🌏 Talking About Nationalities – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)

If you're traveling, studying, or working in Korea, it's very helpful to know how to say your nationality and ask politely about others’. This lesson covers essential expressions to introduce yourself and talk about where you’re from in Korean.

📌 Basic Vocabulary

Country	Nationality	Romanization
한국 (Korea)	한국 사람	Hanguk saram
미국 (USA)	미국 사람	Miguk saram
영국 (UK)	영국 사람	Yeongguk saram
일본 (Japan)	일본 사람	Ilbon saram
중국 (China)	중국 사람	Jungguk saram
프랑스 (France)	프랑스 사람	Peurangseu saram

💬 Key Sentence Patterns

저는 [country] 사람이에요. – I am from [country].
어느 나라 사람이에요? – What is your nationality?
[Name] 씨는 어느 나라 사람이에요? – Where is [Name] from?

🗣️ Example Sentences

1. 저는 미국 사람이에요.
(Jeoneun Miguk saram-ieyo.) – I’m American.

2. 민수 씨는 어느 나라 사람이에요?
(Minsu-ssineun eoneu nara saram-ieyo?) – What country is Minsu from?

3. 제 친구는 일본 사람이에요.
(Je chinguneun Ilbon saram-ieyo.) – My friend is Japanese.

💡 Did You Know?

South Korea has a unique tradition of using “Korean age” (세는나이) alongside international age. Since 2023, the legal system has shifted to international age, but in daily life you may still hear “Korean age” being used! Be careful when discussing age with new friends.

💬 Practice Dialogue

A: 안녕하세요! 저는 리사예요. 미국 사람이에요.
B: 안녕하세요! 저는 지민이에요. 한국 사람이에요.
A: 반갑습니다, 지민 씨!
B: 네, 반가워요!

💬 Practice Korean with Me on italki!

Do you want to practice introducing yourself and asking about others in Korean? 👉 Book your lesson on italki and start speaking with confidence.

Final Thoughts:
Knowing how to talk about nationalities is a great way to make friends and start conversations in Korean. Try introducing yourself and asking where others are from—you’ll practice language and connect with culture at the same time! 🌍 Let’s keep learning together.