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“I’m studying Korean” in Korean: 한국어를 공부하고 있어요

한국어를 공부하고 있어요

hangugeoreul gongbuhago isseoyo

Situation: Introductions & meeting peopleLevel: Beginner (TOPIK 1–2)

Meaning

I’m studying Korean.

Usage note

-고 있어요 means “in the middle of doing.” A classic line for learners introducing themselves.

Romanization follows the Revised Romanization system and is a guide to pronunciation.

Practical guide

When to use it

Tell new acquaintances you are studying Korean. Koreans often reply with praise, so be ready for 대단하네요!.

Watch out

-고 있어요 stresses that you are in the process of studying. For a plain habit, 한국어를 공부해요 is simpler, and 배웠어요 describes something you have already finished.

How to pronounce it

Syllables: 11 · Words: 3

In natural speech, sounds link and shift across words. The table below reads each word separately, as it sounds when said on its own.

Syllable	Letters (consonant + vowel + final)	Romanization
한국어를
한	ㅎ+ㅏ+ㄴ	han
국	ㄱ+ㅜ+ㄱ	[구] gu
어	ㅇ+ㅓ	[거] geo
를	ㄹ+ㅡ+ㄹ	reul
공부하고
공	ㄱ+ㅗ+ㅇ	gong
부	ㅂ+ㅜ	bu
하	ㅎ+ㅏ	ha
고	ㄱ+ㅗ	go
있어요
있	ㅇ+ㅣ+ㅆ	[이] i
어	ㅇ+ㅓ	[써] sseo
요	ㅇ+ㅛ	yo

A ㅇ at the start of a syllable is silent; at the end of a syllable it sounds like “ng”.

Sound changes in this phrase

Linking: when a syllable ending in a consonant (patchim) is followed by a syllable that starts with a vowel, the consonant moves over to the next syllable. 국어 → [구거]