TOPIK 6 Grammar — 25 Topics & Common Mistakes

Examples

• 나는 이제 떠나노라.
  Using -노라 in a TOPIK essay: '저는 매일 운동하노라'

  English: I now depart. (classical proclamation) Literal: I-TOP now depart-노라. Focus: -노라 1st-person classical resolve Romanization: Naneun ije tteonanora.

• 진리는 영원하니라.
  Reading -니라 as just -ㄴ다

  English: Truth is eternal. (gnomic) Literal: Truth-TOP eternal-니라. Focus: -니라 gnomic universal truth Romanization: Jilliuneun yeongwonhanira.

• 아름답도다, 우리 조국이여!
  Producing -도다 in conversation: '맛있도다!'

  English: How beautiful, our motherland! Literal: Beautiful-도다, our motherland-VOC! Focus: -도다 exclamatory Romanization: Areumdaptoda, uri jogugiyeo!

Examples

• 이 보고서는 통계 자료에 의하여 작성되었다.
  의해서 / 위해서 in formal academic writing

  English: This report was prepared based on statistical data. Literal: This report-TOP statistics data-에 base-여 was-prepared. Focus: 의하여 set phrase (literary) Romanization: I bogoseoneun tonggye jaryoe uihayeo jakseongdoeeotda.

• 환경 보호를 위하여 노력해야 한다.
  분석했다 in a TOPIK 6 essay or report

  English: We must strive for environmental protection. Literal: Environment protection-ACC for-the-sake-of must-strive. Focus: 위하여 set phrase Romanization: Hwangyeong bohoreul wihayeo noryeokhaeya handa.

• 이 결과는 작년에 비하여 30% 증가하였다.
  Mixing 의하여 ... 했다 in one sentence

  English: This result increased by 30% compared to last year. Literal: This result-TOP last-year-에 compared-여 30% increased-였다. Focus: 비하여 + 하였다 formal past Romanization: I gyeolgwaneun jaknyeone bihayeo 30% jeunggahayeotda.

Examples

• 그가 곧 온다고 하더니 아직도 안 왔네.
  그가 온다더니 (without 한다)

  English: He said he'd come soon, but he still hasn't. Literal: He-NOM soon comes-라고 하 + -더니 still not came. Focus: -라고 한다더니 (said X but reality contradicts) Romanization: Geuga got ondago hadeoni ajikdo an watne.

• 서울 집값이 곧 떨어진다고들 한다.
  사람들 한다 (without 라고들)

  English: People [generally] say Seoul housing prices will soon drop. Literal: Seoul house-prices-NOM soon drop-라고들 한다. Focus: -다고들 한다 (plural reporter/general public) Romanization: Seoul jipgapsi got tteoreojindago-deul handa.

• 그 식당이 정말 맛있다고 하던데요.
  Treating -다고 봐도 무방하다 as 'I think X'

  English: I heard that restaurant is really good. (inviting agreement) Literal: That restaurant-NOM really delicious-라고 하던데요. Focus: -다고 하던데(요) hedged report Romanization: Geu sikdangi jeongmal masitdago hadeondeyo.

Examples

• 열심히 일한다고 노라고 했지만, 사실은 그렇지 못했다.
  Using -노라고 with adjectives: '예쁘노라고'

  English: I claimed I was working hard, but in fact I wasn't. Literal: Hard work-라고 노라고 said-but in-fact-TOP not-was. Focus: -노라고 + 사실은 ironic reflection Romanization: Yeolsimhi ilhandago norago haetjiman, sasireun geureochi mothaetda.

• 그는 공부하노라고 도서관에 갔다.
  Using -노라고 in casual speech: '나 공부하노라고 도서관 가'

  English: He went to the library on the pretext of studying. Literal: He-TOP study-노라고 library-LOC went. Focus: -노라고 ostensible purpose Romanization: Geuneun gongbuhanorago doseogwane gatda.

• 내가 한다고 노라고 한 일이 이 꼴이 되었다.
  Treating -노라고 as neutral 'in order to'

  English: The thing I claimed to do has ended up like this. Literal: I-NOM do-라고 노라고 did thing-NOM this state became. Focus: -노라고 한 일 set phrase Romanization: Naega handago norago han iri i kkori doeeotda.

Examples

• 한글은 세계에서 가장 과학적인 문자로 알려져 있다.
  사람들이 한글을 가장 과학적인 문자라고 알려요.

