540 Intermediate Level Vocabulary For Korean Learners

This blog post covers 500+ intermediate-level vocabulary for Korean learners and effective tips to learn Korean vocabulary faster!

Feeling stuck in your Korean language learning journey? You're not alone. But no worries! There are effective strategies to break through that barrier. By the end, you'll have practical tips to accelerate your journey to intermediate proficiency. Whether aiming for exams or deepening cultural engagement, this post has you covered.

In this blog post, we'll cover more than 500 intermediate-level vocabulary for Korean learners and discover effective tips and methods to learn Korean vocabulary faster and easier!

Korean Nouns for the Intermediate Level

KoreanPronunciationEnglish
고민gomin"woe"
고백gobaek"confession"
고집gojip"persistence"
고통gotong"suffering"
공공장소gongongjangso"public place"
공사gongsa"construction"
공통gongtong"common"
공해gonghae"pollution"
과소비gwasobi"overspending"
과음gwaeum"heavy drinking"
관계자gwangyeja"participant"
관광gwangwang"sightseeing"
관심gwansim"interest"
기념일ginyeomil"anniversary"
기대gidae"expectation"
기록gilok"record"
나들이nadeuri"outing"
나머지nameoji"the rest"
난방nanbang"heating"
남녀노소namnyeonoso"men and women of all ages"
남녀평등namnyeopyeongdeung"gender equality"
눈치nunchi"sense"
노선noseon"route"
능동적neungdongjeok"active"
능력neungryeok"ability"
냉방병naengbangbyeong"air-conditioning sickness"
노약자noyakja"the old and infirm"
단기간dangigan"short period of time"
단체danche"organization"
독립dongnip"independence"
도전dojeon"challenge"
도난donan"theft"
답변dapbyeon"answer"
당장dangjang"right now"
당황danghwang"embarrassment"
대도시daedosi"major city"
대량daelyang"large quantity"
대접daejeop"reception"
대중daejung"the general public"
대책daechaek"countermeasure"
대출daechul"loan"
대표daepyo"representative"
대형daehyeong"large"
더위deowi"the heat"
도구dogu"tool"
맞벌이matbeori"dual-career"
매표소maepyoso"box office"
명품myeongpum"masterpiece"
모범생mobeomsaeng"model student"
모험심moheomsim"adventure"
목적지mokjeokji"destination"
무관심mugwansim"indifference"
무소식musosik"no news"
밑줄mitjul"underscore"
민족minjok"people" (as in an ethnic group)
무시musi"disregard"
문제점munjejeom"problem"
문화유산munhwayusan"cultural heritage"
미혼mihon"unmarried (person)"
민요minyo"folk song"
민속놀이minsoknori"folk game"
발달baldal"development"
발명balmyeong"invention"
발전baljeon"development"
방해banghae"disturbance"
방향banghyang"direction"
배우자baeuja"spouse"
버릇beoreut"habit"
범위beomwi"range"
범죄beomjoe"crime"
beop"the law"
변화byeonhwa"alteration"
별명byeolmyeong"nickname"
부작용bujagyong"side effect"
부잣집bujatjip"rich family"
부주의bujuui"carelessness"
분리수거bullisugeo"separate collection"
분실bunsil"loss"
불경기bulgyeonggi"depression"
불면증bulmyeonjeung"insomnia"
불안감burangam"anxiety"
불평bulpyeong"misfortune"
비만biman"obesity"
생중계saengjunggye"live broadcast"
생필품saengpilpum"daily necessity"
생활비saenghwalbi"living expenses"
세월sewol"time"
세대sedae"generation"
세금segeum"tax"
성형seonghyeong"plastic surgery"
성실seongsil"faithfulness"
성별seongbyeol"gender"
성능seongneung"performance"
선착순seonchaksun"first-come, first-served basis"
선진국seonjinguk"developed country"
양보yangbo"yield"
연상yeonsang"elder"
억양eogyang"intonation"
언론eonron"the press"
엊그제eotgeuje"a couple days ago"
용돈yongdon"pocket money"
용기yonggi"courage"
욕심yoksim"greed"
요청yocheong"request"
요약yoyak"summary"
요구yogu"demand"
왕복wangbok"both ways"
열대야yeoldaeya"tropical night"
영향yeonghyang"influence"
예외yeoe"exception"
오염oyeom"pollution"
오해ohae"misunderstanding"
자신감jasingam"self-confidence"
자극적jageugjeok"exciting"
자격jagyeok"qualification"
정치인jeongchiin"politician"
절반jeolban"half"
전통jeontong"tradition"
전부jeonbu"all"
전문가jeonmunga"expert"
전망jeonmang"prospect"
저장jeojang"save" / "storage"
재해jaehae"disaster"
재산jaesan"property"
장기적janggijeok"long-term"
잔소리jansoli"nitpicking"
자존심jajonsim"one’s pride"
차례charye"order"
채식주의자chaesikjuuija"vegetarian"
친환경chinhwangyeong"eco-friendly"
출신chulsin"someone’s ancestry"
추위chuwi"the cold"
추억chueok"memory"
추가chuga"addition"
최초choecho"the first"
최종choejong"the final"
최저choejeo"minimum"
최신choesin"the newest"
최대choedae"maximum"
초보자choboja"beginner"
참을성chameulseong"patience"
책임chaegim"responsibility"
철학cheolhak"philosophy"
첫인상cheotinsang"first impression"
통계tonggye"statistics"
통증tongjeung"pain"
핑계pinggye"excuse"
피해pihae"harm"
품절pumjeol"sold out"
표정pyojeong"someone’s expression"
폭우pogu"heavy rain"
폭식poksig"binge"
폭설pokseol"heavy snow"
평소pyeongso"ordinary day"
편식pyeonsik"unbalanced diet"
평생pyeongsaeng"whole life"
한국학hangughak"Korean studies"
한눈hannun"a glance"
희생자huisaengja"victim"
호칭hoching"title"
호기심hogisim"curiosity"
혜택hyetaek"benefit"
형편hyeongpyeon"circumstances"
형태hyeongtae"form"
현대인hyeondaein"contemporary man"
해결책haegyeolchaek"solution"
항공료hanggongryo"airfare"
할부halbu"monthly installment plan"
한지hanji"traditional Korean paper"
한정식hanjeongsik"Korean-style meal"
한숨hansum"sigh"

