How to Pronounce “Sister“ in Korean276

The Korean word for "sister" is 언니 (eonni) when speaking to an older sister and 동생 (dongsaeng) when speaking to a younger sister. Pronouncing these words correctly is essential for effective communication in Korean.

Pronunciation of "언니" (eonni)

The word "언니" (eonni) is pronounced with the following syllables:* eo (어): The "eo" sound is similar to the "air" in "chair." Pronounce it with your mouth slightly open and your lips rounded.
* nni (니): The "nni" sound is pronounced with the tip of your tongue touching the back of your top front teeth.

To pronounce "언니" (eonni), combine the "eo" and "nni" sounds smoothly. Emphasize the "eo" sound slightly more than the "nni" sound.

Pronunciation of "동생" (dongsaeng)

The word "동생" (dongsaeng) is pronounced with the following syllables:* dong (동): The "dong" sound is similar to the "dong" in "dongle." Pronounce it with your lips slightly rounded and your tongue touching the inside of your upper back teeth.
* saeng (생): The "saeng" sound is pronounced with the tip of your tongue touching the roof of your mouth. Pronounce it with a relaxed jaw and without rolling your tongue.

To pronounce "동생" (dongsaeng), combine the "dong" and "saeng" sounds smoothly. Emphasize the "dong" sound slightly more than the "saeng" sound.

Additional Tips* Intonation: When speaking casually, the intonation of "언니" (eonni) and "동생" (dongsaeng) is usually flat. However, if you want to show respect or emphasize the relationship, you can raise your intonation slightly at the end.
* Tone: Korean is a tone language, but the tones of "언니" (eonni) and "동생" (dongsaeng) are not significant in everyday conversation.
* Context: Consider the context when using "언니" (eonni) and "동생" (dongsaeng). If you are not sure about the age difference between you and the person you are addressing, it is always polite to use "언니" (eonni).

Practice* Listen to native Korean speakers pronouncing "언니" (eonni) and "동생" (dongsaeng) online or through language learning apps.
* Repeat the words aloud, paying attention to the correct pronunciation of each syllable.
* Use "언니" (eonni) and "동생" (dongsaeng) in conversation with native Korean speakers or language partners to improve your fluency.

ConclusionMastering the pronunciation of "언니" (eonni) and "동생" (dongsaeng) is a crucial step in communicating effectively in Korean. By following the tips outlined above, practicing regularly, and immersing yourself in the language, you will improve your pronunciation and enhance your overall language proficiency.

2024-11-09

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