  English: Hangul is known as the most scientific writing system in the world. Literal: Hangul-TOP world-LOC most scientific writing-system-(으)로 known. Focus: -(으)로 알려져 있다 established fact Romanization: Hangeureun segyeeseo gajang gwahakjeogin munjaro allyeojyeo itda.

• 이 작품은 한국 현대 문학의 걸작으로 여겨진다.
  -(으)로 알려요 (active causative) used as 'is known'

  English: This work is regarded as a masterpiece of Korean modern literature. Literal: This work-TOP Korea modern literature-GEN masterpiece-(으)로 is-regarded. Focus: -(으)로 여겨진다 consensus regard Romanization: I jakpumeun hanguk hyeondae munhagui geoljakeuro yeogyeojinda.

• 그 정책은 효과적이었다고 평가된다.
  -(으)로 여기는 / 여겨요 in academic writing

  English: That policy is evaluated as having been effective. Literal: That policy-TOP effective-was-라고 is-evaluated. Focus: -다고 평가된다 formal evaluation Romanization: Geu jeongchaegeun hyogwajeogieotdago pyeonggadoenda.

Examples

• 내가 반드시 돌아오리라.
  Using -(으)리라 in a TOPIK essay: '나는 열심히 공부하리라'

  English: I shall surely return. (oath/literary) Literal: I-NOM surely return-리라. Focus: -(으)리라 resolute future assertion Romanization: Naega bandeusi doraorira.

• 내일 비가 오리니, 우산을 챙기자.
  Reading -(으)리니 as just -니까

  English: Since it shall rain tomorrow, let us bring umbrellas. Literal: Tomorrow rain-NOM come-리니, umbrella-ACC bring-let's. Focus: -(으)리니 literary causal Romanization: Naeil biga orini, usaneul chaenggija.

• 어찌 그를 잊으리오?
  Treating -(으)리오 as a real question

  English: How could one forget him? (literary rhetorical) Literal: How him forget-리오? Focus: -(으)리오 rhetorical question Romanization: Eojji geureul ijeurio?

Examples

• 왔구나, 봄이!
  Using inversion in academic essays: '주장하는 바이다, 본 연구는'

  English: It has come — spring! Literal: Came-구나, spring-NOM! Focus: Predicate-first dramatic inversion Romanization: Watguna, bomi!

• 그녀의 미소를, 나는 잊을 수 없었다.
  Overusing inversion in a single paragraph

  English: Her smile — I could not forget. Literal: Her smile-ACC, I-TOP forget cannot. Focus: Object-fronting for emotional focus Romanization: Geunyeoui misoreul, naneun ijeul su eopseotda.

• 잊을 수 없었다, 그녀의 미소를.
  Treating inverted V-S as ungrammatical

  English: I could not forget — her smile. Literal: Forget cannot, her smile-ACC. Focus: Right-dislocation (afterthought) Romanization: Ijeul su eopseotda, geunyeoui misoreul.

Examples

• 그는 책을 펼치며 한숨을 쉬고, 잠시 창밖을 바라보다가 다시 글을 읽기 시작했다.
  Stringing 5+ -고s in a row: 'A하고 B하고 C하고 D하고 E했다'

  English: Opening the book and sighing, he gazed out the window for a moment, then began reading again. Literal: He-TOP book-ACC open-며 sigh-고, briefly window-out-ACC gaze-다가 again writing-ACC read began. Focus: -며 + -고 + -다가 chained Romanization: Geuneun chaegeul pyeolchimyeo hansumeul swigo, jamsi changbakkeul barabodaga dasi geureul ilkgi sijakaetda.

• 비가 오자 사람들은 우산을 펴고, 발걸음을 재촉하며 지하철역으로 향했다.
  Switching subjects mid-chain without marking: '나는 책을 읽으며 친구가 음악을 들었다'

  English: As soon as the rain came, people opened umbrellas and, quickening their steps, headed for the subway station. Literal: Rain-NOM come-자 people-TOP umbrella open-고, step-ACC quicken-며 subway-toward headed. Focus: -자 + -고 + -며 sequence Romanization: Biga oja saramdeureun usaneul pyeogo, balgeoreumeul jaechokhamyeo jihacheoryeogeuro hyanghaetda.

