How to say “I don't speak Korean” in Korean
- 한국어 못해요hangugeo motaeyo
I can't speak Korean
"I don't speak Korean" in Korean is 한국어 못해요 (hangugeo motaeyo), which literally means "I can't do Korean". If you know a little, 한국어 잘 못해요 (hangugeo jal motaeyo), "I don't speak Korean well", is more natural and modest.
Ways to say it
| Korean | Level | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 한국어 못해요 hangugeo motaeyo | Polite | "I can't speak Korean." Clear and polite. |
| 한국어 잘 못해요 hangugeo jal motaeyo | Polite | "I don't speak Korean well." The most common thing learners say. |
| 한국말 잘 못해요 hangungmal jal motaeyo | Polite | The same meaning, using 한국말, a more conversational word for the Korean language. |
| 한국어를 못합니다 hangugeoreul motamnida | Formal | Formal, for official or business situations. |
| 한국어 못해 hangugeo motae | Casual | To friends or younger people. |
| 영어 하세요 yeongeo haseyo | Polite | "Do you speak English?" Asked as a question to follow up. |
Examples
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A stranger asks you for directions
Asking a shop clerk for help
Telling a Korean friend about your level
Tips
Use 못 (can't), not 안 (don't). 한국어 안 해요 would sound like you choose not to speak Korean.
Koreans are often delighted when foreigners try, and may say 한국어 잘하시네요 ("you speak Korean well!") after only a few words.
혹시 (hoksi), "by any chance", makes a question like 영어 하세요? sound softer and more polite.
Questions learners ask
How do you say "I speak a little Korean"?
Say 한국어 조금 해요 (hangugeo jogeum haeyo), "I speak Korean a little".
How do you ask "do you speak English?" in Korean?
Say 영어 하세요? (yeongeo haseyo?), or more softly, 혹시 영어 하세요? (hoksi yeongeo haseyo?).