Common Errors Foreigners Make When Speaking Korean (and How to Avoid Them)
Learning Korean can be super rewarding and fun! But like with any language, there are a few common traps that many learners fall into, especially at the beginning. Whether you’re just starting out or brushing up on your skills, here are some of the most frequent mistakes foreigners make when speaking Korean and how to avoid them like a pro!
1. Mixing up Formal and Informal Speech
The Mistake:
Using casual language with strangers or elders, or accidentally speaking too formally with friends. Even though they know it is difficult for foreigners and they are less strict with it, it’s still better to use it correctly.
Why it matters:
Korean is a language deeply rooted in respect and hierarchy. Using the wrong speech level can come off as rude or awkward.
How to avoid it:
Start by mastering the polite form (ending in ~요) before diving into casual or formal honorifics. When in doubt, stick with the polite level.
📝 Pro tip: Learn phrases like "말 놓아도 될까요?" (Is it okay if I speak casually?) when you get to know someone better.
2. Overusing “저는” or “나는”
The Mistake:
Repeating “저는” (I + formal) or “나는” (I + informal) at the beginning of every sentence.
Why it matters:
It can sound robotic or unnatural, since Koreans often drop the subject when it’s clear from context.
How to avoid it:
Once the topic is established, skip the subject unless you’re emphasizing a contrast. Instead of:
“저는 김치를 좋아해요. 저는 불고기도 좋아해요.”
Try:
“김치를 좋아해요. 불고기도 좋아해요.”
Much smoother!
3. Using English Word Order
The Mistake:
Trying to speak Korean in English sentence structure.
Why it matters:
Korean follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order. English is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO).
How to avoid it:
Always place the verb at the end. For example:
❌ "I coffee drink." (In English word order)
✅ "저는 커피를 마셔요." = “I coffee drink.” (Correct in Korean order)
Train your brain to expect the action last!
4. Ignoring Particles
The Mistake:
Skipping particles like 은/는, 이/가, or 을/를.
Why it matters:
Particles mark the role of each word in the sentence. Without them, your Korean can sound incomplete or confusing.
How to avoid it:
Learn the key function of each particle and listen to how they’re used in K-dramas or podcasts. They may seem small, but they carry a big meaning!
5. Mispronouncing Letters that Sound Similar
The Mistake:
Confusing tricky consonants like ㅂ vs. ㅍ, or ㅈ vs. ㅊ.
Why it matters:
Korean has subtle pronunciation differences that can completely change a word's meaning.
How to avoid it:
Listen carefully and repeat after native speakers. Apps like Pimsleur or Shadowing techniques can help you fine-tune your pronunciation.
🎧 Practice tip: Try imitade Korean drama lines or K-pop lyrics slowly and clearly.
6. Forgetting to Use Honorifics
The Mistake:
Talking about someone respected (like your teacher or boss) without using honorific forms.
Why it matters:
It can unintentionally sound disrespectful.
How to avoid it:
Learn honorific verbs like:
먹다 → 드시다 (to eat)
자다 → 주무시다 (to sleep)
있다 → 계시다 (to be)
When in doubt, be extra polite!
7. Translating Literally from English
The Mistake:
Saying things like “나는 피곤해요 왜냐하면 나는 많이 일했어요” (I’m tired because I worked a lot), which sounds clunky.
Why it matters:
Korean has its own natural flow and expressions.
How to avoid it:
Learn common phrases instead of translating word-for-word. For example:
“피곤해서 그래요.” = "It’s because I’m tired."
“일하느라 힘들었어요.” = "I’m tired from working."
✨ Final Thoughts
Making mistakes is part of learning and totally okay! The key is to be aware, listen a lot, and practice consistently. Korean is a beautiful language full of nuance and culture, and the more you learn, the more rewarding it becomes.
So be patient, laugh at your mistakes, and keep going. you're doing amazing. 💪🇰🇷