"Let It 설❄: Snowy Words in Korean" Hi language learners! Let’s explore the fascinating Sino-Korean character 설 (雪), which means snow. Understanding how this character works in compound words can help you guess meanings and improve vocabulary comprehension. Plus, we’ll cover tricky pronunciations and cultural nuances to boost your skills! 1️⃣ What is ‘설’? In Korean, 설 (雪) is the Sino-Korean reading of the Chinese character for snow. It’s a building block for many snow-related words. However, keep in mind that while 설 is used in compound words, 눈 is the native Korean word for snow and is more commonly used on its own. 2️⃣ Words with ‘설’ Let’s dive into commonly used words containing 설. 폭설 (暴雪): Heavy snow. 폭 (violent) + 설 (snow). Example: 이번 주말에 폭설이 내릴 예정입니다 (Heavy snow is expected this weekend). 설경 (雪景): Snowy scenery. 설 (snow) + 경 (scenery). Example: 설경이 너무 아름다워요 (The snowy scenery is so beautiful). 설산 (雪山): Snowy mountain. 설 (snow) + 산 (mountain). Example: 설산에서 스키를 탔어요 (I skied on the snowy mountain). 설국 (雪國): Snow country. 설 (snow) + 국 (country). Example: 설국은 겨울 풍경이 정말 멋져요 (Snow countries have truly beautiful winter scenery). 설화 (雪花): Snowflake. 설 (snow) + 화 (flower). Example: 설화가 내리는 날, 산책을 나갔어요 (On the day of a snowfall, I went for a walk). 3️⃣ Pronunciation Tips Students sometimes confuse 설 (snow) with similar-sounding words: 설 (說): Meaning "theory" or "explanation." Example: 음모설 (conspiracy theory). Note: The meaning is completely different, even though the pronunciation is identical. 설 (Native word): Meaning "holiday" or "season." Example: 설날 (Lunar New Year). Tip: Context will help you figure out which 설 is being used! 4️⃣ Fun Korean Expressions with 설 첫눈처럼 너에게 가겠다: "I will come to you like the first snow." A poetic way of saying you’ll approach someone gently and meaningfully (the OST of 도깨비-Goblin) 설국열차 (Snowpiercer): The famous Korean sci-fi movie title. Knowing 설 helps you spot its snow-related theme!