Checking an Apartment Before a Long Trip | Learn Korean in English

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Use Checking an Apartment Before a Long Trip to practice Korean conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

며칠 동안 집을 비울 거니까 아파트를 다시 한번 확인하자.

myuh-CHIL tong-AHN JEE-beul bee-OOL guh-nee-kka ah-pah-TEU-reul dah-SHEE han-BUN hwah-GIN-hah-jah We'll be away for several days, so let's double-check the apartment.

작은 가전제품의 플러그를 뽑고 스토브를 껐어.

JAH-geun gah-JUN-jeh-POOM-eh PULL-uh-geu-reul ppop-KKO seu-TOH-beu-reul KKUH-ssuh I unplugged the small appliances and turned off the stove.

발코니 문과 침실 창문은 잠겨 있어?

bal-KOH-nee moon-gwah chim-SHEEL chang-MOON-eun jam-GYUH ee-SSUH Are the balcony door and bedroom windows secure?

발코니 문은 잠겼고, 이제 침실 창문을 확인할게.

bal-KOH-nee moon-eun jam-GYUT-kko ee-JEH chim-SHEEL chang-MOO-neul hwah-GIN-hal-kkeh The balcony door is locked, and I will check the bedroom windows now.

우리가 없는 동안 온도 조절기를 낮출까?

oo-ree-gah UHM-neun tong-AHN OHN-doh joh-JUL-gee-reul NAHT-chool-kka Should we lower the thermostat while we are gone?

낮게 설정하되, 아파트가 너무 추워질 정도로 낮추지는 마.

NAHT-kkeh suh-JUNG-ha-dweh, ah-pah-TEU-gah NUH-moo CHOO-wuh-jil JUNG-doh-roh NAHT-choo-jee-neun mah Set it lower, but not so low that the apartment gets too cold.

나도 우리 이웃에게 택배가 오면 받아 달라고 부탁했어.

nah-doh oo-ree ee-oo-teh-geh taek-PPAE-gah OH-myun bah-dah dal-LAH-goh boo-TAK-hae-SSUH I also asked our neighbor to collect any packages.

그 덕분에 우리가 없는 동안 집에 사람이 있는 것처럼 보이겠어.

guh DEOK-ppoon-eh oo-ree-gah UHM-neun tong-AHN JEE-beh sah-ram-ee een-neun gut-CHUH-rum boh-ee-GET-ssuh That helps the place look occupied while we are away.

이제 떠나는 게 더 마음이 놓여.

ee-JEH TTUH-nah-neun geh duh mah-uh-MEE NOH-yuh Now I feel more relaxed about leaving.

이 체크리스트를 확인하는 데 시간이 좀 걸렸지만, 그만한 가치가 있었어.

ee CHEH-keu-ree-seu-teu-reul hwah-GIN-ha-neun deh shee-GAHN-ee jom gull-YUT-jji-man guh-MAHN-han GAH-chee-gah ee-SSUH-ssuh This checklist took a little time, but it was worth it.

Word by Word

며칠 “며칠” means several days in “며칠 동안 집을 비울 거니까.” It is used to state an unspecified number of days, commonly before 동안. You would use it when describing the length of a short trip or absence.

동안 “동안” means for or during a period of time, as in “며칠 동안.” It follows a time expression to show how long something continues. Use it for periods such as “며칠 동안” when talking about an absence or activity.

집을 “집을” means the home or house as the object of leaving empty in “집을 비울 거니까.” The 를 marks 집 as the object of 비우다. The pattern 집을 비우다 is useful when saying that nobody will be at home.

비울 “비울” means will leave empty or unoccupied in “집을 비울 거니까.” It is the form used before 거니까 to give the reason for checking the apartment. Use 집을 비우다 when you will be away and leave the home unoccupied.

거니까 “거니까” gives the reason “because” or “since” in “집을 비울 거니까.” Here, the planned absence is the reason for checking the apartment again. It is useful after a statement of a situation or plan when explaining what should happen next.

아파트를 “아파트를” means the apartment as the object of checking in “아파트를 다시 한번 확인하자.” The 를 marks 아파트 as the thing being checked. Use it with 확인하다 when checking an apartment, room, or other object.

다시 “다시” means again in “다시 한번 확인하자.” It shows that the apartment is being checked one more time. Use it when repeating an action because you want to make sure nothing was missed.

