Save the Earth! 🌍 Talking about Nature in Korean

Introduction

Annyeonghaseyo! (Hello!) It’s Daily Hangul, your best friend for learning Korean! 👋✨

Have you noticed in K-Dramas or reality shows that Korean celebrities often carry their own cute water bottles or separate their trash very carefully? That’s because environmental protection (환경 보호) is a huge value in modern Korean society! 🌱

Today, we are going to learn how to express your personal values regarding nature. Whether you are refusing a plastic straw at a trendy Seoul cafe or explaining why you love eco-friendly products to your Korean friends, these expressions will make you shine! Let’s become an “Eco-Angel” together! 💚

Core Expressions

Here are 3 essential phrases to show you care about the planet.

1. 환경이 중요해요

• Pronunciation: [Hwangyeong-i jungyohaeyo]
• English Meaning: The environment is important.
• Detail: This is the most direct way to state your value.
  • 환경 (Hwangyeong) means ‘environment’.
  • 중요해요 (Jungyohaeyo) comes from the adjective ‘to be important’. You can use this pattern for anything you value! (e.g., Gajok-i jungyohaeyo = Family is important).
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip: When saying 환경이, the final consonant ‘ㅇ’ (ng) flows into the next vowel ‘이’. It sounds like [Hwangyeong-ngi] smoothly connecting.

2. 쓰레기를 줄여요

• Pronunciation: [Sseuregi-reul juryeoyo]
• English Meaning: I reduce trash/waste.
• Detail: If someone asks how you protect the environment, this is a great answer.
  • 쓰레기 (Sseuregi) means ‘trash’ or ‘garbage’.
  • 줄여요 (Juryeoyo) means ‘to reduce’ or ‘to decrease’.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip: The ㅆ (Ss) in 쓰레기 is a tensed sound. Imagine a snake hissing—make a strong ‘S’ sound without letting much air out! 🐍

3. 지구를 지키고 싶어요

• Pronunciation: [Jigu-reul jikigo sipeoyo]
• English Meaning: I want to protect the Earth.
• Detail: This sounds very passionate and kind, just like a protagonist in a drama! ✨
  • 지구 (Jigu) is ‘Earth’.
  • 지키다 (Jikida) means ‘to protect’ or ‘to keep’.
  • ~고 싶어요 (~go sipeoyo) expresses a wish or desire (“I want to…”).
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip: In 지구 (Jigu), the ‘J’ is soft. But in 지키고 (Jikigo), the ‘K’ sound (ㅋ) should be aspirated—a small burst of air should come out! 🌬️

Real Conversation: At a Cafe ☕

Imagine you are ordering an Iced Americano with your Korean friend, Min-su.

Barista: 드시고 가세요? (Are you drinking here?)
You: 네. 아, 저는 텀블러를 쓸게요. (Yes. Ah, I will use my tumbler.)
Min-su: 우와! 텀블러 항상 가지고 다녀? (Wow! Do you always carry a tumbler?)
You: 응! 나는 환경이 중요해요. (Yeah! The environment is important to me.)
Min-su: 멋있다! 나도 쓰레기를 줄여야 하는데. (That’s cool! I need to reduce trash too.)
You: 같이 지구를 지켜요! (Let’s protect the Earth together!)

Culture Tip & K-Drama Scene 📺

Did you know? “Bunri-suger” (분리수거) is Life! ♻️

In Korea, recycling, or Bunri-suger (분리수거), is extremely detailed and mandatory. If you watch slice-of-life dramas like “Reply 1988” or “Hospital Playlist,” you might see scenes where characters are strictly separating food waste, plastics, and paper.

Also, most cafes in Korea offer a discount (usually 300~500 KRW) if you use your own tumbler (personal cup). So, saying “I use a tumbler” not only shows your values but also saves you money! It’s a win-win! 💸🌍

Conclusion & Quiz

Great job today! You learned how to express your love for nature in Korean. Next time you visit Korea, try using a reusable cup and say, “Hwangyeong-i jungyohaeyo!”

Let’s Practice! 📝

1. Fill in the blank:
“I want to protect the Earth.”
= ________를 지키고 싶어요. [________-reul jikigo sipeoyo]

2. True or False:
In Korea, you can often get a discount at cafes if you use a personal tumbler. ( O / X )

3. Unscramble the sentence:
( 줄여요 / 쓰레기를 / 저는 )
= I reduce trash.

Answer Key:
1. 지구 (Jigu)
2. O (True)
3. 저는 쓰레기를 줄여요 (Jeoneun sseuregi-reul juryeoyo)