Korean Pronunciation: [ㄷ] + ㄴ, ㅎ + ㅈ and [ㄷ] + ㅁ

Proper pronunciation is a vital skill you need to master and in our previous article we’ve introduced 3 Korean pronunciation rules. In this post we are going to expand on those rules with 3 more. These rules are: [ㄷ] + ㄴ, ㅎ + ㅈ and [ㄷ] + ㅁ. Let’s get started

Before we start, however, I believe we need to agree on a few conventions to make sure everyone understands what is written. When something is written between square brackets, it represents the pronunciation of the word; not its spelling. Letter between square brackets as well represent a pronunciation not a spelling. Keep that in mind when reading the articles on Korean pronunciation rules.

Korean Pronunciation Rule: [ㄷ] + ㄴ > [ㄴ] + ㄴ

The first rule we are going to explore is: [ㄷ] + ㄴ > [ㄴ] + ㄴ. The rule is fairly easy, but essential. When a syllable starting with ㄴ follows such a [ㄷ] batchim syllable, the  [ㄷ] is pronounced as [ㄴ] instead.  Like a rule in the previous pronunciation rule post, this rule applies to all syllables with a batchim that is pronounced as [ㄷ].

When a syllable starting with ㄴ follows such a [ㄷ] batchim syllable, the  [ㄷ] is pronounced as [ㄴ] instead.

A few examples:

• 끝내요 : [끈내요]
• 듣는 : [든는]
• 꽃 냄새 : [꼰 냄새]

Korean Pronunciation Rule: ㅎ + ㅈ > [ㅊ]

Next up in this list of pronunciation rules is: ㅎ + ㅈ > [ㅊ]. This is a rather important pronunciation rule in Korean since it applies to a quite a few often used Korean words. The rule goes like following: If a syllable starting with ㅈ follows a syllable that has ㅎ as a batchim; both combine in the second syllable to form [ㅊ]. This rule might make you think of another rule; [ㄷ] + ㅎ > [ㅌ].

A few examples:

• 많지요 : [만치요]
• 좋지만 : [조치만]
• 올려놓지 : [올려노치]

Korean Pronunciation Rule: [ㄷ] + ㅁ > [ㄴ] + ㅁ

The last Korean pronunciation rule in this post is: [ㄷ] + ㅁ > [ㄴ] + ㅁ. In a way this is a bit related to the first rule of this post, [ㄷ] + ㄴ > [ㄴ] + ㄴ. I think you recognize the stark resemblance between the two. This rule goes as such: When a syllable starting with ㅁ follows such a [ㄷ] batchim syllable, the  [ㄷ] is pronounced as [ㄴ] instead. Like the first rule and many other rules such as this; it applies to all syllables with a batchim that is pronounced as [ㄷ].

When a syllable starting with ㅁ follows such a [ㄷ] batchim syllable, the  [ㄷ] is pronounced as [ㄴ] instead.

A few examples:

• 이것만 : [이건만]
• 옷맵시 : [온맵시]
• 끝말잇기 : [끈마릳기]

Those were the second set of Korean pronunciation rules on Morning Lands. Try to slowly familiarize yourself with these rules first before moving on to the next set of rules. And, once you’ve mastered them your Korean speaking skill will have improved tremendously.