한번 “한번” means once or one more time in “다시 한번.” Together, 다시 한번 makes the suggestion sound like checking one more time. It is useful when proposing a single additional check or attempt.

확인하자 “확인하자” means let’s check in “아파트를 다시 한번 확인하자.” The form suggests doing the checking together. Use it with an object marked by 를, such as “아파트를 확인하자,” when making a casual joint suggestion.

작은 “작은” means small and describes the appliances in “작은 가전제품.” It is the form used before a noun. Use it before objects when their size is being described, such as 작은 가전제품.

가전제품의 “가전제품의” means of the appliances in “작은 가전제품의 플러그.” The 의 links the appliances to the plug that belongs to or is associated with them. Use it before a noun when showing this kind of relationship.

플러그를 “플러그를” means the plug as the object of unplugging in “플러그를 뽑고.” The 를 marks the plug as the thing acted on. The common pattern 플러그를 뽑다 is used when disconnecting an appliance from power.

뽑고 “뽑고” means unplug and, connecting this action to the next one in “플러그를 뽑고 스토브를 껐어.” It comes from 뽑다 and links two completed actions in sequence. Use it when listing actions that are done one after another.

스토브를 “스토브를” means the stove as the object of turning off in “스토브를 껐어.” The 를 marks the stove as the thing being turned off. Use it with 끄다 when talking about switching off a stove or similar appliance.

껐어 “껐어” means turned off in “스토브를 껐어.” It reports that the stove has already been switched off in casual speech. A new example is “불을 껐어,” meaning that someone turned off the light.

발코니 “발코니” means balcony in “발코니 문과 침실 창문은.” It identifies the location of the door being discussed. Use it before a related noun, such as 발코니 문, when describing an apartment.

문과 “문과” means the door and in “발코니 문과 침실 창문은.” 과 connects 문 with the following noun as items in the same question. Use it when joining two nouns, especially when both are being checked or described together.

침실 “침실” means bedroom in “침실 창문.” It specifies which windows are being discussed. Use it before 창문 when referring to bedroom windows.

창문은 “창문은” means the windows as the topic in “침실 창문은 잠겨 있어?” The 은 marks the windows as the topic whose locked state is being asked about. Use it when shifting attention to or asking about the windows.

잠겨 “잠겨” describes something as being in a locked state in “잠겨 있어?” It combines with 있어 to ask whether the locked state remains. Use 잠겨 있어 when checking whether a door or window is locked.

있어 “있어” completes the state expression “잠겨 있어,” asking whether the windows remain locked. Here it does not simply mean being located somewhere; it helps describe a continuing state. Use it after a state description when asking whether that state is still present.

문은 “문은” means the door as the topic in “발코니 문은 잠겼고.” The 은 marks the door as the item being described before the speaker adds another action. Use it to introduce or contrast the condition of a door.

잠겼고 “잠겼고” means is locked, and in “발코니 문은 잠겼고, 이제 침실 창문을 확인할게.” It describes the door’s locked condition and connects it to the next statement. Use it when reporting one completed check before moving to another.

이제 “이제” means now in “이제 침실 창문을 확인할게.” It marks the next action as starting at this point. Use it when moving from one task to the next.

창문을 “창문을” means the windows as the object of checking in “침실 창문을 확인할게.” The 를 marks the windows as the thing the speaker will inspect. Use it with 확인하다 when checking windows or similar objects.

확인할게 “확인할게” means I will check in “침실 창문을 확인할게.” The form expresses a casual promise or offer to carry out the check. Use it after an object marked by 를 when telling someone what you will take care of.

우리가 “우리가” means we as the subject in “우리가 없는 동안.” The 가 marks we as the people who will be absent. Use it when describing what happens while the speaker and another person are away.

없는 “없는” means not being present or being away in “우리가 없는 동안.” It describes the state of the people during the period marked by 동안. Use it before a noun or time expression when saying that someone or something is absent.

온도 “온도” means temperature in “온도 조절기를 낮출까?” It identifies what the thermostat controls. Use it in compounds such as 온도 조절기 when discussing temperature settings.

조절기를 “조절기를” means the thermostat as the object of lowering in “온도 조절기를 낮출까?” The 를 marks the thermostat as the thing being adjusted. Use it with 낮추다 or 설정하다 when discussing a thermostat setting.

낮출까 “낮출까” means shall we lower it in “온도 조절기를 낮출까?” It presents lowering the setting as a suggestion for joint consideration. Use it after an object when asking whether the two of you should lower something.

