Can I learn Korean through my favorite K-pop songs?
Yes, of course!
Starting with what you enjoy is actually the best way. When you're learning something through what you enjoy, it will keep you motivated and help you continue your learning, and the results will naturally follow.
Checklist
Have you heard of these words? How many do you know?
사랑해 [sa-rang-hae]
보고 싶어 [bo-go si-peo]
괜찮아 [gwaen-cha-na]
너 / 나 [neo / na]
마지막 [ma-ji-mak]
I already know…
None: There's a lot to discover together! Let’s take the exciting first step.
1-2 words: It seems you’re getting into Korean. It’s a great start.
3-4 words: You’re starting to get the hang of it. Keep it up!
All of them: That’s impressive! You’re all ready to take the next step.
Let’s learn!
Let’s learn some of the Korean words you may hear most often in your favorite K-pop songs.
사랑해
난 너를 사랑해. - BTS JIN
The dictionary form is 사랑하다, which means ‘to love.’
You may also hear conjugated forms like 사랑해요 (I love you in a polite form), 사랑하기 때문에 (because I love you), and 사랑하지만 (I love you, but...).
보고 싶어
“널 보고 싶어” - Stray Kids M.I.A
This sentence consists of two verbs: 보다 (to see) and 싶다 (to want). Its literal translation is "I want to see you." However, it's a fixed phrase used to convey the meaning of "I miss you."
괜찮아
혼자라도 괜찮아. - NewJeans OMG
It’s a very versatile phrase that you can use in various situations. You can use it to encourage or comfort others by saying "It’s okay." Since the subject is commonly omitted in Korean sentences, it can also mean "I’m okay."
너 / 나
너와 나 - NCT DREAM
너 is the word for ‘you’, and 나 is the word for ‘I, me’. The important thing to note is that the word ‘너’ is considered casual language and should only be used in a very close relationship with someone who is younger than you or of the same age as you.
마지막
마지막처럼 - BLACK PINK
The word 마지막 means 'last,' and 처럼 means 'like' or 'as if.' When combined, 마지막처럼 translates to 'like it's the last time.' The noun 마지막 can be used with various particles, for example: 마지막으로 (lastly), 마지막까지 (to the last), or 마지막에 (at the end).
Let’s review!
Take the short review quizzes and see how much progress you’ve made.
1. What does ‘보고 싶어’ mean?
2. What is the Korean word for ‘last’?
3. What is the correct match for ‘I’ and ‘you’?
Check the answers
- a. I miss you
- b. 마지막
- c. 나 - 너
Congratulations on finishing today’s lesson!
You’ve already mastered 6 new Korean words.
You’ll be able to recognize and understand those words when listening to your favorite K-pop songs. Small and steady progress leads to big achievements.
Start learning Korean now and learn to fully enjoy your favorite K-pop songs without any interruptions!
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