#106: Why Koreans Almost Never Say “You” (and What They Say Instead)

From Korean Unpacked · 25:16

Show by Eliza Wang

In English, you say “you” to everyone - your boss, your child, a stranger, your partner. Korean doesn’t work like that.Most learners know two words for “you”: 당신 and 너. But knowing the words and knowing when they actually work are not the same thing. This episode unpacks “you” in Korean layer by layer, through everyday scenes at work, in cafés, at home and in K-dramas.The idea to take with you: in Korean, “you” isn’t a word you pick from a dictionary. It’s a relationship you name.In this episode, you’ll explore:Where 당신 really lives - and why it can sound distantWho you can (and can’t) say 너 toThe names and titles Koreans use where English says “you”Why Koreans use family words for people who aren’t familyThe simplest solution of all, heard in every café and phone callWhat K-drama characters are really telling you when they change what they call each otherThis episode is for learners at every level - especially if you’ve ever said 당신 and felt the room go quiet.✨ Free Webinar for First-Year Korean LearnersIf you’re in your first year of Korean - just starting, or a few months in and it still doesn’t quite feel like it’s coming together - this free webinar is for you.You Know Some Korean. So Why Can't You Speak It Yet?We’ll look at how to learn Korean so it actually starts to click, and you’ll learn three simple sentence patterns that help you make your very first real sentences. You don’t need to read Hangul yet.📅 Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1PM CET👉 Save your free spot: https://www.joaacademy.com/free-korean-training ⭐ Share Korean UnpackedIf this episode made something click, share it with a friend who’s learning Korean - especially one who’s still saying 당신.Connect🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy🎧 Podcast: Korean Unpacked - available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms📝 Read this episode on Substack: @ Korean Joa Academy

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