Tag: Beginner Korean

  • How to Write A in Korean Hangul — A Beginner’s Guide to the Korean Vowel ㅏ

    How to Write A in Korean Hangul — A Beginner’s Guide to the Korean Vowel ㅏ

    If you’re just starting your journey into the Korean language, you might wonder how to write letter “A” in Korean Hangul.

    That’s because the Korean alphabet — known as Hangul — doesn’t use Roman letters, so even simple sounds like “A” have their own unique characters. But don’t worry — it’s easier than you think.

    What Is A in Korean Hangul?

    In Korean, the closest equivalent to the English sound “A” as in “father” is the vowel: ㅏ
    It’s pronounced like “ah” — open and relaxed.

    This is one of the basic Korean vowels and a perfect place to start if you’re learning Hangul.

    How to Write A In Korean Hangul

    ㅏ is written in two strokes:

    1. Draw a vertical line from top to bottom.
    2. Then draw a short horizontal line to the right, starting from the middle of the vertical line.

    Here’s a visual tip:
    It almost looks like a simple flag post!

    Bonus: What Words Use ㅏ?

    Here are a few Korean words that include ㅏ:

    • 아빠 (appa) – dad
    • 사랑 (sarang) – love
    • 바나나 (banana) – banana

    You’ll find ㅏ all over Korean vocabulary!

    Learning Tip

    ㅏ is one of 10 basic Korean vowels, so learning how to write A in Korean Hangul will put you on the right path to learning Korean.

    If you learn just these, you’ll unlock a huge portion of written Korean. It’s the foundation of learning to read and write fluently.

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    Grab your free guide with our 100 KDrama words and phrases here:

    We also offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today

  • What Does Shiro Mean in Korean?

    What Does Shiro Mean in Korean?

    How to Write and Use 싫어 in Hangul

    If you’ve watched even a few K-Dramas, you’ve probably heard a character shout: “Shiro!” and wondered what does shiro mean in Korean?

    It sounds like an emotional “no,” but it’s not the same as the polite rejection you’d use in a formal setting. This word has heat. It has feeling. It means:

    “I don’t like it.”
    or
    “I hate it.”

    Let’s break down what shiro really means, how it’s written in Hangul, and why it’s one of the most important emotional phrases in Korean.

    What Does “Shiro” (싫어) In Korean Actually Mean?

    “Shiro” (written as 싫어 in Hangul) is used when you really dislike something. It can mean:

    • I don’t want to
    • I hate it
    • I dislike that

    It’s a strong emotional refusal—not just a calm “no.”

    In tone, it can sound:

    • Frustrated (“I don’t want to!”)
    • Playful (“Nooo, I don’t like that!”)
    • Defiant (“I hate that idea.”)

    How to Write “Shiro” in Hangul

    Here’s the breakdown of the word 싫어:

    • First syllable: 싫 (shir)
    • Second syllable: 어 (uh)

    The romanization shiro is a simplified pronunciation. In reality, the first syllable has a slightly blocked “r/l” sound combined with “shi.”

    If you’re learning Hangul stroke-by-stroke, focus on:

    • The ㅅ and ㄹ combo in 싫
    • The soft open vowel 어

    How It’s Used in K-Dramas (And Real Life)

    You’ll hear “shiro!” in situations like:

    • A character refusing to go on a blind date
    • Someone rejecting a gift or food they dislike
    • A child protesting doing homework
    • A love confession that’s denied with emotion

    What’s the Difference Between Shiro and Aniyo?

    Phrase Hangul Meaning Tone

    Shiro 싫어 I don’t like it Emotional, strong, informal
    Aniyo 아니요 No (polite) Neutral, respectful

    • Use “Aniyo” in polite conversation.
    • Use “Shiro” when your feelings are strong—or when acting like your favorite drama lead.

    🎯 Are You Over 50 or Struggling to Learn Korean?

    If you’re over 50 or just finding Korean harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

    Grab your free guide with our 100 KDrama words and phrases here:

    We offer free 1-on-1 strategy sessions for learners who want a clear, personal plan that actually works. Especially useful if traditional apps and videos haven’t helped.

    👉 Book Your Free Strategy Session Today