If you’re exploring the world of Korean language learning, mastering Hangul (한글), the Korean alphabet, is key to building a solid foundation. In this guide, we’re focusing on diphthongs—a unique aspect of the Korean vowel system that combines two basic vowels to create new sounds. Learning these will allow you to recognize and pronounce more complex Korean words confidently.
What Are Korean Diphthongs?
In Korean, diphthongs are created by combining two simple vowels, forming a new, blended sound. Unlike English, which often uses multiple letters to represent one sound, each Hangul character has a distinct sound, and diphthongs allow for more variation in pronunciation. Mastering these diphthongs will help you sound more natural in Korean and add depth to your understanding of the language.
List of Korean Diphthongs
Here’s a quick overview of the 11 essential Korean diphthongs, along with their sounds and pronunciation examples. Practicing these sounds will help you get a feel for Korean pronunciation.
| Symbol | Sound | Pronunciation Example |
| ㅐ | ae | Like "a" in "care" |
| ㅒ | yae | Like "ya" in "yam" |
| ㅔ | e | Like "e" in "bet" |
| ㅖ | ye | Like "ye" in "yes" |
| ㅘ | wa | Like "wa" in "water" |
| ㅙ | wae | Like "we" in "wet" |
| ㅚ | oe | Like "we" in "wet" |
| ㅝ | wo | Like "wo" in "wonder" |
| ㅞ | we | Like "we" in "west" |
| ㅟ | wi | Like "wee" in "week" |
| ㅢ | ui | Blend of "u" and "ee" |
How to Pronounce Korean Diphthongs
Here’s a closer look at each diphthong, complete with pronunciation tips and example words. This section will give you practical pronunciation guidance to help you sound more natural in Korean.
1. ㅐ (ae)
- Sound: Similar to “a” in “care”
- Example: 애기 (aegi) – Baby
2. ㅒ (yae)
- Sound: Like “ya” in “yam”
- Example: 얘기 (yaegi) – Talk, conversation
3. ㅔ (e)
- Sound: Like “e” in “bet”
- Example: 네 (ne) – Yes (informal)
4. ㅖ (ye)
- Sound: Like “ye” in “yes”
- Example: 예쁘다 (yeppeuda) – To be pretty
5. ㅘ (wa)
- Sound: Like “wa” in “water”
- Example: 왔다 (watta) – Came
6. ㅙ (wae)
- Sound: Like “we” in “wet”
- Example: 왜 (wae) – Why
7. ㅚ (oe)
- Sound: Similar to “we” in “wet”
- Example: 외국 (oeguk) – Foreign country
8. ㅝ (wo)
- Sound: Like “wo” in “wonder”
- Example: 원하다 (wonhada) – To want
9. ㅞ (we)
- Sound: Like “we” in “west”
- Example: 웨이터 (weiteo) – Waiter
10. ㅟ (wi)
- Sound: Like “wee” in “week”
- Example: 위 (wi) – Above
11. ㅢ (ui)
- Sound: Blend of “u” and “ee”
- Example: 의사 (uisa) – Doctor
Tips for Practicing Diphthongs
- Pronounce as You Write: Saying each diphthong sound aloud as you write it will reinforce the pronunciation.
- Daily Practice: Regular practice is key to becoming comfortable with diphthongs.
- Listen to Native Speakers: Observing how native speakers use diphthongs will help you catch nuances in sound and pronunciation.
Next in Your Korean Learning Journey: Consonants!
With diphthongs under your belt, you’re ready to explore Korean consonants in the next post. This will complete the foundational knowledge you need to read and form Korean syllables. Stick with it, and you’ll be reading Korean in no time!