Troubleshooting a Washing Machine Warning | Learn Korean in English

Korean lesson set in a contemporary Seoul everyday setting: In daily life, two adults troubleshoot a washing machine warning by checking the manual, cleaning the filter safely, and contacting maintenance if needed..

EN → KO / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Troubleshooting a Washing Machine Warning to practice Korean conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

세탁기가 세탁 과정 중간에 멈췄어.

seh-TAHK-kkee-gah seh-TAHK kkWah-JUNG joong-GAHN-eh muhM-chwuh-SUH. The washing machine stopped halfway through the cycle.
B

화면에 경고가 떠 있어?

hwah-MYUN-eh kyung-GOH-gah ttuh EE-suh? Is there a warning on the screen?
A

필터가 막혔을 수 있다고 나와.

PEEL-tuh-gah mah-KYUH-sseul soo EET-tah-goh nah-WAH. It says the filter may be blocked.
B

무작정 버튼을 누르기 전에 설명서를 확인해.

moo-JAHK-jjung BUH-tuhn-uhl noo-ruh-gee juhn-eh sul-MYUNG-suh-rul hwah-GEEN-heh. Check the manual before trying random buttons.
A

설명서에는 필터를 조심해서 청소해야 한다고 되어 있어.

sul-MYUNG-suh-eh-nun PEEL-tuh-rul joh-SHIM-heh-suh chung-SOH-heh-yah HAHN-dah-goh dweh-uh EE-suh. The manual says I should clean the filter carefully.
B

그럼 뭔가 만지기 전에 세탁기 플러그를 뽑아.

guh-RUHM mwuhn-gah mahn-JEE-gee juhn-eh seh-TAHK-kee PUHL-ruh-guhl-rul PPOH-bah. Then unplug the machine before you touch anything.
A

그다음에 세탁 과정을 다시 시작할까?

guh-dah-UHM-eh seh-TAHK kkWah-JUNG-uhl dah-SHEE shee-JAHK-hahl-KKAH? After that, should I restart the cycle?
B

한 번 다시 시작해 보고, 경고가 다시 뜨면 관리팀에 연락해.

hahm-BUN dah-SHEE shee-JAHK-heh boh-GOH, kyung-GOH-gah dah-SHEE ttuh-MYUN gwahl-LEE-teem-eh yuhl-LAHK-heh. Restart it once, but contact maintenance if the warning returns.
A

먼저 안전한 절차를 따를게.

MUHN-juh ahn-JUN-hahn juhl-CHAH-rul ttah-ROOL-keh. I will follow the safe steps first.
B

간단한 문제 해결은 도움이 되지만, 세탁기를 망가뜨릴 위험은 감수하지 마.

gahn-DAHN-hahn moon-JEH hae-GYUL-eun doh-OO-mee dweh-JEE-mahn, seh-TAHK-kkee-rul mahng-gah-TTUHL wee-UHM-eun gahm-SOO-hah-jee mah. Simple troubleshooting is useful, but do not risk damaging the machine.

