1. Introduction
Now that you have learned the basic consonants, it’s time to start with vowels.
In Hangeul, vowels are just as important as consonants because every Korean syllable must contain at least one consonant and one vowel.
Today, we will study the first four vowels: ㅏ (a), ㅑ (ya), ㅓ (eo), and ㅕ (yeo).
2. Vowels (세로 정리)
ㅏ (a)
Pronunciation: like a in father
Example: 가 (ga)ㅑ (ya)
Pronunciation: like ya in yacht
Example: 야 (ya)ㅓ (eo)
Pronunciation: no exact English match; close to uh in sun, but more open
Example: 서 (seo)ㅕ (yeo)
Pronunciation: similar to yuh in young
Example: 여 (yeo)
3. Pronunciation Tips
Notice the difference between ㅏ (a) and ㅓ (eo).
ㅏ is more open and fronted, like “ah.”
ㅓ is deeper and more central, like “uh.”
Adding the extra stroke (ㅏ → ㅑ, ㅓ → ㅕ) adds the “y” sound.
4. Practice Syllables
With consonant ㄱ (g/k):
가 (ga), 갸 (gya), 거 (geo), 겨 (gyeo)
With consonant ㄴ (n):
나 (na), 냐 (nya), 너 (neo), 녀 (nyeo)
5. Exercises
Say aloud pairs: ㅏ vs ㅓ, ㅑ vs ㅕ.
Write the syllables: 가, 나, 서, 여.
Try to recognize these words:
나라 (nara) = country
여자 (yeoja) = woman
언어 (eoneo) = language
6. Summary
Today, you learned the first four vowels:
ㅏ (a), ㅑ (ya), ㅓ (eo), ㅕ (yeo).
You practiced combining them with consonants and learned simple words.
These vowels are very common and will appear in many Korean words.