Improving Sleep Habits Realistically | Learn Korean in English

About This Lesson

Use Improving Sleep Habits Realistically to practice Korean conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

일찍 잠자리에 들어도 수면의 질이 좋지 않아요.

eel-JJIK cham-JJAH-ree-eh duh-RUH-doh soo-MYUN-eh JEEL-ee joh-JJEE ahn-AH-yoh My sleep quality has been poor even when I go to bed early.

저녁 시간에는 보통 어떻게 지내요?

juh-NYUK shee-GAH-nuh-neun BOH-toong uh-TTUH-keh jee-NEH-yoh What does your evening routine look like?

저녁 식사 후에 커피를 마시고 침대에서 휴대폰을 봐요.

juh-NYUK shik-SAH hoo-eh KUH-pee-ruhl mah-shee-goh chim-DEH-eh-suh hyoo-deh-POH-nuhl bwah-yoh I drink coffee after dinner and check my phone in bed.

카페인과 화면을 보는 시간은 둘 다 긴장을 풀기 어렵게 만들 수 있어요.

kah-PEH-een-gwah hwa-MYUN-uhl BOH-neun shee-GAH-nuhn dool dah geen-JAHNG-uhl pool-gee uh-RYUP-keh mahn-DEUL soo ees-UH-yoh Both caffeine and screen time can make it harder to wind down.

한꺼번에 모든 것을 바꿀 수는 없어요.

hahn-KKUH-buh-neh MOH-deun guh-SEUL bah-KKOOL ssoo-neun uhp-SSUH-yoh I cannot change everything at once.

저녁 식사 후에 커피를 마시지 않는 것처럼 현실적인 변화 하나부터 시작해 보세요.

juh-NYUK shik-SAH hoo-eh KUH-pee-ruhl mah-shee-jee ahn-neun guh-CHUH-rum hyun-SHEEL-juh-geen byun-HWAH hah-nah-BOO-tuh shee-jah-KEH boh-SEH-yoh Start with one realistic change, like skipping coffee after dinner.

그럼 잠자리에 들기 전에 휴대폰을 보는 시간을 독서로 바꿀 수 있겠네요.

guh-RUM cham-JJAH-ree-eh deul-gee juh-neh hyoo-deh-POH-nuhl BOH-neun shee-GAH-nuhl doh-SSUH-roh bah-KKOOL ssoo eet-GET-neh-yoh Then I can replace phone time with reading before bed.

완벽한 루틴보다 지킬 수 있는 루틴이 더 중요해요.

wahn-BYUH-kahn roo-TEEN-boh-dah jee-KEUL ssoo een-neun roo-tee-NEE duh joong-YOH-heh-yoh A routine you can keep matters more than a perfect one.

결과를 판단하기 전에 짧은 기간 동안 그 방법을 시험해 볼 수 있어요.

gyuhl-GWAH-ruhl pahn-DAHN-hah-gee juh-neh JJAL-buhn gee-GAHN tong-AHN guh BANG-bbuh-beul SHEE-uhm-heh bool ssoo ees-UH-yoh I can test that for a short period before judging the result.

그러면 몸이 적응할 시간이 충분해져요.

guh-ruh-MYUN moh-MEE juh-GUHNG-hal shee-GAH-nee choong-BOON-heh-jyuh-yoh That gives your body enough time to adjust.

Word by Word

일찍 “일찍” means early in this sentence, describing when the speaker goes to bed. It commonly comes before a verb, as in “일찍 자다” for “go to sleep early.” You can use it when talking about arriving, leaving, waking up, or doing something early.

잠자리에 “잠자리에” means to bed in the expression “잠자리에 들다.” The particle 에 marks the place or destination connected with 들어가다 or 들다 here. Use “잠자리에 들다” when saying that someone goes to bed.

들어도 “들어도” means even when going in or entering; here, “잠자리에 들어도” means even when going to bed. The ending 도 gives the meaning “even if” or “even when.” Use the pattern “동사-아도/어도” to describe a condition that does not change the result.

