Korean for Elementary Learners: Accepting Criticism with 'Thanks, I'll work on that'
Learn to accept criticism in Korean by saying 'Thanks, I'll work on that' and asking follow-up questions. This lesson focuses on improvement, not apology.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When someone gives you criticism in Korean, responding with a simple apology may not be enough. Instead, you can show that you take the feedback seriously and plan to improve. In this lesson, you will learn key phrases to accept criticism gracefully, such as 'Thanks, I'll work on that,' and how to ask questions to clarify the feedback. This skill is different from accepting apologies because it emphasizes future action and growth. We will practice with realistic dialogues and cultural notes to help you respond appropriately in Korean.
By the end, you can…
- accept criticism in Korean by saying 'Thanks, I'll work on that.'
- ask follow-up questions to understand the criticism better.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
고맙습니다. 노력할게요.
Thank you. I'll work on it.
gomapseumnida. noryeokhalgeyo.
Polite and formal. Use with superiors, elders, or in professional settings.
감사합니다. 개선하겠습니다.
Thank you. I will improve.
gamsahamnida. gaeseonhagetseumnida.
Very formal. Suitable for business or official contexts.
조언 감사해요. 더 잘할게요.
Thanks for the advice. I'll do better.
joheon gamsahaeyo. deo jalhalgeyo.
Casual polite. Use with friends, close colleagues, or people younger than you.
어떻게 고치면 될까요?
How should I fix it?
eotteoke gochimyeon doelkkayo?
Ask for specific guidance after receiving criticism.
구체적으로 어떤 점을 바꾸면 좋을까요?
Specifically, what should I change?
guchejeogeuro eotteon jeomeul bakkumyeon joeulkkayo?
Ask for detailed feedback to know exactly what to improve.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To accept criticism and promise improvement, use the pattern '고맙습니다/감사합니다 + 노력할게요/개선하겠습니다.' The verb '노력하다' means 'to try/effort,' and '개선하다' means 'to improve.' For example, '고맙습니다. 노력할게요.' (Thank you. I'll work on it.) or '감사합니다. 개선하겠습니다.' (Thank you. I will improve.) You can also use '더 잘할게요' (I'll do better) in casual polite speech. To ask questions, use '어떻게' (how) or '어떤 점을' (what point) with the verb '고치다' (to fix) or '바꾸다' (to change).
When to use it
Use these phrases when someone gives you constructive criticism, such as a teacher, boss, or friend pointing out a mistake. It shows maturity and willingness to learn. For example, if your boss says your report needs more data, you can reply, '감사합니다. 개선하겠습니다.' (Thank you. I will improve.) Then ask, '구체적으로 어떤 점을 바꾸면 좋을까요?' (Specifically, what should I change?) This is different from accepting an apology, where you might say '괜찮아요' (It's okay). Here, you focus on future action, not on forgiving the other person.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
민수 씨, 이 보고서에 데이터가 좀 부족한 것 같아요.
Minsu, I think this report lacks some data.Minsu ssi, i bogoseo-e deiteoga jom bujokhan geot gatayo.아, 그렇군요. 지적해 주셔서 감사합니다. 개선하겠습니다.
Oh, I see. Thank you for pointing that out. I will improve.A, geureokgunyo. jijeokhae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida. gaeseonhagetseumnida.구체적으로 어떤 데이터를 추가하면 좋을까요?
Specifically, what data should I add?Guchejeogeuro eotteon deiteoreul chugahamyeon joeulkkayo?최근 3개월 판매 데이터를 넣으면 좋을 것 같아요.
I think it would be good to include the sales data from the last three months.Choegeun sam gaewol panmae deiteoreul neoeumyeon joeul geot gatayo.A little context goes a long way
In Korean culture, accepting criticism with a positive attitude and a promise to improve is highly valued, especially in workplace and school settings. Using formal language (존댓말) with superiors shows respect. However, among close friends, you can use casual polite speech (해요체) or even informal speech (반말) if you are very close. It's also common to ask for specific advice to show you are serious about improving. Avoid making excuses or becoming defensive, as this can be seen as unprofessional.
One thing to watch for
Using '미안합니다' (I'm sorry) as the only response to criticism.
Try this instead: While '미안합니다' can be used, it focuses on apology rather than improvement. To emphasize that you will work on it, say '감사합니다. 개선하겠습니다.' (Thank you. I will improve.) or '고맙습니다. 노력할게요.' (Thank you. I'll work on it.) This shows you are taking action.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you formally accept criticism and promise to improve?
Show a sample answer
감사합니다. 개선하겠습니다.
This is a formal and polite way to accept criticism and indicate you will improve. It uses '감사합니다' (thank you) and '개선하겠습니다' (I will improve). Other variations like '고맙습니다. 노력할게요.' are also correct but slightly less formal.
2What phrase can you use to ask for specific feedback?
Show a sample answer
구체적으로 어떤 점을 바꾸면 좋을까요?
This question asks for specific points to change. You could also ask '어떻게 고치면 될까요?' (How should I fix it?) Both are appropriate.
3Translate to Korean: 'Thanks for the advice. I'll do better.' (casual polite)
Show a sample answer
조언 감사해요. 더 잘할게요.
This uses casual polite speech (해요체). '조언' means advice, '감사해요' is thank you, and '더 잘할게요' means I'll do better. You could also say '조언 고마워요. 더 잘할게요.'
When receiving criticism in Korean, respond with gratitude and a commitment to improve, such as '감사합니다. 개선하겠습니다.' Then ask specific questions to clarify how to improve. This shows professionalism and a growth mindset.
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