🗣️ How to Express Your Opinion Politely in Korean – Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)
Want to say your opinion without sounding rude in Korean?
In this post, you’ll learn how to express your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions politely using commonly used intermediate-level grammar patterns and expressions. Perfect for conversations, debates, or even polite disagreements!
📚 Table of Contents
- 🧾 Key Expressions
- 🔍 Grammar Patterns
- 💬 Example Sentences
- 🗨️ Practice Dialogue
- 🌏 Did You Know?
- 📝 Final Thoughts
🧾 Key Expressions
- 제 생각에는 – je saeng-gak-e-neun – In my opinion
- 제 의견으로는 – je ui-gyeon-eu-ro-neun – From my perspective
- 그럴 수도 있지만 – geu-reol su-do it-jiman – That may be true, but...
- 동의하지는 않지만 – dong-ui-ha-ji-neun an-ji-man – I don’t quite agree, but...
- 조심스럽게 말씀드리면 – jo-sim-seu-reop-ge mal-sseum-deu-ri-myeon – If I may carefully say...
🔍 Grammar Patterns
Here are two useful grammar patterns for expressing opinions politely:
1. -다고 생각하다 (I think that...)
→ 이 영화는 재미있다고 생각해요.
→ I think this movie is fun.
2. -지 않나 싶다 (I wonder if...)
→ 그건 좀 위험하지 않나 싶어요.
→ I wonder if that’s a bit dangerous.
💬 Example Sentences
- 제 생각에는 이 방법이 더 좋아요. – je saeng-gak-e-neun i bang-beob-i deo jo-a-yo – In my opinion, this method is better.
- 그럴 수도 있지만, 저는 좀 다르게 생각해요. – geu-reol su-do it-ji-man, jeo-neun jom da-reu-ge saeng-gak-hae-yo – That may be true, but I think a bit differently.
- 조심스럽게 말씀드리면, 이건 다시 생각해 보는 게 좋을 것 같아요. – jo-sim-seu-reop-ge mal-sseum-deu-ri-myeon, i-geon da-si saeng-gak-hae bo-neun ge jo-eul geot ga-ta-yo – If I may say carefully, I think this should be reconsidered.
🗨️ Practice Dialogue
A: 이 제안에 대해서 어떻게 생각하세요?
A: i je-an-e dae-hae-seo eo-tteo-ke saeng-gak-ha-se-yo?
A: What do you think about this proposal?
B: 제 생각에는 괜찮은 아이디어인 것 같아요.
B: je saeng-gak-e-neun gwaen-chan-eun a-i-di-eo-in geot ga-ta-yo
B: In my opinion, it sounds like a good idea.
A: 저는 조금 다른 의견이에요. – I have a slightly different opinion.
jeo-neun jo-geum da-reun ui-gyeon-i-e-yo
B: 네, 다양한 의견이 중요하죠!
ne, da-yang-han ui-gyeon-i jung-yo-ha-jyo
Yes, diverse opinions matter!
🌏 Did You Know?
In Korean culture, expressing disagreement too directly can be considered impolite. That’s why softeners like “제 생각에는…” or “조심스럽게 말씀드리면…” are commonly used in both personal and professional situations. Koreans value harmony, so even if you disagree, it’s important to show respect while sharing your opinion.
📝 Final Thoughts
Learning to express your opinion politely helps you communicate more naturally and respectfully in Korean. These expressions are useful in meetings, group discussions, or even casual conversations with friends. Try them out and observe how native speakers use them!
🔗 Related Posts
- How to Agree or Disagree in Korean
Learn soft disagreement expressions. - Using -고 생각하다 in Depth
Master the opinion grammar form.
🎓 Want to practice this topic in real conversations? Join my italki Korean classes for personal guidance and fun lessons!
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