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How to Say “I’m Japanese” in Korean: 저는 일본 사람이에요
저는 일본 사람이에요
jeoneun ilbon saramieyo
Meaning
I’m Japanese.
Usage note
저는 means “I” and 사람 means “person.” Replace 일본 with your own country, such as 미국 or 베트남.
Romanization follows the Revised Romanization system and is a guide to pronunciation.
How to pronounce it
In natural speech, sounds link and shift across words. The table below reads each word separately, as it sounds when said on its own.
| Syllable | Letters (consonant + vowel + final) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 저는 | ||
| 저 | ㅈ+ㅓ | jeo |
| 는 | ㄴ+ㅡ+ㄴ | neun |
| 일본 | ||
| 일 | ㅇ+ㅣ+ㄹ | il |
| 본 | ㅂ+ㅗ+ㄴ | bon |
| 사람이에요 | ||
| 사 | ㅅ+ㅏ | sa |
| 람 | ㄹ+ㅏ+ㅁ | [라] ra |
| 이 | ㅇ+ㅣ | [미] mi |
| 에 | ㅇ+ㅔ | e |
| 요 | ㅇ+ㅛ | yo |
A ㅇ at the start of a syllable is silent; at the end of a syllable it sounds like “ng”.
Sound changes in this phrase
- Linking: when a syllable ending in a consonant (patchim) is followed by a syllable that starts with a vowel, the consonant moves over to the next syllable. 람이 → [라미]
Speech style
Ends in -요. The everyday polite style, and a safe choice with shop staff, colleagues, strangers and anyone older than you.
Phrases that use the same word
Phrases with “사람이에요”
- 어느 나라 사람이에요?Which country are you from
Phrases with “저는”
- 저는 비빔밥으로 할게요I’ll have bibimbap
- 저는 책임감이 강하다고 생각합니다I believe I have a strong sense of responsibility
- 저는 학생이에요I’m a student
- 저는 외국에서 왔어요I came from abroad
Quick self-check
Test yourself before you move on. Tap an answer.
Question 1 What does “저는 일본 사람이에요” mean?
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Answer: I’m Japanese
Question 2 How do you say “I’m Japanese” in Korean?
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Answer: 저는 일본 사람이에요 jeoneun ilbon saramieyo
Learn this phrase by playing: typing drills and quizzes help it stick.
Practice in the gameMore phrases for this situation
- 반가워요Nice to see you
- 저는 선생님이에요I’m a teacher
- 반갑습니다Nice to meet you
- 한국어 배워요I’m learning Korean
- 서울에 살아요I live in Seoul
- 영어 하세요?Do you speak English
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