⚠️ Common Mistakes English Speakers Make in Korean
Learning Korean as an English speaker is exciting but tricky. Many learners unintentionally carry over English grammar or habits into their Korean, which can lead to unnatural or incorrect usage. Let’s explore the most common mistakes — and how you can avoid them with simple examples and fixes!
1. Using Subject Particles Incorrectly (이/가 vs. 은/는)
These particles confuse many learners. While both are used for subjects, they carry different nuances.
- 은/는: Topic marker, used for contrast or known info.
- 이/가: Subject marker, used when introducing new info.
Example:
저는 학생이에요. → “As for me, I’m a student.”
학생이 교실에 있어요. → “A student is in the classroom.”
2. Saying “I” Too Often
In Korean, subjects are often dropped if clear from context. English speakers tend to say “I” (저는) too frequently.
❌ 저는 커피를 마셔요. 저는 빵을 먹어요. 저는 공부해요.
✅ 커피를 마시고, 빵도 먹고, 공부해요.
3. Overusing Politeness
Politeness is important, but English speakers sometimes overuse formal speech in casual situations.
For example, using -습니다 with close friends or children can sound awkward. Know when to use:
- -습니다/-ㅂ니다: formal, news, presentations
- -요: polite, everyday use
- plain/informal: between friends, younger people
4. Mispronouncing Common Sounds
Sounds like ㄹ (between r/l) and distinguishing ㅐ vs. ㅔ are common pitfalls.
- 라면 (ramyeon) ≠ 라멘 (ramen in Japanese)
- 배 (stomach, pear, boat) — Context matters!
5. Word Order Mistakes
Korean uses SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) order. English speakers often misplace the verb early.
❌ I eat rice = 나는 먹어요 밥을 ❌
✅ 나는 밥을 먹어요 ✅
6. Confusing 있다 vs. 이다
있다 = “to exist, to have”
이다 = “to be”
❌ 저는 학생이 있어요 ❌
✅ 저는 학생이에요 ✅
7. Misusing Particles After Verbs
Particles like 을/를 go with objects, but learners often put them after verbs.
❌ 먹다를, 가다를 ❌
✅ 빵을 먹다, 학교를 가다 ✅
🧠 How to Fix These Mistakes
- Repetition: Use daily phrases with correction.
- Listen more: K-dramas, YouTube, podcasts help your ear adjust.
- Practice speaking with feedback: I recommend real conversation!
👩🏫 Want Correction in Real Time?
Join my italki Korean class for tailored guidance. I help English speakers avoid these mistakes with live role-play and gentle corrections.
Have you made one of these mistakes before? Leave a comment below with a sentence you struggled with, and I’ll help you fix it!
Did You Know?
Koreans often use 눈치 (nunchi) – the art of reading the room or understanding unspoken cues. It’s one of the reasons they drop pronouns or words — the listener is expected to “get it” without full explanation.
