Final consonants (batchim)
How 받침 closes a syllable and affects the next sound.
What you will learn
You will read syllables with a final consonant (받침), know how the same letter can sound different at the end, and preview liaison (장음/borrowing into the next syllable).
Step 1 — What 받침 is
Each block is up to C + V + (optional C). The bottom consonant “closes” the syllable: 감, 숲, 값.
Step 2 — One-letter finals first
Master these readings at pause: ㄱ→k stop, ㄴ→n, ㄷ→t, ㄹ→l, ㅁ→m, ㅂ→p, ㅇ→ng. Double batchim (e.g. ㄳ) comes after single finals are automatic.
Step 3 — Liaison idea
In 읽어요, the batchim may link forward so the ear hears flow across syllables. Spelling still shows the full cluster — reading Korean fluently means matching both spelling and natural speech.
Step 4 — Study sequence
- Week 1: read word lists with 받침 only (no liaison drills).
- Week 2: add audio where the speaker links; shadow at slow speed.
- Week 3: minimal pairs: 말 vs 만 vs 맘.
Common mistakes
- Pronouncing every final like “full English” — Korean finals are often unreleased.
- Ignoring how the next syllable’s initial changes the feel (e.g. ㄱ before ㅅ).
Study rhythm: Skim “Final consonants (batchim)” for structure, then re-read aloud. Fifteen-minute sessions usually beat one long cram when you are learning Korean from scratch.
Examples & practice: mini conversation
Read across: English meaning → Korean sentence → romanization (Konglish-style pronunciation guide, not official MR).
| Speaker | English | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 택시 기사 | 읽어요—읽 plus 어요… sounds like 일러요? | ‘읽어요’… 받침 ㄹ이 다음으로 넘어가죠? | ilgeoyo… batchim ㄹ-i daeum-euro neomeogajyo? |
| 승객 | So the bottom consonant doesn’t always explode at the end? | 그럼 받침이 끝에서 항상 또렷하지 않아요? | geureom batchim-i kkeut-eseo hangsang ttoryeothaji anayo? |
| 택시 기사 | Often it links into the next syllable in fast speech. | 빠르게 말하면 다음 음절로 이어져요. | ppareuge malhamyeon daeum eumjeollo ieojyeoyo. |
| 승객 | Like 없어요? I hear 솁-something. | ‘없어요’도 그래요? | eopseoyo-do geuraeyo? |
| 택시 기사 | Yup—practice with 젊으신 분… no, just kid—읽어 보세요 menus. | 메뉴 읽기로 연습하세요. 받침 천국이에요. | menyu ilg-giro yeonseubhaseyo. batchim cheonjug-ieyo. |
| 승객 | I’ll stare at 김밥 천국 tonight. | 오늘 밤 김밥 천국 간판 열심히 볼게요. | oneul bam gimbap cheonguk ganpan yeolsimhi bolgeyo. |