Politely Sharing Gym Equipment | Learn Korean in English

About This Lesson

Use Politely Sharing Gym Equipment to practice Korean conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

누군가 러닝머신을 오랫동안 사용하고 있어요.

noo-GOON-gah ruh-NEENG-muh-sheen-eul oh-RAET-tong-ahn sah-YONG-hah-goh ee-SUH-yoh. Someone has been using the treadmill for a long time.

안내문에 다른 사람이 기다리고 있으면 함께 사용해야 한다고 적혀 있어요.

ahn-NAE-moon-eh DAH-reun sah-RAH-mee kee-dah-REE-goh ee-SSEU-myuhn HAM-kkyeh sah-YONG-hae-yah HAN-dah-goh juh-KYUH ee-SUH-yoh. The sign says people should share it when others are waiting.

그 사람에게 물어봐야 할까요, 아니면 무례하게 보일까요?

guh sah-RAH-meh-geh moo-ruh-BWAh-yah HAL-kkah-yoh, ah-NEE-myuhn moo-RYEH-hah-geh boh-EEL-kkah-yoh? Should I ask them, or would that seem rude?

정중하게 물어보고, 차례를 기다리고 있다고 말하세요.

jung-joong-hah-geh moo-ruh-BOH-goh, chah-RYEH-reul kee-dah-REE-goh eet-TAH-goh mal-HAH-seh-yoh. Ask politely and say you're waiting for a turn.

저는 이렇게 말할 수 있어요. "실례합니다. 러닝머신을 거의 다 사용하셨어요?"

juh-neun ee-ruh-KEH mal-hal ssoo ee-SUH-yoh. shil-LYEH-ham-nee-dah. ruh-NEENG-muh-sheen-eul guh-EE dah sah-yong-ha-SYUH-ssuh-yoh? I can say, "Excuse me, are you almost finished with the treadmill?"

상대방에게 너무 부담을 주지 않으면서도 뜻이 분명해요.

sahng-deh-bahng-eh-geh nuh-moo boo-DAH-meul joo-jee ah-neu-myuhn-suh-doh tteu-shee boon-myung-hae-yoh. That sounds clear without putting too much pressure on them.

그 사람이 시간이 더 필요하면, 저는 기다리거나 다른 기계를 사용할 수 있어요.

guh sah-rah-mee shee-gah-nee duh pee-RYOH-hah-myun, juh-neun kee-dah-ree-guh-nah dah-reun gee-GYEH-reul sah-yong-hal ssoo ee-SUH-yoh. If they need more time, I can wait or use another machine.

그렇게 하면 말다툼을 시작하지 않고 운동 기구를 함께 사용할 수 있어요.

guh-ruh-keh hah-myun mal-DAH-toom-eul shee-jah-kah-jee ahn-koh oon-dong gee-GOO-reul HAM-kkyeh sah-yong-hal ssoo ee-SUH-yoh. That keeps the equipment shared without starting an argument.

Word by Word

누군가 “누군가” means “someone,” referring to an unspecified person in this dialogue. Use “누군가” before a verb when you do not identify the person; it is useful when describing an unknown person in a public place.

러닝머신을 “러닝머신을” means “the treadmill” as the object being used, with 을 marking the object. The reusable pattern “러닝머신을 사용하다” is useful when talking about using this equipment at a gym.

오랫동안 “오랫동안” means “for a long time,” describing the duration of the treadmill use. Use it before a verb when an action continues over a long period, such as “오랫동안 사용하고 있어요” in this situation.

사용하고 “사용하고” means “using” and connects the action to “있어요” in “사용하고 있어요.” The pattern “-고 있어요” describes an action that is currently continuing, useful when someone is still using shared equipment.

있어요 In “사용하고 있어요,” “있어요” helps show that the action is ongoing and gives the sentence a polite ending. Use “-고 있어요” to say that someone is currently doing something, such as continuing to use a machine.

안내문에 “안내문에” means “on the notice” or “in the posted information,” with 에 marking where the information is written. The pattern “안내문에 ... 적혀 있어요” is useful when explaining a rule shown on a sign.

다른 “다른” means “other” and describes “사람” in “다른 사람.” Use “다른” directly before a noun when referring to someone or something different from the one already mentioned, such as another person waiting.

사람이 “사람이” means “a person” as the subject of the clause, with 이 marking the subject. In this scene it identifies the person who is waiting, and the pattern “사람이 기다리고 있어요” describes that situation.

기다리고 “기다리고” means “waiting” and connects with “있으면” in “기다리고 있으면.” The pattern “-고 있다” describes an ongoing action, useful when explaining that someone is currently waiting for equipment.

있으면 In “기다리고 있으면,” “있으면” makes the condition “if someone is waiting.” Use “-으면” to introduce a condition before explaining what should happen when that condition applies.

함께 “함께” means “together” or “jointly,” showing that the equipment should be used in a shared way. The pattern “함께 사용하다” is useful when politely discussing shared use of a gym machine.

사용해야 “사용해야” means “must use” or “should use” in “사용해야 한다고,” expressing the rule that the equipment needs to be shared. The pattern “-아야 하다” is useful for stating an obligation or requirement.

