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SACE Stage 2 Korean study materials
SACE Stage 2 Korean study resources

SACE Stage 2 Korean practice questions

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Question 1Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are a high school student about to give a formal presentation to employees at a company. Which opening remark is most appropriate?

  1. 안녕하십니까? 발표 맡은 학생입니다. Correct answer.
  2. 야, 잘 왔어. 내가 발표한다.
  3. 반가워요? 저 발표해요.
  4. 어, 안녕? 나는 오늘 발표를 맡은 사람이야.

Explanation

Opening a formal presentation to employees requires the formal polite register (합니다체) and a self-introduction that shows respect. '안녕하십니까?' is the standard formal greeting, and '맡은 학생입니다' identifies the speaker politely. Casual forms such as '안녕' or '야' are appropriate only among close friends of similar age.

Question 2Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A student wants to ask a professor a question after class about tomorrow's exam. Which sentence uses the correct verb form?

  1. 교수님, 내일 시험 봐요?
  2. 교수님, 내일 시험 보는 거냐고요?
  3. 교수님, 내일 시험 보세요? Correct answer.
  4. 교수님, 내일 시험 봐?

Explanation

When asking a professor a question, Korean uses the honorific marker -시- plus a polite ending such as -어요/-(으)세요. '보세요?' combines the honorific -시- with the polite ending and is the standard form for asking a superior. Plain or intimate forms like '봐' and '보냐' lack the required honorific and politeness.

Question 3Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A friend is telling you a long story. Which response best shows that you are listening attentively without interrupting?

  1. 그래서? 어쩌라고?
  2. 아, 그래요? 정말요? Correct answer.
  3. 빨리 말해 봐.
  4. 잠깐만, 내 말 좀 들어 봐.

Explanation

A backchannel such as '아, 그래요? 정말요?' signals attention and encourages the speaker to continue without taking the floor. It uses polite endings that fit a friendly but respectful conversation. Interrupting or demanding the point quickly breaks the cooperative flow of conversation.

Question 4Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

Your grandmother is visiting, and you want to offer her some food. Which sentence correctly uses honorific language?

  1. 할머니, 이거 드세요. Correct answer.
  2. 할머니, 이거 먹어요.
  3. 할머니, 이거 먹어.
  4. 할머니, 이거 맛있어 보이는데 먹을래?

Explanation

The honorific verb 드시다 replaces 먹다 when the subject is an elder or superior. Since grandmother is the one eating, '드세요' is the correct honorific imperative. Offering with plain '먹어' or '먹어요' treats her without the required respect.

Question 5Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A colleague invites you to dinner, but you already have plans. Which response is the most appropriate polite refusal in a workplace setting?

  1. 안 돼. 다음에 봐.
  2. 못 가. 다음에 보자.
  3. 초대 감사합니다만, 오늘은 선약이 있어 어렵겠습니다. Correct answer.
  4. 싫어요. 저는 그런 자리에 가고 싶지 않아요. 안 갈래요.

Explanation

A polite refusal in the workplace first acknowledges the invitation with gratitude, then gives a softened reason and a hedged inability. '감사합니다만' and '어렵겠습니다' maintain the formal polite register and protect the colleague's face. Blunt refusals or casual speech damage the working relationship.

Question 6Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are a university student talking to a classmate who is two years older and whom you have just met. Which address term is most appropriate?

  1. 야, 김 씨
  2. 너
  3. 선배님 Correct answer.
  4. 아저씨

Explanation

Korean address terms encode relative age and familiarity. '선배님' respectfully addresses an older classmate or senior in the same school or group and adds -님 for politeness. Terms like '아저씨' or '너' are either for older adults outside one's group or too casual.

Question 7Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A senior colleague thanks you for helping with a report. Which reply best fits the workplace register?

  1. 아니야, 괜찮아. 신경 쓰지 마.
  2. 당연하지. 그 정도야 뭐, 별거 아니야.
  3. 네, 알겠습니다.
  4. 별말씀을요. 도움되어 다행입니다. Correct answer.

