Stand Up, Speak Out: Advanced Korean for Confronting Racism

Hello! This is 매일한글 (Maeil Hangeul), here to upgrade your Korean skills to the next level!

Today, we’re diving into a challenging but crucial topic: how to respond effectively when you encounter racially insensitive or discriminatory remarks in Korean. As Korea becomes increasingly global, navigating complex social interactions with confidence is a key skill. You might find yourself in a situation where a comment, whether ill-intentioned or simply ignorant, makes you uncomfortable. This post will equip you with the advanced linguistic tools to address such moments with grace, firmness, and clarity, allowing you to participate fully and confidently in discussions about modern Korean society.

Core Expressions for Setting Boundaries

Here are some powerful, nuanced expressions to keep in your toolkit. They range from polite requests to direct statements, suitable for various contexts.

1. 그런 말씀은 삼가 주십시오.

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Geureon malsseumeun samga jusipsio.
• English Meaning: Please refrain from making such remarks.
• Detailed Explanation: This is a highly formal and polite yet firm way to set a clear boundary. The verb 삼가다 (samgada) means ‘to refrain from’ or ‘to abstain’. This phrase is perfect for professional settings or situations with elders where you need to maintain respect while unequivocally stating that a line has been crossed. It carries more weight and formality than a simple “하지 마세요” (Don’t do that).

2. 그 발언은 인종차별적인 요소가 있습니다.

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Geu bareoneun injongchabyeoljeogin yosoga itseumnida.
• English Meaning: That statement contains racist elements. / That remark is racist.
• Detailed Explanation: This is a direct, objective, and powerful statement. It uses advanced vocabulary: 발언 (bareon) for ‘statement/remark’, 인종차별적 (injongchabyeoljeok) for ‘racist’, and 요소 (yoso) for ‘element’. By using this phrase, you shift the focus from a personal feeling to an objective analysis of the language used. It’s highly effective in professional or academic contexts where you need to articulate the problem clearly and analytically.

3. 무슨 의도로 하신 말씀인지 여쭤봐도 될까요?

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Museun uido-ro hasin malsseuminji yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?
• English Meaning: May I ask what the intention behind your remark was?
• Detailed Explanation: This is a sophisticated, indirect strategy. Instead of making an accusation, you place the burden of explanation on the speaker. 의도 (uido) means ‘intention’, and 여쭤보다 (yeojjwoboda) is the humble form of ‘to ask’. This polite inquiry forces the person to confront the underlying prejudice in their own words, often leading them to retract or apologize. It’s an excellent way to challenge a microaggression without immediately escalating the situation.

4. 저는 그런 표현이 다소 불쾌하게 들립니다.

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Jeoneun geureon pyohyeoni daso bulkoehage deullimnida.
• English Meaning: I find that kind of expression to be somewhat unpleasant.
• Detailed Explanation: This phrase utilizes an “I-statement” to express your feelings without directly attacking the other person. 불쾌하다 (bulkoehada) means ‘to be unpleasant or uncomfortable’, and 다소 (daso) means ‘somewhat’, which softens the statement slightly while still clearly communicating your discomfort. This is a very effective tool in social or semi-formal settings, as it centers the conversation on the impact of the words, which is hard to argue with.

Example Dialogue

Let’s see how these expressions might work in a real-life scenario. Imagine a team dinner at a Korean company.

• A (부장님/Department Head): “마이클 씨는 외국인인데도 김치찌개를 정말 잘 먹네요. 거의 한국 사람 다 됐어요.”
  (Michael, you eat Kimchi Jjigae so well for a foreigner. You’ve practically become a full Korean.)
• B (마이클/Michael): (Smiling politely) “김치찌개 정말 좋아합니다. 그런데 부장님, 괜찮으시다면 잠시 드릴 말씀이 있습니다.”
  (I do love Kimchi Jjigae. But, sir, if you don’t mind, there’s something I’d like to say.)
• A (부장님): “오, 그래요? 뭔데요?”
  (Oh, really? What is it?)
• B (마이클): “‘외국인인데도’나 ‘거의 한국 사람’ 같은 표현이 칭찬의 의도라는 점은 잘 알고 있습니다. 하지만 저는 그런 표현이 다소 불쾌하게 들립니다. 제 국적과 상관없이 저를 그냥 동료 마이클로 봐주시면 더욱 감사하겠습니다.”
  (I understand that expressions like ‘for a foreigner’ or ‘practically Korean’ are meant as compliments. However, I find those expressions to be somewhat unpleasant. I would be even more grateful if you could see me simply as your colleague, Michael, regardless of my nationality.)

Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive

In contemporary Korea, especially among the MZ generation, there is a growing awareness and discourse surrounding diversity, inclusion, and what constitutes appropriate language. While microaggressions often stem from a lack of awareness rather than malice, the social climate is shifting to one where speaking up is increasingly encouraged and understood.

Using the advanced phrases we learned today does more than just stop an uncomfortable conversation. It signals a high level of both linguistic and cultural fluency. You’re showing that you can navigate a delicate social issue using polite, sophisticated, and appropriate language. This demonstrates a deep understanding of Korean social dynamics, positioning you not as a passive observer but as an active and respected participant in the society. Being able to articulate your boundaries clearly and respectfully is a skill highly valued in any professional or social setting in Korea.

Wrap-up & Practice

Today we learned four powerful expressions to address discriminatory remarks:
* 그런 말씀은 삼가 주십시오. (Formal request to stop)
* 그 발언은 인종차별적인 요소가 있습니다. (Direct, objective statement)
* 무슨 의도로 하신 말씀인지 여쭤봐도 될까요? (Indirect, questioning approach)
* 저는 그런 표현이 다소 불쾌하게 들립니다. (Expressing personal discomfort)

Now, it’s your turn to practice!

Practice Scenario:
Imagine a classmate says to you, “You are much more diligent than other people from your country.” This is a stereotype-based “compliment.” How would you respond using one of the phrases we learned today?

Write your response in the comments below! Let’s work together to build a more inclusive and understanding communication culture. We’re cheering you on