Overview
This lecture introduces Hangul, the Korean alphabet, by covering its basic consonants, vowels, how to combine them to read Korean words, and the fundamental rules of final consonants (batchim).
Hangul Structure
- Hangul consists of consonants and vowels, similar to the English alphabet.
- 14 basic consonants and 10 basic vowels form the foundation.
- Double consonants and compound/diphthong vowels expand the alphabet.
Basic Consonants
- 14 basic consonants: γ± (g/k), γ΄ (n), γ· (d/t), γΉ (r/l), γ
(m), γ
(b/p), γ
(s), γ
(silent/ng), γ
(j), γ
(ch), γ
(k), γ
(t), γ
(p), γ
(h).
- Each consonant has an associated mnemonic and stroke order for writing.
Basic Vowels
- 10 basic vowels: γ
(a), γ
(ya), γ
(eo), γ
(yeo), γ
(o), γ
(yo), γ
(u), γ
(yu), γ
‘ (eu), γ
£ (i).
- Single lines indicate basic vowels; double lines add a "y" sound.
Combining Consonants and Vowels
- Syllables are formed by placing consonants before vowels, either side-by-side or with vowels underneath.
- γ
is silent when used at the start of a syllable.
Reading Examples
- Practice words given, e.g. λλΉ (nabi - butterfly), λμ (dosi - city), μκΈ° (agi - baby), μ»€νΌ (keopi - coffee), λλΌ (nara - country).
- Practice recognizing and pronouncing syllables with different vowel positions.
Additional Vowels and Diphthongs
- 11 more vowels include combinations and diphthongs: γ
, γ
, γ
, γ
, γ
, γ
, γ
, γ
, γ
, γ
, γ
’.
- Many sound similar and are differentiated mainly in writing.
Double Consonants
- Five double consonants: γ² (kk), γΈ (tt), γ
(pp), γ
(ss), γ
(jj).
- Double consonants have stronger or tensed sounds.
Final Consonants (Batchim)
- Batchim is the final consonant placed below a syllable block.
- All consonants except α, α, and α can be batchim.
- Batchim affects pronunciation; often the final sound is unreleased or nasal.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hangul β The Korean alphabet system.
- Consonant β Letter representing a basic sound other than a vowel.
- Vowel β Letter representing a vocal sound.
- Batchim β The final consonant (or consonants) at the bottom of a syllable block.
- Double consonant β Two identical consonants stacked for a tense sound.
- Diphthong β Vowel sounds formed by the combination of two vowels.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice writing and reading basic consonants and vowels.
- Review and memorize stroke orders.
- Complete provided syllable and word reading exercises.
- Watch the next video to learn advanced batchim pronunciation rules.