1. Introduction
Today, we will begin learning basic Korean consonants.
The first set includes ㄱ (giyeok), ㄴ (nieun), ㄷ (digeut), and ㄹ (rieul).
These consonants are very common in Korean words and will help you start forming simple syllables.
2. Consonants
ㄱ (기역, giyeok)
Romanization: g/k
Pronunciation: like g in go at the beginning, like k in kite at the endㄴ (니은, nieun)
Romanization: n
Pronunciation: like n in netㄷ (디귿, digeut)
Romanization: d/t
Pronunciation: like d in dog at the beginning, like t in top at the endㄹ (리을, rieul)
Romanization: r/l
Pronunciation: between r and l. At the beginning closer to r (radio), at the end closer to l (lamp)
3. Pronunciation Tips
ㄱ (giyeok): soft “g” at the beginning of words, stronger “k” at the end.
ㄴ (nieun): always “n,” very straightforward.
ㄷ (digeut): soft “d” at the beginning, “t” at the end.
ㄹ (rieul): between “r” and “l.” At the beginning of words, closer to “r”; at the end, closer to “l.”
4. Practice Syllables
Korean consonants combine with vowels to form syllable blocks.
Here are practice examples with the vowel ㅏ (a):
가 (ga/ka)
나 (na)
다 (da/ta)
라 (ra/la)
Try reading them aloud several times until the sounds feel natural.
5. Cultural Note
The consonant ㄹ (rieul) can be challenging for English speakers because it is a sound between r and l.
This is why many Koreans pronounce English “rice” and “lice” similarly.
Understanding this difference will help you both when learning Korean and when communicating with native speakers.
6. Exercises
Read aloud: 가, 나, 다, 라.
Combine with another vowel ㅣ (i): 기, 니, 디, 리.
Try to recognize these words:
나라 (nara) = country
다리 (dari) = leg, bridge
가구 (gagu) = furniture
7. Summary
Today, you learned the first four consonants of the Korean alphabet:
ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ, ㄹ.
You practiced pronunciation, syllables, and simple words.
These letters will be the foundation for building more complex Korean vocabulary.