[Learn Korean] #011 Compound Vowels 3 (ㅝ, ㅞ, ㅟ)

1. Introduction

We have learned compound vowels formed with ㅗ (o).
Today, we will continue with three compound vowels formed with ㅜ (u):
ㅝ (wo), ㅞ (we), and ㅟ (wi).

2. Vowels

• ㅝ (wo)
  Pronunciation: like wo in wonder
  Example: 워 (wo) = syllable, used in words like 원 (won, currency unit)

• ㅞ (we)
  Pronunciation: like we in wet, but short and sharp
  Example: 웨 (we) = syllable, used in words like 웨딩 (weding, wedding)

• ㅟ (wi)
  Pronunciation: like wi in week
  Example: 위 (wi) = above, stomach

3. Pronunciation Tips

• ㅝ = ㅜ + ㅓ (u + eo)

• ㅞ = ㅜ + ㅔ (u + e)

• ㅟ = ㅜ + ㅣ (u + i)

• In modern Korean, ㅞ is not very common and often sounds like ㅚ or ㅙ.

• ㅟ is very frequent in daily vocabulary (위, 위치, 위험).

4. Practice Syllables

With consonant ㄱ (g/k):

• 과 → [from earlier], now: 궈 (gwo), 궤 (gwe), 귀 (gwi)

With consonant ㅂ (b/p):

• 붜 (bwo), 붸 (bwe), 뷔 (bwi)

5. Exercises

1. Practice comparing: 워 vs 웨 vs 위.

2. Write and read aloud: 원, 웨딩, 위치.

3. Try to recognize these words:

   • 원 (won) = Korean currency

   • 웨딩 (weding) = wedding

   • 위치 (wichi) = location

   • 위험 (wiheom) = danger

6. Summary

Today, you learned three compound vowels formed with ㅜ:
ㅝ (wo), ㅞ (we), ㅟ (wi).
They are common in many everyday words, especially 위 (wi) and 원 (won).