Don’t Buy, Adopt! Deciding on a Pet the Korean Way
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Maeil Hangeul, your go-to blog for leveling up your Korean skills!
Today, we’re diving into a heartwarming yet serious topic: deciding to adopt a pet. This is a huge decision, and being able to express your thoughts and concerns is a great way to practice your B2-level Korean.
You might have noticed on Instagram or on shows like “I Live Alone” (나 혼자 산다) that more and more Korean celebrities and young people are choosing to adopt pets from shelters. In fact, “Don’t buy, adopt!” has become a major social campaign in Korea. So, let’s learn how to talk about this important decision-making process like a native!
Key Expressions for Your Big Decision
Here are some essential phrases you’ll need when you’re thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your life.
1. -을/ㄹ까 말까 하다 (-eul/l-kka mal-kka hada)
- Pronunciation: [eul-kka mal-kka ha-da] / [l-kka mal-kka ha-da]
- English Meaning: To debate whether to do something or not; to be on the fence.
- Detailed Explanation: This grammar pattern is perfect for expressing indecision. You attach it to a verb stem to show you’re going back and forth on a decision. It perfectly captures that feeling of “Should I or shouldn’t I?”
- Example: 고양이를 입양할까 말까 몇 주째 고민 중이에요. (Goyang-ireul ibyang-hal-kka mal-kka myeot ju-jjae gomin jung-i-eyo.) – I’ve been debating whether to adopt a cat or not for weeks.
2. 책임감 (chaeg-im-gam)
- Pronunciation: [chae-gim-gam]
- English Meaning: A sense of responsibility.
- Detailed Explanation: This noun is a combination of 책임 (chaeg-im), meaning “responsibility,” and 감 (gam), which means “feeling” or “sense.” When discussing pet ownership in Korea, this word is crucial. It shows you understand that having a pet is a serious, long-term commitment, not just for fun.
3. 신중하게 생각하다 (sin-jung-ha-ge saeng-gak-ha-da)
- Pronunciation: [sin-jung-ha-ge saeng-gak-ha-da]
- English Meaning: To think carefully; to consider cautiously.
- Detailed Explanation: 신중하다 (sin-jung-ha-da) is an adjective meaning “cautious” or “prudent.” This phrase emphasizes the need for careful and deep thought before making a significant decision. It’s a step beyond just “thinking” (생각하다) and shows you’re weighing all the pros and cons.
4. 마음의 결정을 내리다 (ma-eum-ui gyeol-jeong-eul nae-ri-da)
- Pronunciation: [ma-eum-eui gyeol-jeong-eul nae-ri-da]
- English Meaning: To make up one’s mind; to make a heartfelt decision.
- Detailed Explanation: This is a beautiful way to say you’ve made a final decision. 마음의 결정 (ma-eum-ui gyeol-jeong) literally means “a decision of the heart/mind.” It implies that you’ve not only thought logically but have also come to a conclusion emotionally. It’s a very firm and resolute expression.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these expressions work in a real conversation!
A: 요즘 유기견 보호소에서 봉사활동을 하고 있는데, 강아지 한 마리를 입양할까 말까 하고 있어.
(Y즘 yu-gi-gyeon bo-ho-so-eseo bong-sa-hwal-dong-eul ha-go it-neun-de, gang-a-ji han ma-ri-reul ibyang-hal-kka mal-kka ha-go isseo.)
(I’ve been volunteering at an abandoned dog shelter recently, and I’m on the fence about adopting one of the dogs.)
B: 정말? 좋은 일이긴 한데, 생명을 데려오는 거니까 책임감이 정말 중요하잖아.
(Jeong-mal? Jo-eun ir-i-gin han-de, saeng-myeong-eul de-ryeo-o-neun geo-ni-kka chaeg-im-gam-i jeong-mal jung-yo-ha-jan-a.)
(Really? That’s a great thing, but since you’re bringing a life into your home, a sense of responsibility is so important.)
A: 맞아. 그래서 신중하게 생각하는 중이야. 내 생활 환경이나 금전적인 부분까지 다 고려해야 하니까.
(Maja. Geu-rae-seo sin-jung-ha-ge saeng-gak-ha-neun jung-i-ya. Nae saeng-hwal hwan-gyeong-i-na geum-jeon-jeog-in bu-bun-kka-ji da go-ryeo-hae-ya ha-ni-kka.)
(Right. That’s why I’m thinking about it very carefully. I have to consider my living situation and even the financial aspects.)
B: 그럼. 잘 생각해 보고, 준비가 되었다고 느끼면 그때 마음의 결정을 내려.
(Geu-reom. Jal saeng-gak-hae bo-go, jun-bi-ga doe-eot-da-go neu-kki-myeon geu-ttae ma-eum-ui gyeol-jeong-eul nae-ryeo.)
(Of course. Think it over, and when you feel you’re ready, then make up your mind.)
Culture Tip & Trend Deep-Dive
In Korea, the perspective on pets has shifted dramatically. The term “펫팸족” (Pet-fam-jok) is now mainstream. It’s a portmanteau of the English word “pet” and the Korean word for family, “가족” (ga-jok). This word describes the growing number of people who consider their pets to be integral members of their family, not just animals.
This shift in mindset is closely linked to the “사지 말고 입양하세요” (sa-ji mal-go ibyang-ha-se-yo) — “Don’t buy, adopt!” — movement. Many celebrities, like the singer Lee Hyori, are famous advocates for animal rights and adoption, using their platforms to raise awareness about abandoned animals. When you see your favorite K-pop idol or actor posting about their adopted pet on social media, they are participating in this important cultural trend! Using words like 책임감 (chaeg-im-gam) shows that you understand and respect this modern Korean value.
Let’s Wrap Up & Practice!
Great job today! We’ve learned four key expressions to discuss the important decision of adopting a pet:
- -을/ㄹ까 말까 하다 (to be on the fence)
- 책임감 (sense of responsibility)
- 신중하게 생각하다 (to think carefully)
- 마음의 결정을 내리다 (to make up one’s mind)
Now, it’s your turn to practice!
Quick Quiz: Fill in the blank with the most appropriate expression from today’s lesson.
반려동물을 키우기로 결정하기 전에는, 자신의 상황에 대해 ( ___________ ) 정말 중요해요.
(Before deciding to raise a pet, it’s really important to ___________ about your situation.)
Leave your answer in the comments below! And tell us, have you ever considered adopting a pet? Try making a sentence with one of today’s phrases! Keep up the fantastic work
