What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 한국어 (Korean language) + 를 (object marker), 배우려고 (intending to learn) and 노력하고 있어요 (am making an effort/trying).
Which one should you use?
While 한국어를 배우려고 노력하고 있어요 specifically mentions the effort of learning, a more common and natural way to express that you are currently in the process of studying the language is 한국어 공부하고 있어요.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 한국어를 배우려고 노력하고 있어요 uses the -어요 ending, which is polite and suitable for speaking to strangers, teachers or people older than you. For very formal situations, you can use 제가 한국어를 배우려고 노력하고 있습니다 or the polite and formal 한국어를 배우고자 노력하고 있습니다. If you are speaking to close friends or younger people, you can use the informal version 나는 한국어 배우려고 노력해 or 한국어를 배우려고 노력 중이야.
How do you pronounce it?
hangugeoreul baeuryeogo noryeokhago isseoyo
Did you know?
- Koreans often use the expression 머리를 싸매다, meaning 'to wrap one's head', to describe the intense struggle and concentration involved in the effort mentioned in 노력하고 있어요.
- When you say you are learning the language, a native speaker might respond using the word 열공, a slang portmanteau of 'passionate' and 'study', to cheer on your hard work.
- In Korean culture, the concept of 'studying' 공부 is rooted in the Chinese word for 'achievement' or 'merit', reflecting a view of learning as a rigorous moral discipline rather than a casual hobby.
Examples in context
- 저는 한국에 대해 많이 알고 싶어서 한국어를 배우려고 노력하고 있습니다.I am trying to learn Korean because I want to learn more about Korea.
- 학교에서 한국어를 배우고자 노력하고 있습니다.I am making an effort to learn Korean at school.
- 요즘은 한국 드라마를 보면서 한국어 배우려고 노력해.Lately, I am trying to learn Korean by watching Korean dramas.
- 요즘 한국어를 배우려고 노력하고 있어요.Yojeum Hangugeoreul baeuryeogo noryeokhago isseoyo.I am trying to learn Korean these days.
- 혼자서 한국어를 배우려고 노력하고 있어요.Honjaseo Hangugeoreul baeuryeogo noryeokhago isseoyo.I am trying to learn Korean by myself.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨는 요즘 뭐 해요?do-hyeon ssi-neun yo-jeum mwo hae-yo?Dohyun, what are you doing these days?
- 도현 Do-hyeon저는 한국어를 배우려고 노력하고 있어요.jeo-neun han-gug-eo-reul bae-u-ryeo-go no-ryeok-ha-go is-seo-yo.I am trying to learn Korean.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 멋져요! 계속 파이팅 하세요.jeong-mal meot-jyeo-yo! gye-sok pa-i-ting ha-se-yo.That's really cool! Keep it up.
- 도현 Do-hyeon감사합니다, 지은 씨.gam-sa-ham-ni-da, ji-eun ssi.Thank you, Jieun.
