Korean Tones and Stress

In Korean, mastering tones and stress is essential for effective communication. The language is known for its distinct speech patterns and tonal differences that convey important meanings. Understanding and using Korean intonation can significantly enhance your fluency.

Let's look at some examples:

• 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) - This is a common Korean greeting that translates to "hello." The first syllable "an-" has a rising tone, while "nyeong" has a falling tone, and "ha" has a rising tone, followed by a dip in tone towards "se" and a rising tone on "yo."

Listen to the phrase 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)

• 반가워요 (bangawoyo) - This means "nice to meet you" in Korean. The syllables "ban" and "ga" have a falling tone, while "wo" has a rising tone and "yo" maintains a steady level tone.

Listen to the phrase 반가워요 (bangawoyo)

With consistent practice, you can gradually internalize Korean tones and stress, making your spoken Korean sound more natural and fluent. Stay tuned for the next post on consonant pronunciation in Korean!