기본 단어
gibon daneo
The English phrase "basic words" is translated into Korean as 기본 단어 (gibon daneo).
This phrase refers to the most common and essential words needed to communicate in a language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 기본 (basic/foundation) and 단어 (word).
Which one should you use?
You can also use 기초 단어, which is a common alternative that emphasizes the "foundation" or "elementary" level of the vocabulary.
How does it change in a sentence?
To explicitly pluralize "words", you can add the suffix -들 to the end of 단어, resulting in 기본 단어들.
How do you pronounce it?
gibon daneo
Did you know?
- The word 단어 specifically refers to a 'single' unit of speech. The character 單 means 'single' or 'alone', emphasizing the word as an isolated building block.
- Korean has a distinct way of categorizing words into 'Hanja-eo' (Sino-Korean) and 'Pure Korean'. Both 기본 and 단어 belong to the former, meaning the phrase is composed entirely of borrowed roots.
- Because these terms are Sino-Korean, they can sound much more formal or academic than pure Korean words.
Examples in context
- 기본 단어를 먼저 외워야 해요.gibon daneoreul meonjeo oewoya haeyo.You should memorize the basic words first.
- 이 책에는 기본 단어가 많아요.ibechenun gibon daneoga manayo.There are many basic words in this book.
- 기본 단어부터 공부를 시작할게요.gibon daneobuteo gongbureul sijakhalgeyo.I will start studying from the basic words.
Example conversation
Minji is helping Dohyun study Korean.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 공부는 잘 되고 있어요?Dohyun ssi, gongbuneun jal doego isseoyo?Dohyun, is your studying going well?
- 도현 Do-hyeon너무 어려워요. 기본 단어부터 다시 할게요.neomu eoryeowoyo. gibon daneobuteo dasi halgeyo.It's too hard. I'll start over from the basic words.
- 민지 Min-ji그게 좋은 생각이에요. 제가 도와줄게요.geuge joeun saenggagieyo. jega dowajulgeyo.That's a good idea. I will help you.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 고마워요, 민지 씨!jeongmal gomawoyo, Minji ssi!Thank you so much, Minji!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 기본, 단어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