• 이 정책은 도입 초기에 비판을 받았으나, 점차 효과가 입증되면서 지지를 얻게 되었다.
  Aspect mismatch: '비가 오자 사람들이 우산을 펴고 있다'

  English: This policy was criticized in its early stages, but as its effects were gradually proven, it came to gain support. Literal: This policy-TOP introduction early-stage criticized-but, gradually effect-NOM proven-면서 support-ACC came-to-gain. Focus: -으나 (literary 'but') + -면서 chain Romanization: I jeongchaegeun doip chogie bipaneul badasseuna, jeomcha hyogwaga ipjeungdoeemyeonseo jijireul eotge doeeotda.

Examples

• 김 작가는 매일 새벽에 일어난다. 글을 쓰며 차를 마신다. 정오쯤 산책을 나간다. 저녁에는 가족과 시간을 보낸다.
  Over-marking with -은/는: '그는 일어났다. 그는 글을 썼다. 그는 산책을 했다.'

  English: Writer Kim wakes early every morning. [She] writes while drinking tea. [She] goes for a walk around noon. In the evening [she] spends time with family. Literal: Kim writer-TOP every-day dawn rises. Writing tea drinks. Noon-around walk goes-out. Evening family-with time spends. Focus: Topic introduced once, then omitted across 3 sentences Romanization: Kim jakganeun maeil saebyeoge ireonanda. Geureul sseumyeo chareul masinda. Jeongojjeum sanchaegeul nagaанда. Jeonyeoge gajokgwa siganeul bonaenda.

• 이 정책은 도입 당시 큰 논란을 일으켰다. 비판이 거셌고, 반대 시위도 잇따랐다. 그러나 시행 후 효과가 입증되면서 점차 지지를 얻게 되었다.
  Switching topics without marker: 'A했다. B했다.' (where B's subject is different)

  English: This policy stirred great controversy at its introduction. Criticism was harsh, and protests followed. However, after implementation, as effects were proven, [it] gradually gained support. Literal: This policy-TOP introduction-time big controversy stirred. Criticism harsh-and, protest followed. But implementation after effect proven-며 gradually support gained. Focus: Topic 정책 continues implicitly across 3 sentences Romanization: I jeongchaegeun doip dangsi keun nollaneul ireukyeotda. Bipani geosyeotgo, bandae siwido ittarat-da. Geureona sihaeng hu hyogwaga ipjeungdoeemyeonseo jeomcha jijireul eotge doeeotda.

• 그분은 평생 한 우물만 팠다. 어려운 시절도 있었지만 포기하지 않았다. 결국 자신의 분야에서 최고가 되었다.
  Resuming a topic after diversion without re-marker

  English: That person dug only one well their whole life. There were hard times, but [they] did not give up. In the end, [they] became the best in their field. Literal: That-person-TOP whole-life one well-only dug. Hard times-also existed-but give-up not-did. Eventually own field-LOC best became. Focus: Implicit subject across 3 sentences Romanization: Geubuneun pyeongsaeng han umulman pat-da. Eoryeoun sijeoldo isseotjiman pogihaji anatda. Gyeolguk jasinui bunyaeseo choegoga doeeotda.

Examples

• 그녀야말로 우리 시대의 진정한 영웅이다.
  -(이)야말로 used like neutral -은/는: '그야말로는 회사원이다'

  English: She IS the true hero of our age. Literal: She-(이)야말로 our era-GEN true hero-COP. Focus: -(이)야말로 quintessential identification Romanization: Geunyeoyamallo uri sidaeui jinjeonghan yeongungida.

• 진정한 리더라야만 이런 결정을 내릴 수 있다.
  결코 without negation: '결코 가겠다'

  English: Only a true leader can make this kind of decision. Literal: True leader-(이)라야만 this-kind decision make can. Focus: -(이)라야(만) exclusive conditional Romanization: Jinjeonghan rideoraman irreon gyeoljeongeul naeril su itda.

• 이 작품은 가히 한국 문학의 정수라 할 만하다.
  차마 without negation: '차마 봤다'

  English: This work can fittingly be called the essence of Korean literature. Literal: This work-TOP fittingly Korea literature-GEN essence-라 say worthy. Focus: 가히 + 할 만하다 literary intensifier Romanization: I jakpumeun gahi hanguk munhagui jeongsura hal manhada.

Examples

• 그 사람에게도 좋은 데가 있어요.
  Direct assertion in delicate contexts: '그건 틀렸어요'

  English: There IS something good about that person too. Literal: That person-also good aspect-NOM exist. Focus: -(으)ㄴ 데가 있다 acknowledging aspect Romanization: Geu saramegedo joeun dega isseoyo.

