Top 10 Korean Expressions Foreign Learners Often Get Wrong

Learning Korean can be exciting, but some expressions are tricky even for advanced learners. These mistakes usually come from differences in grammar, politeness levels, and cultural habits. Let’s explore the top 10 mistakes foreigners make in Korean—and how to fix them!

1) 저는 배고프다 ❌ → 저는 배고파요 ✅

Foreigners often use the dictionary form (배고프다). In conversation, you should use the polite ending: 저는 배고파요. (*I’m hungry.*)

2) 안녕하세요? for Goodbye ❌

안녕하세요? is only for greeting. To say goodbye, use 안녕히 가세요 (if someone leaves) or 안녕히 계세요 (if you leave).

3) 이름이 뭐예요? to Older People ❌

Directly asking someone’s name can sound rude. To be polite, say: 성함이 어떻게 되세요? (*May I ask your name?*)

4) 반말 with Strangers ❌

Foreigners sometimes copy K-drama speech and use 반말 with strangers. In reality, you should always start with polite speech until invited otherwise.

5) Using 당신 for “You” ❌

당신 is rarely used in daily life—it can sound distant or even aggressive. Instead, use the person’s name + 씨 (e.g., 민수씨).

6) 너무 맛없어요 for “Not So Tasty” ❌

너무 맛없어요 means “It’s really awful.” To politely say food isn’t great, use 별로예요 (*It’s not that good.*).

7) 저 좋아해요? ❌

This literally means “Do I like you?” If you want to ask “Do you like me?” → 저를 좋아해요?

8) 혼자서만 한국말 공부해요 ❌

서만 is wrong. Say: 저는 혼자 한국말 공부해요. (*I study Korean alone.*)

9) I’m cold = 저는 춥다 ❌

Again, avoid dictionary forms. Correct: 저는 추워요.

10) 나 너무 행복하다 ❌ (to elders)

행복하다 is dictionary style. Use polite: 너무 행복해요. (*I’m so happy.*)

Final Words

Mistakes are part of learning, but knowing these common errors will help you sound more natural and polite in Korean. Correcting them early also prevents embarrassing or rude moments.
Next time, we’ll explore the cultural difference between 존댓말 (polite speech) and 반말 (casual speech) in K-dramas and daily life.
Aloha to words that sound natural—저는 배고파요. 🍚