아직 배우는 중이에요
Ajik baeuneun jung-ieyo
The English phrase "I am still learning" is expressed in Korean as 아직 배우는 중이에요 (Ajik baeuneun jung-ieyo).
This phrase is used to indicate that you are currently in the process of acquiring a new skill or knowledge. It is commonly used as a humble way to show that you are not yet an expert in a particular subject or skill.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 아직 (still/yet), 배우는 (learning) and 중이에요 (am in the middle of).
Which one should you use?
While 아직 배우는 중이에요 uses the noun 중 to mean being in the middle of a process, you can also use the alternative 아직 배우고 있어요, which uses the continuous aspect marker -고 있다.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can adjust the formality by changing the verb ending. Replacing the polite ending 이에요 with the formal ending 입니다 to create 아직 배우는 중입니다 makes the phrase suitable for professional settings or speaking to superiors. Replacing the polite ending 이에요 with 이야 to create 아직 배우는 중이야 makes the phrase suitable for use with close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
Ajik baeuneun jung-ieyo
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'learning' to describe many things, in Korean, the verb 배우다 specifically implies a teacher-student relationship. Using this phrase suggests there is a person or a system from whom you are actively receiving instruction.
- Koreans often use 아직 배우는 중이에요 to deflect praise when receiving a compliment, reflecting a cultural norm of modesty.
- The word 아직 appeared in the 15th-century text 'Worin seokbo', long before the modern Korean language was standardized. Interestingly, historical variations like 안ᄌᆞᆨ or 안직 were once used to express the same idea of 'still' or 'yet'.
Examples in context
- 선생님, 저는 아직 배우고 있습니다. 많이 부족하지만 노력하고 있어요.Teacher, I am still learning. I am still lacking a lot, but I am trying my best.
- 아직 배우는 중이에요.ajik baeuneun jungieyo.I am still learning.
- 요리는 아직 배우는 중이에요.yorineun ajik baeuneun jungieyo.I am still learning how to cook.
- 그건 아직 배우는 중이에요.geugeon ajik baeuneun jungieyo.I am still learning that.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Su-bin are talking about hobbies.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨는 요리를 잘하시네요!Subin ssineun yorireul jalhasineyo!Su-bin, you are good at cooking!
- 수빈 Su-bin아니에요, 아직 배우는 중이에요.Anieyo, ajik baeuneun jung-ieyo.No, I am still learning.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo어떤 요리를 배우고 있어요?Eotteon yorireul baeugo isseoyo?What kind of cooking are you learning?
- 수빈 Su-bin한식 요리를 배우고 있어요.Hansik yorireul baeugo isseoyo.I am learning Korean cuisine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아직, CC BY-SA 4.0.
