Basic Korean Vowels 2: Learn ㅑ ㅕ ㅛ ㅠ and Distinguish ㅐ ㅔ

In this lesson, we learn the second set of Korean basic vowels: ㅑ, ㅕ, ㅛ, ㅠ as well as ㅐ, ㅔ. Unlike the simple vowels from the previous lesson, these include the ‘y’ series vowels which slightly change the mouth shape, and the vowels ㅐ and ㅔ which sound very similar and are often confusing. We’ll explain clearly so beginners can easily read and distinguish them.

1. Introduction to the ‘y’ Series Vowels (ㅑ, ㅕ, ㅛ, ㅠ)

Some Korean vowels derive from basic monophthongs plus a ‘y’ sound added. This lesson covers ㅑ, ㅕ, ㅛ, and ㅠ, made from ㅏ, ㅓ, ㅗ, and ㅜ plus a ‘y’ sound.

ㅑ (ya): The vowel ㅏ combined with a ‘y’ sound, pronounced like English “ya”.
Example: 야
ㅕ (yeo): ㅓ plus ‘y’ sound, with a slightly more open mouth than English “yo”.
Example: 여
ㅛ (yo): ㅗ plus ‘y’ sound, very close to English “yo”.
Example: 요
ㅠ (yu): ㅜ plus ‘y’ sound, similar to English “you”.
Example: 유

Practice comparing ‘y’ series vowels

Read the pairs below aloud to compare the sounds:

아 (a) – 야 (ya)
어 (eo) – 여 (yeo)
오 (o) – 요 (yo)
우 (u) – 유 (yu)

2. ㅐ and ㅔ: Similar Sounds but Distinct Vowels

Vowels ㅐ (ae) and ㅔ (e) sound very similar, which can cause confusion. Although often nearly indistinguishable in modern Korean, it’s good to learn to differentiate them.

ㅐ (ae): Similar to the ‘ae’ in English “say”.
Example: 애
ㅔ (e): Similar to the ‘e’ in English “set”.
Example: 에

Practice words with ㅐ and ㅔ

애 (ae)
에 (e)

3. Reading Practice for These Vowels

Now read aloud the following syllables confidently and clearly:

야 (ya)
여 (yeo)
요 (yo)
유 (yu)
애 (ae)
에 (e)

4. Conclusion and Next Steps

This lesson introduced the ‘y’ series vowels ㅑ, ㅕ, ㅛ, ㅠ and the two similar vowels ㅐ and ㅔ. Repeated practice will help you pronounce and distinguish them naturally. The following lessons will combine more consonants and vowels to enhance your Hangul reading skills. Keep up the great work!