Tech Overload? How to “극복하다” Like a Pro!
Hello! Welcome to [Maeil Hangeul], here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to learn a new app, software, or AI tool? You’re not alone! These days in Korea, technology is evolving at lightning speed, from new subway apps to advanced AI programs. It can be exciting, but also a bit stressful.
Today, we’re going to learn some essential Korean expressions to talk about the challenges of learning new technology and, more importantly, how to talk about overcoming them. Let’s learn how to express these feelings like a native speaker!
Key Expressions You Need to Know
Here are some key phrases to help you navigate the world of tech in Korean.
1. 복잡하다 (bokjapada)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: bokjapada
- English Meaning: to be complicated; to be complex
- Detailed Explanation: This is the perfect adjective to describe anything that feels like it has too many steps or is difficult to understand. You can use it for a new piece of software, a confusing subway map, or even a complicated social situation. It’s a very common and neutral word.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The final consonant ‘ㄱ(k)’ in 복 (bok) is unreleased. This means you form the ‘k’ sound in the back of your throat but don’t release a puff of air. It’s a soft stop. The ‘ㅍ(p)’ in 잡 (jap) is an aspirated sound, so you should release a strong puff of air, just like the ‘p’ in “park.” It sounds like [bok-ja-pa-da].
2. 익숙해지다 (iksukaejida)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: iksukaejida
- English Meaning: to get used to; to become familiar with
- Detailed Explanation: This verb describes the process of something becoming familiar over time through experience. It’s perfect for talking about getting comfortable with a new phone, a new keyboard layout, or a new video editing tool. It shows progress and adaptation!
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
This word has a fun sound change! When ‘익 (ik)’ and ‘숙 (suk)’ come together, the ‘ㅅ(s)’ becomes a tense sound, so ‘익숙’ is pronounced [익쑥/iksuk]. Then, when ‘숙 (suk)’ is followed by ‘해 (hae)’, the ㄱ(k) and ㅎ(h) sounds often merge into a stronger aspirated ‘ㅋ(k)’ sound. So, the whole phrase flows together smoothly as [익수캐지다/iksukaejida].
3. 극복하다 (geukbokada)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: geukbokada
- English Meaning: to overcome; to get over
- Detailed Explanation: This is a powerful and positive verb used when you conquer a difficulty, challenge, or fear. It’s stronger than just “solving a problem.” You use it when you’ve truly mastered something that was once a hurdle for you.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
Just like in ‘복잡하다’, the final ‘ㄱ(k)’ in 극 (geuk) is an unreleased sound. Stop the airflow in your throat for a moment. The rest of the word is straightforward: [geuk-bo-ka-da].
4. 차근차근 (chageunchageun)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: chageunchageun
- English Meaning: step-by-step; in a calm and orderly way
- Detailed Explanation: This adverb is your best friend when giving or receiving advice on how to tackle a difficult task. It emphasizes taking things slowly, one at a time, without rushing. It has a very calming and encouraging nuance. You can also pair it with ‘하나씩 (hanassik),’ meaning “one by one,” to say 하나씩 차근차근.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
This word is all about rhythm. The repeated sounds emphasize the steady, methodical pace. Pronounce each syllable clearly: [cha-geun-cha-geun]. There are no tricky sound changes here, just a nice, steady rhythm!
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these expressions are used in a real conversation about a trendy new AI tool!
A: 이 새로운 AI 영상 편집기 써보려고 하는데, 너무 복잡하다!
(I ssaeroun AI yeongsang pyeonjipgi sseoboryeogo haneunde, neomu bokjapada!)
I’m trying to use this new AI video editor, but it’s so complicated!
B: 맞아, 나도 처음에 익숙해지는 데 시간이 좀 걸렸어.
(Maja, nado cheoeume iksukaejineun de sigani jom geollyeosseo.)
Right, it also took me some time to get used to it at first.
A: 어떻게 극복했어?
(Eotteoke geukbokaesseo?)
How did you overcome it?
B: 유튜브 튜토리얼 보면서 차근차근 따라 했지. 너도 할 수 있을 거야!
(Yutyubeu tyutorieol bomyeonseo chageunchageun ttara haetji. Neodo hal su isseul geoya!)
I just followed along with YouTube tutorials step-by-step. You can do it too!
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
You may have heard of Korea’s famous “빨리빨리 (ppalli-ppalli)” or “hurry, hurry” culture. In a society that moves so fast, the concept of 차근차근 (chageunchageun) is an important reminder to slow down and be methodical, especially when facing new technology.
These days, overcoming the “digital divide” (디지털 격차, dijiteol gyeokcha) is a huge social topic in Korea. You’ll often hear news reports or see campaigns using the phrase “디지털 격차를 극복하다” (dijiteol gyeokchareul geukbokada), meaning “to overcome the digital divide.” So, by using these expressions, you’re not just learning Korean; you’re also connecting with a very current and important conversation happening in Korean society!
Let’s Review and Practice!
Great job today! We learned how to talk about complex (복잡하다) technology, the process of getting used to it (익숙해지다), how to overcome it (극복하다), and the best way to do it: 차근차근 (step-by-step)!
Now, it’s your turn to practice!
Quiz: Fill in the blanks using the words we learned today.
“This new banking app is difficult, but if I learn it ________, I can ________ it.”
(이 새로운 은행 앱은 어렵지만, ________ 배우면 ________ 수 있을 거예요.)
(Scroll down for the answer!)
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.
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Answer: 차근차근 (chageunchageun), 극복할 (geukbokal)
How did you do? Try making your own sentence about a technology you are learning! Leave a comment below using one of today’s expressions. We’d love to see it. Fighting! (파이팅!)