• 내일 비가 올까 싶어요.
  -(으)ㄹ까 싶다 used for certain future events

  English: I wonder if it might rain tomorrow. Literal: Tomorrow rain-NOM come-ㄹ까 wonder. Focus: -(으)ㄹ까 싶다 tentative Romanization: Naeil biga olkka sipeoyo.

• 이 방법이 더 효율적이지 않을까요?
  Treating -지 않을까(요) as simple negation question

  English: Wouldn't this method be more efficient? Literal: This method more efficient-not-be-ㄹ까? Focus: -지 않을까(요)? cautious affirmative Romanization: I bangbeobi deo hyoyuljeogiji aneulkkayo?

Examples

• 참 잘했다! (한숨 쉬며)
  Reading sarcastic '참 잘했다' as genuine praise

  English: Great job! (sarcastic — with a sigh) Literal: Really well-did! (sighing) Focus: Contradictory praise Romanization: Cham jalhaetda! (hansum swimyeo)

• 그게 가능하다고요? 정말 대단하시네요.
  Producing written sarcasm without explicit cues

  English: That's possible? How impressive of you. (sarcastic) Literal: That-NOM possible-라고요? Really impressive-네요. Focus: Emphatic faux-praise Romanization: Geuge ganeunghadagoyo? Jeongmal daedanhasineyo.

• 얼마나 좋겠어요, 매일 야근하는 게.
  Using sarcasm with elders/superiors/strangers

  English: How wonderful it must be — working overtime every day. (sarcastic) Literal: How wonderful would-be, every-day overtime do. Focus: 얼마나 + skeptical context Romanization: Eolmana joketsseoyo, maeil yageunhaneun ge.

Examples

• [회의 도입] 오늘 회의에 참석해 주셔서 감사합니다. [회의 중반] 아, 그런데 이 부분은 좀 더 논의해 봐야 할 것 같아요.
  Switching from 합쇼체 to 반말 mid-meeting without rapport reason

  English: [Opening, 합쇼체] Thank you for attending today's meeting. [Mid-discussion, 해요체] Oh, but I think this part needs more discussion. Literal: [합쇼체] Today meeting attend-deferential thank. [해요체] Oh, this part more discuss must-do. Focus: Formal opening → friendly discussion shift Romanization: [Meeting opening] Oneul hoeuie chamsokhae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida. [Meeting middle] A, geureonde i bubuneun jom deo nonuihae bwaya hal geot gatayo.

• 이 작품의 주인공은 가난한 농부이다. 그는 매일 새벽 4시에 일어난다. 들에 나가 일을 한다. 저녁에는 가족과 둘러앉아 밥을 먹는다.
  Writing an essay entirely in 한다체 then closing in 해요체

  English: [한다체 vivid narration in essay] The protagonist of this work is a poor farmer. He wakes at 4 a.m. every day. He goes out to the fields and works. In the evening, he sits with his family and eats. Literal: This work protagonist-TOP poor farmer-COP. He every-day dawn-4-LOC wakes. Fields-LOC go-out work does. Evening family-with sit-around meal eats. Focus: 한다체 for present-tense vivid narrative Romanization: I jakpumui juingongeun gananhan nongbuida. Geuneun maeil saebyeok 4sie ireonanda. Deure naga ireul handa. Jeonyeoge gajokgwa dulleo-anja babeul meongneunda.

• 그분께서 "저도 함께 도와드리겠습니다"라고 말씀하셨다.
  Quoting an elder in casual register: '할아버지가 "가자"라고 했어요'

  English: He said, "I will help you too." (preserving honorific 드리다 + -겠습니다 inside quote) Literal: He-HON-NOM "I-also together help-give-will"-라고 spoke-HON. Focus: Preserving honorific register in quotation Romanization: Geubunkkeseo "Jeodo hamkke dowadeurigetseumnida"-rago malsseumhasyeotda.

Examples

• 참여자는 학생, 교사, 학부모 등이었다.
  Producing 之 / 也 in modern essays: '한국지역사' for 'Korean history'

  English: Participants included students, teachers, parents, etc. Literal: Participants-TOP students, teachers, parents et-cetera-were. Focus: 等 (등) 'and others' from Classical Chinese Romanization: Chamyeojaneun haksaeng, gyosa, hakbumo deungieotda.