낮게 “낮게” means at a low or lower level in “낮게 설정하되.” It describes how the thermostat should be set. Use it with 설정하다 when specifying a low setting.

설정하되 “설정하되” means set it, but in “낮게 설정하되, 아파트가 너무 추워질 정도로...” It connects the instruction to a limitation: set the thermostat lower, but not excessively low. Use it when giving an instruction together with an important condition or restriction.

아파트가 “아파트가” means the apartment as the subject of becoming cold in “아파트가 너무 추워질.” The 가 marks the apartment as the thing whose condition may change. Use it when describing what happens to the apartment as a result of a setting.

너무 “너무” means too or overly in “너무 추워질.” It shows that the apartment becoming cold would go beyond a suitable level. Use 너무 before a descriptive word when an amount or degree is excessive.

추워질 “추워질” means become cold in “아파트가 너무 추워질 정도로.” It describes a possible change in the apartment’s temperature. Use it before 정도로 when stating the degree to which something may happen.

정도로 “정도로” means to the extent or degree that in “추워질 정도로 낮추지는 마.” It sets the degree that should not be reached. Use it after a clause when explaining how extreme an action or result would be.

낮추지는 “낮추지는” means do not lower it, with emphasis on the lowering action in “낮추지는 마.” The 는 highlights the action being restricted before the negative command 마. Use it when telling someone not to take an action to that degree.

마 “마” means don’t in the informal command “낮추지는 마.” It tells the listener not to do the specified action. A new example is “걱정하지 마,” meaning don’t worry.

나도 “나도” means I also in “나도 우리 이웃에게...” It shows that the speaker has taken an additional helpful action. Use 도 after a person or noun when adding it to something already mentioned.

우리 “우리” means our in “우리 이웃.” It identifies the neighbor as connected to both speakers. Use it before a relationship or shared person, such as 우리 이웃.

이웃에게 “이웃에게” means to our neighbor in “우리 이웃에게 ... 부탁했어.” The 에게 marks the neighbor as the person who receives the request. Use it when directing a request or message to a person.

택배가 “택배가” means a package as the subject in “택배가 오면.” The 가 marks the package as the thing that may arrive. Use it when describing a package arriving or being delivered.

오면 “오면” means if or when it comes in “택배가 오면.” It introduces the condition under which the neighbor should receive the package. Use it after an event when saying what should happen if or when that event occurs.

받아 “받아” means receive or accept in “받아 달라고 부탁했어.” It names the action the speaker asked the neighbor to perform. Use it with 달라고 when asking someone to receive something on your behalf.

달라고 “달라고” marks a request for someone to do the preceding action in “받아 달라고 부탁했어.” Together, 받아 달라고 means asking someone to receive it. The reusable pattern V-아/어 달라고 부탁하다 is used when asking another person to do something.

부탁했어 “부탁했어” means asked or requested in “받아 달라고 부탁했어.” It reports that the speaker made a request in casual past speech. A new example is “도와 달라고 부탁했어,” meaning I asked someone to help.

그 “그” means that in “그 덕분에,” referring to the package arrangement just mentioned. It points back to an already known action or situation. Use it before 덕분에 when crediting a previously mentioned helpful cause.

덕분에 “덕분에” means thanks to or because of in “그 덕분에.” Here it presents the neighbor’s help as the reason the apartment will seem occupied. A new example is “도와준 덕분에,” meaning thanks to someone’s help.

집에 “집에” means at or in the home in “집에 사람이 있는 것처럼.” The 에 marks the home as the location where a person appears to be present. Use it when describing someone or something located in a house.

사람이 “사람이” means a person as the subject in “사람이 있는.” The 이 marks the person as being present in the home. Use it when describing whether someone is or seems to be in a place.

있는 “있는” means being present in “집에 사람이 있는 것처럼.” It describes the person’s presence and modifies the following comparison expression. Use it before a noun or expression when referring to a state of existence or presence.

것처럼 “것처럼” means as if or like in “사람이 있는 것처럼 보이겠어.” It presents an appearance that resembles a situation rather than stating that the situation is certainly true. Use it with 보이다 when saying that something looks as though a condition exists.

보이겠어 “보이겠어” means will look or will appear in “사람이 있는 것처럼 보이겠어.” It predicts how the apartment will seem to others after the package arrangement. Use it after a description ending in 것처럼 when talking about an expected appearance.