Korean Verbs for the Intermediate Level

KoreanPronunciationEnglish
가라앉다garaanda"to sink"
가리다garida"to hide"
간섭하다ganseophada"to interfere"
갇히다gachida"to be shut up"
갈아입다garaipda"to change (clothes)"
갖추다gatchuda"to prepare"
갚다gapda"to repay"
개발하다gaebalhada"to develop"
거절하다geojeolhada"to refuse"
결심하다gyeolsimhada"to decide"
나아가다naagada"to advance"
나아지다naajida"to improve"
나타나다natanada"to appear"
날아다니다naradanida"to fly about"
날아오르다naraoreuda"to fly up"
남기다namgida"to leave"
낭비하다nangbihada"to waste"
낮추다natchuda"to lower"
낳다nata"to give birth to"
내려보다naeryeoboda"to look down"
담당하다damdanghada"to take charge of"
돌아다니다doradanida"to get around"
돌려보내다dollyeobonaeda"to return"
데치다dechida"to blanch"
덮이다deop-ida"to be covered with"
던지다deonjida"to throw"
대하다daehada"to face"
대신하다daesinhada"to replace"
당하다danghada"to suffer"
당기다dang-gida"to pull"
마련하다maryeonhada"to prepare"
마무리하다mamurihada"to finish"
마음먹다maeummeokda"to make up one’s mind"
마주치다majuchida"to come across"
막히다makida"to be clogged with"
망가뜨리다manggatteurida"to be destroyed"
망가지다manggajida"to be destroyed"
망설이다mangseorida"to hesitate"
망하다manghada"to go under"
맞추다matchuda"to adjust"
버려지다beoryeojida"to be left out"
버티다beotida"to endure"
번갈다beongalda"to take turns"
벌리다beollida"to open"
벗기다beotgida"to take off"
벗어나다beoseonada"to get out of"
보살피다bosalpida"to look after"
부러지다bureojida"to be broken"
불어나다bureonada"to increase"
붐비다bumbida"to be crowded with"
서두르다seodureuda"to hurry"
섞다seoktda"to mix with"
선택하다seontaekada"to choose"
성공하다seonggonghada"to succeed"
세다seda"to count up"
속이다sogida"to deceive"
수리하다surihada"to repair"
수선하다suseonhada"to repair"
숙이다sugida"to bend"
숨기다sumgida"to hide"
여쭈다yeojjuda"to ask"
연장하다yeonjanghada"to extend"
염려하다yeomryeohada"to worry about"
예상하다yesanghada"to anticipate"
예측하다yecheukada"to predict"
옮기다omgida"to move"
외우다oeuda"to memorize"
외치다oechida"to cry out"
응모하다eungmohada"to enter for"
의심하다uisimhada"to doubt"
제공하다jegonghada"to be offered"
제외하다jeoehada"to exclude"
제출하다jechulhada"to submit"
주고받다jugobatda"to exchange"
주어지다jueojida"to be given"
줄어들다jul-eodeulda"to decrease"
중단하다jungdanhada"to stop"
지나가다jinagada"to pass by"
지나치다jinachida"to pass by"
집다jipda"to pick up"
차리다charida"to prepare"
차지하다chajihada"to take possession of"
참석하다chamseokada"to attend"
찾아내다chajanaeda"to find out"
채우다chaeuda"to fill in"
챙기다chaenggida"to pack up"
처리하다cheorihada"to handle"
쳐다보다chyeodaboda"to look at"
추진하다chujinhada"to propel"
치다chida"to hit"
토하다tohada"to vomit"
포기하다pogihada"to give up"
표현하다pyohyeonhada"to express"
피하다pihada"to avoid"
합치다hapchida"to unite"
해결하다haegyeolhada"to settle"
해보다haeboda"to try"
향하다hyanghada"to face"
허락하다heorakada"to permit"
헤어지다heeojida"to part from"