• 농자천하지대본 (農者天下之大本)이라는 말이 있다.
  Treating 等 / 등 as casual 'and so on'

  English: There is a saying 'Agriculture is the great foundation of the world.' Literal: Agriculture-the-world-之-great-foundation-quote saying exist. Focus: 之 (지) classical genitive in fixed idiom Romanization: Nongja-cheonhajidaebon-iraneun mari itda.

• 공자께서 가라사대 '온고지신 (溫故知新)'이라 하셨다.
  Saying 'gone-go-ji-sin' word-by-word ignoring structure

  English: Confucius said, 'Reviewing the old, one knows the new.' Literal: Confucius-NOM-HON said 'review-old-know-new'-라 said. Focus: Classical 'said' (子曰 / 가라사대) + 4-character idiom Romanization: Gongjakkeseo garasadae 'on-go-ji-sin'-ira hasyeotda.

Examples

• 전하, 명을 거두어 주옵소서.
  Using -옵- in everyday speech: '제가 가옵니다'

  English: Your Majesty, please withdraw the command. (sageuk court speech) Literal: Majesty-VOC, command-ACC withdraw-give-옵소서. Focus: -옵소서 humble imperative to king Romanization: Jeonha, myeongeul geoduoe juopsosseo.

• 들으옵소서, 주여. 저희의 기도를 받아 주시옵소서.
  Confusing -옵소서 with imperative -십시오

  English: Hear us, O Lord. Please accept our prayer. Literal: Hear-옵소서, Lord-VOC. Our prayer-ACC receive-give-시-옵소서. Focus: -옵소서 in Christian prayer + lexical humble 저희 Romanization: Deureuopsoseo, juyeo. Jeohuui gidoreul bada jusiopsoseo.

• 전하께 아뢰옵나이다.
  Treating -나이다 as decorative without humble layer

  English: I respectfully inform Your Majesty. (sageuk) Literal: Majesty-DAT inform-옵-나이다. Focus: 아뢰옵나이다 humble declarative Romanization: Jeonhakke aroeopnaida.

Examples

• [한다체 narrative, present-tense vivid] 그는 어두운 골목을 걷는다. 그림자가 길게 늘어진다. 어디선가 발소리가 들린다.
  Switching from 한다체 to 했다체 mid-novel without motivation

  English: [present-tense, vivid] He walks down the dark alley. Shadows stretch long. Somewhere, footsteps are heard. Literal: He-TOP dark alley walks. Shadows long stretch. Somewhere footsteps heard. Focus: 한다체 narrative tense in vivid scene Romanization: Geuneun eoduun golmogeul geotneunda. Geurimjaga gilge neureojinda. Eodisengga balsoriga deullinda.

• [했다체 narrative, retrospective] 그날 밤, 그녀는 오랫동안 잠을 이루지 못했다. 창밖에서 들리는 빗소리만이 그녀의 외로움을 어루만졌다.
  Mixing 1인칭 and 전지적 in one scene: '나는 ~했다. 그러나 그녀의 마음속에는…'

  English: [past-tense, reflective] That night, she could not sleep for a long time. Only the sound of rain from outside the window caressed her loneliness. Literal: That night, she-TOP long-time sleep achieve cannot. Window-from heard rain-sound-only her loneliness caressed. Focus: 했다체 narrative + omniscient interior access Romanization: Geunal bam, geunyeoneun oraettongan jameul iruji mothaetda. Changbakkeseo deullineun bitsoriman-i geunyeoui oeroumeul eorumanjeotda.

• [1인칭] 나는 어릴 적부터 바다를 좋아했다. 그 짠 내음, 그 소리, 모두가 내 마음을 흔들었다.
  Using 해요체 in literary narrative

  English: [1st-person] I have loved the sea since I was young. That salty smell, that sound — all of it stirred my heart. Literal: I-TOP young time-from sea-ACC loved. That salty smell, that sound, all-NOM my heart-ACC stirred. Focus: 1인칭 시점 + literary lexical (내음) Romanization: Naneun eoril jeokbuteo badareul joahaetda. Geu jjan naeum, geu sori, moduga nae maeumeul heundeureotda.