Word by Word

세탁기가 “세탁기가” means “the washing machine” as the subject of the sentence. The ending “가” marks the machine as the thing that stopped. A new example is “컴퓨터가 멈췄어” for “The computer stopped.”
세탁 “세탁” refers to washing or laundry, and here it helps specify the washing process of the machine. It combines naturally with “과정” in “세탁 과정.” A new example is “세탁 세제를 넣어” for “Add laundry detergent.”
과정 “과정” means a process or sequence, and in “세탁 과정” it refers to the washing cycle. It is useful for describing a process that is underway or has been completed. A new example is “과정을 설명해 주세요” for “Please explain the process.”
중간에 “중간에” means “in the middle,” so “세탁 과정 중간에” says that the machine stopped before the cycle was finished. The ending “에” marks the point or time at which something happened. A new example is “회의 중간에 나갔어” for “I left in the middle of the meeting.”
멈췄어 “멈췄어” means “stopped” here, describing the washing machine no longer running. It is the conversational form used to report that something has come to a stop. A new example is “버스가 멈췄어” for “The bus stopped.”
화면에 “화면에” means “on the screen,” identifying where the warning appears. The ending “에” marks the place where something is shown or present. A new example is “화면에 사진이 보여” for “A picture is visible on the screen.”
경고가 “경고가” means “a warning” as the subject of the question. The ending “가” marks the warning as what may be appearing on the screen. A new example is “화면에 오류가 떠” for “An error appears on the screen.”
떠 “떠” means “appears” or “comes up” in “경고가 떠 있어,” referring to a warning being displayed. Here it describes something appearing visibly on a screen, not floating in a physical space. A new example is “알림이 떴어” for “A notification popped up.”
있어 “있어” means that the warning is present or remains displayed in “경고가 떠 있어.” Together with “떠,” it describes a warning that has appeared and is currently visible. A new example is “화면에 메시지가 있어” for “There is a message on the screen.”
필터가 “필터가” means “the filter” as the subject of the possible problem. The ending “가” marks the filter as the thing that may be blocked. A new example is “필터가 깨끗해” for “The filter is clean.”
막혔을 “막혔을” means “blocked” in the possibility expression “막혔을 수 있다.” It describes the filter as possibly unable to let water or air pass through. A new example is “길이 막혔을 수 있어” for “The road may be blocked.”
수 “수” expresses possibility in “막혔을 수 있다고,” meaning that something may be the case. It is used with “있다” in the pattern “동사-을 수 있다” to say that something is possible or may have happened. A new example is “문제가 생겼을 수 있어” for “There may have been a problem.”
있다고 “있다고” introduces the reported content that the filter may be blocked, as part of “막혔을 수 있다고 나와.” It carries that possibility into the statement about what the screen says. A new example is “문제가 있다고 들었어” for “I heard that there is a problem.”
나와 “나와” means “says” or “shows” here, referring to the information displayed by the machine. In “막혔을 수 있다고 나와,” it reports what the screen indicates. A new example is “설명서에 그렇게 나와 있어” for “It says so in the manual.”
무작정 “무작정” means doing something without thinking through the situation or without a plan. Here it warns against pressing buttons randomly before checking the manual. A new example is “무작정 결정하지 마” for “Don’t decide without thinking.”
버튼을 “버튼을” means “buttons” as the object being pressed. The ending “을” marks the buttons as the object of “누르기.” A new example is “이 버튼을 눌러” for “Press this button.”
누르기 “누르기” means “pressing” in “버튼을 누르기 전에,” which means “before pressing the buttons.” It turns the action of pressing into something that can be placed before another action in the pattern “동사-기 전에.” A new example is “나가기 전에 불을 꺼” for “Turn off the light before leaving.”
전에 “전에” means “before” and places the manual check after the action it refers to in time: “누르기 전에.” It commonly follows an action or event to say that something should happen earlier. A new example is “자기 전에 이를 닦아” for “Brush your teeth before going to bed.”
설명서를 “설명서를” means “the manual” as the object to check. The ending “를” marks the manual as what the speaker should consult. A new example is “설명서를 읽어 봐” for “Try reading the manual.”
확인해 “확인해” means “check” or “verify,” and here it is a conversational instruction to check the manual. It is useful when asking someone to look at information and make sure of the correct procedure. A new example is “주소를 확인해” for “Check the address.”
설명서에는 “설명서에는” means “in the manual” or “according to the manual,” introducing the information written there. The ending “에는” highlights the manual as the source of the instruction. A new example is “안내문에는 시간이 나와 있어” for “The time is listed in the notice.”
필터를 “필터를” means “the filter” as the object to clean. The ending “를” marks the filter as the thing affected by “청소해야.” A new example is “필터를 교체해” for “Replace the filter.”
조심해서 “조심해서” means “carefully” or “with caution,” telling the listener how to clean the filter. It is formed from “조심하다” and connects the careful manner to the following action. A new example is “조심해서 열어” for “Open it carefully.”
청소해야 “청소해야” means “must clean” in the instruction about the filter. The ending “해야” expresses that cleaning is required in this situation. A new example is “먼저 손을 청소해야 해” is not natural; a reliable new example is “방을 청소해야 해” for “I have to clean the room.”
한다고 “한다고” carries the reported instruction that the filter should be cleaned, as in “청소해야 한다고 되어 있어.” It connects the content of what is written to the following expression that says it is stated or indicated. A new example is “기다려야 한다고 들었어” for “I heard that we have to wait.”
되어 “되어” means “is written” or “is stated” in “한다고 되어 있어,” referring to the instruction recorded in the manual. It presents the information as an established written instruction rather than as the speaker’s own opinion. A new example is “여기에 이름을 쓰게 되어 있어” for “It is arranged so that you write your name here.”
그럼 “그럼” means “then” or “in that case,” connecting the manual’s instruction to the next safety step. It is used when the previous information leads to a practical conclusion or action. A new example is “그럼 지금 시작하자” for “Then let’s start now.”
뭔가 “뭔가” means “something” in “뭔가 만지기 전에,” referring to any part or object the person might touch. It is a conversational form used when the exact thing is unspecified. A new example is “뭔가 이상해” for “Something is strange.”
