Learning to read Hangul (the Korean alphabet) is the single most important first step in your Korean language journey. While the logic behind the alphabet is scientific and elegant, memorizing the shapes of the letters can still be a challenge for absolute beginners.

That's why we are excited to introduce Hangul Mnemonics to the Korean Vocabulary App!

What are Mnemonics?

Mnemonics are memory devices that help you retain information by associating it with something you already know. For language learners, this often means linking the shape or sound of a foreign letter to a familiar image or word in your native language.

Consonants

Here are the mnemonics for the basic consonants:

ㄱ (g)

ㄱ looks like a gun.

ㄴ (n)

ㄴ looks like a nose.

ㄷ (d)

ㄷ looks like a door.

ㄹ (r/l)

ㄹ looks like a rattlesnake.

ㅁ (m)

ㅁ looks like a mouth.

ㅂ (b)

ㅂ looks like a bucket with water in it.

ㅅ (s)

ㅅ looks like a summit.

ㅇ (ng)

ㅇ looks like nothing.

ㅈ (j)

ㅈ looks like a jet.

ㅊ (ch)

ㅊ looks like a champion.

ㅋ (k)

ㅋ looks like a key.

ㅌ (t)

ㅌ looks like a trident.

ㅍ (p)

ㅍ looks like pillars.

ㅎ (h)

ㅎ looks like a head with a hat.

Vowels

Here are the mnemonics for the basic vowels:

ㅏ (a)

ㅏ looks like someone sticking out their arm for a handshake.

ㅐ (ae)

ㅐ looks like a gate.

ㅓ (eo)

ㅓ looks like somoeone holding an oar.

ㅔ (e)

ㅔ looks like a roadsign with a left turn.

ㅗ (o)

ㅗ looks like a net you hit the ball over.

ㅜ (u)

ㅜ looks like a root going into the ground.

ㅡ (eu)

ㅡ looks like a ruler used to measure a foot.

ㅣ (i)

ㅣ looks like a tree.

Start Learning Today

Head over to the Hangul section of the app to explore the new mnemonics. Whether you are just starting out or need a quick refresher, these visual aids will help stick the letters in your memory for good.

Happy studying!