Also read:

A Guide to Korean Verbs for Beginners
If you want to learn Korean you must check out this easy to understand guide with all the basics you need to comprehend Korean verbs.

Korean Adjectives for the Intermediate Level

KoreanPronunciationEnglish
가늘다ganeulda"thin"
가능하다ganeunghada"possible"
괴롭다goeropda"painful"
굉장하다goengjanghada"wonderful"
궁금하다gunggeumhada"curious about"
귀중하다gwijunghada"precious"
까다롭다kkadaropda"particular about"
깐깐하다kkankkanhada"strict"
깔끔하다kkalkkeumhada"neat"
귀찮다gwichanta"troublesome"
낡다nakta"old" / "worn"
너그럽다neogeureopda"generous"
넉넉하다neogneokada"enough"
놀랍다nollapda"surprising"
느긋하다neugeutada"relaxed"
느끼다neukkida"greasy"
느리다neurida"slow"
다양하다dayanghada"various"
다정하다dajeonghada"friendly"
단순하다dansunhada"simple"
단단하다dandanhada"hard"
담백하다dambaekada"light"
대단하다daedanhada"great"
독특하다dogteukada"unusual"
동일하다dongilhada"same as"
동그랗다donggeurata"round"
뒤늦다dwineutda"belated"
목마르다mokmareuda"thirsty"
멋지다meotjida"wonderful"
매콤하다maekomhada"spicy"
마땅하다mattanghada"suitable"
무덥다mudeopda"stifling"
밉다mipda"detestable"
믿음직스럽다mideumjikseureopda"reliable"
명량하다myeongranghada"cheerful"
부드럽다budeureopda"soft"
버릇없다beoreuseopda"ill-mannered"
부족하다bujokada"insufficient"
분명하다bunmyeonghada"clear"
불쌍하다bulssanghada"pitiful"
불평등하다bulpyeongdeunghada"unfair"
뻔하다ppeonhada"transparent"
불가능하다bulganeunghada"impossible"
밤늦다bamneutda"late at night"
색다르다saekdareuda"different"
상쾌하다sangkwaehada"refreshing"
사이좋다saijota"compatible"
상관없다sanggwaneopda"having nothing to do with"
색다르다saekdareuda"different"
새롭다saerobda"fresh"
서늘하다seoneulhada"chilly"
생생하다saengsaenghada"vivid"
서투르다seotureuda"unskilled"
선명하다seonmyeonghada"clear"
안타깝다antakkapda"sad"
아쉽다aswipda"sorry"
아깝다akkapda"valuable"
얇다yalda"thin"
얌전하다yamjeonhada"gentle"
엄격하다eomgyeokada"strict"
여유롭다yeoyuropda"having time"
연하다yeonhada"tender"
올바르다olbaleuda"correct"
익숙하다iksukada"be used to"
자연스럽다jayeonseureopda"natural"
중요하다jungyohada"important"
적절하다jeogjeolhada"proper"
적당하다jeokdanghada"proper"
저렴하다jeoryeomhada"cheap"
점잖다jeomjanta"gentle"
잘나다jalnada"better than others"
정확하다jeonghwakada"exact"
지겹다jigyeopda"boring"
지루하다jiruhada"boring"
차분하다chabunhada"calm"
커다랗다keodarata"big"
캄캄하다kamkamhada"very dark"
창피하다changpihada"shameful"
특별하다teukbyeolhada"special"
탁하다takada"murky"
튼튼하다teunteunhada"solid"
특이하다teugihada"unusual"
평범하다pyeongbeomhada"ordinary"
평등하다pyeongdeunghada"equal"

