Day 2 – Self-Introduction
Hello again! Today we’ll learn how to introduce yourself in Korean. Self-introductions (자기소개/jagisogae) are an important part of Korean culture and often follow greetings when meeting someone new.
1. 저는 [name] 입니다 (저-는 [name] 입-니-다) [jeoneun (name) imnida]
- Meaning: “My name is [name]” or “I am [name]”
- Usage: This is a formal way to introduce your name.
- Note: “저” means “I” in a humble/formal form.
2. [country]에서 왔어요 ([country]-에-서 왔-어-요) [(country)-eseo wasseoyo]
- Meaning: “I’m from [country]”
- Usage: Use this to tell where you’re from.
- Examples:
- 미국에서 왔어요 (미-국-에-서 왔-어-요) [miguk-eseo wasseoyo] = “I’m from America”
- 영국에서 왔어요 (영-국-에-서 왔-어-요) [yeongguk-eseo wasseoyo] = “I’m from England”
3. 직업 말하기 (Talking about your job)
- Format: 저는 [job] 입니다 (저-는 [job] 입-니-다) [jeoneun (job) imnida]
- Examples:
- 저는 학생입니다 (저-는 학-생-입-니-다) [jeoneun haksaeng imnida] = “I am a student”
- 저는 선생님입니다 (저-는 선-생-님-입-니-다) [jeoneun seonsaengnim imnida] = “I am a teacher”
- 저는 회사원입니다 (저-는 회-사-원-입-니-다) [jeoneun hoesawon imnida] = “I am an office worker”
4. 만나서 반갑습니다 (만-나-서 반-갑-습-니-다) [mannaseo bangapseumnida]
- We learned this yesterday, but remember to add this at the end of your introduction!
- It means “Nice to meet you” and shows politeness.
Complete Self-Introduction Example
안녕하세요! 저는 Michael입니다.
미국에서 왔어요.
저는 학생입니다.
만나서 반갑습니다!Pronunciation:
[annyeonghaseyo! jeoneun Michael imnida.
miguk-eseo wasseoyo.
jeoneun haksaeng imnida.
mannaseo bangapseumnida!]Translation:
Hello! My name is Michael.
I'm from America.
I am a student.
Nice to meet you!Practice Time!
Try introducing yourself in Korean using this template:
- 안녕하세요! 저는 __________ 입니다.
- __________ 에서 왔어요.
- 저는 __________ 입니다.
- 만나서 반갑습니다!
Cultural Note
In Korea, it’s common to exchange business cards when meeting someone in a professional setting. When receiving a business card, use both hands to accept it as a sign of respect, and take a moment to read it before putting it away carefully.
Tomorrow we’ll learn about basic Korean numbers and counting! Keep practicing your introductions!
