Learn Korean: 말 + Verb

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern 말 + Verb. The word 말 means word/s and it is normally verbalize by attaching 하다 (to do) to it. 말하다 means to speak, say, and tell. Here are sample sentences: 천천히 말해요 (speak slowly), 말하지마 (don’t say it), and 말 못 해 (I can’t say it). Aside from 하다, there are other verbs we can use with 말 that express certain nuances and here they are as follows: 말이 짧다 implies that someone is being impolite by using casual speech. It makes sense because in Korean language, the shorter the sentence, the more casual it is.  짧다 alone means to be not lengthy. 말이 심하다 implies that someone crosses the line or going too far by talking harshly. Another way of saying it is 말이 지나치다. 말을 걸다 means to initiate a conversation with someone. Another way of saying it is 말을 붙이다. 말을 씹다 means to ignore one’s words despite hearing it.  It is the same verb (씹다) we use when someone ignores our calls or texts. 말을 꺼내다 means to bring up a topic to talk about and 말을 시키다 means to make someone talk.

말 시키지마. 내가 바쁜 거 안 보여?

Don’t talk to me. Can’t you see I’m busy?

말이 진짜 심하다.

You cross the line. What you said is too much.

좋아한다며? 말 걸어봐.

You said you like her. Go and initiate a conversation.