I started studying Korean at 32. I'm 34 and still terrible. Is it possible to learn in your 30s?

Question

Despite studying for 2 years and being in a relationship with a native speaker for all that time (she's fluent in English too) I still can't effectively communicate in the language. Basic stuff like 뭐 먹고싶어 and 나는 진짜 피곤해 are no problem but any kind of proper conversation is basically impossible. I studied Spanish once a week for a year when I was 30 and then spent 3 months in South America and by the time I came home I could converse in Spanish so I know that I can learn a language, even in my 30s. But of course learning Korean is a whole 'nother level than learning Spanish. Can anyone give me some hope that it's possible?

Answer 1

Hi,

The answer to your question is YES!

I think other tutor gave some tips already so I want to add some a little more for you.

You already had experiences to learn other languages so probably you know.

The most important thing to learn other languages is to use them as much as possible.

While exposing yourself to language environment like listening to Korean songs and watching Korean movies or dramas, use Korean even with mistakes.For this,

1. If you have Korean girlfriend, ask her to use Korean to you.
2. Take professional Korean classes regularly.

Hopefully, my tips will be helpful for your situation.

Good Luck for you!

Answer 2

Hi, I hope my answer helps or gives you an idea a little bit.

Korean is a definitely unique and different language than English or Spanish.

What I suggest, to most of my students that I tutored before, is to listen to Korean songs a lot.

One of my friends, and same for me as well, studied English through listening to pop songs. This sounds very basic and dull, but it helps you A LOT. You won't even recognize how much you are learning and getting better at Korean. Another smart way to learn Korean is to watch TV, I am pretty sure you are very familiar with K-dramas or TV shows as you have a Korean girlfriend. Watching Korean TV with a sub first, then without, then with sub again. If you keep practicing that way, your Korean skills will improve tremendously. It's important to get the nuance. Just like English, some words or phrases have different meanings even though they don't sound like it, so if you keep listening and practicing yourself with the methods I am recommending, you will find yourself whole lot better than now with Korean. Hope you enjoy learning Korean! :D