한다고 In “사용해야 한다고,” “한다고” carries the statement “one should use it” into “적혀 있어요.” This form is useful when reporting what a sign, person, or other source says or states.

적혀 “적혀” means “written” or “stated” in “적혀 있어요,” describing information that appears on the notice. The pattern “안내문에 ... 적혀 있어요” is useful for pointing out a written rule.

그 “그” means “that” or “the mentioned,” referring back to the person already under discussion in “그 사람에게.” Use “그” before a noun when the listener can identify the person or thing from the context.

사람에게 “사람에게” means “to that person,” with 에게 marking the person who will be asked. The pattern “사람에게 물어보다” is useful when asking someone politely for information or permission.

물어봐야 “물어봐야” means “should ask” in “물어봐야 할까요,” presenting asking as the action being considered. Use the pattern “-아야 할까요?” when wondering whether you should take a particular action.

할까요 “할까요” makes a polite question such as “Should I?” in “물어봐야 할까요?” It is useful for asking for advice or checking whether a suggested action is appropriate.

아니면 “아니면” means “or” or “or else,” introducing the alternative possibility in the question. Use it to connect two options, as when choosing between asking someone and worrying that the request may seem rude.

무례하게 “무례하게” means “rudely” or “in a rude way,” describing how someone might appear in “무례하게 보일까요?” Use this adverb before a verb when describing behavior that may be perceived as impolite.

보일까요 “보일까요” means “would it seem” or “would it look” in “무례하게 보일까요?” The pattern “-게 보이다” is useful when asking how a person’s behavior or appearance may be perceived by others.

정중하게 “정중하게” means “politely” or “in a respectful manner,” describing how to ask in this situation. The pattern “정중하게 물어보고” is useful when making a request to another adult in a shared public space.

물어보고 “물어보고” means “ask and then,” linking the question to the next action in “물어보고 ... 말하세요.” The pattern “-고” connects sequential actions, useful when giving instructions to ask first and then say something.

차례를 “차례를” means “a turn” as the object of waiting for in “차례를 기다리고.” The common pattern “차례를 기다리다” is useful in lines, shared facilities, and other situations where people take turns.

있다고 In “기다리고 있다고,” “있다고” reports that someone is in the state of waiting. Use this form before a reporting verb such as “말하세요” when telling someone what state or action you are describing.

말하세요 “말하세요” means “please say” or “tell,” giving a polite instruction to express the message. The pattern “...다고 말하세요” is useful when telling someone what to say to another person.

저는 “저는” means “I” or “as for me,” with 는 marking the topic. It is useful for introducing your own possible action or opinion, as when explaining what you can say.

이렇게 “이렇게” means “like this” or “in this way,” pointing to the exact wording that follows. Use “이렇게 말할 수 있어요” when presenting a practical phrase someone can use.

말할 In “말할 수 있어요,” “말할” refers to the action of saying something as a possible action. The pattern “말할 수 있어요” is useful for saying that you can say or express a particular phrase.

수 In “말할 수 있어요,” “수” expresses possibility or ability together with the preceding action. The pattern “-ㄹ 수 있어요” is useful when saying that someone can do something.

실례합니다 “실례합니다” means “excuse me” and politely gets the other person’s attention before the question. Use it when approaching an unfamiliar person or interrupting someone respectfully in a public place.

거의 “거의” means “almost,” showing that the treadmill use is close to being finished but may not be finished yet. Use “거의” before a verb or description when something is nearly complete.

다 In “거의 다 사용하셨어요,” “다” means “completely” or “all the way,” while “거의” makes the question less absolute. The pattern “거의 다 ...” is useful when asking whether an activity is nearly finished.

사용하셨어요 In “거의 다 사용하셨어요?” this form asks politely whether the person has finished using the treadmill. The expression is useful when checking someone’s progress without directly demanding that they stop.

상대방에게 “상대방에게” means “to the other person,” marking the person who might receive pressure in “부담을 주지 않으면서도.” The pattern “상대방에게 부담을 주다” is useful when discussing the effect of a request on another person.

너무 “너무” means “too” or “overly,” indicating that the pressure should not become excessive. Use “너무” before a description when saying that something goes beyond a comfortable or acceptable amount.

부담을 “부담을” means “pressure” or “burden” as the object of “주다” in “부담을 주지 않으면서도.” The pattern “상대방에게 부담을 주다” is useful when explaining that words or actions may make another person feel pressured.

주지 In “부담을 주지 않으면서도,” “주지” means “putting or giving” pressure as part of the expression “부담을 주다.” The negative connective here says that the request avoids putting pressure on the other person while still being clear.

않으면서도 “않으면서도” means “while not doing so and still,” connecting the absence of pressure with the fact that the meaning remains clear. The pattern “-지 않으면서도” is useful when describing two conditions that hold at the same time.

뜻이 “뜻이” means “meaning” or “intended message” as the subject of “분명해요.” The pattern “뜻이 분명하다” is useful when evaluating whether a request or explanation is easy to understand.

