1. Introduction
In the previous lesson, we studied the vowels ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, and ㅕ.
Today, we will continue with four more vowels: ㅗ (o), ㅛ (yo), ㅜ (u), and ㅠ (yu).
These are rounded vowels, produced by shaping the lips into a round position.
2. Vowels
ㅗ (o)
Pronunciation: like o in go (without the final “w” sound)
Example: 고 (go)ㅛ (yo)
Pronunciation: like yo in yoga
Example: 요 (yo)ㅜ (u)
Pronunciation: like oo in food
Example: 구 (gu)ㅠ (yu)
Pronunciation: like you in youth
Example: 유 (yu)
3. Pronunciation Tips
ㅗ and ㅛ are pronounced with the lips more forward, closer to English “o.”
ㅜ and ㅠ are closer to English “oo.”
Adding the extra stroke again makes the “y” sound (ㅗ → ㅛ, ㅜ → ㅠ).
4. Practice Syllables
With consonant ㄱ (g/k):
고 (go), 교 (gyo), 구 (gu), 규 (gyu)
With consonant ㅂ (b/p):
보 (bo), 뵤 (byo), 부 (bu), 뷰 (byu)
5. Exercises
Compare pairs: ㅗ vs ㅜ, ㅛ vs ㅠ.
Write and read aloud: 요, 구, 규.
Try to recognize these words:
우유 (uyu) = milk
요리 (yori) = cooking
부모 (bumo) = parents
6. Summary
Today, you learned the rounded vowels:
ㅗ (o), ㅛ (yo), ㅜ (u), ㅠ (yu).
These vowels are used in many everyday words, such as 우유 (milk) and 부모 (parents).