Repairing Trust After a Sharp Message | Learn Korean in English

Korean lesson set in a contemporary Seoul everyday setting: In daily life, two adults repair trust after a sharp message by acknowledging the tone, explaining the context, and agreeing to pause before replying..

EN → KO / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Repairing Trust After a Sharp Message to practice Korean conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

내가 전에 보낸 메시지가 의도했던 것보다 더 날카롭게 전달된 것 같아.

neh-GAH JUN-eh BOH-naen meh-SHEE-jee-gah ee-doh-HAET-dun gut-BOH-dah duh NAL-kah-roop-geh jun-DAL-den gut GAH-tah. I think my earlier message came across sharper than I meant it to.
B

그랬어. 하지만 내가 어떤 맥락을 놓친 건 아닌지 생각했어.

guh-RAESS-uh. hah-JEE-man neh-GAH uh-TTUN maeng-NAK-ul NOH-chin gun ah-NEEN-jee saeng-GAK-hae-ssuh. It did, though I wondered if I was missing some context.
A

다른 일 때문에 답답한 상태였고, 너무 성급하게 답장했어.

DAH-run eel ttae-MOON-eh dap-TTA-pan sang-TAE-yut-go, noh-MOO sung-guh-PAH-geh dap-JANG-hae-ssuh. I was frustrated about something else and replied too quickly.
B

그러면 말투는 이해가 되지만, 그 말들이 여전히 나에게 영향을 줬어.

guh-ruh-MYUN mal-TOO-neun ee-HAE-gah dweh-JEE-man, guh mal-DEU-ree yuh-JUN-hee nah-eh-GEH yong-HYANG-ul jwoh-ssuh. That explains the tone, but the words still affected me.
A

그건 내가 책임질 일이고, 관계를 회복하고 싶어.

guh-GUN neh-GAH chae-GIM-jil ee-LEE-go, gwahn-GYEH-reul hweh-BOHK-hah-go shee-PUH. I take responsibility for that, and I want to repair it.
B

그 점을 인정해 줘서 고마워. 그러면 신뢰를 다시 쌓기가 더 쉬워져.

guh JUM-ul een-JUNG-hae JWOH-suh goh-MAH-wuh. guh-ruh-MYUN SHILL-LWEH-reul dah-SHEE SSAH-gee-gah duh SHEE-wuh-jyuh. I appreciate the acknowledgment. It makes trust easier to rebuild.
A

다음에는 스트레스를 받을 때 답장하기 전에 잠시 멈출게.

dah-um-eh-neun suh-TUH-reh-suh-reul bah-DEUL ttae dap-JANG-ha-gee JUN-eh JAM-shee mum-CHUL-geh. Next time, I'll pause before replying when I'm stressed.
B

그러면 도움이 될 거야. 나도 네 의도를 멋대로 추측하기 전에 물어볼게.

guh-ruh-MYUN doh-OO-mee dwehl guh-YAH. nah-DOH neh ee-DOH-reul MUT-ttae-roh choo-CHEUK-ha-gee JUN-eh moo-ruh-BOHL-geh. That would help, and I'll ask before assuming intent.

