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Korean is an easy language to learn because its pronunciation and grammar are similar to Japanese.

Learning Korean will allow you to enjoy the dialogue in Korean dramas and the lyrics of K-pop more realistically. Simultaneously learning the language and experiencing Korean culture and customs will help you understand different values ​​and broaden your perspective.

First of all, please experience the charm of the Korean language through this article.

Korean and Japanese are relatively similar, partly because they are more or less influenced by the Kanji culture from China. Korean has the same kanji words as Japanese, and this commonality is the foundation of the language.

For example, the Korean words "무리 (muri)", "기분 (kibun)", "약속 (yakseok)", "시간 (sigan)", and "가족 (gajeok)" are used as "무리 (muri) = impossible", " The pronunciation is similar to Japanese: 기분 (kibun = mood), 약속 (yakseok) = promise, 시간 (sigan) = time, and 가족 (kajeok = family).

Approximately 57 % of the headwords in the Korean National Language Dictionary are derived from Chinese characters, which is why these characters frequently appear in Korean dramas.

Next time you watch a Korean drama, give it a listen. You'll definitely come across some familiar words!

It is also known that Japanese Sign Language and Korean Sign Language are approximately 50% similar.

I'm currently learning Korean Sign Language as part of my Korean language studies, and one day I was surprised to see a deaf person using sign language in a Korean drama! "Happy," "Thank you," "Who"...it was so similar to Japanese Sign Language! After doing some research, I found out that Japanese Sign Language and Korean Sign Language are about 50 % similar.

By learning Korean Sign Language, you will understand the Korean language better than ever before, and sign language is not only a means of communication, but can also be a great way to connect people across languages ​​and cultures.

I would like to continue learning both Korean and Korean Sign Language while enjoying and conveying the depth of different cultures and languages.

When I listen to Korean people talking, I sometimes find myself laughing out loud.

For example, "옷장 (Otchan)"

“Oops, what is this? 'Otchan' means 'closet' in Korean.

``메롱 (melon)'' This is a fruit melon. Rather, it is a Japanese word called ``Akanbe~'' that is used when teasing someone. When pronouncing it, try pronouncing it as ``me-ron'' while sticking out your tongue, just like when you say akkan-bae. Melon is cute, but be careful not to do it in front of your superiors! lol

Another word is 웃어 (uso ) = laugh.

인도 (India) = sidewalk

고구마 (koguma) = sweet potato

There are still many cute and interesting "Korean words" that will make you laugh! Please check it out.

Korean is an easy-to-learn language for Japanese people as well.

I hope that you can feel the fun and depth of the Korean language through the commonalities and interesting words that I introduced this time.

By experiencing a culture different from Japan's, such as manners, food culture, and daily life, you will gain a new sense of values.

See you in the next column!