saying this phrase with a smile and a slight bow makes it 100% more effective and polite.
Expect Praise
Even after you say this, Koreans will likely say 'No, you're great!' Just say 'Thank you' and keep trying.
Teste-toi
Which phrase is the most polite way to tell a stranger you can't speak Korean well?
Choose the best option:
The '-요' ending makes it polite, and '못' correctly indicates a lack of ability.
Fill in the blank to say 'I can't speak Korean well YET.'
____ {한국|韓國}말 잘 못해요.
'아직' (ajik) means 'yet' or 'still,' which is perfect for learners.
Complete the dialogue with a humble response.
A: {한국|韓國}말 정말 잘하시네요! B: 아니에요. ________.
In Korea, it is culturally polite to deny a compliment about your skills.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
You are in a taxi and the driver is talking too fast.
This combines the disclaimer with a polite request to slow down.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesChoose the best option:
The '-요' ending makes it polite, and '못' correctly indicates a lack of ability.
____ {한국|韓國}말 잘 못해요.
'아직' (ajik) means 'yet' or 'still,' which is perfect for learners.
A: {한국|韓國}말 정말 잘하시네요! B: 아니에요. ________.
In Korea, it is culturally polite to deny a compliment about your skills.
You are in a taxi and the driver is talking too fast.
This combines the disclaimer with a polite request to slow down.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questions'한국말' is more common in speech, while '한국어' is more formal/academic. Both are fine.
Yes, but '잘' (well) makes it sound softer and more natural, like 'I'm not good at it' vs 'I can't do it at all.'
It's a cultural encouragement! They are praising your effort and your correct use of the humble disclaimer.
Say '왕초보예요' (Wang-cho-bo-ye-yo), which means 'I'm a total beginner.'
Yes, it's the negative form of '하다' (to do).
Use '전혀 못해요' (Jeon-hyeo mot-haeyo).
Yes! Just swap the language: '영어 잘 못해요' (I can't speak English well).
Yes, in this specific phrase, the adverb '잘' precedes the negative verb.
The components are the same, but they would say '조선말' (Joseon-mal) instead of '한국말'.
Yes, it's very common when texting with language partners or delivery people.
{한국|韓國}말을 잘하지 못합니다 (Hangungmareul jalhaji mothamnida).
Yes, it's seen as very humble, but don't overdo it or it might seem insincere.
Expressions liées
{한국어|韓國語} 조금 해요
similarI speak a little Korean.
{한국|韓國}말 서툴러요
similarMy Korean is clumsy.
{한국어|韓國語} 배우고 있어요
builds onI am learning Korean.
다시 말씀해 주세요
builds onPlease say it again.
{한국|韓國}말 잘해요
contrastI speak Korean well.
