Hello! It’s your favorite Korean language guide, [Maeil Hangeul], here to upgrade your skills to the executive level!
Are you ready to move beyond cafe conversations and step into the fast-paced world of Korean innovation? Today, we’re diving into the language of the future—specifically, how to pitch a groundbreaking tech project to potential investors. In a country that’s a global leader in technology and startups, being able to articulate a vision for the future is a game-changing skill. We’ll be using the scenario of pitching an ocean-cleaning drone project, a topic that’s incredibly relevant in today’s eco-conscious Korea. Let’s learn how to sound confident, persuasive, and professional!
Core Expressions for a Killer Pitch
Here are four essential expressions that will make your investment pitch shine.
1. 잠재력이 무궁무진하다 (jamjaeryeogi mugungmujinhada)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: [jam-jae-ryeo-gi mu-gung-mu-jin-ha-da]
- English Meaning: To have infinite/limitless potential.
- Detailed Explanation: This is a powerful phrase to describe the market, the technology, or the future impact of your project. While you could say “좋은 기회가 많다” (there are many good opportunities),
무궁무진하다(from Hanja 無窮無盡) carries a much stronger and more sophisticated nuance of being inexhaustible and boundless. It shows investors you’re thinking big. - 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
Notice the sound of 잠재력이. It’s pronounced [잠재려기/jamjaeryeogi], not [jamjaeryeok-i]. This is a common Korean pronunciation rule called 연음 (liaison), where a final consonant of a syllable moves to the beginning of the next syllable if it starts with a vowel. So, theㄱ(k) sound naturally flows into the이(i) syllable.
2. ~을/를 기반으로 (eul/reul gibaneuro)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: [~eul/reul gi-ba-neu-ro]
- English Meaning: Based on / Founded on.
- Detailed Explanation: This is a formal and professional way to explain the foundation of your project. What is your technology built upon? What data supports your claims? Use this phrase to establish credibility. It’s perfect for sentences like, “Our algorithm is based on big data analysis.”
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
When you say 기반으로 quickly, it sounds like [기바느로/gibaneuro]. The vowelㅡ(eu) is very weak and often gets minimized in natural speech, making the phrase sound smoother and more connected.
3. 수익 창출 (suik changchul)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: [su-ik-chang-chul]
- English Meaning: Profit generation / Revenue creation.
- Detailed Explanation: This is a core business term every investor wants to hear about. It’s a formal, Hanja-based phrase (收益 創出) that sounds much more professional than simply saying “돈을 벌다” (to earn money). Use this when explaining your business model and financial projections.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The final consonants here are key. For 수익, make sure to close your throat to produce a crisp, unreleasedㄱ[k] sound. For 창출, theㄹ[l] sound should be clear. Practice separating the syllables: [수-익] then [창-출] before combining them.
4. 긍정적으로 검토해 주시기 바랍니다 (geungjeongjeogeuro geomtohae jusigi baramnida)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: [geung-jeong-jeo-geu-ro geom-to-hae ju-si-gi ba-ram-ni-da]
- English Meaning: I hope you will review it favorably. / Please consider it positively.
- Detailed Explanation: This is the perfect closing statement for your pitch or proposal. It’s extremely polite, professional, and shows respect for the investors’ time and decision. It breaks down into:
긍정적으로(positively) +검토하다(to review/examine) + the polite request forms-아/어 주시다and-기 바랍니다. - 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
Let’s look at 바랍니다. Although it’s spelled with a ‘ㅂ’ (b) at the end of ‘바랍’, it is pronounced [바람니다/baramnida]. This is due to nasalization. When a final consonant likeㅂ(b/p) comes before a nasal consonant likeㄴ(n) orㅁ(m), it changes to a nasal sound (ㅁ[m]). This makes the pronunciation flow much more smoothly.
Example Dialogue: The Pitch Meeting
Let’s see these expressions in a realistic conversation between a Project Manager (A) and an Investor (B).
A (Project Manager): 저희의 해양 정화 드론은 최첨단 AI 기술을 기반으로 오염 물질을 99%까지 식별하고 제거합니다.
(Our ocean-cleaning drone, based on cutting-edge AI technology, identifies and removes up to 99% of pollutants.)
B (Investor): 아주 흥미롭군요. 시장성은 어떻습니까?
(Very interesting. What about its marketability?)
A (Project Manager): 글로벌 ESG 투자 트렌드와 맞물려, 관련 시장의 잠재력이 무궁무진하다고 확신합니다. 초기에는 정부 보조금을 통해, 이후에는 데이터 판매를 통해 수익 창출이 가능합니다.
(Aligned with the global ESG investment trend, we are confident that the relevant market has limitless potential. Profit generation is possible initially through government subsidies and later through data sales.)
B (Investor): 알겠습니다. 사업 계획서를 보내주시면 검토해 보겠습니다.
(I understand. Please send the business plan, and we will review it.)
A (Project Manager): 네, 바로 보내드리겠습니다. 부디 긍정적으로 검토해 주시기 바랍니다.
(Yes, I will send it right away. I sincerely hope you will review it favorably.)
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
In today’s Korea, especially in the bustling tech hub of Pangyo Techno Valley (판교 테크노밸리), a successful pitch isn’t just about profit. The concept of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a massive trend.
When you use a phrase like 잠재력이 무궁무진하다, it’s powerful to link it not only to financial returns (수익 창출) but also to 사회적 가치 (sahojeok gachi – social value). A project like an ocean-cleaning drone perfectly captures this dual focus. Highlighting how your project contributes positively to society can be just as persuasive as your financial projections. Mentioning your project’s alignment with ESG goals will show investors that you understand the modern Korean business landscape and can make you seem like an insider.
Let’s Practice!
Time to put your new knowledge to the test!
- Fill in the Blank: Our new software is ________ on user feedback and has ________ for global expansion.
(Hint: Use~을/를 기반으로and잠재력이 무궁무진하다in the formal 합니다 form). -
Make a Sentence: Imagine you have a brilliant startup idea. Write one sentence to an investor explaining how you will achieve
수익 창출(profit generation).
You’ve learned some incredibly powerful expressions today that can elevate your Korean to a professional level. Now it’s your turn! Try answering the practice questions in the comments below.
오늘 배운 표현으로 여러분의 멋진 아이디어를 댓글로 남겨주세요! (Please leave a comment with your amazing ideas using the expressions you learned today!)
