Korean Job Discussion Forums

[asams]

I want to make a list of words or phrases that Koreans use when speaking English that aren't either common speak or properly used.

For example, I've noticed that Koreans use "should" a lot - I know this could be viewed as a polite way of telling someone to do something but most people I know don't usually use this.

What other words/phrases would you include?

Thanks

[Underwaterbob]

One of my co-teachers loves ASAP. It used to freak me out whenever I'd get a text message from him telling me to call him ASAP, thinking something horrible has gone wrong and I'm getting fired or something. I call him and find out he needs my email address or some other mundane thing.

Maybe/probably. They make no distinction between the two in Korean. They're both 아마, which, I get the impression, is closer to yes than no. So when the kids ask if we will play a game in class today, I often say maybe and they get all excited and I have to try and explain to them that maybe does not mean probably.

Obsession with the gerund. I find many Koreans use the gerund form far too often and in the completely wrong context. Ing this, ing that.

A common misunderstanding, and never ending source of amusement for my students is the word "crazy". Which, when literally translated into Korean, ends up being a swear word. Never mind that it has a million uses in English, a high percentage of which are not offensive. Same goes for psycho, which has achieved some Konglish status.

The omnipresent "Nice to meet you." and "I'm fine thank you, and you?". The former being used even after I've known the person for years, and the latter just being used far, far too often, and inclusion of the "and you?" even after you've already revealed how you are.

Any of the multitude of English phrases that have achieved near-legendary status due to their inclusion in a pop song. I can no longer use the words and phrases: nobody, hot, under, skin, tell me, I'm so sorry, pretty, bibbity bobbity boo and gee in any class without eliciting a chorus. Despite their constant exposure to these words, they still have no idea what they mean.

There's more, I'm tired.

[moosehead]

So is used way too often - especially in writing. so this and so that, so on and so on -


Good bye is also used to often - I try to teach see you later, good night, good evening, take care, anything but good bye - I even tell them we say it mostly when talking on the phone, not in person so much.

most Ks seem very stuck on one phrase or word and don't want to learn new ones for some reason.

[jkelly80]

'these days', 'take a rest', 'delicious'.

answering 'ok' to a yes/no question that's not 'do you want/would you like"

[bluelake]

Interesting topic...

There was a book written many years ago called, Common Problems in Korean English (1993) by David Kosofsky. Unfortunately, it seems to be out of print. If you can find a copy of it, it covers a wide range of problem English words and phrases here in Korea.

As for such things as, "How are you?"/"Fine, thank you, and you?" greeting, I purposely use it the first day of class, as students know it is over-used. I then have students come up with alternatives.

Edit: It looks like you can still get it at Kyobo: http://www.kyobobook.co.kr/product/detailViewKor.laf?ejkGb=KOR&mallGb=KOR&barcode=2004907002660&orderClick=LAG

[cruisemonkey]

The inflection they put on "... and you?" appended to the reply "Fine thank you..." while not technically incorrect, drives me crazy!

Like bluelake, it's one of the first things I try to train out of them.

[curiousaboutkorea]

"I'm fine, thank you"

[Cracker006]

#1 "Now I can tell you"...

My boyfriend uses this all the time and it drives me nuts.

He means "Now that you mention it" or "speaking of which" or "that reminds me".

Eg convo:

Me: I really miss eating american food.
Him: Now I can tell you, when I was in the USA, I missed Kimchi.
Me: Why couldn't you tell me before? Was it a secret? Did you think I'd be angry if you'd said you missed Kimchi?!?!?!

#2 "Sure"

Me: Do you like the dinner I made?
Him: Sure.

Me: Do you want to get married?
Him: Sure.

[asams]

[Gimpokid]

[Cracker006]

<sigh> I knew someone'd ask that. No, I didn't, it was an example. I did ask if he was certain he wanted to marry me (after a big blow up w/ his mom)