Course

Intermediate 2

Expand your Korean conversational skills by learning to express nuanced ideas. This course covers a wide range of intermediate grammar for explaining reasons, making comparisons, and discussing conditions in both casual and formal situations.

19 episodes

Continue · EP.1 Start from EP.1

Episodes

EP.01

For spring weather it's cold, and for other reasons... (for a ~, and so ~)

봄날씨치고는 춥고 해서 그냥 안에 있자. (~치고, ~고 해서)

'~치고' is used when something is an exception to the general characteristics or standards of its category. '~고 해서' is used to state one reason among many, implying it's not the only one.

EP.02

Since the use of fossil fuels is increasing... (Because/Therefore ~)

화석 연료 사용이 증가하므로... (~으므로/므로)

Learn to use '~으므로/므로' to state a cause or reason in formal settings, and '~으며/며' to list facts, while presenting and advising on environmental issues.

EP.03

Compared to real celebrities, they communicate frequently and there's no risk (in comparison to, and what's more)

실제 연예인에 비하여 소통도 자주 하거니와 리스크가 없어요 (~에 비하여, ~거니와) | Ep. 3

Learn how to compare two things using '~에 비하여' and list multiple advantages using '~거니와' to logically talk about your preferences and opinions.

EP.04

If nothing else, it's all about the roller coaster (Emphasis — to be (informal))

다른 건 몰라도 롤러코스터야 (~이야/야)

This pattern is attached to a noun to emphasize that 'that specific thing' is the most important or the core element among various options. It's used naturally when talking with friends or close people.

EP.05

Since you're going, please buy this for me too (while you're at it)

가는 김에 이것도 좀 사다 줘 (~는 김에) | Ep. 5

Learn how to use '~는 김에' for doing a related action when an opportunity arises from another action. Also, discover how to use '~마저' to express that even the last remaining thing has gone wrong in a negative situation.

EP.06

It depends on your physical condition (Pattern: depending on ~)

신체 조건에 따라 달라요 (~에 따라)

Learn '~에 따라' used to explain that a result changes depending on a condition or standard, and '~는 줄 알다/모르다' to express knowing or not knowing a certain fact.

EP.07

How much is the fee? (I wonder if) / If only the exchange rate were the same as last week... (even if only)

수수료는 얼마나 나오나요? (~나요?) / 지난주 환율만 같아도... (~만 같아도)

Learn '~나요?' used to gently ask questions at a bank or currency exchange, and '~만 같아도' to express a wish that the current situation was like a specific better condition.

EP.08

You can send it anytime that's convenient for you (Anytime — Regardless of)

언제든지 편할 때 보내면 돼요 (~든지)

Learn '~든지' used to express that any choice among various options is acceptable, and '~(으)므로' used to formally state a cause or reason.

EP.09

I overdid it yesterday, so now I feel sick (I did X, and now Y)

어제 무리했더니 오늘 몸이 안 좋네 (~더니)

This expression is used when a past experience or observation becomes the cause of a current result. It's very useful for explaining changes in your own or someone else's physical condition and the reasons behind them.

EP.10

You have to think about your health (I must/should...)

건강을 생각해야지 (~아야지/어야지)

Learn to use '~아야지/어야지' to express your strong will or to advise someone on something they obviously should do. We'll also cover '~(이)라도' for suggesting the next-best option when the ideal one isn't available.

EP.11

You seem really tired these days (It seems like ~)

요즘 많이 피곤한 모양이네요 (~는 모양이다)

Learn to use '~는 모양이다' and '~는 듯하다' to guess a situation by observing someone's condition or behavior. Also, learn '~다시피' to give advice while mentioning a fact you both already know.

EP.12

I can't concentrate because of ... (because of ~)

옆 팀에서 시끄럽게 떠들어 대는 통에 집중이 안 돼요 (~는 통에)

Learn how to express complaints about problems caused by the repetitive actions of colleagues or people around you. Emphasize an annoying, repeated action with '~아/어 대다' and explain the negative consequence with '~는 통에'.

EP.13

We apologize for the inconvenience caused by frequent system errors (Due to ~)

잦은 시스템 오류로 인하여 불편을 드린 점 사과드립니다 (-(으)로 인하여)

Learn how to formally explain the cause of a problem with '-(으)로 인하여' and express your uncertain thoughts or feelings with '~나 싶다'.

EP.14

I Can't Forget, Even If I Try (intend to, I realized Y; After doing X)

잊으려야 잊을 수가 없어 (~(으)려야, ~고 보니)

Learn '-(으)려야', used when you try to do something but it's impossible, and '-고 보니', used when you realize something new after taking an action. We'll explore how to use these expressions to convey regret about unintended outcomes.

EP.15

Since this artifact is sensitive to light, flash is prohibited (Because/So ~)

이 유물은 빛에 약하기에 플래시는 금지됩니다 (~기에)

Learn '~기에' and '~에 의하여,' used to formally explain the cause or basis for an action or situation in official settings or writing.

EP.16

It's surprising that you study on weekends (Expressing Surprise — To think that)

주말에도 공부한다니 놀라워요 (~다니/라니)

Learn how to express surprise about something you just found out about Korean culture, and how to explain both the pros and cons of a cultural phenomenon.

EP.17

It's good to share meeting minutes or send materials in advance (Listing actions with ~ㄴ다거나)

회의록을 공유한다거나 자료를 미리 보내는 게 좋아요 (~ㄴ다거나)

Learn to use '-다거나' to list various actions or states when suggesting alternatives or explaining something. Also, let's talk about workplace communication using '~고자' to emphasize the purpose or intention of an action.

EP.18

I just did my best (I only... / It's just that...)

최선을 다했을 따름이에요 (~(으)ㄹ 따름이다)

An expression used to emphasize that an action or state is the only option or the whole story. It carries the nuance that there are no other intentions or possibilities.

EP.19

We can change the future of education with AI (as a means of)

AI로써 교육의 미래를 바꿀 수 있어요 (~(으)로써)

Learn '~(으)로써' used to indicate the means or tool for an action. Compare how it's used differently in a formal situation versus a conversation with a friend.

🎙️Intermediate 2