Korean Adverbs for the Intermediate Level

KoreanPronunciationEnglish
가득gadeuk"full"
결코gyeolko"never"
간신히gansinhi"barely"
겨우gyeou"barely"
간절히ganjeolhi"earnestly"
가만히gamanhi"still"
got"at once"
게다가gedaga"besides"
과연gwayeon"indeed"
골고루golgoru"evenly"
도무지domuji"at all"
대부분daebubun"most of"
대게daege"generally"
대충daechung"roughly"
더구나deoguna"besides"
도대체dodaeche"at all"
더욱deouk"more"
대체로daechero"generally"
도저히dojeohi"utterly"
도리어dorieo"on the contrary"
마음대로maeumdaero"as one likes"
마음껏maeumkkeot"as much as one likes"
모처럼mocheoreom"after a long time"
마침machim"just in time"
마찬가지로machangajiro"likewise"
만일manil"if"
마치machi"as if"
멀리meolli"far"
몰래mollae"secretly"
마침내machimnae"finally"

How To Memorize Korean Vocabulary Fast?

Here are some effective tips and strategies to memorize Korean vocabulary faster and easier:

1. Use Flashcards and the Spaced Repetition Method

Flashcards are an effective tool for vocabulary retention, especially when combined with spaced repetition. This method ensures that you review words at increasing intervals, optimizing memory retention.

Spaced repetition leverages the psychological spacing effect, which suggests that information is better remembered when reviewed repeatedly over time. Sources like Anki or Quizlet offer digital flashcard systems that automate spaced repetition, making vocabulary learning more efficient and effective.

2. Create Personal Connections with Words

Creating associations between words and visual imagery, narratives, or personal experiences enhances memorization and recall. This technique engages multiple areas of the brain, making vocabulary acquisition more robust and durable.

Rather than relying solely on translation, linking words to vivid mental images or meaningful stories deepens understanding and strengthens memory traces. Utilizing mnemonic devices, such as the method of loci or the peg system, further enhances this associative learning process.

3. Learn Words in Thematic Groups

Organizing vocabulary into thematic groups or semantic categories facilitates learning by establishing contextual connections. Grouping words with similar meanings, functions, or usage patterns helps learners grasp underlying patterns and associations within the language.

This approach promotes deeper comprehension and enables learners to apply vocabulary more effectively in different contexts. Online resources like thematic vocabulary lists or language learning textbooks often categorize words according to topics or themes, aiding learners in systematic vocabulary acquisition.

a girl studying Korean-Intermediate Level Vocabulary For Korean Learners-Lingopie

4. Review and Practice Vocabulary Daily

Regular and consistent review is essential for consolidating vocabulary into long-term memory. Daily practice, even in short increments, helps maintain linguistic proficiency and prevents forgetting.

Spaced repetition algorithms automatically schedule review sessions based on individual learning curves, optimizing retention while minimizing study time. Establishing a study routine and setting achievable goals foster discipline and continuity in vocabulary learning, ensuring steady progress over time.

5. Use Mnemonic Devices

Mnemonic devices and organizational strategies aid in memorization, retrieval, and reinforcement of vocabulary. The Leitner system, for instance, categorizes flashcards into different boxes based on mastery level, allowing learners to focus on challenging words while reviewing familiar ones less frequently.

Mind maps visually organize related words or concepts, facilitating comprehension and recall through spatial associations. Mnemonics, such as acronyms, rhymes, or visual imagery, provide mental hooks for encoding and retrieving information efficiently.

6. Relate New Words to Cognates or Similar words

Drawing connections between new Korean words and cognates or familiar terms in one's native language or other languages promotes associative learning and facilitates cross-linguistic transfer.

Recognizing shared etymological roots or phonetic resemblances between languages enhances vocabulary acquisition and comprehension. Comparative linguistics, language family trees, or online translation tools can aid learners in identifying linguistic parallels and leveraging existing knowledge to expand their vocabulary repertoire.

7. Learn Hanja

Learning Hanja can significantly aid in expanding your Korean vocabulary. Many Korean words have Hanja roots, and understanding the meanings of these characters can help you decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words more easily.

By recognizing Hanja components within Korean words, you can make educated guesses about their meanings and memorize new vocabulary more effectively. Additionally, the Hanja study provides insight into the historical and cultural background of Korean words, enhancing your overall understanding of the language.

