Speak, Listen, Ask, Answer

This lesson covers the core verbs for communication: 말하다 (to speak/talk) and 듣다 (to listen/hear).

You will use these verbs constantly in the classroom and in daily life. When you want someone to change how they speak, you can combine 말하다 with adverbs like 천천히 or 크게.

Common Word Combinations

Korean · Meaning

한국어로 말하다 · to speak in Korean

천천히 말하다 · to speak slowly

설명을 듣다 · to listen to an explanation

음악을 듣다 · to listen to music

When you need information, you use 묻다 (to ask) and 대답하다 (to answer).

Notice the particles used with these verbs. You ask a question to a person, so you use 에게 or 한테 . You give an answer to a question, so you use 에 .

Sentence Frames

[Person]에게 묻다 (to ask [Person])

[Question]에 대답하다 (to answer [Question])

Here are the most high-frequency sentences you need when communicating in Korean, especially when learning the language. Memorize these complete phrases so you can use them right away.

Useful Expressions

천천히 말해 주세요 (Please speak slowly)

잘 못 들었어요 (I didn't hear well)

다시 물어봐도 돼요? (Can I ask again?)

질문에 대답해 주세요 (Please answer the question)

A very common beginner mistake is using the object particle (을/를) instead of the correct direction particles for asking and answering.

Asking a Person

선생님을 묻다 (X)

선생님에게 묻다 (O)

Answering a Question

질문을 대답하다 (X)

질문에 대답하다 (O)

Quick review

에게 vs 에

Using the right target