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9 Most Useful Korean Punctuation Tools! (And How You Can Use Them!)

Punctuation is an essential aspect of any written language, including Korean. It helps to clarify the meaning of sentences, indicate pauses, and convey the intended tone or emotion.



In this Friday article, we will discuss punctuation tools, provide a lesson on Korean punctuation, and offer examples of sentences with punctuation in Korean.


Now let's dive into the specifics of Korean punctuation!



1. Full Stop (.)


In Korean, a full stop is called "마침표" (macheumpyo).

It is placed at the end of a sentence just like in English.


● Example: "나는 학교에 갔다." (I went to school.)



2. Comma (,)


In Korean, a comma is called "쉼표" (swimpyo).

It is used similarly to English, separating items in a list or indicating pauses within sentences.


● Example: "사과, 바나나, 오렌지" (apple, banana, orange)




3. Question Mark (?)


In Korean, a question mark is called "물음표" (mureumpyo). It is placed at the end of a sentence to indicate a question.


● Example: "너는 어디에 가니?" (Where are you going?)



RM and Jin of BTS pose for Seoul's new slogan design! (Seoul Tourism Organization)
RM and Jin of BTS pose for Seoul's new slogan design! (Seoul Tourism Organization)

4. Exclamation Mark (!)


In Korean, an exclamation mark is called "느낌표" (neukkimpyo).

It is used to express strong emotions or exclamatory statements.


● Example: "와! 정말 멋있다!" (Wow! It's really cool!)



5. Quotation Marks (" ")


In Korean, quotation marks are called "인용부호" (inyongbuho). They are used similarly to English, enclosing direct speech or quotations.


● Example: 그가 말했다. "나는 배고파." (He said, "I'm hungry.")



6. Parentheses (())


In Korean, parentheses are called "괄호" (gwahwo).

They are used to enclose additional information or explanations within a sentence.


● Example: 그는 (아마도) 내일 올 것이다. (He will probably come tomorrow.)


The Seoul Metropolitan Government uses punctuation marks for their new slogan!
The Seoul Metropolitan Government uses punctuation marks for their new slogan!

7. Ellipsis (...)


In Korean, an ellipsis is called "줄임표" (julimpyo).

It is


used to indicate the omission of words or a trailing off in thought.


● Example: "나는... 잊었어." (I... forgot.)




8. Semicolon (;)


The semicolon (;) in Korean is called (중독절) "jungdokjeol" or (중독점) "jungdokjeom".

It is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning.


● Example: "저는 책을 읽습니다; 그러면 잡지를 읽습니다." (I read a book; then I read a magazine.)




9. Colon (:)


the colon is called "쌍점" (ssangjeom), which literally translates to "double dot."

It is used to introduce a list or an explanation.


● Example: "저는 책을 읽습니다: 잡지, 블로그, 소설을 읽습니다." (I read a book: magazines, blogs, and novels.)


In conclusion, punctuation tools are essential in Korean to clarify the meaning of sentences and to indicate the relationships between words. By mastering these punctuation tools, you can improve your Korean language skills and communicate more effectively.


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