분명해요 “분명해요” means “is clear,” describing the request’s meaning in this dialogue. Use it after a noun such as “뜻이” when saying that a message or intention is easy to understand.

시간이 “시간이” means “time” as the subject of “더 필요하면.” In this situation it refers to the other person needing additional time, and the pattern “시간이 필요하다” is useful for expressing that more time is needed.

더 “더” means “more” or “additional,” modifying “시간이” in “시간이 더 필요하면.” Use “더” before a noun or verb when asking for or describing an amount beyond what is already available.

필요하면 “필요하면” means “if it is needed” or “if more is needed,” introducing the condition about additional time. The pattern “시간이 필요하면” is useful when offering flexibility before proposing another action.

기다리거나 “기다리거나” means “wait or,” presenting waiting as one option and connecting it to using another machine. The pattern “-거나” is useful for listing alternatives, as in choosing to wait or do something else.

기계를 “기계를” means “the machine” as the object that can be used, with 를 marking the object. The pattern “기계를 사용하다” is useful when talking about using gym equipment or another machine.

사용할 In “사용할 수 있어요,” “사용할” refers to using another machine as a possible action. The pattern “사용할 수 있어요” is useful for saying that an alternative machine is available to use.

그렇게 “그렇게” means “that way” or “like that,” referring to the flexible choices just described. The pattern “그렇게 하면” is useful when explaining the result of following a particular approach.

하면 In “그렇게 하면,” “하면” means “if one does that” or “by doing that,” introducing the result of the proposed behavior. Use “-하면” to connect an action with what happens as a result.

말다툼을 “말다툼을” means “an argument” as the object of “시작하다.” The pattern “말다툼을 시작하다” is useful when describing the beginning of a verbal conflict that polite communication can avoid.

시작하지 In “시작하지 않고,” “시작하지” means “starting” as part of the negative connective expression. The pattern “-지 않고” is useful for saying that one action is done without doing another.

않고 “않고” means “without doing” or “and not,” completing “시작하지 않고.” In this situation it connects avoiding an argument with continuing to share the equipment, and the pattern “-지 않고” is broadly useful for describing an avoided action.

운동 “운동” means “exercise” and modifies “기구” in “운동 기구,” meaning exercise equipment. The expression is useful when referring generally to machines or equipment used for working out.

기구를 “기구를” means “equipment” as the object of shared use in “운동 기구를 함께 사용하다.” The pattern “기구를 사용하다” is useful when talking about using a piece of equipment.

Grammar Points

-고 있어요

사용하고 있어요

sah-YONG-hah-goh ee-SUH-yoh

I am using it.

Attach -고 있어요 to a verb to describe an action that is currently in progress.

-아/어야 하다

함께 사용해야 한다고

HAM-kkyeh sah-YONG-hae-yah HAN-dah-goh

(that) we have to use it together

-아/어야 하다 expresses necessity or obligation: someone must or has to do something.

Korean Vocabulary

기다리다 verb

kee-dah-REE-dah to wait 기다리고 있으면

다른 사람이 기다리고 있으면 함께 사용해야 한다고 적혀 있어요.

누군가 pron

noo-GOON-gah someone

누군가 러닝머신을 오랫동안 사용하고 있어요.

다른 adj

DAH-reun other; another

안내문에 다른 사람이 기다리고 있으면 함께 사용해야 한다고 적혀 있어요.

러닝머신 noun

ruh-NEENG-muh-sheen treadmill

누군가 러닝머신을 오랫동안 사용하고 있어요.

무례하다 adj

moo-RYEH-hah-dah to be rude 무례하게

아니면 무례하게 보일까요?

물어보다 verb

moo-ruh-BOH-dah to ask 물어봐야 할까요

그 사람에게 물어봐야 할까요, 아니면 무례하게 보일까요?

사용하다 verb

sah-yong-HAH-dah to use 사용하고 있어요

누군가 러닝머신을 오랫동안 사용하고 있어요.

사용해야 하다 phrase

sah-yong-hae-yah HAH-dah to have to use; should share 함께 사용해야 한다고

함께 사용해야 한다고 적혀 있어요.

안내문 noun

ahn-NAE-moon sign; notice

안내문에 다른 사람이 기다리고 있으면 함께 사용해야 한다고 적혀 있어요.

오랫동안 adv

oh-RAET-tong-ahn for a long time

누군가 러닝머신을 오랫동안 사용하고 있어요.

적히다 verb

juh-KEE-dah to be written 적혀 있어요

함께 사용해야 한다고 적혀 있어요.

함께 adv

HAM-kkyeh together; jointly

안내문에 다른 사람이 기다리고 있으면 함께 사용해야 한다고 적혀 있어요.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Someone has been using the treadmill for a long time.

Show Answer

누군가 러닝머신을 오랫동안 사용하고 있어요.

Ask politely and say you're waiting for a turn.

Show Answer

정중하게 물어보고, 차례를 기다리고 있다고 말하세요.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

for a long time

Show Answer

오랫동안

treadmill

Show Answer

러닝머신

to be rude

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무례하게

sign; notice

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안내문