Also read:

Best Way to Learn Korean: A Guide to Learning Korean
So you want to learn Korean online? Maybe you have been watching the newest Korean dramas, listening to the latest K-pop songs that have swept...
Is Korean Easy to Learn? A Quick Guide
So, you want to learn the Korean language. That’s great! With K-pop and K-dramas increasing in popularity, it makes more sense than ever to learn Korean and join in the hype. Today, we’ll look at how easy it can be to learn Korean as an English speaker. We will introduce

What Level is Intermediate in Korean?

According to Bomi Lee's study and other academic classifications, intermediate language proficiency in Korean is between levels 3 and 4 (Topik II). This level is characterized by the ability to hold conversations with friends, perform daily tasks in Korea, travel, and understand a significant amount of TV content.

Passing the TOPIK exam with a grade of 3급 is generally seen as low intermediate, while 4급 is considered upper intermediate. Additionally, the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) describes lower intermediate learners similarly to TOPIK's 3급 level.

Overall, being able to construct grammatically correct sentences, describe things, express opinions, navigate places like banks and restaurants, speak without many pauses, understand and use some slang or idiomatic expressions, and comprehend a range of Korean content are indicative of an intermediate level in Korean

How Many Words for B1 in Korean?

Although there is no specific number of words for the B1 level in Korean, in a typical Korean B1 course, learners learn around 1800 new words.

This level covers understanding simple conversations and texts on various topics related to Korean society and culture, using a wider range of vocabulary and grammar structures.

Learners at this level can understand the main points of clear standard speech, deal with most situations while traveling, and engage in conversations on familiar topics.

Additionally, they can read texts for specific information, describe experiences, give reasons for opinions, narrate stories, and write straightforwardly on familiar topics

Final Words

Getting a good grasp of Korean vocabulary as you move to an intermediate level takes some real effort and smart studying. But it's totally doable!

Using tools like flashcards and spaced repetition, making connections with words through stories or images, and learning in themed groups can really speed up your progress. Plus, don't forget about daily practice and finding ways to make learning fun, like using mnemonic devices or relating new words to ones you already know. And hey, knowing a bit about Hanja roots can give you a leg up too. So keep at it, and you'll be chatting away in Korean before you know it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's answer the most frequently asked questions here:

1. Is TOPIK level 3 intermediate?

Yes, TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level 3 is generally considered an intermediate level.

TOPIK has six levels in total:

TOPIK 1 (levels 1 and 2) assesses basic Korean proficiency.
TOPIK 2 (levels 3 and 4) assesses intermediate Korean proficiency.
TOPIK 3 (levels 5 and 6) assesses advanced Korean proficiency.

So, TOPIK level 3 falls within the intermediate range.

2. Can I learn Korean in 3 months?

Learning Korean in three months is possible, but it depends on several factors such as your dedication, available time for study, previous language learning experience, and the methods/resources you use for learning.

While three months may not be enough to achieve fluency in Korean, with dedication and effective learning strategies, you can make significant progress and build a solid foundation in Korean. Remember that language learning is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to your goals.

3. How long does it take to learn B1 Korean?

Reaching a B1 level in Korean typically requires around 200-300 hours of study. However, individual progress may vary based on factors such as prior language learning experience, intensity of study, quality of resources, immersion, and individual learning style.

While some learners may achieve a B1 level within 6-12 months with consistent effort and effective study methods, others may take longer to reach this proficiency level.

4. How much vocabulary is enough for Korean?

The number of vocabulary words needed to speak Korean fluently ranges from 3000 to 5000. Learning and developing Korean vocabulary is crucial for understanding and speaking the language effectively.

While some learners estimate their vocabulary at around 4000 words for an intermediate level, the ability to use vocabulary in conversations is more important than merely knowing a high number of words

Learn Korean by Watching K-dramas with Lingopie!

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Lingopie offers a unique and immersive language-learning experience that combines the enjoyment of watching your favorite Korean dramas and TV shows with effective language-learning tools.

With Lingopie, you have access to a vast library of authentic Korean content, including popular dramas, variety shows, and documentaries, all available with subtitles in both English and Korean.

This dual subtitle feature allows you to follow along with the dialogue while simultaneously learning new vocabulary and phrases in context. It also provides interactive features such as click-to-translate, where you can easily look up the meaning of words and expressions while watching.

So, whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, Lingopie offers a fun, engaging, and effective way to learn Korean while enjoying the best of Korean TV shows and movies.

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