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How to Say “I’m a teacher” in Korean: 저는 선생님이에요
저는 선생님이에요
jeoneun seonsaengnimieyo
Meaning
I’m a teacher.
Usage note
After a noun ending in a consonant, use 이에요; after a vowel, use 예요. 선생님 ends in ㅁ, so it takes 이에요.
Romanization follows the Revised Romanization system and is a guide to pronunciation.
How to pronounce it
Said aloud, it sounds like [저는 선생니미에요].
| Syllable | Letters (consonant + vowel + final) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 저는 | ||
| 저 | ㅈ+ㅓ | jeo |
| 는 | ㄴ+ㅡ+ㄴ | neun |
| 선생님이에요 | ||
| 선 | ㅅ+ㅓ+ㄴ | seon |
| 생 | ㅅ+ㅐ+ㅇ | saeng |
| 님 | ㄴ+ㅣ+ㅁ | [니] ni |
| 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. 님이 → [니미]
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 “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 선생님이에요” mean?
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Answer: I’m a teacher
Question 2 How do you say “I’m a teacher” in Korean?
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Answer: 저는 선생님이에요 jeoneun seonsaengnimieyo
Question 3 How is “저는 선생님이에요” pronounced?
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Answer: [저는 선생니미에요]
Learn this phrase by playing: typing drills and quizzes help it stick.
Practice in the gameMore phrases for this situation
- 저는 일본 사람이에요I’m Japanese
- 한국어 배워요I’m learning Korean
- 반가워요Nice to see you
- 서울에 살아요I live in Seoul
- 반갑습니다Nice to meet you
- 영어 하세요?Do you speak English
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