How to write your name in Korean | How to spell your name in Korean

Hello Everyone! I'm Junie from Koreanstudyjunkie. This is a lesson i've been wanting to make since forever, and I've finally gotten around to it.

I remember when I was a beginner who was still learning Hangul, I was quite curious about how to write, not only my name, but non-Korean names in general. It's actually quite fascinating.

If you've been feeling the same, stay tuned!

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Let's begin with a STEP-BY-STEP explanation of how to achieve this:

Step 1: Understand Hangul (한글)

• Hangul is the alphabet used to write Korean. It consists of 14 basic consonants and 10 basic vowels. These are combined to form syllables.

• A Korean name is typically written in syllabic blocks. Each syllable consists of at least one consonant and one vowel. Some syllables may have additional consonants.

Step 2: Break Your Name Into Syllables

• In Korean, names are often broken down into syllables that correspond to the sounds of your name.

• For example:

  • John becomes 존 (Jo-n).

  • Emily becomes 에밀리 (E-mi-li).

  • Michael becomes 마이클 (Ma-i-keul).

Step 3: Match the Sounds to Hangul

1. Identify the sound of each part of your name:

   • Look at each syllable of your name and find the closest equivalent sound in Korean.

2. Match the sound to the appropriate Hangul character:

   • Consonants: Each consonant sound in your name will be matched to a corresponding Hangul letter. For example, J becomes ㅈ (지), M becomes ㅁ (미), and L becomes ㄹ (리).

   • Vowels: Korean vowels often represent sounds rather than letters in English. For example, O becomes 오, and I becomes 이.

Step 4: Practice with Examples

Here are a few common English names and their corresponding Korean versions:

• David → 데이비드 (De-i-bi-deu)

• Jessica → 제시카 (Je-si-ka)

• Sophia → 소피아 (So-pi-a)

• Thomas → 토마스 (To-ma-seu)

• Daniel → 다니엘 (Da-ni-el)

• Anna → 안나 (An-na)

• Oliver → 올리버 (Ol-li-beo)

Step 5: Add the Correct Spacing for Your Name

• Korean names are typically written in blocks. Each syllable is placed in a square shape.

• Example:

  • Michael → 마이클

    • 마 (Ma) + 이 (I) + 클 (Keul)

• After converting your name into Hangul, make sure you break it into syllabic blocks.

Step 6: Practice Your Name

Now it’s time for you to practice writing your name in Hangul! Use the following example format:

• Example 1:

  • Name: John

  • Breakdown: J = ㅈ (지), O = 오, N = ㄴ (니)

  • Result: 존

• Example 2:

  • Name: Emily

  • Breakdown: E = 에, M = ㅁ (미), I = 이, L = ㄹ (리), Y = 이 (이 sound)

  • Result: 에밀리

Step 7: Extra Practice - Translating Your Name into Hangul

Practice by writing your name in Hangul using the following steps:

1. Break down each part of your name by sound.

2. Look up the closest Hangul characters.

3. Write it in syllabic blocks.

4. Practice writing it multiple times to get comfortable with the flow of Hangul.

5. Once you've got it, comment your name below!

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Once you've learned to write your own name, try out a few more:

Write the Following Names in Korean (Hangul)

For each English name, break it into syllables and convert it to Hangul.

1. James

2. Olivia

3. Christopher

4. Lucas

5. Isabella

6. Alexander

7. Charlotte

8. Benjamin

9. Victoria

10. Henry

Answers At The Very End!

BONUS

• Tip: While Hangul doesn't have perfect one-to-one equivalents for every English sound, it’s important to get as close as possible. Focus on the sounds, not the exact letters.

• Korean is a phonetic alphabet, so as long as you can approximate the sounds of your name, you’re on the right track!

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Foreigners w/ Traditionally Korean Names

In Korea, it’s common for foreigners to be given a Korean name by their friends or even to create one for themselves. This practice reflects cultural integration and shows respect for the Korean language and culture.

Why Do Some Non-Koreans Have Korean Names?

