# Lesson 1‑11 – Understanding Compound Korean Vowels: ㅐ, ㅔ, ㅚ, ㅟ
In previous lessons, you have learned all 10 basic Korean vowels and how to combine them with consonants and final consonants (받침). Now, you're ready to explore compound vowels. Compound vowels are created by combining two simple vowel sounds, resulting in a new clear vowel. This lesson focuses on:
ㅐ (ae)
ㅔ (e)
ㅚ (oe)
ㅟ (wi)
By mastering these, you'll significantly expand your reading and pronunciation skills in Korean.
What Are Compound Vowels?
Compound vowels, also called diphthongs, are two-vowel combinations that form a single vowel sound. They can be written as two lines/dots in one syllable block. These vowels are not separate sounds but blended together:ㅐ = ㅏ (a) + ㅣ (i)
ㅔ = ㅓ (eo) + ㅣ (i)
ㅚ = ㅗ (o) + ㅣ (i)
ㅟ = ㅜ (u) + ㅣ (i)
They are often used in everyday vocabulary such as family words, colors, and common conjugations.
Pronunciation Guide to Each Compound Vowel
# ㅐ (ae)㉠ Romanized
ae
㉡ Mouth shape
Start with open lips (ㅏ), then slightly raise the front of your tongue (ㅣ).
㉢ Sound
Similar to the “a” in “care” or “air.” Not exactly English, but close.
㉣ Tip
Keep tongue relaxed but gently rising.
# ㅔ (e)
㉠ Romanized
㉠ Romanized
e
㉡ Mouth shape
Begin similar to ㅓ, then slightly lift tongue tip and push air forward.
㉢ Sound
Like the “e” in “bed” or “let.”
㉣ Tip
Avoid rounding lips; keep them neutral.
# ㅚ (oe)
㉠ Romanized
㉠ Romanized
oe
㉡ Mouth shape
Round lips like for “o,” then move tongue forward like “i.”
㉢ Sound
Like “we” in “wet” or “way” (quick).
㉣ Tip
This sound can confuse learners; think “weh.”
# ㅟ (wi)
㉠ Romanized
㉠ Romanized
wi
㉡ Mouth shape
Tense lips like “u,” then swiftly transition into “i.”
㉢ Sound
Like “we” in “week” or “we” in “wish.”
㉣ Tip
Lips remain tight throughout.
Understanding these provides clarity when reading or hearing these vowels in conversation.
2️⃣ Writing and Block Positioning
These vowel sounds, while compound, are written as a single unit—you treat them like one vowel symbol.
These vowel sounds, while compound, are written as a single unit—you treat them like one vowel symbol.
In Hangul
- A consonant + compound vowel → place vowel to the right (vertical alignment).
- Consonant + compound vowel + final consonant (받침) → vowel still to the right, with the final consonant below.
Notice the vowel remains to the right of the consonant even though it’s two sounds combined.
Reading Practice
Let’s read simple examples aloud:- ㅐ-series
- 개 (gae)
- 배 (bae)
- 채 (chae)
- 책 (chaek)
- ㅔ-series
- 게 (ge)
- 네 (ne)
- 데 (de)
- 세 (se)
- ㅚ-series
- 괴 (goe)
- 뫼 (moe)*
- 쇠 (soe), 회 (hoe)
- * 뫼 is rare, but good for practice.
- ㅟ-series
- 귀 (gwi)
- 뤼 (rwi)*
- 쉐 is ㄴ+ㅟ? Korean rarely combines ㅟ with ㅅ; better to practice with 귀 and others.
Common Pronunciation Mistakes
ㅐ vs ㅔ: They sound similar to learners.- ㅐ is more open (“air”).
- ㅔ is more closed (“eh”).
ㅚ vs ㅟ: Both start with lip rounding.
- ㅚ → “weh.”
- ㅟ → “wee.”
Words & Sentences
Common words and phrases with these vowels:
Example sentences (block-by-block):
- 제 책이 괜찮아요. / je chaek-i gwaenchanha-yo. (“My book is okay.”)
- 귀가 아파요. / gwi-ga apa-yo. (“My ear hurts.”)
- 뷔페에서 많이 먹었어요. / bupe-e-seo manhi meogeosseoyo. (“I ate a lot at the buffet.”)
Practice & Tips
* Compare ㅐ and ㅔ:Record: “gae,” “ge.”
Listen for openness: ㅐ is slightly more open.
* Repeat ㅚ and ㅟ:
“goe,” “gwi.”
Vowels transition from round to bright fronted vowel.
“goe,” “gwi.”
Vowels transition from round to bright fronted vowel.
* Use mirror or phone:
Check lip shape stays consistent.
Check lip shape stays consistent.
* Flashcards:
Vowel + sample word + pronunciation.
Vowel + sample word + pronunciation.
* Find these in songs or dramas:
Words like 책 (book), 귀 (ear) show up often.
Key Takeaways
# Learned four compound vowels: ㅐ, ㅔ, ㅚ, ㅟ# Understood pronunciation, lip/tongue position, writing in blocks
# Practiced words, sentences, and drills
# Learned mistakes to avoid and improvement tips
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