Signification
Used to inform someone that one's Korean language skills are not proficient.
Contexte culturel
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.
Signification
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.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'I don't speak Korean well.'
저는 한국말 ___ 못해요.
'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:
The '-yo' ending is the standard polite form for strangers.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 한국말 진짜 잘하시네요! B: 아니에요. ________.
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?
Combining the disclaimer with a request to speak slowly is the most practical approach.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ability vs. Will
Banque d exercices
4 exercices저는 한국말 ___ 못해요.
'잘' means 'well.' Placing it before '못해요' creates the meaning 'not well.'
Select the best option:
The '-yo' ending is the standard polite form for strangers.
A: 한국말 진짜 잘하시네요! B: 아니에요. ________.
In Korean culture, it is polite to deny a compliment with humility.
You are in a taxi and the driver is talking too fast. What do you say?
Combining the disclaimer with a request to speak slowly is the most practical approach.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 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.'
Expressions liées
한국어 조금 해요
similarI speak a little Korean.
천천히 말씀해 주세요
builds onPlease speak slowly.
다시 말해 주세요
builds onPlease say it again.
한국말 잘하시네요
contrastYou speak Korean well!
