Gaining proficiency in a foreign language involves mastering a wide range of vocabulary. In Korean, one commonly used term is “pass.” Whether you’re seeking ways to express “pass” as a verb, noun, or in different contexts, this guide will provide you with formal and informal expressions, as well as various examples. So, let’s explore how to say “pass” in Korean!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Pass” in Korean
When speaking formally or in a polite setting, Korean offers a few options to convey the English word “pass”. Let’s take a look at some common examples:
1.1 지나가다 (jinagada)
This verb is commonly used to express “to pass by” or “to go past.” It indicates movement or passing through a place. Here are a few examples:
지하철이 지나갔어요. (Jihacheori jinagasseoyo.)
(The subway passed by.)나는 학교 앞을 지나갔어요. (Naneun hakgyo apeul jinagasseoyo.)
(I passed in front of the school.)
1.2 통과하다 (tonggwahada)
This phrase is used when referring to passing through something, such as an exam, a checkpoint, or a gate. It pertains to any form of clearance. Here are a couple of examples:
강의실로 통과하려면 이 곳을 지나가야 해요. (Ganguisillo tonggwaharyeomyeon i goseul jinagaya haeyo.)
(To pass through to the lecture hall, you have to pass this place.)식별증을 보여주셔야 통과할 수 있습니다. (Sikbyeoljeung-eul boyeojusyeoya tonggwahal su issseumnida.)
(You must show your identification card to pass.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Pass” in Korean
Informal language, frequently used among friends, family, or in casual settings, offers its own expressions for “pass” in Korean. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples:
2.1 지나다 (jinada)
This verb is the informal equivalent of “지나가다” (jinagada). It is commonly used when casually referring to passing by or passing through a place. Examples include:
집 앞에서 지나다. (Jip apeseo jinada.)
(Pass by in front of the house.)공원을 지나다. (Gong-woneul jinada.)
(Pass through the park.)
2.2 됐어 (dwaesseo)
This expression is often used colloquially to mean “enough” or “forget about it.” When used as a response, it can convey the idea of “passing” a topic or situation. Here are a couple of examples:
그거 됐어. 다른 얘기 해. (Geugeo dwaesseo. Dareun yaegi hae.)
(Forget about that. Let’s talk about something else.)싸움 하지 말고 됐어. (Ssaum haji malgo dwaesseo.)
(Don’t fight, let it pass.)
3. Additional Tips and Usage
Now that we’ve covered the basic translations of “pass” in Korean, here are a few additional tips to help you use the term more accurately:
3.1 Context Matters
Consider that meanings of words can change based on the context. This applies to “pass” as well. Always take into account the surrounding sentences or situations for accurate usage.
3.2 Regional Variations
In general, the terms provided above are widely understood among Koreans across regions. However, it’s worth noting that slight variations may exist in different dialects. For most everyday conversations, sticking with the standard expressions will suffice.
3.3 Active Learning
Practicing what you’ve learned is crucial for language acquisition. Consider using the Korean word for “pass” in various sentences to solidify your understanding and actively engage with the language. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.
4. Conclusion
Congratulations on learning multiple ways to say “pass” in Korean! You can now navigate different situations with confidence, knowing how to express the concept accurately. Remember, the formal options include “지나가다” (jinagada) and “통과하다” (tonggwahada), while the informal choices are “지나다” (jinada) and “됐어” (dwaesseo). Keep practicing and expanding your vocabulary to improve your overall Korean skills. Happy learning!