• Cultural Tradition: Korean names are highly significant in Korean culture, and they consist of a family name (one syllable) followed by a given name (two syllables). Foreigners, especially those who live in Korea for a long time or want to integrate into Korean society, may adopt a Korean name to make interactions smoother.

• Ease of Communication: Korean names are easier for Koreans to pronounce and remember. When foreigners use their original names, it might be difficult for Koreans to pronounce them correctly or remember them. Having a Korean name helps bridge this gap and shows that the foreigner is making an effort to connect with the culture.

• Respect and Acceptance: A Korean name can be seen as a gesture of respect and a sign of one’s commitment to learning and understanding the Korean language and culture. It’s also a way for a foreigner to feel more connected and accepted within the community.
  

How Do Foreigners Get Their Korean Names?

• Given by Friends or Locals: Sometimes, a Korean friend or acquaintance will assign a Korean name to a foreigner. They may choose a name based on the foreigner’s personality, appearance, or the meaning they want to convey. The process can be informal, and the name might be more about personal connections than about following the traditional rules of naming.

• Choosing a Korean Name: Some foreigners take it upon themselves to choose a Korean name. The key is to pick a name that sounds similar to their original name or reflects their identity. For instance, someone named David might choose the Korean name 대위 (Dae-wi), or someone named Emily might choose 이민지 (Lee Min-ji) as it sounds similar and fits culturally.

• Matching Phonetics: Korean names are based on sounds, so a foreigner’s name may be adapted phonetically into Hangul (Korean characters). For example, John becomes 존, and Michael becomes 마이클. If they want a name that sounds more Korean, they may pick a name with common Korean sounds and meanings.

Structure of a Korean Name

Korean names traditionally consist of:

• Family Name (성, Seong): One syllable.

• Given Name (이름, I-reum): Two syllables, with each syllable usually containing a consonant and a vowel.

Foreigners may adapt their name into this format or pick a common Korean name.

Other Examples of Korean Names for Foreigners

• Sarah → 서라 (Seo-ra)

• David → 대위 (Dae-wi) or 다윗 (Da-wit)

• John → 준 (Jun) or 종 (Jong)

• Jessica → 지수 (Ji-su)

• Michael → 민규 (Min-gyu)

In this case, these names don’t always follow the traditional family name and two-syllable given name structure but are more of an adaptation for easier use in daily life.

Creating Your Own Korean Name

If a foreigner wants to create their own Korean name, they often consider:

• Pronunciation: They may try to select a name that closely resembles the pronunciation of their real name.

• Meaning: Some foreigners also choose their name based on its meaning in Korean. For example, they might pick a name that has a positive or meaningful definition, such as 희원 (Hee-won, meaning "joyful") or 민수 (Min-su, meaning "bright and elegant").

It’s important to note that Korean names are typically meaningful, and there are sometimes expectations surrounding how one’s name is chosen. However, many foreigners opt for a simple, easy-to-pronounce version of their names without adhering to the more traditional rules of Korean naming.

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Here’s The Answer Key to the Earlier Quiz:

• James → 제임스 (Je-im-seu)

• Olivia → 올리비아 (Ol-li-bi-a)

• Christopher → 크리스토퍼 (Keu-ri-seu-to-peo)

• Lucas → 루카스 (Ru-ka-seu)

• Isabella → 이사벨라 (I-sa-bel-la)

• Alexander → 알렉산더 (Al-lek-san-deo)

• Charlotte → 샬롯 (Syal-rot)

• Benjamin → 벤자민 (Ben-ja-min)

• Victoria → 빅토리아 (Big-to-ri-a)

• Henry → 헨리 (Hen-li)

How did you do? Were you able to get all of them correct?

Whether the answer is Yes or No, keep practicing! Often times, cities, states, and countries outside of Korea are spelled in a similar way. A great way to practice would be trying to spell out the name of your hometown and other places like it. You can check your work by using a translator to see the correct spelling.

Below I have linked 3 related lessons that I think you might also like! Check it out~