Explanation

Responding to a senior colleague's thanks calls for humble, formal polite language that minimizes one's contribution. '별말씀을요' is a set humble reply, and '도움이 되어서 다행입니다' closes politely. Casual denials such as '아니야' or blunt acknowledgments do not fit the workplace register.

Question 8Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You answer a phone call at work, but the person the caller wants is currently out of the office. Which response is most appropriate?

  1. 걔 지금 없어요. 나중에 다시 걸어 보시고 끊으세요.
  2. 없는데요. 누구세요?
  3. 그 사람 없어. 나중에 걸어.
  4. 지금 자리에 안 계신데, 메시지 남겨 드릴까요? Correct answer.

Explanation

When the requested person is unavailable, a professional response explains the situation politely and offers to take a message. '자리에 안 계신데' uses the honorific -시- for the absent colleague, and '메시지를 남겨 드릴까요?' offers help with the humble verb 드리다. Abrupt or casual replies fail to serve the caller.

Question 9Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are speaking to a client on the phone about your own department manager, who is currently in a meeting. Which sentence is most appropriate?

  1. 저 부장님이 지금 회의하고 있어요.
  2. 우리 부장님은 지금 회의 중이니까 나중에 다시 전화해.
  3. 저희 부장님께서는 지금 회의 중이십니다. Correct answer.
  4. 부장님이 지금 회의 중이시다.

Explanation

When speaking to an outsider about one's own company member, Korean uses humble wording for the in-group and keeps the business formal register. '저희' lowers the speaker's side relative to the client, while '계시다' and '-시-' properly honor the manager as the subject. Casual or plain narrative forms break the required business register.

Question 10Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

Your supervisor responds to your proposal by saying, '한번 생각해 보겠습니다.' In a Korean workplace context, what does this most likely mean?

  1. They are politely declining or postponing without a clear yes. Correct answer.
  2. They will definitely approve it soon and are only waiting for the next meeting.
  3. They want you to bring more documents immediately before deciding.
  4. They did not hear the proposal and need you to repeat it.

Explanation

In Korean workplace pragmatics, '한번 생각해 보겠습니다' often functions as a face-saving indirect refusal or postponement rather than a firm commitment. The speaker avoids saying 'no' directly in order to preserve harmony. Listeners should treat it as non-committal unless a concrete follow-up is offered.

Question 11Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are leaving the office at the end of the day, but your manager is staying late. Which farewell is most appropriate?

  1. 어서 오세요.
  2. 안녕히 계세요. Correct answer.
  3. 안녕히 가세요.
  4. 잘 먹겠습니다.

Explanation

안녕히 계세요 literally means 'stay in peace' and is used when you are the one leaving while the other person stays. 안녕히 가세요 is said to the person who is departing. The other two expressions are greetings for welcoming a guest and for starting a meal.

Question 12Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A Korean acquaintance compliments you: '한국어를 정말 잘하시네요!' Which reply best follows Korean social norms?

  1. 싫어요. 그런 말 하지 마세요.
  2. 네? 잘 못 들었어요. 다시 말해 주세요.
  3. 별말씀을요. 아직 배울 게 많아요. Correct answer.
  4. 당연하죠. 저는 한국어 천재니까요.

Explanation

Korean speakers typically respond to compliments with modest denial such as 별말씀을요 or 아니에요, often adding that there is still much to learn. Accepting praise boastfully or rejecting the compliment harshly both sound socially awkward. Asking the speaker to repeat is unrelated to the compliment.

Question 13Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

Which sentence correctly tells a visitor that the teacher is in the staff room right now?

  1. 선생님께서 교무실에 있습니다.
  2. 선생님께서 교무실에 계시습니다.
  3. 선생님께서 교무실에 있으십니다.
  4. 선생님께서 교무실에 계십니다. Correct answer.

Explanation

The verb 있다 has the suppletive honorific form 계시다, so 계십니다 is the correct honorific present tense. 있으십니다 is not the standard honorific of 있다, and plain 있습니다 does not honor the teacher. 계시습니다 is a double-honorific error because 계시- already contains the honorific marker -시-.

Question 14Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are a new employee and want to ask your department head to open the window. Which request is most appropriate?

  1. 창문 열어라.
  2. 창문 좀 열어 주실 수 있을까요? Correct answer.
  3. 창문 좀 열게요.
  4. 창문 좀 열어.

