Idioms & Phrases Hub
Learn expressions people actually use: idioms, fixed phrases, and colloquial patterns with clear meaning and context.
Total Expressions
183
Matches
183
Types
3
Pages
7
A1
58
A2
35
B1
41
B2
43
C1
6
C2
0
Hello
This is the most common and polite way to say 'Hello' in Korean. It literally translates to asking if the other person is at peace or doing well.
Usage: This is the 'polite' (haeyo-che) style. It is the safest register for foreigners to use in almost any social interaction in Korea.
To 보다 영화
This phrase is the standard way to say 'watch a movie' in Korean. It combines the word for movie with the verb 'to see' or 'to watch,' covering everything from a cinema trip to a Netflix session at home.
Usage: The phrase is highly versatile. In speech, the object marker '를' is frequently omitted ('영화 보다'). The formality is determined entirely by the verb ending attached to '보다'.
To exercise
This is the most common way to say you are working out or doing physical activity. It covers everything from hitting the gym to a light walk in the park.
Usage: This is a neutral collocation. Use it with `~해요` for daily polite conversation and `~해` for friends. Avoid using it for artistic practice or skill-based rehearsals.
To 받다 전화
This phrase describes the simple act of answering a ringing phone. It's what you do when you swipe the green button to start a conversation.
Usage: The phrase is neutral and can be used in any setting. Just remember to adjust the verb ending (받아/받아요/받으세요) based on who you are talking to. Avoid the common mistake of using '을' instead of '를'.
To 읽다 편지
This phrase describes the act of reading a letter. It usually refers to a physical, handwritten letter that carries personal feelings or important news.
Usage: This is a neutral phrase suitable for almost any context. Just remember to use the correct object marker '를' and adjust the verb ending based on who you are talking to.
Goodbye
This is the polite way to say goodbye when you are staying where you are and the other person is leaving.
Usage: This is a formal/polite expression. Use it when you are the host or the one remaining in a location while the other party departs.
Nice to meet you
This is the most polite and standard way to say 'How do you do?' or 'Nice to meet you' when you are meeting someone for the very first time. It signals that you are a respectful person who values good manners.
Usage: This phrase is strictly formal. It uses the 'humble' register, meaning you should never use it to describe yourself seeing someone of lower status (like a child or a subordinate in a very casual setting).
Humble wisdom
This phrase describes how truly successful and wise people stay humble. Just as a heavy, ripe head of grain bows toward the ground, a person with great knowledge or status doesn't need to brag.
Usage: This is a high-level (C1) idiomatic expression. It is most effective in formal or semi-formal contexts. Avoid using it to describe your own actions, as that contradicts the meaning of humility.
Think of this as your 'all-purpose' safety net phrase. You use it to say you're doing well, to politely turn down a second helping of food, or to tell someone 'no worries' when they apologize.
Usage: Always include the 'yo' ending unless you are 100% sure you are in a casual 'Banmal' situation. It is the safest and most common way to use the phrase.
To 쓰다 사진
This phrase means to select and utilize a specific photograph for a purpose, such as a profile picture, a news article, or a formal document.
Usage: This is a neutral phrase suitable for almost any context. Just remember that the verb '쓰다' has many meanings, so context is key to ensuring people know you mean 'use' and not 'write' or 'wear'.
To 주다 사진
This phrase literally means 'to give a photo,' but it's most commonly used when you're asking someone to send or share a picture with you, whether it's a digital file or a physical print.
Usage: The most important thing to remember is the distinction between 'giving' and 'taking'. Also, always use '좀' when making a request to avoid sounding blunt.
To 듣다 영화
To 'listen' to a movie means experiencing a film primarily through its audio, often referring to barrier-free versions for the visually impaired or listening to a movie's audio while doing other tasks.
Usage: This phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Just ensure the listener understands you aren't 'watching' the screen, or they might get confused.
To cook
This phrase is the most common way to say you are preparing a meal or making food. It is like saying 'I am cooking' to a friend when they ask what you are doing in the kitchen.
Usage: This is a very safe and versatile phrase. The only thing to watch for is the ending—use `요리해` for friends and `요리해요` for everyone else.
To 보다 음악
This phrase describes experiencing music as a visual performance. It is used when the choreography, stage presence, and aesthetic are just as important as the sound.
Usage: This phrase is neutral in formality. It is widely used in both casual conversations among fans and formal music criticism to describe the visual evolution of the industry.
To 먹다 전화
When someone ignores your phone call or doesn't answer on purpose, you say they 'ate' the call. It's a colorful way to describe being ghosted or ignored over the phone.