수면의 “수면의” means of sleep and links “수면” with the following noun. In “수면의 질,” it identifies the quality as being related to sleep. This pattern is useful for describing a feature or aspect of a topic.

질이 “질이” means quality as the subject of the description “좋지 않아요.” In “수면의 질이 좋지 않아요,” it refers to sleep quality rather than sleep itself. Use “질이 좋다” or “질이 나쁘다” when evaluating the quality of something.

좋지 “좋지” contributes “good” to the negative expression “좋지 않아요,” meaning is not good. It is followed by 않아요 to make the negative statement. The pattern “좋지 않아요” is a polite way to say that something is not good.

않아요 “않아요” makes the preceding description or action negative; in “좋지 않아요,” it means is not. Here it completes the polite negative expression “좋지 않아요.” Use “동사나 형용사-지 않아요” to say that something does not happen or is not a certain way.

저녁 “저녁” means evening in “저녁 시간,” referring to the part of the day after daytime. It can also refer to the evening meal, depending on the surrounding words. Use it before a noun such as “시간” to specify an evening-related time.

시간에는 “시간에는” means during the time or as for the time, and “저녁 시간에는” means during the evening. 에 marks the time, while 는 presents that time as the topic of the question. This pattern can introduce what someone usually does at a particular time.

보통 “보통” means usually or normally in this question about an evening routine. It commonly comes before the verb it describes, as in “보통 자요” for “usually sleep.” Use it when asking or describing what normally happens.

어떻게 “어떻게” means how and asks about the manner or way something happens. In “어떻게 지내요?” it asks how someone spends or gets through the time. Use it before a verb when asking how an action is done.

지내요 “지내요” means spend time or get by here, as part of “어떻게 지내요?” about an evening routine. The exact meaning depends on what time or situation is being discussed. You can use “잘 지내요?” as a common question about how someone is doing.

식사 “식사” means meal and is used in the phrase “저녁 식사,” meaning dinner or the evening meal. It is a relatively polite or neutral word for a meal. Use it before “후에” when describing what happens after a meal.

후에 “후에” means after and follows the noun “식사” in “식사 후에.” The pattern “명사 후에” places one event after a noun-related time. Use it for sequences such as doing something after a meal or after work.

커피를 “커피를” means coffee as the object of “마시고.” 를 marks the coffee as what the speaker drinks. Use “커피를 마시다” when saying to drink coffee.

마시고 “마시고” means drink and, linking drinking coffee with the next action of checking the phone. The ending 고 connects two actions in sequence or combination. Use “동사-고” to connect actions such as eating and drinking or arriving and calling.

침대에서 “침대에서” means in bed in this sentence, identifying where the phone is checked. 에서 marks the place where an action takes place. Use “장소에서 + 동작” to say where an action happens.

휴대폰을 “휴대폰을” means phone as the object of “봐요.” 를 marks the phone as what the speaker looks at or checks. Use “휴대폰을 보다” for checking or looking at a phone.

봐요 “봐요” means look at or check here, as in checking a phone in bed. With “휴대폰을,” it refers to looking at or using the phone rather than simply seeing it. Use “무엇을 봐요?” to ask what someone is watching or looking at.

카페인과 “카페인과” means caffeine and, joining caffeine with “화면을 보는 시간.” 과 connects this noun to another noun in the same list. Use “명사와/과 명사” to link two nouns.

화면을 “화면을” means screen as the object of “보는.” In “화면을 보는 시간,” it refers to looking at a screen. Use it when describing screen use or what someone is viewing.

보는 “보는” means looking at or watching and modifies “시간” in “화면을 보는 시간.” The phrase as a whole means time spent looking at a screen. Use “무엇을 보는 시간” to describe time spent watching or looking at something.

시간은 “시간은” means time as the topic of the statement “화면을 보는 시간은.” 은 presents the screen-viewing time as the thing being described. Use this pattern when comparing or evaluating a particular kind of time.