Explanation

Requests to a superior normally take an interrogative softener such as -아/어 주실 수 있을까요? or -아/어 주시겠어요? to show deference and leave room for refusal. Bare imperative forms like 열어 and 열어라 are used to inferiors or in very casual talk. 열게요 announces the speaker's own intention, not a request to the listener.

Question 15Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

During a business phone call, you did not catch the client's account number. Which utterance is the most appropriate way to ask for it again?

  1. 뭐라고요? 다시 말해요.
  2. 못 들었어요. 크게 말해 주세요.
  3. 다시 말해 봐.
  4. 죄송하지만 다시 한 번 말씀해 주시겠어요? Correct answer.

Explanation

In a business call, asking for repetition requires an apology and an honorific request such as 죄송하지만 ... 말씀해 주시겠어요? The honorific 말씀하시다 and the polite ending -시겠어요? respect the client. 뭐라고요 and 크게 말해 주세요 can sound blunt or accusatory, and 다시 말해 봐 is casual 반말.

Question 16Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are lost in Seoul and want to stop a stranger politely to ask where City Hall is. Which opening is most appropriate?

  1. 아저씨, 시청 어디예요?
  2. 저기요, 실례합니다만 시청이 어디에 있나요? Correct answer.
  3. 야, 시청이 어디야?
  4. 너 시청 알아?

Explanation

To approach an unfamiliar adult politely, Koreans use an attention-getter such as 저기요 plus an apology like 실례합니다 before the question. The polite question ending -나요? keeps the tone courteous. Calling a stranger 야 or 너 and using 반말 is rude, and 아저씨 can sound disrespectful to someone you do not know.

Question 17Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

At a first formal lunch with a new Korean business partner, which topic is the most appropriate for small talk?

  1. 회사 근처에 사시나 봐요. 출퇴근은 어떻게 하세요? Correct answer.
  2. 월급은 얼마 정도 되세요?
  3. 결혼은 언제 하실 거예요?
  4. 나이가 어떻게 되세요?

Explanation

Safe small talk with a new business partner focuses on neutral, shared context such as commuting, neighborhood, or the company's location. Questions about marriage, age, and salary are personal and can put the other person in an awkward position in a first formal meeting. Age in particular is normally exchanged indirectly, not asked outright in a business setting.

Question 18Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

In a team meeting, you disagree with a senior colleague's suggestion. Which utterance most appropriately expresses disagreement while saving face?

  1. 그건 아니에요. 제 말 들어 보세요.
  2. 그렇게 하면 안 돼요. 제가 맞아요.
  3. 선배님 생각은 이해하지만, 다른 방법도 있을 것 같아요. Correct answer.
  4. 그 의견은 좀 별로인 것 같아요.

Explanation

Polite disagreement in Korean typically acknowledges the other person's view first, using a concession such as -지만, then offers an alternative with a softened expression like -ㄴ/은 것 같아요. Direct contradictions like 아니에요 or 제가 맞아요 challenge the senior colleague's face. Vague criticism such as 별로인 것 같아요 gives no constructive reason and can sound dismissive.

Question 19Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You gave a gift to your teacher. Which sentence describes this correctly in honorific Korean?

  1. 제가 선생님께 선물을 드렸습니다. Correct answer.
  2. 제가 선생님께 선물을 드시었습니다.
  3. 제가 선생님께 선물을 받으셨습니다.
  4. 제가 선생님께 선물을 주셨습니다.

Explanation

When the speaker gives something to a superior, the humble verb 드리다 replaces 주다, so 드렸습니다 is correct. 주셨습니다 means the teacher gave something and honors the teacher as subject, which reverses the direction here. 받으셨습니다 means the teacher received something, and 드시었습니다 wrongly uses the honorific eating verb 드시다.

Question 20Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

Your team leader asks you to finish an urgent report tonight, but you already have an important family commitment. Which refusal best maintains the relationship while staying professional?