Usage: This is a slang expression. It is highly informal and should only be used in casual settings with people of the same or lower social status. Using it with superiors is considered rude.
To 주다 전화
This phrase literally means 'to give a phone call.' It is the most common and natural way to say you will call someone or to ask them to reach out to you.
Usage: The phrase is highly dependent on the verb ending. Always use '드리다' instead of '주다' when the recipient is of higher social status to avoid sounding impolite.
To 보다 편지
This phrase means you are reading a letter. It's like taking a moment to look at and understand someone's written thoughts.
Usage: The phrase is neutral and very safe to use. Just remember that '보다' is more natural in speech than '읽다'. Always use the '를' particle if you want to be grammatically perfect.
To 주다 편지
To hand over or give a physical or digital letter to someone to express your thoughts or feelings.
Usage: Always remember to use the object marker '를' with '편지'. If you are giving the letter to someone of higher social status, you must change '주다' to '드리다'.
To spend time
This phrase is the standard way to say you are passing or 'spending' time doing something. It is used to describe how you occupy your hours, whether you're having fun or being productive.
Usage: This phrase is neutral and safe for all formality levels. Just ensure you conjugate the verb '보내다' correctly (e.g., 보내, 보내요, 보냅니다) to match your relationship with the listener.
To 먹다 물
Literally, it means to drink water. Idiomatically, it means to fail, be rejected, or get tricked by someone.
Usage: The literal meaning is safe anywhere. The idiomatic meaning is best kept for friends and family. Using '먹다' for liquids is a sign of a more natural, 'native' level of casual speech.
To 받다 밥
This phrase literally means 'to receive a meal.' It describes the moment someone serves you food or when you are given a prepared meal, like at a cafeteria or as a guest in someone's home.
Usage: This phrase is safe for A2 learners in daily conversation. Just remember that it emphasizes the 'handing over' of the meal. Use `식사` instead of `밥` in formal writing or when speaking to much older people.
To 입다 옷
This is the most common way to say you are putting on or wearing clothes like shirts, pants, or dresses.
Usage: The verb '입다' is strictly for items that cover the torso or legs. Ensure you change the verb ending based on who you are speaking to (e.g., -요 for politeness).
To 주다 옷
This phrase means the simple act of giving clothes to someone. It covers everything from gifting a brand-new sweater to a friend to passing down your old jeans to a younger sibling.
Usage: Always pay attention to the hierarchy. Use '주다' for those younger or equal to you, and '드리다' for those older or in higher positions. The object marker '을' is often dropped in very casual speech (e.g., '옷 줬어').
To 주다 책
This phrase simply means giving a book to someone. It’s used when you hand over a physical book as a gift, a loan, or just to share a good read.
Usage: The phrase is neutral but requires proper conjugation. Always remember to use '드리다' when the recipient is someone you need to show respect to.
Nice to meet you
This is a warm, friendly way to tell someone you are happy to see them. It is like saying 'I'm glad we met' or 'It's great to see you' in a casual way.
Usage: This phrase is strictly informal (Banmal). Use it only with friends, younger people, or when you have mutually agreed to speak casually. Using it with superiors is a major social faux pas.
Nice to meet you
This is the friendly, polite way to tell someone you're happy to meet them or see them again. It’s like a warm smile in word form, expressing genuine joy about the encounter.
Usage: This phrase sits in the 'polite' register (존댓말). It is the most versatile version of the greeting, suitable for 80% of social interactions you will have in Korea.
Long time no see
This is the classic way to say 'Long time no see' to someone you already know. It carries a warm, nostalgic feeling that acknowledges the time that has passed since your last meeting.
Usage: This is an informal expression. Use it with friends, siblings, or people younger than you. For anyone else, always add the polite suffix.
Long time no see
This is the most common and polite way to say 'Long time no see' in Korean. You use it when you run into someone you haven't seen for a few weeks, months, or even years.
Usage: This is a polite (haeyo-che) expression. It is the safest version for learners to use in almost any social situation where they recognize someone from their past.
Count chickens too early
This phrase describes someone who is getting ahead of themselves by celebrating a success that hasn't actually happened yet. It is the Korean equivalent of 'counting your chickens before they hatch.'
Usage: This is a B2-level idiom because it requires understanding the cultural nuance of the 'kimchi soup' metaphor. Stick to informal or neutral settings with friends and family.
Are you okay?
This is the ultimate 'vibe check' phrase in Korean. It means 'Are you okay?' or 'Is it alright?', used to check on someone's well-being or ask for permission.
Usage: The phrase is incredibly safe for beginners. Just remember that intonation is key: rise for a question, fall for a statement.
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