둘 “둘” means two, and in “둘 다” it contributes the meaning both. Here it refers to the two things just mentioned: caffeine and screen time. Use “둘 다” when saying that two items share the same quality or effect.

다 “다” means all or both in the expression “둘 다.” Together, “둘 다” means both, referring to the two items in the sentence. Use it after a number or group when emphasizing that every item in that group is included.

긴장을 “긴장을” means tension or stress as the object of “풀기.” In “긴장을 풀다,” the whole expression means relax or unwind. Use “긴장을 풀다” when describing becoming less tense.

풀기 “풀기” means relaxing or unwinding in “긴장을 풀기 어렵게.” It represents the action of relaxing inside the larger expression “풀기 어렵게 만들다.” Use “동사-기 어렵다” to say that doing something is difficult.

어렵게 “어렵게” means in a difficult way or harder in “긴장을 풀기 어렵게 만들다.” The phrase as a whole means make it harder to unwind. Use “무엇을 어렵게 만들다” when saying that something makes an action more difficult.

만들 “만들” means make in the construction “어렵게 만들 수 있어요.” It describes causing something to become difficult, while 수 있어요 expresses possibility. Use “무엇을 어렵게 만들다” for something that makes another action harder.

수 “수” expresses possibility or ability in “만들 수 있어요,” meaning can make. Its meaning comes from the complete pattern “동사-(으)ㄹ 수 있다,” not from 수 alone. Use this pattern to say that an action is possible.

있어요 “있어요” completes the possibility expression “만들 수 있어요,” meaning can make or is able to make. It follows 수 in the affirmative form of this construction. Use “동사-(으)ㄹ 수 있어요” to say that someone can do something.

한꺼번에 “한꺼번에” means all at once or in one go. Here it emphasizes that changing everything simultaneously is not possible. Use it before a verb when several actions or changes happen together.

모든 “모든” means all or every and modifies “것” in “모든 것.” It presents the entire set of things the speaker might change. Use it directly before a noun when referring to every item in a group.

것을 “것을” means thing or everything as the object of “바꿀.” In “모든 것을 바꾸다,” the whole phrase means change everything. 것을 is used when the thing being referred to functions as the object of an action.

바꿀 “바꿀” means change in “바꿀 수는 없어요,” where it appears before the possibility expression 수는 없어요. The phrase means cannot change. Use “바꿀 수 있어요” or “바꿀 수 없어요” to express whether changing something is possible.

수는 “수는” expresses ability or possibility with 는 adding emphasis or contrast in “바꿀 수는 없어요.” The complete expression means that changing everything is not possible. Use this form when highlighting the limitation of being able to do an action.

없어요 “없어요” means there is not or is not possible; in “수는 없어요,” it contributes cannot. The complete pattern “동사-(으)ㄹ 수 없어요” says that an action cannot be done. Use it for a polite statement of inability or impossibility.

마시지 “마시지” contributes drink to the negative expression “마시지 않는.” It is followed by 않는 to describe not drinking coffee. Use “동사-지 않다” to form a negative action.

않는 “않는” means not doing in “마시지 않는 것,” describing the action of not drinking. It modifies 것, so the whole phrase means not drinking. Use “동사-지 않는 + 명사” to describe a noun involving an action that does not happen.

것처럼 “것처럼” means like or as, comparing the situation to the action represented by 것. In “커피를 마시지 않는 것처럼,” it introduces the example of not drinking coffee. Use “동사-는 것처럼” when comparing something to an action or situation.

현실적인 “현실적인” means realistic and modifies “변화.” Here it describes a change that fits the speaker’s actual situation. Use it before a noun when discussing a realistic plan, goal, or change.

변화 “변화” means change, referring here to one practical adjustment to the evening routine. It is the object of the suggestion to start with one change. Use it when talking about changes in habits, plans, or situations.