Word by Word

내가 “내가” means “I” as the subject of the message-related clause. The subject marker 가 shows that the speaker is identifying who sent the message. Use “내가” when you want to state that you, rather than someone else, performed an action.
전에 “전에” means “before” or “earlier” here, referring to an earlier time. It places “보낸” in the past relative to the current conversation. Use it after a time expression or action when referring to something that happened previously.
보낸 “보낸” means “sent” and describes the message the speaker sent earlier. It is the form of 보내다 used directly before the noun “메시지.” Use a verb in this position to describe which person or thing a noun refers to.
메시지가 “메시지가” means “the message” as the subject of the clause. The particle 가 marks the message as what was conveyed sharply. Use a noun plus 가 when it is the subject of a description or event.
의도했던 “의도했던” means “intended” in the phrase about what the speaker had meant. It describes the intended manner or effect that is being used as the comparison point. Use this form before a noun or comparison expression when referring to something previously intended.
것보다 “것보다” marks the point of comparison, meaning “than what” was intended. In this dialogue, the message came across more sharply than the speaker had intended. Use it after a nominalized idea when comparing the degree or manner of something.
더 “더” means “more” and increases the degree of “날카롭게.” It shows that the message was sharper than the intended level. Use “더” before an adjective or adverb when describing a higher degree.
날카롭게 “날카롭게” means “sharply” and describes how the message was conveyed. Here it refers to a tone that sounded more cutting than intended. Use this adverb before a verb to describe the manner of an action.
전달된 “전달된” means “was conveyed” or “came across” in this dialogue. It describes how the message was received by the other person, not simply the act of sending it. Use it before “것” or another noun when describing something that was conveyed.
것 “것” turns the preceding description into a thing or fact that can be discussed. In “전달된 것 같아,” it helps express that the speaker thinks the message was conveyed in that way. Use this form after a clause when treating the clause as an idea or situation.
같아 “같아” means “seems” or “I think” here, expressing the speaker’s tentative assessment. It softens the statement that the message was conveyed sharply. Use it after a clause when presenting an impression rather than an absolute claim.
그랬어 “그랬어” confirms that the previous description was correct: the message really did come across sharply. It responds directly to the earlier statement instead of repeating the whole sentence. Use it in casual conversation to confirm that something was as described.
하지만 “하지만” means “but” or “however” and introduces a contrasting point. Here it contrasts understanding the context with the possibility that some context was missed. Use it at the beginning of a clause when presenting an opposing or limiting idea.
어떤 “어떤” means “some” or “what kind of” and leaves the specific context unspecified. In this sentence, the speaker wonders whether there was a particular context they had missed. Use it before a noun when the exact identity or type is not specified.
맥락을 “맥락을” means “context” as the object of “놓친.” The particle 을 marks the context as what may have been missed. Use a noun plus 을 when it is the object of an action.
놓친 “놓친” means “missed” in the sense of failing to notice or take account of something. Here it describes context that the speaker may not have noticed. Use it before a noun to describe something that was missed or overlooked.
건 “건” is the contracted form of “것은” and presents the preceding idea as the topic. Here it frames the possibility of having missed context as the thing under consideration. Use it in casual speech when “것은” would sound more formal or complete.
아닌지 “아닌지” means “whether it was not” and introduces uncertainty about the preceding possibility. In the dialogue, the speaker is wondering whether they had not understood some context. Use it after an idea when considering whether that idea is true or not.
생각했어 “생각했어” means “thought” or “wondered” about the possibility just mentioned. It reports the speaker’s past reflection on whether context was missing. Use it after a question-like clause when saying that you considered or wondered about it.
다른 “다른” means “other” or “different” and modifies “일.” It shows that the frustrating matter was separate from the message itself. Use it directly before a noun when distinguishing one thing from another.
일 “일” means “matter” or “thing” here, referring to another situation that caused frustration. It is used with “다른” to mean “something else.” Use it for a matter, task, or situation when the exact details are not being specified.
때문에 “때문에” means “because of” and gives the reason for the speaker’s frustrated state. In “다른 일 때문에,” the other matter is the cause. Use a noun plus “때문에” to state a reason or cause.
답답한 “답답한” describes feeling frustrated, emotionally blocked, or stifled. Here it explains the speaker’s state before replying, rather than describing the message itself. Use it before a noun or with a state expression when describing this kind of difficult feeling.
상태였고 “상태였고” means “was in a state and” and links the speaker’s condition to the next action. It presents the frustrated condition as continuing into the quick reply. Use this form when describing a past state and connecting it to another clause.
너무 “너무” means “too” or “overly” here, showing that the reply happened to an excessive degree of speed. It makes “성급하게” stronger. Use it before an adjective or adverb when the degree is more than appropriate.
성급하게 “성급하게” means “hastily” or “too impulsively.” It describes the manner in which the speaker replied and suggests that there was not enough time for careful thought. Use it before an action verb when criticizing or explaining an overly rushed action.
답장했어 “답장했어” means “replied” or “sent a reply.” In this dialogue, it refers specifically to replying to the earlier message too quickly. Use it in casual conversation when reporting that you sent a response.
그러면 “그러면” means “then” or “in that case” and connects the explanation to its consequence. Here it means that, given the explanation, the tone becomes understandable. Use it when drawing a conclusion from information just mentioned.
말투는 “말투는” means “the tone” or “as for the tone.” The particle 는 marks tone as the aspect being discussed and contrasted with the effect of the words. Use a noun plus 는 when setting one topic or aspect against another.
이해가 “이해가” means “understanding” as the subject of the expression “이해가 되다.” In this dialogue, it is the tone that becomes understandable. Use it in this expression when saying that something makes sense or can be understood.
되지만 “되지만” means “becomes or is understandable, but” and introduces a contrast. In “이해가 되지만,” the tone can be understood while the words still caused an effect. Use it after a clause or expression when acknowledging one point before adding a contrasting point.
그 “그” means “that” or “the” and points back to something already mentioned. Here it identifies the words associated with the earlier message. Use it before a noun when referring to a known or previously discussed thing.
말들이 “말들이” means “the words” as the subject of the statement about their effect. The plural marker 들 presents the words as multiple expressions, and 가 marks them as the subject. Use this form when several words or remarks are being discussed together.
여전히 “여전히” means “still” or “nevertheless.” It shows that the words continued to affect the speaker even though the tone had become understandable. Use it before a verb or descriptive expression when a situation remains true despite a change or explanation.