  1. 싫어요. 오늘은 퇴근할 거예요.
  2. 선약이 있어서 못 합니다.
  3. 내일 하면 안 돼요?
  4. 죄송합니다만, 오늘은 가족과 선약이 있어서 어렵습니다. 내일 아침 일찍 마무리해도 괜찮을까요? Correct answer.

Explanation

An appropriate refusal to a superior combines an apology, a clear reason, and a concrete alternative, all in formal polite speech. The pattern 죄송합니다만 ... 어렵습니다 and the suggestion 내일 아침 ... 괜찮을까요? shows respect and willingness to solve the problem. Flat refusals without an alternative, or casual questions, damage the relationship and ignore the team leader's authority.

Question 21Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A Korean neighbor greets you in the hallway with '어디 가세요?' Which response is the most natural and socially appropriate in this context?

  1. 아니요, 저는 오늘은 아무 데도 가지 않아요.
  2. 왜 제 사생활을 물으세요?
  3. 네, 잠깐 은행에 다녀오는 길이에요. Correct answer.
  4. 그 질문은 대답하기 싫은데요.

Explanation

In Korean, '어디 가세요?' often works as a light greeting rather than a request for detailed personal information. A short positive answer plus a friendly tone is enough; treating the question as an intrusion misreads its phatic function.

Question 22Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A close friend tells you, '나 이번에 장학금 받았어!' Which reply best follows Korean conversational norms?

  1. 장학금이 뭐야? 몰라.
  2. 너보다 내가 더 큰 장학금을 받았어.
  3. 와, 정말 잘됐다! 축하해. Correct answer.
  4. 그래서 뭐?

Explanation

When a friend shares good news, Korean conversational norms call for shared positive affect and congratulation. A warm '와, 잘됐다! 축하해' acknowledges the news and supports the friend's positive face.

Question 23Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are a customer leaving a small shop after buying something, and the shopkeeper remains inside. Which farewell is appropriate?

  1. 또 오세요.
  2. 잘 부탁드립니다.
  3. 안녕히 가세요.
  4. 안녕히 계세요. Correct answer.

Explanation

The choice depends on who moves. '안녕히 계세요' is said to the person who stays behind when the speaker leaves, while '안녕히 가세요' is said to the person who is leaving.

Question 24Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are a hotel staff member speaking to your supervisor about escorting a VIP guest. Which sentence correctly uses humble language?

  1. 제가 귀빈을 라운지로 보내 드리겠습니다.
  2. 제가 귀빈을 라운지로 모시고 가겠습니다. Correct answer.
  3. 제가 귀빈을 라운지까지 가지고 가겠습니다.
  4. 제가 귀빈을 라운지로 데리고 가겠습니다.

Explanation

모시다 is the humble verb used when the speaker accompanies an honored person such as a VIP guest. 데리다 is neutral and can sound inappropriate for a guest, while 가지고 가다 is used for objects.

Question 25Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You meet an elderly stranger and want to ask their age politely. Which question is appropriate?

  1. 몇 살이세요?
  2. 나이가 어떻게 되십니까?
  3. 연세가 어떻게 되세요? Correct answer.
  4. 나이가 어떻게 되세요?

Explanation

연세 is the honorific noun for an elder's age, and 되세요 contains the honorific marker -시-. Using 나이 or 몇 살 for an elderly stranger is impolite because those forms are for peers or juniors.

Question 26Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

On the phone, you did not catch the street name the other person said. Which utterance is the most appropriate way to ask for clarification?

  1. 그거 뭐라고요? 잘 못 들었어요.
  2. 길 이름을 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요? Correct answer.
  3. 길 이름을 다시 한 번 말해요.
  4. 몰라요. 그냥 전화를 끊을게요.

Explanation

A polite clarification names the missed item and uses the honorific request form -아/어 주시겠어요? This gives the speaker a face-saving way to repeat without implying blame.

Question 27Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You want a coworker in another department to send you a file by tomorrow. Which request is most appropriate in a polite workplace register?

  1. 내일까지 파일을 꼭 보내 주시기 바랍니다.
  2. 내일까지 파일 보내요.
  3. 내일까지 꼭 파일을 보내야 해요.
  4. 파일 좀 보내 주실 수 있을까요? Correct answer.

