Level 1

외국어

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The word '외국어' specifically refers to a foreign language, any language that is not the speaker's native tongue. In Korea, it often implies languages like English, but it can refer to any foreign language.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see '외국어' used in educational settings, such as schools or language institutes, where foreign languages are taught. It is also common in conversations about language learning and skills.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 외국어를 배우다: to learn a foreign language
  • 외국어 능력: foreign language ability or skills
  • 외국어로 말하다: to speak in a foreign language

These collocations are useful for expressing actions and abilities related to foreign languages.

Register and Politeness

'외국어' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without change.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '외국어' with '외국말' (foreign speech/language), but '외국어' is more formal and standard for referring to foreign languages in educational or official contexts.

Example Sentences

외국어를 배우는 것은 어렵지만 재미있어요.

Oegugeoreul baeuneun geoseun eoryeopjiman jaemiisseoyo.

Learning a foreign language is difficult but fun.

학교에서 영어를 외국어로 가르쳐요.

Hakgyoeseo yeongeoreul oegugeoro gareuchyeoyo.

At school, English is taught as a foreign language.

외국어 능력을 키우려면 꾸준히 연습해야 해요.

Oegugeo neungnyeogeul kiuryeomyeon kkujunhi yeonseuphaeya haeyo.

To improve foreign language skills, you have to practice consistently.