나에게 “나에게” means “to me” and identifies who was affected by the words. The particle 에게 marks the person receiving an effect or directed action. Use it after a person when stating who something affected or was given to.
영향을 “영향을” means “an influence” or “an effect” as the object of “줬어.” In the dialogue, the words had an emotional effect on the speaker. Use it with “영향을 주다” when saying that something affects someone or something.
줬어 “줬어” means “gave” in the expression “영향을 줬어,” which means “had an effect.” Its meaning here comes from the full expression with “영향을,” not from giving a physical object. Use this expression with an effect, influence, or impact and the person or thing affected.
그건 “그건” is the contracted form of “그것은,” meaning “as for that” or “that matter.” Here it refers back to the hurtful effect of the message and sets up the speaker’s acceptance of responsibility. Use it in casual speech to make a previously mentioned matter the topic.
책임질 “책임질” means “to take responsibility for” in the phrase referring to the matter the speaker accepts responsibility for. It appears before “일” to describe a matter that the speaker should take responsibility for. Use it before a noun when identifying something for which responsibility must be accepted.
일이고 “일이고” means “is a matter and” and links the responsibility statement to the speaker’s wish to repair the relationship. It presents the issue as something the speaker must deal with. Use this form when connecting one description of a matter to another statement.
관계를 “관계를” means “the relationship” as the object of “회복하고.” The particle 를 marks the relationship as what the speaker wants to restore. Use a noun plus 를 when it is the object of an action such as restoring or maintaining something.
회복하고 “회복하고” means “restore or repair and” in the phrase about repairing the relationship. It connects the desired repair with “싶어,” which expresses wanting to do it. Use this form when linking “회복하다” to another following expression.
싶어 “싶어” means “want to” and expresses the speaker’s desire to repair the relationship. It follows the action expression “회복하고” to say what the speaker wants to do. Use it after an action form when stating a personal wish in casual speech.
점을 “점을” means “the point” or “that aspect” as the object of “인정해.” It refers to the speaker’s acknowledgment of responsibility or the problem. Use it when referring to a particular point, fact, or aspect that has already been identified.
인정해 “인정해” means “acknowledge” or “recognize” in the phrase thanking the other person for acknowledging the issue. It is directed toward the other person’s act of recognizing the point. Use it in casual speech when asking for or referring to recognition of a fact or problem.
줘서 “줘서” means “for doing it for me” in the expression thanking someone for acknowledging the point. It links the other person’s helpful action to the speaker’s gratitude. Use an action plus “줘서” before a thankful or appreciative expression when someone did something beneficial for you.
고마워 “고마워” means “thank you” in a casual, warm style. Here it thanks the other person for acknowledging the problem. Use it with someone you address informally or with whom you have a close relationship.
신뢰를 “신뢰를” means “trust” as the object of “쌓기가.” It refers to the trust that can be rebuilt after the misunderstanding. Use a noun plus 를 when identifying what is being built, restored, or otherwise acted on.
다시 “다시” means “again” and shows that the trust is being built anew after having been damaged. It modifies “쌓기가” in the dialogue. Use it before an action when something is repeated or returned to a previous state.
쌓기가 “쌓기가” means “building” as the subject of the statement that something becomes easier. The action “쌓다” is turned into an activity with 기, and 가 marks that activity as the subject. Use this pattern when saying that doing an action is easy, difficult, or possible.
쉬워져 “쉬워져” means “becomes easier.” Here it says that rebuilding trust is easier because the problem has been acknowledged. Use it after an activity or situation when describing a change toward greater ease.
다음에는 “다음에는” means “next time” and sets the time for the speaker’s future plan. The particle 는 highlights the next occasion as the relevant time. Use it when promising or describing what you will do on a future occasion.
스트레스를 “스트레스를” means “stress” as the object of “받을.” It refers to experiencing stress in a future situation. Use a noun plus 를 when it is the object of an action such as receiving or experiencing something.
받을 “받을” means “receive” or “experience” and describes a future or possible stressed situation before “때.” In “스트레스를 받을 때,” it means “when I experience stress.” Use this form before “때” to describe a situation that may occur.
때 “때” means “when” or “at the time.” It introduces the situation in which the speaker will pause before replying. Use it after a clause or noun phrase to specify when something happens.
답장하기 “답장하기” means “replying” and names the action of sending a response. In “답장하기 전에,” it identifies the action that has not yet happened when the pause occurs. Use an action form ending in 기 before “전에” to mean “before doing” that action.
잠시 “잠시” means “for a moment” and limits the length of the planned pause. It shows that the speaker intends to stop briefly before replying, not abandon the conversation. Use it before an action or pause when referring to a short period.
멈출게 “멈출게” means “I’ll pause” and expresses a personal promise or intention. Here the speaker promises to pause before replying when stressed. Use it in casual conversation when committing yourself to a future action that is relevant to the other person.
도움이 “도움이” means “help” as the subject of “될 거야.” It refers to the proposed pause being helpful. Use it in “도움이 되다” when saying that something is useful or beneficial.
될 “될” means “will become” or “will be” and describes the future result of the pause. Together with “도움이,” it says that the pause will be helpful. Use it before “거야” when describing an expected future state or result.
거야 “거야” expresses an expected or intended future result in casual speech. In “도움이 될 거야,” it makes the prediction that the pause will help. Use it after a future-oriented verb form when stating a casual expectation or assurance.
나도 “나도” means “I also” or “me too.” It shows that the second speaker is making a commitment of their own in addition to the other person’s plan. Use it when adding yourself to the subject or group already being discussed.
네 “네” means “your” and modifies “의도.” It refers to the other person’s intention behind the message. Use it directly before a noun when identifying something belonging to or associated with the person being addressed.
의도를 “의도를” means “intention” as the object of “추측하기.” It refers to what the other person meant, which the speaker promises not to guess without asking. Use a noun plus 를 when it is the object of an action such as understanding, checking, or guessing.
멋대로 “멋대로” means “arbitrarily” or “as one pleases,” with the sense of acting without checking with the other person. Here it modifies guessing the other person’s intention and criticizes making an unsupported assumption. Use it before an action when someone does something according to their own judgment without permission or confirmation.
추측하기 “추측하기” means “guessing” or “assuming” and names the action the speaker will avoid doing automatically. It appears before “전에” to mean “before assuming.” Use an action form ending in 기 before “전에” when setting a condition that must be considered first.
물어볼게 “물어볼게” means “I’ll ask” and expresses a promise to ask for clarification. In this dialogue, the speaker will ask before deciding what the other person intended. Use it in casual conversation when promising to ask someone directly in a future situation.