Examples

• [opening softener] 먼저 양해를 부탁드립니다. [fact] 현재 진행 중인 프로젝트의 일정이 다소 빡빡한 상황입니다. [concern] 한 가지 우려되는 점은 품질 검토 시간이 충분히 확보되기 어렵다는 것입니다. [alternative] 한 가지 제안을 드리자면, 일정을 일주일 연장하는 방안은 어떠실지요. [request] 신중히 검토해 주시면 감사하겠습니다.
  Going direct without opener: '일정 연장해 주세요'

  English: [full chain] First, let me ask for your understanding. The current project schedule is rather tight. One concern is that we may not have enough time for quality review. May I propose extending the schedule by one week? I would be grateful if you could consider this carefully. Literal: First understanding ask. Currently progressing project schedule rather tight situation. One concerning point quality review time enough secure difficult. One proposal-give-자면, schedule one-week extend plan how-be-지요. Carefully review-give thank-if grateful. Focus: Full 5-step speech act chain Romanization: Meonjeo yanghaereul butakdeurimnida. Hyeonjae jinhaeng jung-in peurojekteuui iljeong-i daso ppakppakan sanghwangimnida. Han gaji uryeodoeneun jeomeun pumjil geomto sigani chungbunhi hwakbodoegi eoryeopdaneun geosimnida. Han gaji jeaneul deurijamyeon, iljeongeul iljuil yeonjanghaneun bangani eotteosiljiyo. Sinjungi geomtohae jusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida.

• 외람되지만 한 말씀 드려도 될까요?
  Stacking 5+ softeners before the ask

  English: It may be presumptuous, but may I say a word? Literal: Presumptuous-but one word may-give-may? Focus: 외람되지만 opening softener Romanization: Oeramdoejiman han malsseum deuryeodo doelkkayo?

• 말씀하신 부분은 충분히 이해합니다. 다만 한 가지 다른 관점에서 보자면…
  Skipping acknowledgment of other's position before pushback

  English: I fully understand the point you've made. However, from one other perspective… Literal: Said-HON part-TOP fully understand. But one different perspective-from look-자면… Focus: Acknowledge + pivot to counter-view Romanization: Malsseumhasin bubuneun chungbunhi ihaehamnida. Daman han gaji dareun gwanjeomeseo bojamyeon…

Examples

• [축사 opening] 자리에 함께해 주신 내빈 여러분, 안녕하십니까. 오늘 ○○ 님의 결혼식에 참석해 주셔서 진심으로 감사드립니다.
  Using 해요체 in ceremonial speech: '오늘 결혼하는 두 사람을 축하해요'

  English: [Wedding congratulatory opening] Distinguished guests who have joined us, hello. I sincerely thank you for attending ○○'s wedding today. Literal: Place-LOC together-do-given guest gentlemen, hello. Today ○○ Mr./Ms. wedding attend-give-so sincerely thank. Focus: 축사 standard opening Romanization: Jarie hamkkehae jusin naebin yeoreobun, annyeonghasimnikka. Oneul ○○ nimui gyeolhonsige chamseokhae jusyeoseo jinsimeuro gamsadeurimnida.

• [축사 closing] 두 분의 앞날에 무궁한 행복과 사랑이 함께하기를 진심으로 기원합니다.
  Omitting 삼가 / 진심으로 / 부디 in eulogy

  English: [Wedding closing wish] I sincerely wish that endless happiness and love accompany the future of the two of you. Literal: Two-people-GEN future-LOC endless happiness-and love accompany-기-ACC sincerely wish. Focus: 축사 closing 기원 Romanization: Du bunui apnare mugunghan haengbokgwa sarangi hamkkehagireul jinsimeuro giwonhamnida.

• [송사 opening] 오늘 우리는 30년간 회사를 위해 헌신해 오신 ○○ 부장님을 떠나보내는 자리에 모였습니다.
  Using casual lexicon: '두 사람 행복하게 살아요'

  English: [Retirement farewell] Today we have gathered to send off Director ○○, who has devoted 30 years to the company. Literal: Today we-TOP 30-year-during company-ACC for devoted come-HON ○○ director-HON-ACC send-off place gathered. Focus: 송사 retirement opening Romanization: Oneul urineun 30nyeon-gan hoesareul wihae heonsinhae osin ○○ bujangnimeul tteonaboaneun jarie moyeosseumnida.

Examples

• 조심스럽게 말씀드리자면, 제시하신 조건에는 다소 우려되는 점이 있습니다.
  Hearing '긍정적으로 검토하겠습니다' as agreement

  English: Speaking cautiously, there are some concerns with the conditions you have presented. Literal: Cautiously say-자면, presented-HON condition-LOC somewhat concerning point exist. Focus: 조심스럽게 말씀드리자면 + 우려되는 점 Romanization: Josimseureopge malsseumdeurijamyeon, jesihasin jogeoneneun daso uryeodoeneun jeomi itseumnida.

