VCE Korean Second Language key terms

A speech style using polite verb endings and honorific words to show respect to someone older or of higher status; choosing it correctly is central to Korean social interaction.

The informal, non-polite speech style used with close friends, younger people, or children; using it in the wrong situation can sound rude or overly familiar.

The system of honorific grammar in Korean, including special verb stems, the particle 께서, and the suffix -시-, which raises the status of the person being talked about.

Terms of address such as 씨, 님, 선배, or 언니, used to name or call someone; the right choice depends on age, relationship, and setting.

The degree of closeness between speakers, which in Korean determines speech level, forms of address, and how direct a request or refusal can be.

An expression meaning to switch from polite to casual speech with someone, usually after mutual agreement; it marks a step toward a closer relationship.

The ability to read a situation or other people's unspoken feelings and adjust one's words or behavior accordingly; often described as an essential social skill in Korea.

The mood or atmosphere of a place or conversation; understanding it helps a speaker judge whether a joke, request, or disagreement will be received well.

To ask someone to do something for you; in Korean it is usually softened with expressions such as 혹시, 좀, or -아/어 주시겠어요?

Words and patterns that soften a request, refusal, or opinion, such as 죄송하지만, 괜찮으시다면, or -실 수 있으세요?; they protect the listener's face.

To say no to an invitation or request; Korean speakers often soften this with a reason, an apology, or an alternative suggestion rather than a blunt refusal.

To apologize; effective apologies usually state the fault, express regret with 죄송합니다 or 미안합니다, and offer a repair or promise for the future.

Stating and supporting a viewpoint in discussion, typically with a topic sentence, reasons, and examples, while using softened forms like -다고 생각해요.

A reason or piece of evidence offered to support a claim; in presentational and interpersonal tasks, opinions are expected to be backed by concrete support.

A claim or assertion that a speaker argues for; a strong response states the claim clearly and then defends or challenges it with reasons.

A counterargument that points out a weakness in another person's claim; in polite discussion it is usually introduced with expressions like 그 말도 맞지만.

A structured discussion in which participants exchange and defend opinions on a set topic; it tests turn-taking, rebuttal, and appropriate levels of politeness.

To condense the main points of a text or conversation into a shorter statement, leaving out details and examples while keeping the central message.

The main idea that a paragraph, article, or talk is built around; identifying it is a core interpretive reading and listening skill.

Specific facts, names, numbers, or details given in a text or recording that support the main idea and answer questions about who, what, when, or how much.

Working out meaning that is implied rather than stated directly, using clues in the text such as tone, word choice, or context.

The unstated meaning a speaker or writer intends the audience to infer; recognizing it is necessary for understanding humor, irony, and indirect requests.

To speak sarcastically or with a mocking edge; recognizing this tone matters because the literal words may seem positive while the real attitude is critical.

A connecting word such as 그러나, 따라서, or 그래서 that signals how ideas relate; these markers help readers and listeners follow the logic of a text.

A paragraph or block of writing organized around one idea; its first sentence often announces the topic, which aids skimming and locating information.

Writing composition, such as an essay, letter, or report; assessed for task completion, organization, varied grammar, and appropriate register.

An outline listing the structure and key points of a piece of writing before drafting; it helps ensure logical order and full coverage of the task.

A formal written report presenting information or findings; it typically uses headings, objective language, and a polite formal style.

Formal speech and writing style, including 합니다체 endings and formal vocabulary, used in presentations, news, official letters, and reports.

An oral presentation delivered to an audience; success depends on clear structure, signposting phrases, appropriate pacing, and engaging the listeners.

Words and phrases that organize speech, such as 우선, 다음으로, 정리하면, or 있잖아요; they guide listeners through a talk or conversation.

A traditional Korean proverb that conveys folk wisdom, such as 티끌 모아 태산; understanding its figurative meaning is often tested in reading tasks.

A fixed idiomatic expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words, for example 발이 넓다 meaning to have many contacts.

Korean vocabulary borrowed from Chinese characters, such as 학교 or 경제; these words often have formal or academic uses and systematic sound patterns.

Traditional Korean games and pastimes such as 윷놀이 and 제기차기, often associated with holidays like 설날 and 추석; a common cultural knowledge topic.

Seasonal customs tied to the lunar calendar, including 설날, 추석, and 정월 대보름, each with characteristic foods and activities that exam texts often describe.

The spread of Korean popular culture, including music, drama, and film, abroad; a frequent topic for reading passages, presentations, and opinion tasks.

Popular culture such as television, music, and internet content; texts about it often require candidates to compare trends or evaluate their influence.