This past week, my little corner of Korean culture came through language. No big dramas or loud music, just the words of simple Korean words that somehow carried weight, the kind my parents would say are “small things that teach big sense" in our local village here in Nigeria
I’ve been learning Korean slowly, am not in a hurry. One word that stayed with me this week is “괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo)”which I use translator. It means “it’s okay.” Simple, right? But Koreans use it in many ways. When someone bumps into you. When you make a mistake. When life is not perfect. “괜찮아요.” It’s okay. The first time I heard it, I laughed, because it reminded me of my mother. Anytime I stressed too much as a child, she would say, “Calm down, nothing will finish today.” Same meaning, different language.
Another word I learned is “수고했어요 (sugohaesseoyo)”, which means “you worked hard.” Koreans say this a lot, even for small efforts. You wash dishes? Sugohaesseoyo. You studied late? Sugohaesseoyo. This one touched me deeply. Growing up, my father always told us, “Effort matters, even when result is small.” Hearing a whole culture speak that value out loud felt warm, like being understood.
I also had a funny moment while practicing pronunciation. I wanted to say “배고파요 (baegopayo)” meaning “I’m hungry,” but I said it wrong and it came out funny I laugh and laughed. The person I was talking to smiled, corrected me gently, and didn’t laugh in a mocking way. That kindness stayed with me. My parents always taught me that correction without insult is real education. I saw that same spirit here.
Korean language feels respectful. There is a way you speak to elders, to friends, to strangers. It reminds me of how at home we were taught to greet properly, speak gently, and know when to lower our voice. Language shapes behavior, and behavior shapes character.
This week taught me that learning Korean is not just about memorizing words. It’s about learning patience, humility, and respect. Just like life lessons from home, repeated in another tongue. Slowly, word by word, it’s shaping not just my speech, but how I see people.
And honestly, that’s the kind of learning that stays.
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