K-pop based Korean learning EP 10: ROSÉ - On The Ground"

 

Episode 10: Learn Korean with ROSÉ's "On The Ground"

Today, we’ll be learning practical Korean with ROSÉ's hit song ‘On The Ground.’ As a solo artist and a BLACKPINK member, ROSÉ expresses deep emotions through her music, and this song teaches us great expressions related to self-reflection, aspirations, and emotions.

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[1. Conversation Example ]

1. Example Usage:

• 친구: 요즘 너무 바빠서 스트레스 받아. (I’m so stressed because I’m busy lately.)
• 나: 내게 필요한 건 다 여기 있잖아. (Everything I need is right here.)

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2. Example Usage:

• 꿈을 꾸는 사람들에게 자주 쓰이는 표현이에요. (This is often used for people dreaming big.)
• Example sentence: "난 항상 높은 곳을 바라봐요." (I always look up high.)

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3. Example Usage:

• 친구: 왜 그렇게 큰 꿈을 꾸었어? (Why did you dream such big dreams?)
• 나: 나도 몰라, 왜 그렇게 높은 곳을 원했는지. (I don’t know why I wanted such high places.)

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[2. Grammar Spotlight] 

"Let’s break down the key grammar points found in today's lyrics and understand how to use them in daily conversations."

1. -잖아 (잖아요) – "You know, don’t you?"

   • Example from the song:
     • 여기 있잖아 (It’s right here, you know?)
   • Real-life use:
     • "날씨가 추워졌잖아." (The weather has gotten colder, you know.)

2. -는지 (whether/why/if)

   • Example from the song:
     • 왜 그렇게 높은 곳을 원했는지 (Why did I want such high places?)
   • Real-life use:
     • "그가 어디 있는지 아세요?" (Do you know where he is?)

3. 바라보다 (to look at, to gaze at)

   • Example from the song:
     • 난 항상 높은 곳을 바라봤어. (I always looked up high.)
   • Real-life use:
     • "나는 별을 바라보는 걸 좋아해요." (I like gazing at the stars.)

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[3. Real-Life Conversation Practice] 

Scenario 1: Encouraging a Friend

• A: 요즘 너무 힘들어. (I’m having a hard time lately.)
• B: 내게 필요한 건 다 여기 있잖아. (Everything I need is right here.)

Scenario 2: Talking About Dreams

• A: 넌 항상 높은 곳을 바라봐. (You always aim high.)
• B: 맞아, 하지만 가끔은 힘들어. (Yeah, but sometimes it’s hard.)

Scenario 3: Reflecting on the Past

• A: 왜 그렇게 높은 곳을 원했는지 나도 모르겠어. (I don’t know why I wanted such high places.)
• B: 가끔 우리도 생각해봐야 돼. (Sometimes we have to reflect.)

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[4. Cultural Insights] 

"ROSÉ’s song On The Ground reflects an important cultural concept in Korea – 성찰 (self-reflection).

In Korean culture, taking time to reflect on one’s life and goals is a common theme found in music, dramas, and even daily conversations. You’ll often hear people say things like:

• '나 자신을 돌아볼 시간이 필요해요.' (I need time to reflect on myself.)
• '높은 곳만 바라보면 중요한 걸 놓칠 수 있어요.' (If you only look up high, you might miss what’s important.)

Understanding this mindset can help you connect more deeply with Korean people and their way of thinking."