The Sixth Extinction? Let’s Talk in Korean!
Hello! This is [Daily Hangul], here to upgrade your Korean skills to the next level!
Ready to move beyond everyday conversation and dive into more profound topics? Today, we’re tackling some advanced vocabulary related to genetics and evolutionary theory, specifically focusing on mass extinction and biodiversity. You might think, “When will I ever use this?” Well, lately in Korea, there’s been a huge buzz around a new environmental documentary series. This means you can use today’s phrases to discuss trending shows, news articles on climate change, or even engage in deep academic conversations—all in fluent Korean!
Let’s get started!
Key Expressions for Advanced Discussions
Here are some essential terms that will make you sound like a native speaker when discussing scientific or environmental topics.
1. 대량 멸종 (daeryang myeoljong)
- Pronunciation: [dae-ryang myeol-jjong]
- English Meaning: Mass extinction
- Detailed Description: This is a compound noun combining 대량 (daeryang), meaning ‘a large quantity’ or ‘mass,’ and 멸종 (myeoljong), meaning ‘extinction.’ It’s the standard, formal term used in academic papers, news reports, and documentaries to refer to events like the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. Use this to sound precise and educated.
2. 생물 다양성 (saengmul dayangseong)
- Pronunciation: [saeng-mul da-yang-seong]
- English Meaning: Biodiversity
- Detailed Description: Another essential compound noun. 생물 (saengmul) means ‘living organism’ or ‘life,’ and 다양성 (dayangseong) means ‘diversity.’ So, it literally translates to ‘diversity of life.’ This term is central to any discussion about ecology, conservation, and the health of our planet.
3. ~에 지대한 영향을 미치다 (~e jidaehan yeonghyang-eul michida)
- Pronunciation: [~e ji-dae-han yeong-hyang-eul mi-chi-da]
- English Meaning: To have a profound/immense impact on ~
- Detailed Description: This is a powerful, formal phrase that will elevate your Korean. While you can say
큰 영향을 주다(to give a big influence), using 지대하다 (jidaehada) instead of크다(big) adds a level of gravity and significance. 미치다 (michida) in this context means ‘to exert’ or ‘to have an effect.’ It’s perfect for describing the far-reaching consequences of a major event.- Example:
산업 혁명은 인류의 삶에 지대한 영향을 미쳤다.(The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on human life.)
- Example:
4. 생태계 교란 (saengtaegye gyoran)
- Pronunciation: [saeng-tae-gye gyo-ran]
- English Meaning: Ecosystem disturbance / disruption
- Detailed Description: 생태계 (saengtaegye) means ‘ecosystem,’ and 교란 (gyoran) means ‘disturbance,’ ‘disruption,’ or ‘agitation.’ This term is used to describe events, often human-caused, that upset the natural balance of an ecosystem, such as the introduction of invasive species or pollution.
Example Dialogue: Discussing a Hit Documentary
Imagine two friends, Minjun (A) and Sora (B), are talking after watching a popular documentary about the current environmental crisis.
A: 소라야, 어제 화제가 된 환경 다큐멘터리 봤어? 공룡 시대를 끝낸 것과 같은 대량 멸종이 지금도 일어나고 있을 수 있다는 내용이 정말 충격적이었어.
Sora: Sora, did you see that environmental documentary that’s been trending? The part about how a mass extinction, like the one that ended the age of dinosaurs, could be happening now was truly shocking.
B: 응, 나도 봤어. 특히 인간의 활동이 생물 다양성 감소에 지대한 영향을 미치고 있다는 점이 마음에 와 닿았어.
Sora: Yes, I saw it too. It really hit home how human activities are having a profound impact on the decline of biodiversity.
A: 맞아. 우리가 알지 못하는 사이에 심각한 생태계 교란이 계속되고 있었던 거야. 앞으로 우리가 뭘 할 수 있을지 진지하게 고민해 봐야 할 것 같아.
Minjun: Exactly. A serious ecosystem disturbance has been ongoing without us even realizing it. I think we need to seriously consider what we can do from now on.
Culture Tip & Trend Analysis: Korea’s Growing Eco-Consciousness
The popularity of scientific and environmental documentaries in Korea signals a major shift. Topics once confined to the classroom are now part of mainstream public conversation.
- From Entertainment to Enlightenment: Koreans are increasingly engaging with complex social and scientific issues. You’ll hear terms like 대량 멸종 and 생물 다양성 not just on the news, but also on popular talk shows and in YouTube content created by “knowledge influencers.”
- Sound Like an Insider: Using a phrase like ~에 지대한 영향을 미치다 in a discussion about a trending social issue (like environmentalism) shows that you not only have a high command of the Korean language but are also culturally aware. It demonstrates that you can handle the sophisticated nuances of formal Korean discourse. It’s a definite way to impress your Korean friends and colleagues!
Let’s Review and Practice!
Great job today! You’ve learned four advanced expressions to discuss the profound topic of mass extinction and biodiversity.
- 대량 멸종 (Mass extinction)
- 생물 다양성 (Biodiversity)
- ~에 지대한 영향을 미치다 (To have a profound impact on)
- 생태계 교란 (Ecosystem disturbance)
Quick Quiz:
Try to complete the following sentence using at least two of the expressions you learned today.
Sentence: The rapid increase in invasive species caused a serious _______________, which ultimately _______________ the local _______________.
(외래종의 급격한 증가는 심각한 _______________을 일으켰고, 이는 결국 지역의 _______________에 _______________.)
Leave your answer in the comments below! We’d love to see you try using these powerful expressions. Keep up the amazing work