만지기 “만지기” means “touching” in the time expression “뭔가 만지기 전에.” It turns “touch” into an action that can be placed before another action with “전에.” A new example is “전선을 만지기 전에 전원을 꺼” for “Turn off the power before touching the wires.”
세탁기 “세탁기” means “washing machine,” and here it is the machine whose plug should be unplugged. Without a particle, it functions as the noun naming the object. A new example is “세탁기가 작동해” for “The washing machine is operating.”
플러그를 “플러그를” means “the plug” as the object being pulled out. The ending “를” marks the plug as what is affected by “뽑아.” A new example is “플러그를 꽂아” for “Plug it in.”
뽑아 “뽑아” means “pull out” and here specifically means “unplug” the machine by removing its plug. It is a direct conversational instruction used before touching the machine. A new example is “충전기를 뽑아” for “Unplug the charger.”
그다음에 “그다음에” means “after that,” referring to the step that follows unplugging the machine. It helps organize instructions in sequence. A new example is “그다음에 버튼을 눌러” for “After that, press the button.”
과정을 “과정을” means “the process” or “cycle” as the object of restarting. In “세탁 과정을 다시 시작할까?” it refers to the washing cycle. A new example is “과정을 처음부터 다시 해” for “Do the process again from the beginning.”
다시 “다시” means “again,” showing that the washing cycle will be started another time after it stopped. It commonly comes before the verb describing the repeated action. A new example is “다시 확인해” for “Check again.”
시작할까 “시작할까” means “shall I start?” or “should I start?” and asks whether the speaker should begin the cycle. The ending “-을까” is used here to ask for the other person’s advice or approval. A new example is “지금 출발할까?” for “Shall I leave now?”
한 “한” means “one” before the counting word “번,” giving the quantity in “한 번.” It specifies that the restart should be attempted one time. A new example is “한 사람만 들어와” for “Only one person comes in.”
번 “번” is a counting word for times or occasions, and “한 번” means “once.” It counts how many times the cycle should be restarted. A new example is “한 번 더 해 봐” for “Try it one more time.”
시작해 “시작해” means “start” in the instruction to start the cycle again. In “시작해 보고,” it is followed by “보고,” giving the meaning “try starting it and see.” A new example is “프로그램을 시작해” for “Start the program.”
보고 “보고” means “try doing it and see” in “시작해 보고,” so the speaker recommends restarting once and observing the result. This pattern combines an action with “-아/어 보다” to describe trying it. A new example is “이 방법을 써 보고 결정해” for “Try this method and then decide.”
뜨면 “뜨면” means “if it appears” or “if it comes up,” referring to the warning appearing again on the screen. The ending “-면” creates the condition for contacting maintenance. A new example is “오류가 뜨면 알려 줘” for “If an error appears, let me know.”
관리팀에 “관리팀에” means “to the maintenance team,” identifying the recipient of the contact. The ending “에” marks the person or team that should receive the communication. A new example is “문제가 있으면 담당자에게 연락해” for “If there is a problem, contact the person in charge.”
연락해 “연락해” means “contact” and is a conversational instruction to get in touch with the maintenance team. It commonly appears with a person, team, or organization marked by “에.” A new example is “도착하면 연락해” for “Contact me when you arrive.”
먼저 “먼저” means “first,” indicating that the safe procedure should be followed before taking further action. It is useful for setting the order of steps. A new example is “먼저 설명서를 읽어” for “Read the manual first.”
안전한 “안전한” means “safe” and describes “절차,” the steps that do not unnecessarily risk damage. It is the form used before a noun to describe its safety. A new example is “안전한 장소를 찾아” for “Find a safe place.”
절차를 “절차를” means “the procedure” or “the steps” as the object of following. The ending “를” marks the procedure that the speaker will follow. A new example is “절차를 따라 주세요” for “Please follow the procedure.”
따를게 “따를게” means “I’ll follow it,” referring to the safe procedure. The ending “-ㄹ게” presents the speaker’s intention or commitment to the other person. A new example is “네 조언을 따를게” for “I’ll follow your advice.”
간단한 “간단한” means “simple” and describes troubleshooting that involves only basic steps. It appears before the noun “문제 해결.” A new example is “간단한 방법부터 해 보자” for “Let’s try a simple method first.”
문제 “문제” means “problem,” and here it refers to the washing machine issue being investigated. It combines with “해결” in “문제 해결,” meaning solving or troubleshooting a problem. A new example is “문제가 생겼어” for “A problem occurred.”
해결은 “해결은” refers to solving or troubleshooting the problem as the topic of the sentence. The ending “은” contrasts the usefulness of simple troubleshooting with the risk mentioned afterward. A new example is “문제 해결은 시간이 걸려” for “Solving the problem takes time.”
도움이 “도움이” means “help” or “usefulness” as the subject of “도움이 되다,” the expression meaning “to be helpful.” The ending “이” marks it as what provides help. A new example is “이 설명이 도움이 돼” for “This explanation is helpful.”
되지만 “되지만” means “is helpful, but” in “도움이 되지만,” linking a positive point to a warning or limitation. It comes from the expression “도움이 되다” followed by a contrast. A new example is “좋지만 비싸” for “It is good, but expensive.”
세탁기를 “세탁기를” means “the washing machine” as the object that could be damaged. The ending “를” marks the machine as what the action affects. A new example is “세탁기를 사용해” for “Use the washing machine.”
망가뜨릴 “망가뜨릴” means “damaging” or “causing to break” in “세탁기를 망가뜨릴 위험.” It describes the possible result of taking unsafe troubleshooting actions. A new example is “기계를 망가뜨릴 수 있어” for “You could damage the machine.”
위험은 “위험은” means “the risk” as the topic of the warning. The ending “은” highlights the risk of damaging the washing machine as something that should not be accepted. A new example is “그 위험은 너무 커” for “That risk is too great.”
감수하지 “감수하지” means “accept or take on” in the negative expression “감수하지 마,” referring to accepting the risk of damaging the machine. It is used with a risk, cost, or unpleasant consequence that someone should not willingly accept here. A new example is “불필요한 위험을 감수하지 마” for “Don’t take an unnecessary risk.”
마 “마” completes the negative command “감수하지 마,” meaning “do not accept or take the risk.” It follows a verb form ending in “-지” to tell someone not to do something. A new example is “걱정하지 마” for “Don’t worry.”

