Overview
This lecture introduces Korean handwriting, focusing on how native speakers write Hangul letters and how handwriting differs from printed fonts. It covers both consonants and vowels, practice tips, and guidance for recognizing handwritten text.
Basics of Korean Handwriting
- Korean is written left to right, like English.
- Hangul letters are generally square-shaped and built with strokes from top to bottom, left to right.
- Handwritten Korean is often more curved and less angular than computer fonts.
Handwriting Styles & Variations
- Native handwriting can differ from textbook forms; many letters may have several handwritten variations.
- People often join strokes or write in a more cursive style for speed.
- Handwriting remains readable as long as the main structure of the letter is recognizable.
Consonants (자음) Handwriting Tips
- ㄱ (g/k): More curved in handwriting; official is angled, but most people round it.
- ㄷ (d/t): May be written in one or two strokes; some write it in a curved/cursive way.
- ㅌ (t): Officially three strokes, but sometimes written with two lines for speed.
- ㅂ (b/p): Can be written with three or four strokes; handwritten versions can be quite rounded or connected.
- ㅍ (p): Often simplified in handwriting.
- ㅅ (s): Can be written in two or three strokes, looking like a mountain or joined in one stroke.
- ㅈ (j): Varies widely in handwritten form; can look like several different shapes.
- ㄹ (r/l): Officially three strokes, but often written in one or two for speed.
- ㅁ (m): Should be three strokes, but writers may use one continuous line.
- ㅎ (h): Recognized by a circle and a horizontal line(s); stroke count may vary in handwriting.
Vowels (모음) Handwriting Tips
- ㅏ (a): May be simplified; slanted or curved in handwriting.
- ㅓ (eo): Can be written in two or three strokes; forms vary but are always recognizable.
- ㅗ/ㅜ (o/u): May be connected and curved for speed.
- ㅛ/ㅠ (yo/yu): Officially three strokes, but shortcuts are common.
- ㅣ (i): A single stroke, usually straight.
- Complex vowels (like ㅚ, ㅟ, ㅢ): Often connected or rounded in fast writing.
Practice Sentences
- "안녕하세요" (Hello): Multiple styles exist; main structure should be kept.
- "사랑해요" (I love you): Letters may be connected in fast handwriting.
- "감사합니다" (Thank you): Written forms may combine strokes for speed and flow.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hangul — The Korean alphabet, used for writing the Korean language.
- Consonant (자음) — Basic sound units in Hangul representing consonant sounds.
- Vowel (모음) — Sound units in Hangul representing vowel sounds.
- Stroke order — The sequence in which individual lines and shapes are written to form a Hangul letter.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Download the free Hangul handwriting practice worksheets provided in the lesson description.
- Practice writing each consonant and vowel by hand in multiple styles.
- Watch the teacher’s Hangul video for additional practice.
- Prepare for next week’s class on Korean TV shows for language learning (October 25, 1 pm).