• 한 가지 대안을 제시드리자면, 일정을 단계적으로 나누어 진행하는 방안은 어떠실까요?
  Direct refusal: '안 됩니다'

  English: May I suggest an alternative: how about proceeding with the schedule in phases? Literal: One alternative present-give-자면, schedule phase-step divide-and proceed plan-NOM how-be-시-까요? Focus: 한 가지 대안 + 어떠실까요 Romanization: Han gaji daeaneul jesidirijamyeon, iljeongeul dangye-jeogeuro nanueo jinhaenghaneun bangani eotteosilkkayo?

• 이 부분은 가격 조정을 전제로 진행 가능하다고 봅니다.
  Skipping concern/condition framing: '500만 원만 더 주세요'

  English: I believe this part can proceed on the premise of price adjustment. Literal: This part-TOP price adjustment-ACC premise-as proceed possible see. Focus: ~을 전제로 conditional Romanization: I bubuneun gagyeok jojeongeul jeonjero jinhaeng ganeunghadago bomnida.

Examples

• [English novel → Korean translation, 했다체 retrospective] He walked into the room. → 그는 방으로 걸어 들어갔다.
  Translating English neutral 'he said' without choosing Korean honorific status

  English: Standard literary translation: past-tense 3rd-person narration Literal: He-TOP room-into walking entered. Focus: 했다체 + 3인칭 retrospective Romanization: Geuneun bangeuro georeo deureogatda.

• [Children's book translation, 해요체 narration] The bear was hungry. → 곰이 배가 고팠어요.
  Using 한다체 in children's book translation

  English: Children's narration: -었어요 friendly past, simple lexicon Literal: Bear-NOM stomach hungry-was-요. Focus: Children's book 해요체 Romanization: Gomi baega gopasseoyo.

• [Business contract translation, 합쇼체 + Sino-Korean] The parties agree to the following terms. → 양 당사자는 다음 조건에 동의합니다.
  Translating subtitle dialogue all in 해요체 regardless of character relationships

  English: Legal/business: 합쇼체 + Sino-Korean (당사자, 조건, 동의) Literal: Both party-TOP next condition-LOC agree. Focus: Legal Sino-Korean elevation Romanization: Yang dangsajaneun daum jogeone donguihamnida.

Examples

• 인생은 새옹지마라는 말처럼, 좋은 일도 나쁜 일도 영원하지 않다.
  새옹지마 used to mean 'unlucky'

  English: As the saying 'fortune is unpredictable' goes, neither good nor bad lasts forever. Literal: Life-TOP fortune-unpredictable-quote saying-like, good event-also bad event-also not-eternal. Focus: 새옹지마 commenting on reversal Romanization: Insaeng-eun saeongjimaraneun malcheoreom, joeun ildo nappeun ildo yeongwonhaji anta.

• 견물생심이라고, 비싼 물건을 보면 자꾸 갖고 싶어진다.
  Using 청출어람 about oneself

  English: As 'seeing arouses desire' suggests, the more I see expensive items, the more I want them. Literal: Greed-from-seeing-quote, expensive thing see-if repeatedly have want-become. Focus: 견물생심 moral cautionary Romanization: Gyeonmulsaengsim-irago, bissan mulgeoneul bomyeon jakku gatgo sipeojinda.

• 그 제자는 스승을 뛰어넘었으니, 그야말로 청출어람이다.
  결자해지 in moral judgment outside conflict context

  English: That disciple surpassed the master — truly a case of 'blue surpassing indigo'. Literal: That disciple-TOP master-ACC surpassed-since, truly student-surpasses-master-COP. Focus: 청출어람 praise Romanization: Geu jejaneun seuseung-eul ttwieoneomeosseuni, geuyamallo cheongchureoramida.

Examples

• '가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다'는 말처럼, 친절은 결국 자신에게 돌아온다.
  Word-for-word translation: '천 리 길도 한 걸음부터' = '1000-li road one step'

  English: As the proverb 'kind words bring kind words back' says, kindness eventually returns to oneself. Literal: 'Going word kind-must come word kind'-라는 saying-like, kindness eventually self-LOC returns. Focus: Reciprocity proverb deployment Romanization: 'Ganeun mari gowaya oneun mari gopda'-neun malcheoreom, chinjeoreun gyeolguk jasinegae doraonda.