하나부터 “하나부터” means starting with one, with 부터 marking the starting point. In “변화 하나부터 시작해,” it means to begin with one change. Use “하나부터 시작하다” when recommending that someone begin with one item or step.

시작해 “시작해” means start in the suggestion “시작해 보세요.” It tells the listener to begin with the realistic change. Use “시작해 보세요” as a polite suggestion to try starting something.

보세요 “보세요” contributes the meaning try or please do after “시작해.” The expression “시작해 보세요” politely suggests trying to start. Use “동사-아/어 보세요” to recommend trying an action.

그럼 “그럼” means then or in that case and links the suggestion to the speaker’s conclusion. Here it introduces the next possible change in the routine. Use it at the beginning of a response when drawing a consequence from what was just said.

들기 “들기” means going to bed in “잠자리에 들기 전에.” It represents the action that occurs before reading. Use “잠자리에 들기 전에” to say before going to bed.

전에 “전에” means before and follows “들기” in “잠자리에 들기 전에.” The pattern places one action before another action. Use “동사-기 전에” when saying to do something before an event.

시간을 “시간을” means time as the object of “바꾸다.” In “휴대폰을 보는 시간을 독서로 바꾸다,” it refers specifically to the time spent looking at the phone. Use “시간을 바꾸다” when describing changing how a period of time is used.

독서로 “독서로” means to reading or into reading in “시간을 독서로 바꾸다.” 로 marks what the phone time is changed into. Use “무엇을 다른 활동으로 바꾸다” when replacing one activity with another.

있겠네요 “있겠네요” expresses a polite realization or tentative conclusion that something can be done. In this line, it means that replacing phone time with reading should be possible. It is useful when responding to a suggestion and acknowledging a newly noticed possibility.

완벽한 “완벽한” means perfect and modifies “루틴.” It describes a routine with no shortcomings, which is contrasted with one that can actually be maintained. Use it before a noun when describing something as perfect.

루틴보다 “루틴보다” means than a routine, with 보다 marking the comparison. In “완벽한 루틴보다,” it introduces what is being compared against the routine that can be kept. Use “명사보다 더 중요해요” to say that one thing is more important than another.

지킬 “지킬” means keep or stick to in “지킬 수 있는 루틴.” It describes maintaining the routine rather than merely creating it. Use “지킬 수 있다” when saying that a promise, rule, schedule, or routine can be kept.

있는 “있는” contributes can be or is possible in “지킬 수 있는 루틴.” The complete phrase means a routine that one can keep. Use “동사-(으)ㄹ 수 있는 + 명사” to describe something that can be done.

루틴이 “루틴이” means routine as the subject of “중요해요.” In the sentence, it is the routine that can be kept, rather than the perfect routine, that is being evaluated. Use the subject marker 이 after a noun ending in a consonant.

더 “더” means more and strengthens the comparison with “루틴보다.” In “더 중요해요,” it means more important. Use “더 + adjective” when comparing a greater degree of a quality.

중요해요 “중요해요” means is important, describing the routine that can be kept. It is used with a subject such as “루틴이.” Use “명사이/가 중요해요” to say that something is important.

결과를 “결과를” means result as the object of “판단하기.” In “결과를 판단하다,” it refers to evaluating the outcome of the sleep-habit change. Use it when discussing the result that someone observes or evaluates.

판단하기 “판단하기” means judging or evaluating in “결과를 판단하기 전에.” It names the action that should happen after the short testing period. Use “동사-기 전에” to say that something happens before judging or deciding.

짧은 “짧은” means short and modifies “기간.” Here it describes a limited period for testing the new routine. Use it before nouns such as 기간 when describing a short length of time.

기간 “기간” means period, referring to the length of time used for testing the method. In “짧은 기간 동안,” it describes how long the test continues. Use “기간 동안” when referring to a defined duration.

동안 “동안” means during or for and follows “기간” in “짧은 기간 동안.” It marks the time span over which the method is tested. Use “명사 동안” for a duration such as a week, a month, or a short period.