Grammar Points

V-기 전에

추측하기 전에

choo-CHEUK-ha-gee JUN-eh

before assuming; before guessing

동사 어간에 -기 전에를 붙여 어떤 행동보다 앞선 시점을 나타냅니다.

V-(으)ㄹ게

물어볼게

moo-ruh-BOHL-geh

I will ask

화자가 상대방을 위해 하겠다고 약속하거나 의지를 말할 때 사용합니다.

Korean Vocabulary

날카롭게 adv
NAL-kah-roop-geh sharply
놓친 verb
NOH-chin missed
답답한 adj
dap-TTA-pan frustrated; stifled
답장했어 verb
dap-JANG-hae-ssuh replied; sent a reply
말투 noun
mal-TOO tone; manner of speaking
맥락 noun
maeng-NAK context
메시지 noun
meh-SHEE-jee message
보낸 verb
BOH-naen sent
성급하게 adv
sung-guh-PAH-geh hastily; too quickly
의도했던 verb
ee-doh-HAET-dun intended
전달된 verb
jun-DAL-den was conveyed; was delivered
전에 adv
JUN-eh earlier; before

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

intended

Show Answer의도했던

sharply

Show Answer날카롭게

replied; sent a reply

Show Answer답장했어

hastily; too quickly

Show Answer성급하게