Korean for Disagreements: Finding Common Ground with '우리 둘 다'
Learn to identify shared goals in disagreements using Korean phrases like '우리 둘 다 같은 결과를 원해요' to shift focus from conflict to cooperation.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When disagreements arise, it's easy to focus on differences. But finding common ground can de-escalate tension and lead to productive solutions. In this lesson, you'll learn intermediate Korean phrases to express shared desires and goals, such as 'We both want the same result.' You'll practice using '우리 둘 다' (uri dul da) and related patterns to acknowledge agreement even in the midst of disagreement. This skill is essential for respectful and effective communication in Korean.
By the end, you can…
- identify and state a shared goal in a disagreement using '우리 둘 다'.
- use the pattern '같은 ...을/를 원하다' to express that both parties want the same thing.
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우리 둘 다 같은 결과를 원해요.
We both want the same result.
uri dul da gateun gyeolgwareul wonhaeyo.
Use this to emphasize a common desired outcome. '우리 둘 다' means 'both of us'; '같은' means 'same'; '결과' means 'result'; '원해요' is the polite present tense of 'to want'.
우리 둘 다 이 문제를 해결하고 싶어 해요.
We both want to solve this problem.
uri dul da i munjereul haegyeolhago sipeo haeyo.
This expresses a shared desire to resolve an issue. '문제' means 'problem'; '해결하다' means 'to solve'; '~고 싶어 하다' literally marks a third person's desire, but with '우리' it expresses the desire of the group as a whole.
우리 둘 다 같은 목표를 가지고 있어요.
We both have the same goal.
uri dul da gateun mokpyoreul gajigo isseoyo.
Use this to point out a shared objective. '목표' means 'goal'; '가지고 있다' means 'to have'.
우리 둘 다 서로를 이해하려고 노력해요.
We both try to understand each other.
uri dul da seororeul ihaeharyeogo noryeokhaeyo.
This highlights mutual effort to understand. '서로' means 'each other'; '이해하다' means 'to understand'; '~려고 노력하다' means 'to try to'.
우리 둘 다 최선의 방법을 찾고 싶어요.
We both want to find the best way.
uri dul da choeseonui bangbeobeul chatgo sipeoyo.
This expresses a shared desire to find the best solution. '최선' means 'best'; '방법' means 'method/way'; '찾다' means 'to find'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern '우리 둘 다 + [shared desire/goal]' is a powerful way to shift focus from disagreement to common ground. For example, '우리 둘 다 같은 결과를 원해요' (We both want the same result) or '우리 둘 다 행복해지고 싶어요' (We both want to be happy). You can also use '우리 둘 다' with verbs like '원하다' (to want), '바라다' (to hope), '생각하다' (to think), and '느끼다' (to feel). Note that '둘 다' is sometimes written without a space as '둘다' in casual writing, but in careful writing and formal speech it is written and pronounced clearly as 'dul da'.
When to use it
Use these phrases when a conversation becomes confrontational and you want to remind the other person of your shared interests. For instance, if you're arguing about how to spend money, you might say, '우리 둘 다 가족을 위해 최선을 다하고 싶어요' (We both want to do our best for the family). This can calm tensions and refocus on cooperation. It's also useful in negotiations or team projects. However, avoid using it sarcastically or when there is genuinely no shared goal, as it may sound insincere. In Korean culture, maintaining harmony is valued, so this approach is generally well-received.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
우리 이 문제로 계속 싸우는 것 같아요.
I think we keep fighting over this issue.uri i munjero gyesok ssaneun geot gatayo.그러게요. 하지만 우리 둘 다 같은 결과를 원하지 않아요?
I know. But don't we both want the same result?geureogeyo. hajiman uri dul da gateun gyeolgwareul wonhaji anayo?맞아요. 우리 둘 다 회사가 성공하기를 바라잖아요.
That's right. We both want the company to succeed, after all.majayo. uri dul da hoesaga seonggonghagireul barajanayo.그럼, 우리 둘 다 최선의 방법을 찾아봐요.
Then, let's both try to find the best way.geureom, uri dul da choeseonui bangbeobeul chajabwayo.A little context goes a long way
In Korean communication, directly confronting a disagreement can be seen as aggressive. Using phrases that highlight shared goals helps protect '기분' (mood/feelings) and '체면' (social face). It's common to soften disagreements by first acknowledging the other person's perspective, then finding common ground. This approach aligns with the Korean value of '조화' (harmony) and can prevent conflicts from escalating.
One thing to watch for
Using '우리 둘 다' with a verb that implies only one person's action, such as '우리 둘 다 이겼어요' (We both won) when only one can win.
Try this instead: Ensure the statement reflects a truly shared goal or state. Instead, say '우리 둘 다 만족할 수 있는 결과를 원해요' (We both want a result that satisfies us both).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'We both want to find a solution' in Korean?
Show a sample answer
우리 둘 다 해결책을 찾고 싶어요.
This uses '우리 둘 다' + '해결책을 찾고 싶어요' (want to find a solution). Alternative: '우리 둘 다 해결책을 원해요' is also correct.
2What is the Korean phrase for 'We both have the same opinion'?
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우리 둘 다 같은 의견이에요.
This uses '같은 의견' (same opinion). You could also say '우리 둘 다 같은 생각이에요'.
3Translate: 'We both try to understand each other.'
Show a sample answer
우리 둘 다 서로를 이해하려고 노력해요.
This uses '서로를 이해하려고 노력해요' (try to understand each other). Another way: '우리 둘 다 상대방을 이해하려고 해요'.
When disagreements arise, shift the focus to shared goals with '우리 둘 다' to foster cooperation and maintain harmony.
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