Explanation

The form -아/어 주실 수 있을까요? is a conventional indirect request that softens the imposition and gives the coworker room to decline. Direct imperatives or obligation statements can sound bossy across departments.

Question 28Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You ask a senior colleague for a big favor. The colleague replies, '그 일은 좀 어렵겠는데요.' What does this most likely mean in context?

  1. The colleague is refusing indirectly but politely. Correct answer.
  2. The colleague is promising to do it immediately.
  3. The colleague is asking you to explain the task again.
  4. The colleague is accepting the favor with enthusiasm.

Explanation

The phrase 좀 어렵겠는데요 literally means 'it would be somewhat difficult,' but in Korean interaction it usually functions as a softened refusal. The hedge 좀 and the trailing -는데요 reduce the threat to the listener's face.

Question 29Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

At a school staff gathering, two teachers are talking. You need to ask one of them a quick question. Which opening is most appropriate?

  1. 두 분 다 조용히 좀 해 주시겠어요?
  2. 지금 제 질문부터 먼저 들어주시면 안 될까요?
  3. 실례합니다, 잠깐 끼어들어도 될까요? Correct answer.
  4. 잠깐만요.

Explanation

Opening with 실례합니다 acknowledges that you are interrupting, and -아/어도 될까요? asks permission indirectly. This protects the ongoing conversation and shows respect to both teachers.

Question 30Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

In a team meeting, a senior points out an error in your draft. You reply, '제가 다시 한번 검토해 보겠습니다.' What is the most appropriate interpretation of your reply in this workplace context?

  1. You are asking the senior to review the draft instead of you.
  2. You are saying the error is not important.
  3. You are refusing to accept the senior's feedback.
  4. You are taking responsibility and will review it again. Correct answer.

Explanation

In a workplace meeting, '제가 다시 한번 검토해 보겠습니다' signals ownership of the problem and a willingness to check again. It is a cooperative response that accepts feedback while saving face for everyone.

Question 31Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are introduced to your Korean friend's mother for the first time at their home. Which greeting is the most appropriate?

  1. 안녕하세요, 처음 뵙겠습니다. 저는 민수 친구 지훈이라고 합니다. Correct answer.
  2. 수고하셨습니다. 들어가 보겠습니다.
  3. 안녕하세요, 또 봬서 반갑습니다.
  4. 안녕, 만나서 반가워. 나는 민수 친구 지훈이야. 어머니 이야기는 민수한테 많이 들었어.

Explanation

When meeting an adult for the first time, Korean speakers use the polite set 안녕하세요 plus 처음 뵙겠습니다, then give their name with 저는 …라고 합니다. 처음 뵙겠습니다 explicitly marks a first meeting, so any phrase implying an earlier meeting is inappropriate. Casual 반말 or workplace leave-taking formulas do not fit this situation.

Question 32Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are eating at a Korean restaurant and want to order one more dish. The server is across the room. Which utterance is the most natural and polite way to get their attention?

  1. 야, 이리 와서 주문 받아.
  2. 아저씨, 빨리빨리 와.
  3. 너 주문 받을 수 있어?
  4. 저기요, 여기 주문 좀 할게요. Correct answer.

Explanation

Customers normally attract a server's attention with 저기요 or 여기요 followed by a polite request such as -ㄹ게요. Address forms like 야, 너 and 아저씨 treat the staff member as a subordinate or a personal acquaintance and are inappropriate. Adding 빨리빨리 increases pressure and sounds demanding rather than courteous.

Question 33Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

Your Korean friend's mother has cooked dinner and is now setting the table. Just before you begin eating, which remark is the most appropriate?

  1. 잘 먹겠습니다. Correct answer.
  2. 잘 먹었습니다.
  3. 많이 드세요.
  4. 수고하셨습니다.

Explanation

잘 먹겠습니다 is the fixed formula said before eating to thank the host and mark the start of the meal, while 잘 먹었습니다 reports afterwards that the meal is finished. Using the past form beforehand confuses the timing of the meal. 많이 드세요 is an invitation the host offers to the guest, not the guest's opening remark.

Question 34Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You need to ask your professor for a short meeting after class. Which request is the most appropriate?