그 “그” means that and points to the method already discussed. It directly modifies “방법을” in “그 방법을 시험해 볼 수 있어요.” Use it before a noun when referring to something known from the conversation.

방법을 “방법을” means method or way as the object of “시험해 볼.” It refers to the proposed sleep-habit change. Use “방법을 시험해 보다” when trying out a method.

시험해 “시험해” means test or try in “시험해 볼 수 있어요.” It introduces the action of testing the method, followed by 보다 to express trying it out. Use “방법을 시험해 보다” for trying a method in practice.

볼 “볼” contributes try in the expression “시험해 볼 수 있어요.” Together, “시험해 보다” means to try or test something, while 수 있어요 says that it is possible. Use “동사-아/어 보다” when describing trying an action.

그러면 “그러면” means then or in that case and introduces the expected consequence of testing the routine. Here it connects the routine change with the body having enough time to adjust. Use it when responding to a condition or preceding action.

몸이 “몸이” means body as the subject of “적응할 시간이 충분해져요.” It refers to the person’s body adapting to the new sleep habits. Use “몸이 적응하다” when describing the body becoming accustomed to a change.

적응할 “적응할” means adjust or adapt in “몸이 적응할 시간.” It describes the action that the body needs time to complete. Use “동사-(으)ㄹ 시간” to say that there is time for an action to happen.

시간이 “시간이” means time as the subject of “충분해져요.” In “몸이 적응할 시간이,” it is the time needed for the body to adjust. Use “시간이 충분하다” when saying that enough time is available.

충분해져요 “충분해져요” means becomes sufficient or becomes enough. Here it says that the available time becomes sufficient for the body to adjust. The form is useful when describing a situation changing until it is enough for a purpose.

Grammar Points

V-아/어도

잠자리에 들어도 수면의 질이 좋지 않아요.

cham-JJAH-ree-eh duh-RUH-doh soo-MYUN-eh JEEL-ee joh-JJEE ahn-AH-yoh

Even if you go to bed, your sleep quality is not good.

-아/어도 means “even if” or “although” and connects a condition with an unexpected result.

V-아/어 보다

독서를 시작해 보세요.

dohk-SSUH-ruhl shee-jah-KEH boh-SEH-yoh

Try starting reading.

-아/어 보다 expresses trying or experiencing an action.

Korean Vocabulary

긴장을 풀다 phrase

geen-JAHNG-uhl pool-DAH to wind down; to relax 긴장을 풀기

보통 adv

BOH-toong usually; normally

수면의 질 noun

soo-MYUN-eh JEEL sleep quality

어떻게 지내다 phrase

uh-TTUH-keh jee-NEH-dah how to spend one's time; how one is doing 어떻게 지내요

잠자리에 들다 phrase

cham-JJAH-ree-eh deul-DAH to go to bed 잠자리에 들어도

저녁 시간 noun

juh-NYUK shee-GAHN evening time

저녁 식사 후에 phrase

juh-NYUK shik-SAH hoo-eh after dinner

좋지 않다 adj

joh-JJEE AHN-tah to be poor; not to be good 좋지 않아요

침대에서 phrase

chim-DEH-eh-suh in bed

카페인 noun

kah-PEH-een caffeine

화면을 보는 시간 phrase

hwa-MYUN-uhl BOH-neun SHEE-gahn screen time

휴대폰 noun

hyoo-DEH-pohn mobile phone

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

What does your evening routine look like?

Show Answer

저녁 시간에는 보통 어떻게 지내요?

I cannot change everything at once.

Show Answer

한꺼번에 모든 것을 바꿀 수는 없어요.

That gives your body enough time to adjust.

Show Answer

그러면 몸이 적응할 시간이 충분해져요.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

in bed

Show Answer

침대에서

usually; normally

Show Answer

보통

mobile phone

Show Answer

휴대폰

caffeine

Show Answer

카페인