“Why Rent When You Can Own?” How to Talk About the Sharing Economy in Korean!

Hello! This is [Maeil Hangeul], here to upgrade your Korean skills!

Have you ever tried to explain the concept of Airbnb or a car-sharing service to your grandparents? It can lead to some interesting conversations! Today, we’re diving into a hot topic in Korea that often highlights the generation gap: the sharing economy.

Lately in Korea, from electric scooters zipping through Seoul to co-living spaces becoming the new norm, sharing and renting are trendier than ever. But this new way of life sometimes clashes with the traditional value of ownership. Learning the phrases around this topic will not only boost your vocabulary but also give you a fascinating insight into modern Korean culture. Let’s get started!

Core Expressions You Need to Know

Here are some essential phrases to navigate conversations about renting versus owning.

1. 빌려 쓰다 (Billyeo sseuda)

• English Meaning: To borrow and use; to rent.
• Detailed Explanation: This is the go-to phrase for the sharing economy. It combines 빌리다 (billida – to borrow) and 쓰다 (sseuda – to use). It’s perfect for talking about temporarily using things like shared bikes, cars, or even vacation homes. It’s more casual and common in daily speech than a formal word like ‘임대하다’ (imdaehada – to lease).
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  The ‘ㄹㄹ’ in 빌려 [billyeo] is a smooth ‘l’ sound, not a hard ‘r’. Imagine the ‘l’ in the English word “million.” Let the sound flow smoothly from your tongue: bil-lyeo.

2. 내 거가 최고지 (Nae geoga choegoji)

• English Meaning: Owning it is the best / Having my own is the best.
• Detailed Explanation: This phrase perfectly captures the traditional mindset that values ownership. 내 거 (nae geo) means “my thing” or “mine,” and 최고 (choego) means “the best.” The ending -지 (-ji) is a casual suffix used to state a belief with confidence, almost like saying, “Of course, it’s the best, isn’t it?” You’ll often hear this from parents or grandparents.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  In 최고 [choego], the vowel ‘ㅚ’ is pronounced like ‘we’ in “wet.” So it’s [chwe-go]. Also, notice how the ‘ㄱ’ in 거가 [geoga] sounds like a soft ‘g’ because it’s between two vowels. It’s not a hard ‘k’ sound.

3. 그게 더 합리적이야 (Geuge deo hamnijeogiya)

• English Meaning: That’s more rational/reasonable.
• Detailed Explanation: This is your best argument for the sharing economy! 합리적 (hamnijeok) means “rational,” “logical,” or “reasonable.” It’s a fantastic word for justifying a choice based on logic, like saving money or being more efficient. The casual ending -이야 (-iya) makes it perfect for conversations with friends.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  This phrase has a super important Korean pronunciation rule: nasalization. When the final consonant ‘ㅂ’ (b/p) in 합 (hap) is followed by ‘ㄴ’ (n) in 니 (ni), the ‘ㅂ’ sound changes to an ‘ㅁ’ (m) sound to make it easier to say. So, you don’t pronounce it hap-ni-jeok. Instead, it sounds like [ham-ni-jeok]. This will make you sound much more natural!

4. 요즘 애들은… (Yojeum aedeureun…)

• English Meaning: Kids these days…
• Detailed Explanation: This is the classic way for an older person to begin a comment about the younger generation! It can be used affectionately, but it often precedes a complaint or an observation about how different things are now. It perfectly sets the stage for a conversation about generational differences.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  Let’s practice sound linking (연음, yeoneum)! The final consonant ‘ㅁ’ (m) in 요즘 (yojeum) links to the first vowel of the next syllable, 애 (ae). So, instead of a choppy yo-jeum ae-deul-eun, it flows together as [yo-jeu-mae-deu-reun].

Example Dialogue

Let’s see these expressions in action! Here’s a conversation between a university student, Minjun (A), and his grandfather, Harabeoji (B).

A (민준): 할아버지, 저도 저런 킥보드 자주 빌려 타요. 정말 편해요!
(Harabeoji, jeodo jeoreon kikbodeu jaju billyeo tayo. Jeongmal pyeonhaeyo!)
Grandpa, I often rent and ride scooters like that. It’s so convenient!

B (할아버지): 허허, 요즘 애들은 뭐든 빌려 쓰는구나. 그래도 위험하지 않니? 역시 내 거가 최고지.
(Heoheo, yojeum aedeureun mwodeun billyeo sseuneunguna. Geuraedo wiheomhaji anni? Yeoksi nae geoga choegoji.)
Haha, kids these days rent everything. But isn’t it dangerous? As expected, owning your own is the best.

A (민준): 비싸게 사는 것보다 필요할 때만 쓰는 게 더 합리적이야요.
(Bissage saneun geotboda piryohal ttaeman sseuneun ge deo hamnijeogiyayo.)
It’s more rational to use it only when I need it than to buy an expensive one.

B (할아버지): 그런가… 세상이 참 많이 바뀌었어.
(Geureonga… sesang-i cham mani bakkwieosseo.)
Is that so… The world has really changed a lot.

Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive

In Korea, the concept of 소유 (soyu – ownership) was historically a huge symbol of stability and success for the older generation, who experienced rapid economic growth. Owning a home and a car was the ultimate dream.

However, for the MZ 세대 (MZ sedae – MZ Generation), things are different. Faced with high costs of living, they prioritize experiences and efficiency. This is why the 공유 경제 (gong-yu gyeongje – sharing economy) is exploding. Apps for sharing everything from bikes (따릉이, Ttareungi – Seoul’s public bike system) to cars (쏘카, SoCar) are a part of daily life.

So, when you use a phrase like “그게 더 합리적이야” to talk about renting, you’re not just speaking Korean—you’re tapping directly into the modern, practical mindset of young Koreans today!

Let’s Review & Practice!

Great job today! We learned some fantastic expressions to discuss the generation gap and the sharing economy in Korea.

Now, let’s test your knowledge!

1. Fill in the blank:
Your friend wants to buy an expensive designer bag she’ll only use for one party. You think renting one is a better idea. You say:
“그 가방을 사는 것보다 ___________ 게 더 합리적이야.”
(Geu gabang-eul saneun geotboda ___________ ge deo hamnijeogiya.)

(Answer below)

2. Quick Question:
What phrase would a Korean grandmother likely say when she sees her grandson using a car-sharing app instead of buying his own car?

(Answer below)

What are your thoughts on the sharing economy? Is it better to rent or to own?
Try leaving a comment below using the phrases you learned today! We’d love to hear from you.

(Practice Answers: 1. 빌려 쓰는 (billyeo sseuneun) | 2. 요즘 애들은… or 내 거가 최고지!)