떠나는 “떠나는” means leaving in “떠나는 게 더 마음이 놓여.” It turns the action of leaving into the topic of the next expression. Use it before 게 when discussing the experience or effect of leaving.

게 “게” makes “떠나는” into the topic “the act of leaving” in “떠나는 게 더 마음이 놓여.” It is the spoken form used in this expression to refer to the action as a thing. Use it after an action description when commenting on that action.

더 “더” means more in “더 마음이 놓여.” It shows that the speaker feels more reassured after completing the checks. Use it before a comparison or change in degree, such as feeling more relaxed.

마음이 놓여 “마음이 놓여” is the whole expression for feeling relieved or reassured in “떠나는 게 더 마음이 놓여.” “마음이” marks the mind or feelings as the subject, while “놓여” completes the expression of settling into a relieved state; the combined meaning should not be assigned to only one part. Use it after a worry has been resolved or a useful check has been completed.

이 “이” means this and specifies the checklist in “이 체크리스트를.” It points to the checklist being discussed. Use it before a nearby noun when identifying one particular item.

체크리스트를 “체크리스트를” means the checklist as the object of checking in “체크리스트를 확인하는 데.” The 를 marks the checklist as the thing being checked. Use it with 확인하다 when reviewing a list of items.

확인하는 “확인하는” means checking in “체크리스트를 확인하는 데.” It describes the checking activity before 데, which refers to the process of doing it. Use it before 데 when talking about the time or effort required for an activity.

데 “데” refers to the process or task of doing something in “확인하는 데 시간이 좀 걸렸지만.” It is not a location here; it frames checking the checklist as an activity that took time. A new example is “준비하는 데 시간이 걸려,” meaning preparing takes time.

시간이 “시간이” means time as the subject of taking time in “시간이 좀 걸렸지만.” The 이 marks time as what was required. Use it with 걸리다 when saying that an activity takes a certain amount of time.

좀 “좀” means a little or somewhat in “시간이 좀 걸렸지만.” It softens the statement about the amount of time. Use it before a quantity or description when expressing a small or moderate amount.

걸렸지만 “걸렸지만” means took time, but in “시간이 좀 걸렸지만.” It reports the time required and connects that fact to a contrasting positive result. Use it when acknowledging a difficulty or cost before explaining why the result was still worthwhile.

그만한 “그만한” means that much or to that extent in “그만한 가치가 있었어.” It refers back to the time and effort just mentioned and measures the worth against them. Use it before 가치 when saying that something was worth that amount of effort.

가치가 “가치가” means worth or value as the subject in “그만한 가치가 있었어.” The 가 marks the value that the completed checklist had. Use it with 있다 when saying that an action or result is worthwhile.

있었어 “있었어” means was or existed in “그만한 가치가 있었어,” giving the expression the meaning was worthwhile. It is the informal past form that completes 가치가. A new example is “할 가치가 있었어,” meaning it was worth doing.

Grammar Points

-는 동안

없는 동안

UHM-neun tong-AHN

while we are away

Attach -는 동안 to a verb to express the time when an action or state continues.

-는 것처럼

사람이 있는 것처럼

sah-ram-ee een-neun gut-CHUH-rum

as if someone is there

-는 것처럼 means “as if” or “in the same way that,” describing an apparent situation.

Korean Vocabulary

가전제품 noun

gah-JUN-jeh-POOM appliances

껐어 verb

KKUH-ssuh turned it off

다시 한번 adv

dah-SHEE han-BUN once again

며칠 동안 phrase

myuh-CHIL tong-AHN for several days

발코니 noun

bal-KOH-nee balcony

스토브 noun

seu-TOH-beu stove

잠겨 있어 phrase

jam-GYUH ee-SSUH be locked

집을 비울 phrase

JEE-beul bee-OOL be away from home

창문 noun

chang-MOON window

침실 noun

chim-SHEEL bedroom

플러그를 뽑고 phrase

PULL-uh-geu-reul ppop-KKO unplug and

확인하자 verb

hwah-GIN-hah-jah let's check

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I unplugged the small appliances and turned off the stove.

Show Answer

작은 가전제품의 플러그를 뽑고 스토브를 껐어.

Are the balcony door and bedroom windows secure?

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발코니 문과 침실 창문은 잠겨 있어?

Should we lower the thermostat while we are gone?

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우리가 없는 동안 온도 조절기를 낮출까?

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

appliances

Show Answer

가전제품

let's check

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확인하자

balcony

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발코니

turned it off

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껐어