Korean for Renters: How to Ask 'Are Pets Allowed?'
Learn to ask if pets are allowed in Korean rentals, understand pet restrictions, and navigate pet policies with confidence.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When renting in Korea, knowing how to ask about pet policies is essential. Many landlords have specific rules about pets, and being able to communicate clearly can save you time and avoid misunderstandings. In this lesson, you'll learn the key phrases to ask 'Are pets allowed?' in Korean, understand common restrictions, and respond to answers. We'll use the polite formal style (존댓말, jondaenmal) suitable for speaking with landlords or real estate agents. Let's begin!
By the end, you can…
- ask if pets are allowed in a rental property using polite Korean.
- understand and respond to common pet-related restrictions in Korean.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
반려동물 키워도 되나요?
Is it okay to raise a pet?
ban-ryeo-dong-mul ki-wo-do doe-na-yo?
Use this polite question to ask if pets are allowed. '반려동물' means 'companion animal' (pet), and '키워도 되나요?' means 'is it okay to raise?'
애완동물 있어도 되나요?
Is it okay if I have a pet?
ae-wan-dong-mul i-sseo-do doe-na-yo?
'애완동물' is another common term for pet. This phrase is slightly more casual but still polite. Use it when you already have a pet.
고양이 한 마리 키우는데 괜찮을까요?
I have one cat; would that be okay?
go-yang-i han ma-ri ki-u-neun-de gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
Use this to specify the type and number of pets. '한 마리' means 'one animal' (counter for animals). '괜찮을까요?' means 'would it be okay?'
반려동물 금지인가요?
Are pets prohibited?
ban-ryeo-dong-mul geum-ji-in-ga-yo?
Ask this to confirm if pets are not allowed. '금지' means 'prohibition' or 'ban'.
펫 허용되는 집을 찾고 있어요.
I'm looking for a house that allows pets.
pet heo-yong-doe-neun ji-beul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Use this to tell a real estate agent your requirement. '펫' is a loanword from English 'pet', and '허용되다' means 'to be allowed'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask permission, use the pattern 'Verb stem + -아/어도 되나요?'. For example, '키우다' (to raise) becomes '키워도 되나요?' (Is it okay to raise?). Similarly, '있다' (to have) becomes '있어도 되나요?' (Is it okay to have?). This pattern is polite and commonly used in requests. You can replace the verb with other actions, like '데려오다' (to bring) → '데려와도 되나요?' (Is it okay to bring?).
When to use it
Use these phrases when talking to landlords, real estate agents, or property managers. It's best to ask before signing a contract. If you're unsure about the type of pet allowed, specify: '개 한 마리 키우는데 괜찮을까요?' (I have one dog; would that be okay?). If the answer is '안 돼요' (It's not allowed), you can ask '왜 안 되나요?' (Why not?) to understand the reason. Always be polite and respectful.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
안녕하세요, 이 집 반려동물 키워도 되나요?
Hello, is it okay to raise a pet in this house?an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, i jip ban-ryeo-dong-mul ki-wo-do doe-na-yo?어떤 동물인가요?
What kind of animal is it?eo-tteon dong-mul-in-ga-yo?고양이 한 마리 키우고 있어요. 괜찮을까요?
I'm raising one cat. Would that be okay?go-yang-i han ma-ri ki-u-go i-sseo-yo. gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?죄송하지만, 이 집은 반려동물 금지예요.
Sorry, but pets are prohibited in this house.joe-song-ha-ji-man, i ji-beun ban-ryeo-dong-mul geum-ji-ye-yo.A little context goes a long way
In Korea, many landlords prefer tenants without pets to avoid noise or damage. It's common to see '반려동물 금지' (no pets) in listings. However, some places allow small pets with an additional deposit. Always ask upfront and be prepared to provide details about your pet. Using polite language (존댓말) is crucial when discussing with landlords.
One thing to watch for
Using the casual form '키워도 돼?' with a landlord.
Try this instead: Always use the polite form '키워도 되나요?' or '키워도 될까요?' with landlords or agents. For example, '반려동물 키워도 되나요?' is appropriate.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask 'Is it okay to raise a dog?' in polite Korean?
Show a sample answer
개 키워도 되나요?
This uses the pattern 'Verb stem + -아/어도 되나요?' with '키우다' (to raise) and '개' (dog). Alternatively, you can say '개 키워도 될까요?' which is slightly softer.
2What does '반려동물 금지' mean?
Show a sample answer
Pets prohibited
'반려동물' means pet, and '금지' means prohibition. So it means 'no pets allowed'. You might see this sign in rental listings.
3How would you say 'I have one cat' in Korean?
Show a sample answer
고양이 한 마리 있어요.
This uses the counter '마리' for animals. '한 마리' means 'one animal'. You can also say '고양이 한 마리 키워요' (I raise one cat).
Always ask about pet policies before renting. Use '반려동물 키워도 되나요?' to politely inquire. Be ready to specify your pet type and number, and respect the landlord's decision.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s Korean into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr