Practicing Korean Set Phrases and Idioms: Exercises

Mastering a language involves more than just knowing its vocabulary and grammar rules; it includes understanding its set phrases and idioms that native speakers commonly use. In Korean, these expressions are especially important as they often carry cultural nuances and meanings that are not immediately apparent through direct translation. Our exercises are designed to help you become proficient in these Korean set phrases and idioms, enabling you to communicate more naturally and effectively in various contexts. Whether you are preparing for a trip to Korea, enhancing your language skills for professional purposes, or simply exploring a new language, these exercises will enrich your Korean language journey. Korean idioms and set phrases often encapsulate rich cultural and historical backgrounds, offering a deeper insight into the Korean way of thinking and expression. By practicing these expressions, you will not only improve your linguistic abilities but also gain a better understanding of Korean customs and traditions. Our carefully curated exercises cover a wide range of commonly used idioms and phrases, complete with examples and explanations to help you grasp their meanings and usage. Through consistent practice, you will develop the confidence to use these expressions accurately and appropriately in conversations, making your Korean language skills more authentic and engaging.

Exercise 1

1. 그는 일을 미루지 않고 *바로* 처리한다 (immediately).

2. 그녀는 항상 *웃는* 얼굴로 사람들을 대한다 (smiling).

3. 나는 이번 시험에 *떨어질* 것 같아서 걱정이다 (fail).

4. 이 문제는 *쉽게* 풀 수 있다 (easily).

5. 그는 언제나 *최선을* 다한다 (best effort).

6. 나는 그 영화를 보고 *감동을* 받았다 (impressed).

7. 그는 항상 *성실하게* 일을 한다 (diligently).

8. 그녀는 친구들과 *자주* 만난다 (frequently).

9. 나는 이번 주말에 *휴식을* 취할 예정이다 (rest).

10. 그는 모든 일을 *꼼꼼히* 확인한다 (carefully).

Exercise 2

1. 그는 너무 놀라서 입이 *떡* 벌어졌다 (a word describing the mouth opening wide).

2. 그녀는 시험을 잘 보려고 밤새도록 *벼락치기* 공부를 했다 (a phrase meaning cramming).

3. 그들은 서로 *눈이 맞아서* 사랑에 빠졌다 (a phrase meaning falling in love at first sight).

4. 나는 그 이야기를 듣고 배꼽이 *빠질* 정도로 웃었다 (a word describing laughing very hard).

5. 그는 항상 남의 말을 귀담아 *듣는다* (a word for listening attentively).

6. 그녀는 항상 긍정적인 생각으로 *마음을 먹는다* (a phrase meaning making up one’s mind).

7. 그는 공부를 잘해서 반에서 *손꼽히는* 학생이다 (a word meaning one of the best).

8. 나는 친구와 *마음이 통했다* (a phrase meaning understanding each other well).

9. 우리는 함께 *팔짱을 끼고* 산책을 했다 (a phrase meaning walking arm in arm).

10. 그 영화는 정말 *손에 땀을 쥐게* 했다 (a phrase meaning thrilling or exciting).

Exercise 3

1. 그는 항상 *공부*를 열심히 한다 (activity involving books and learning).

2. 그녀는 *밥*을 먹고 나서 산책을 한다 (common meal in Korea).

3. 우리는 주말마다 *영화*를 본다 (activity involving a screen and entertainment).

4. 이 책은 정말 *재미있다* (adjective describing something enjoyable).

5. 나는 새로운 *친구*를 사귀고 싶다 (someone you share a bond with).

6. 그 사람은 정말 *친절하다* (adjective describing someone who is nice and helpful).

7. 그녀는 노래를 *잘* 부른다 (adverb describing how well someone does something).

8. 나는 오늘 *숙제*를 다 끝냈다 (something students usually have to complete after school).

9. 그는 매우 *성실하다* (adjective describing someone who is diligent and hardworking).

10. 나는 매일 아침 *운동*을 한다 (activity to stay fit and healthy).