배우고 있어요
baeugo isseoyo
In Korean, "I am learning" is expressed as 배우고 있어요 (baeugo isseoyo).
The phrase is used to state that you are currently in the process of acquiring a new skill or knowledge.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 배우고 있어요 uses the polite ending -어요, making it appropriate for most social situations with people you are not close to or who are older than you. For highly formal settings, such as professional environments, news reports or when speaking to a large audience, use the formal version 배우고 있습니다. If you are speaking to close friends or people younger than you, you can use the casual version 배우고 있어.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the -고 있다 grammar structure, which indicates a continuous action or a state that is currently in progress.
How do you pronounce it?
baeugo isseoyo
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, expressing that you are 'learning' (배우고 있다) can be a humble way to deflect praise or indicate that you are still a novice in a specific field.
- In many Korean-speaking contexts, you might omit the word 'I' entirely and simply say 배우고 있어요, as the context makes the subject clear.
- If you are learning something through trial and error, you might use the term 익히다 ('to master' or 'to familiarize') instead of the standard 배우다.
Examples in context
- 아랍어를 배우고 있어요.I am learning Arabic.This example shows how to use 배우고 있어요 to mention the specific subject being learned.Tatoeba #13169798 by atitarev, translation #2669861 by silesian
- 한국어 배우고 있어요.I am learning Korean.
- 한국어 공부하고 있어요.I am studying Korean.
- 요리를 배우고 있어요.yorireul baeugo isseoyo.I am learning how to cook.
- 기타를 배우고 있어요.gitareul baeugo isseoyo.I am learning the guitar.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 요즘 뭐 해요?Minji ssi, yojeum mwo haeyo?Minji, what are you doing these days?
- 민지 Min-ji저는 한국어를 배우고 있어요.Jeoneun hangugeoreul baeugo isseoyo.I am learning Korean.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 대단해요!Jeongmal daedanhaeyo!That is really impressive!
- 민지 Min-ji고마워요, 민준 씨.Gomawoyo, Minjun ssi.Thank you, Minjun.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