Grammar Points

V-(으)ㄹ까?

다시 시작할까?

dah-SHEE shee-JAHK-hahl-KKAH?

Shall we restart?

동사 어간에 -(으)ㄹ까?를 붙여 함께 할 일을 제안하거나 상대의 의사를 물어요.

V-지 마

위험은 감수하지 마.

wee-UHM-eun gahm-SOO-hah-jee mah.

Don't take the risk.

동사에 -지 마를 붙여 상대에게 어떤 행동을 하지 말라고 명령하거나 충고해요.

Korean Vocabulary

경고 noun
kyung-GOH warning 경고가

화면에 경고가 떠 있어?

누르다 verb
noo-ROO-dah to press 누르기

무작정 버튼을 누르기 전에 설명서를 확인해.

막히다 verb
mah-KEE-dah to be blocked; to become clogged 막혔을

필터가 막혔을 수 있다고 나와.

멈추다 verb
muhm-CHOO-dah to stop 멈췄어

세탁기가 세탁 과정 중간에 멈췄어.

무작정 adv
moo-JAHK-jjung randomly; without thinking

무작정 버튼을 누르기 전에 설명서를 확인해.

버튼 noun
BUH-tuhn button 버튼을

무작정 버튼을 누르기 전에 설명서를 확인해.

설명서 noun
sul-MYUNG-suh manual; instruction manual 설명서를

무작정 버튼을 누르기 전에 설명서를 확인해.

세탁 과정 phrase
seh-TAHK kkWah-JUNG washing cycle; washing process

세탁기가 세탁 과정 중간에 멈췄어.

세탁기 noun
seh-TAHK-kee washing machine 세탁기가

세탁기가 세탁 과정 중간에 멈췄어.

청소하다 verb
chung-SOH-hah-dah to clean 청소해야

설명서에는 필터를 조심해서 청소해야 한다고 되어 있어.

필터 noun
PEEL-tuh filter 필터가

필터가 막혔을 수 있다고 나와.

화면 noun
hwah-MYUN screen 화면에

화면에 경고가 떠 있어?

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

The washing machine stopped halfway through the cycle.

Show Answer세탁기가 세탁 과정 중간에 멈췄어.

Is there a warning on the screen?

Show Answer화면에 경고가 떠 있어?

It says the filter may be blocked.

Show Answer필터가 막혔을 수 있다고 나와.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

washing machine

Show Answer세탁기가

to clean

Show Answer청소해야

manual; instruction manual

Show Answer설명서를

randomly; without thinking

Show Answer무작정