  1. 교수님, 시간 괜찮으시면 제가 교수님을 면담하시면 안 될까요?
  2. 교수님, 저 좀 만나 주세요.
  3. 교수님, 면담해야 되니까 시간 비워 둬요.
  4. 교수님, 시간 괜찮으실 때 잠깐 면담을 부탁드려도 될까요? Correct answer.

Explanation

Requests addressed to a professor require the honorific -시- on the professor's actions, a hedge such as 괜찮으실 때, and a humble ending like 부탁드려도 될까요 that leaves room to refuse. Attaching -시- to your own action is both grammatically and socially wrong, because honorifics mark the superior, not the speaker. Direct commands ignore the status difference entirely.

Question 35Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A senior colleague tells you, '우리 어머니가 어제부터 병원에 입원하셨어요.' Which reply is the most appropriate?

  1. 아이고, 그렇군요. 병원비는 얼마나 나왔어요?
  2. 저도 작년에 오래 입원했는데 그때 정말 힘들었어요. 그 얘기는 이제 그만해요.
  3. 정말요? 많이 걱정되시겠어요. Correct answer.
  4. 입원하셨다니 다행이네요. 축하드려요.

Explanation

A response to bad news first shows concern with an expression such as 정말요? and acknowledges the other person's worry, commonly through -시겠어요, before any wishes for recovery. Turning the conversation to your own experience or asking about hospital costs shifts attention away from the speaker's feelings. 다행이네요 expresses relief, which is logically inappropriate for a hospital stay.

Question 36Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You see an older colleague in your office carrying a heavy box towards the door. Which offer of help is the most appropriate?

  1. 그거 무거워 보이는데 혼자 들 수 있으세요?
  2. 아저씨, 저한테 주고 가세요.
  3. 제가 들어 드릴까요? Correct answer.
  4. 제가 들게요, 빨리 주세요.

Explanation

Offering help to an older colleague conventionally uses the humble verb 드리다 with -ㄹ까요, which asks permission rather than announcing an action and leaves the decision with them. Announcing that you will carry it and demanding the box at once, or calling an older coworker 아저씨, disregards the senior relationship. Asking whether they can manage alone sounds like doubting their ability instead of assisting.

Question 37Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

During a conversation, a colleague says about a mutual acquaintance: '그분은 발이 참 넓으세요.' What does this mean?

  1. 그 사람은 아는 사람이 많고 인맥이 넓다는 뜻이에요. Correct answer.
  2. 그 사람은 발 크기가 아주 크다는 뜻이에요.
  3. 그 사람은 해외여행을 자주 다녀서 여러 나라 사정을 잘 안다는 뜻이에요.
  4. 그 사람은 걸음이 아주 빠르다는 뜻이에요.

Explanation

발이 넓다 is an idiom meaning that a person knows many people and moves easily among different social circles. It is used approvingly about someone's network and has nothing to do with foot size or travel habits. Idioms like this must be learned as fixed expressions, because reading the words literally gives the wrong meaning.

Question 38Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

At work you are assigned a new client who is five years younger than you and will be your regular contact person. Which approach to speech style is the most appropriate?

  1. 첫 만남에서는 존댓말을 쓰지만 두 번째 만남부터는 나이가 어린 고객에게 반말로 바꾼다.
  2. 고객이 나보다 다섯 살 어리므로 친근감을 위해 처음부터 반말을 쓰는 것이 좋다.
  3. 고객이 나보다 어려도 업무 상황에서는 존댓말을 유지하고, 고객이 먼저 편하게 말하자고 하면 그때 조정한다. Correct answer.
  4. 고객이 먼저 반말을 쓰더라도 내가 나이가 많으므로 계속 반말로 답하는 것이 자연스럽고, 그래야 고객도 편안해진다.

Explanation

In Korean workplace interaction, 존댓말 indexes professional respect towards the client and is maintained regardless of the age gap. Age-based 반말 belongs to close personal relationships and requires mutual agreement before it is used. Dropping politeness unilaterally, or switching after the first meeting, can read as condescending or overfamiliar.

Question 39Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

Your team leader tells you: '내일 아침에 고객사에 자료를 보내세요.' Later you need to pass this instruction on to an intern. Which sentence reports it correctly?