• '천 리 길도 한 걸음부터'라는 속담처럼, 큰일도 작은 시작에서 비롯된다.
  Misordering set frames: '말처럼 ~라는'

  English: As the proverb 'a thousand-li journey begins with one step' goes, great undertakings start with small beginnings. Literal: '1000-li road-also one step-from'-라는 proverb-like, big-matter-also small start-from originates. Focus: Perseverance proverb deployment Romanization: 'Cheon ri gildo han georeumbuteo'-raneun sokdamcheoreom, keunildo jageun sijagseseo birotdoeenda.

• '백문이 불여일견'이라는 말이 있듯이, 직접 가서 보는 것이 가장 확실하다.
  Using a proverb that doesn't fit the topic

  English: As the saying 'a hundred hearings are worse than one seeing' goes, going and seeing directly is most certain. Literal: '100-hearing-NOM not-equal-1-seeing'-라는 saying exist-듯이, directly go see thing-NOM most certain. Focus: Sino-Korean 백문이 불여일견 Romanization: 'Baekmuni buryeoilgyeon'-iraneun mari itdeusi, jikjeop gaseo boneun geoshi gajang hwaksilhada.

Examples

• 이 정책은 인권 보장을 위한 것이다.
  카드 결재 해 주세요. (= card approval, nonsense)

  English: This policy is for the guarantee/protection of human rights. Literal: This policy-TOP human-rights guarantee-ACC for thing-COP. Focus: 보장 (保障) = guarantee/protection of rights/safety Romanization: I jeongchaegeun ingwon bojangeul wihan geoshida.

• 피해자에게 충분한 보상을 해 주어야 한다.
  자기 개발 (self-development of objects?)

  English: Adequate compensation must be given to victims. Literal: Victim-DAT sufficient compensation-ACC give must. Focus: 보상 (補償) = compensation for harm Romanization: Pihaejaegae chungbunhan bosangeul hae jueoya handa.

• 이 제품은 1년간 품질 보증이 됩니다.
  인권 보상 (compensation for human rights?)

  English: This product comes with a 1-year quality warranty. Literal: This product-TOP 1-year quality warranty-NOM is. Focus: 보증 (保證) = warranty/surety Romanization: I jepumeun 1nyeon-gan pumjil bojeungi doemnida.

Examples

• 이 정책은 국민의 삶에 큰 영향을 미친다.
  사고의 영향으로 많은 사람이 다쳤다.

  English: This policy has a great influence on people's lives. Literal: This policy-TOP people-GEN life-LOC big influence affects. Focus: 영향 general influence Romanization: I jeongchaegeun gungminui salme keun yeonghyangeul michinda.

• 코로나의 여파로 많은 자영업자가 어려움을 겪고 있다.
  이번 사건이 큰 영향을 낳았다

  English: In the aftermath of COVID, many self-employed people are suffering hardship. Literal: COVID-GEN aftermath-with many self-employed-NOM hardship enduring. Focus: 여파 aftermath (negative) Romanization: Koronaui yeoparo manheun jayeongeopjjaga eoryeoumeul gyeoggo itda.

• 그의 발언이 사회적으로 큰 파장을 일으켰다.
  감소 동향 (decrease movement)

  English: His remark caused a great social ripple effect. Literal: His remark-NOM socially big ripple-ACC caused. Focus: 파장 social ripple/repercussion Romanization: Geuui bareoni sahoejeogeuro keun pajangeul ireukyeotda.

Examples

• MZ세대는 워라밸을 가장 중시한다.
  Using 갓생 in a TOPIK essay or business email

  English: The MZ generation values work-life balance the most. Literal: MZ-generation-TOP work-life-balance most values. Focus: MZ세대 + 워라밸 (mainstream now) Romanization: MZ-sedaeneun worabaereul gajang jungsihanda.

• 요즘 젊은 사람들 사이에서 갓생 트렌드가 유행이다.
  Using 헬조선 to elders/strangers/conservative contexts

  English: The 'god-life' trend is popular among young people these days. Literal: Recently young people among god-life trend popular. Focus: 갓생 lifestyle neologism Romanization: Yojeum jeolmeun saramdeul saieseo gatsaeng teurendeuga yuhaengida.

• 본업 외에 부캐로 유튜브를 운영한다.
  Using 흙수저/금수저 in formal academic writing

  English: Apart from my main job, I run YouTube as a side identity. Literal: Main-job besides sub-character-as YouTube run. Focus: 부캐 (side identity) Romanization: Boneop oee bukaero yutyubeureul unyeonghanda.