  1. 팀장님께서 내일 아침에 고객사에 자료를 보내라고 하셨어요. Correct answer.
  2. 팀장님께서 내일 아침에 고객사에 자료를 보내신다고 하셨어요.
  3. 팀장님께서 내일 아침에 고객사에 자료를 꼭 보내 주라고 하셨어요.
  4. 팀장님께서 내일 아침에 고객사에 자료를 보내시라고 하셨어요.

Explanation

When reporting an imperative, Korean attaches -라고 to the plain command form, as in 보내라고 하셨어요. The honorific -시- belongs to the subject of the reporting verb, here 팀장님 … 하셨어요, and not to the command directed at the intern. The other forms change the leader's instruction into a statement about the leader or into a different request.

Question 40Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A close friend suggests, '우리 토요일에 영화 보자!' You would still like to go but Sunday suits you much better. Which reply is the most appropriate?

  1. 토요일은 안 되니까 네가 알아서 정해.
  2. 싫어. 일요일에 보자.
  3. 미안, 토요일에는 꼭 해야 하는 일이 있어서 정말 어려울 것 같아. 너희들끼리 재미있게 보고 와.
  4. 토요일은 좀 어려운데 일요일로 하면 어떨까? 나는 일요일이 더 편해. Correct answer.

Explanation

Suggesting a different time among friends usually combines acknowledgment of the difficulty (-은 좀 어려운데), an alternative proposal (-면 어떨까), and a brief statement of preference. This keeps the plan alive while showing consideration for the friend. Refusing outright or telling the friend to decide alone withdraws from the negotiation and can sound dismissive.

Question 41Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

At a formal business meeting, you meet a new client for the first time. Which self-introduction is the most appropriate?

  1. 만나서 반가워. 나는 ○○회사 김민수예요.
  2. 처음 뵙겠습니다. ○○회사 김민수입니다. Correct answer.
  3. 처음 봐요. 저는 ○○회사 김민수라고 해요.
  4. 안녕, 나는 ○○회사에서 온 김민수야.

Explanation

In a formal first meeting, use the humble verb 뵙다 in 처음 뵙겠습니다 and the formal copula 입니다 to show respect. Plain and casual endings such as 야, 해요, and 예요 belong to informal settings or close relationships. Giving your company and full name in this order is standard business etiquette.

Question 42Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

Your senior colleague at work has just been promoted. Which congratulation is the most appropriate?

  1. 승진 축하할게.
  2. 승진 축하해!
  3. 승진 축하드립니다. Correct answer.
  4. 승진 축하해 줘.

Explanation

To a senior, use the humble auxiliary 드리다 rather than 하다, so 축하드립니다 shows respect. Casual forms like 축하해 and 축하할게 are used with close friends or juniors. 축하해 줘 is a request for the other person to congratulate you, which makes no sense in this situation.

Question 43Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A coworker apologizes to you for a minor mistake: '정말 미안해요. 제가 실수했어요.' Which reply is the most appropriate?

  1. 괜찮아요. 신경 쓰지 마세요. Correct answer.
  2. 아니에요. 당신 잘못이에요.
  3. 네, 미안해야죠.
  4. 괜찮긴요. 다시는 그러지 마세요.

Explanation

A polite acceptance of an apology uses 괜찮아요 and reassures the person with 신경 쓰지 마세요. This maintains workplace harmony and acknowledges the apology without blaming. The other options are accusatory or sarcastic and would escalate the situation.

Question 44Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You want to invite your supervisor to lunch. Which invitation is the most appropriate?

  1. 과장님, 점심 드시러 같이 가요.
  2. 과장님, 우리 점심 먹을래요?
  3. 과장님, 점심 드시러 가시겠어요? Correct answer.
  4. 과장님, 우리 같이 점심 먹으러 갈래요?

Explanation

When suggesting something to a superior, use the honorific subject marker -시- on the verb and the polite suggestion ending -(으)겠어요?. 드시다 is the honorific form of 먹다, so 드시러 가시겠어요? respectfully asks about the supervisor's action. Casual solicitation forms like 갈래요 and 먹을래요 are inappropriate to a superior.

Question 45Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You work at an office and answer a call from a client who wants to speak to a colleague who is out. Which utterance is the most appropriate?

  1. 부장님은 지금 안 계세요. 메모 남겨 드릴까요? Correct answer.
  2. 그 사람 지금 없어요. 끊으세요.
  3. 부장님은 지금 안 계시니까 나중에 다시 걸어 보세요.
  4. 부장님 없습니다. 누구세요?

Explanation

Office phone etiquette requires the honorific 안 계세요 for the colleague's absence and an offer to take a message with 메모 남겨 드릴까요?. This keeps the call helpful and respectful. Direct commands and blunt questions such as 끊으세요 or 누구세요? are rude to a client.

Question 46Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A senior colleague invites you to dinner tonight, but you already have an important family commitment. Which refusal is the most appropriate?

  1. 싫어요. 오늘은 중요한 선약이 있어서 절대 안 돼요. 다음에 봐요.
  2. 죄송합니다만, 선약이 있어서 어렵습니다. 다음에 모시겠습니다. Correct answer.
  3. 오늘은 못 가요. 선약이 있으니까 다음에 보자.
  4. 오늘은 어려울 것 같아. 선약이 있으니까 다음에 보자.

Explanation

Refusing a senior's invitation requires an apology, a clear reason, and a promise for the future. 죄송합니다만 plus 선약이 있어서 and 모시겠습니다 achieve this politely and respectfully. Casual refusals such as 싫어요 or 반말 endings like 보자 are rude to a senior.

Question 47Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

In a team meeting, your manager proposes a plan you think has a problem. Which utterance most appropriately expresses disagreement?

  1. 그 계획은 별로라고 생각해요. 처음부터 다시 하세요.
  2. 아니요, 그건 전혀 안 됩니다. 다시 논의합시다.
  3. 그건 틀렸습니다. 제가 말한 대로 하는 게 맞습니다.
  4. 좋은 의견이지만, 일정 조정이 필요하다고 봅니다. Correct answer.

Explanation

Polite disagreement in a Korean workplace often begins by acknowledging the other view with 좋은 의견이지만 and then states one's own opinion using 봅니다. This saves face and remains respectful to the manager. Direct accusations or commands challenge the manager's authority and damage the working relationship.

Question 48Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

A colleague says about a mutual acquaintance: '김 대리님은 입이 무거우니까 비밀을 말해도 괜찮아요.' What does this mean?

  1. Kim is discreet and keeps secrets well. Correct answer.
  2. Kim is a heavy talker who gossips a lot.
  3. Kim speaks very slowly and is hard to understand.
  4. Kim has a serious speech impediment.

Explanation

The idiom 입이 무겁다 literally means 'one's mouth is heavy' and describes a person who does not talk carelessly, so it means being discreet and good at keeping secrets. It contrasts with 입이 가볍다, meaning loose-lipped. It does not refer to speaking speed or a medical condition.

Question 49Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are talking with a friend about your friend's father. Which sentence is the most appropriate?

  1. 너의 아버지는 요즘 잘 지내니?
  2. 네 아버지 잘 계시니?
  3. 네 아버님은 잘 있어?
  4. 아버님께서는 잘 계세요? Correct answer.

Explanation

When referring to a friend's father, Korean uses the honorific kinship term 아버님 and the honorific verb 계시다. The possessive 네 is natural, but plain 아버지 and 있다 lower the status of the friend's father. 너의 is unnatural in Korean; 네 is the usual possessive form.

Question 50Interacting in Korean (oral communication and interaction)

You are in an open office and a coworker's phone conversation is disturbing others. Which request is the most appropriate?

  1. 조용히 통화해 주시겠어요? Correct answer.
  2. 말소리 좀 줄여.
  3. 시끄러우니까 입 다물어요.
  4. 죄송하지만 조용히 좀 해 주세요. 시끄러워요.

Explanation

To request a change politely from a coworker, use the honorific request form -(으)시겠어요? and soften the request. 조용히 통화해 주시겠어요? respectfully asks about the coworker's action. Direct commands can sound bossy, and 반말 is rude in the workplace.