Speak Korean in Meetings – How to Share Ideas and Make Suggestions

Meetings in Korean workplaces can be formal and fast-paced, and expressing your ideas clearly—and politely—is essential. Whether you're suggesting a new idea, agreeing with a point, or asking a question, the right expressions can boost your confidence and help you connect better with colleagues.

This guide teaches you the exact Korean phrases you need to speak professionally in meetings. You'll learn how to start, contribute, suggest, clarify, and close a meeting using respectful and native-sounding expressions—with Romanization for every phrase!

 

Ready to level up your Korean for the workplace? Let’s begin with how to start a meeting the right way. 👇

📌 Starting the Meeting Politely

In Korean business culture, politeness and structure are key—especially when starting a meeting. The tone you set in the beginning affects how your message is received and how smoothly the meeting flows. Korean meetings often begin with greetings, brief context statements, and sometimes acknowledgments of participants' efforts.

 

One common way to start is by saying 안녕하십니까? 회의를 시작하겠습니다 (annyeonghasimnikka? hoeuirul sijakha getsseumnida), which means “Hello, I will now begin the meeting.” This phrase is respectful and formal enough for most corporate settings.

 

You can also thank attendees for their time with 바쁘신 와중에 참석해 주셔서 감사합니다 (bappeusin wajunge chamseokhae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida), which means “Thank you for attending despite your busy schedules.” This adds a considerate touch and shows professional courtesy.

 

Before diving into the agenda, it's polite to give a short overview. Try saying 오늘 회의의 주제는 ○○입니다 (oneul hoeuiui jujeneun ○○imnida), meaning “The topic of today’s meeting is ○○.” This prepares everyone mentally and keeps things organized.

 

If you’re a junior employee or new member leading the meeting, start with a humble intro like 제가 오늘 회의를 진행하게 되어 영광입니다 (jega oneul hoeuirul jinaenghage doeeo yeongwangimnida), or “It is an honor to lead today’s meeting.” This respects the hierarchy while establishing your role.

 

A good way to build connection is to acknowledge everyone’s efforts by saying 항상 수고 많으십니다 (hangsang sugo maneusimnida) — “Thank you for your hard work as always.” This is often used as a warm opening.

 

If you’re waiting for latecomers, you might say 잠시 후에 회의를 시작하겠습니다 (jamsi hue hoeuirul sijakhagetseumnida), meaning “We will begin the meeting shortly.” This gives notice without rushing participants.

 

It's also common to introduce the agenda with 오늘의 안건은 다음과 같습니다 (oneului angeoneun daeumgwa gatseumnida), or “Today’s agenda is as follows.” You can then list the discussion points clearly and slowly.

 

To assign a note-taker or moderator, use 오늘 회의록은 ○○님께서 작성해 주시겠습니다 (oneul hoeuirokeun ○○nimkkeseo jakseonghae jusigetseumnida). This politely delegates responsibility and clarifies roles.

 

Setting the right tone at the start creates a respectful and effective environment for idea sharing. Especially in Korean workplaces, where formality and harmony are highly valued, a proper opening makes a strong first impression.

 

Here is a table with useful phrases to help you open a Korean meeting confidently and respectfully:

 

📋 Key Phrases to Start a Meeting

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
회의를 시작하겠습니다	hoeuirul sijakhagetseumnida	I will begin the meeting
참석해 주셔서 감사합니다	chamseokhae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida	Thank you for attending
오늘의 안건은 다음과 같습니다	oneului angeoneun daeumgwa gatseumnida	Today’s agenda is as follows
수고 많으십니다	sugo maneusimnida	Thank you for your effort

 

Memorize a few of these expressions and you’ll be well-prepared to start any Korean meeting with confidence and respect. 

Next, we’ll explore how to clearly share your own opinions during the discussion!

 

💬 Sharing Your Opinion Clearly

Expressing your opinion in a Korean meeting requires a delicate balance of confidence and humility. You want to be clear and firm, but also polite and respectful to your team. In Korean culture, especially in professional settings, coming across as too strong can be seen as rude or aggressive.

 

The best way to begin is by softening your statements. Instead of saying “I think,” try 제 생각에는 (je saenggak-eneun) or 제가 보기에는 (jega bogi-eneun), which both mean “In my opinion.” These openers signal that you are contributing, not asserting dominance.

 

For example, in a product planning meeting, you might say: 제 생각에는 이번 기능은 너무 복잡한 것 같습니다 (je saenggakeneun ibeon gineung-eun neomu bokjapan geot gatseumnida), which means “I think this feature might be too complex.” This way, your view is shared without being pushy.

 

Another useful phrase is 저는 이렇게 생각합니다 (jeoneun ireoke saenggakhamnida), which means “This is how I think about it.” It's formal, respectful, and clear. Follow it up with reasoning or data for a more persuasive delivery.

 

In Korean meetings, phrases like ~한 것 같습니다 (~han geot gatseumnida) are commonly used to add humility. Saying 이 방향이 더 효과적인 것 같습니다 (i banghyangi deo hyogwajeogin geot gatseumnida) is a polite way to say “I believe this direction is more effective.”

 

If you want to respectfully disagree, you can still start with your opinion. Use: 조심스럽게 말씀드리자면 (josimseureopge malsseum deurijamyeon) — “If I may say carefully...” This creates space for honesty while preserving harmony.

 

For junior team members or interns, soft expressions like 혹시 제 의견을 드려도 될까요? (hoksi je uigyeon-eul deuryeodo doelkkayo?) are appreciated. It means “May I share my opinion?” and shows respect for hierarchy.

 

When someone agrees with you, it's polite to reinforce collaboration: 같은 생각입니다 (gateun saenggakimnida) — “I think the same.” This builds rapport and keeps the tone positive.

 

You can also express interest in others' opinions by saying 다른 분들은 어떻게 생각하시나요? (dareun bundeureun eotteoke saenggakhasinayo?), which means “What do others think?” This phrase helps facilitate discussion.

 

Here’s a table summarizing the best Korean phrases to clearly and politely express your opinions in meetings:

 

🗣️ Opinion-Expressing Phrases in Korean

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
제 생각에는	je saenggak-eneun	In my opinion
저는 이렇게 생각합니다	jeoneun ireoke saenggakhamnida	This is how I think
조심스럽게 말씀드리자면	josimseureopge malsseum deurijamyeon	If I may say carefully
같은 생각입니다	gateun saenggakimnida	I think the same

 

By practicing these expressions, you'll be able to express your thoughts with clarity and grace. 

In the next section, let’s learn how to agree or disagree respectfully!

 

🤝 Agreeing and Disagreeing Respectfully

In any meeting, you’ll encounter moments where you need to either agree or disagree with someone else’s opinion. In Korean culture, expressing these thoughts respectfully is not just good manners—it's essential for maintaining group harmony and professional relationships.

 

To express agreement, you can use 동의합니다 (dong-uihamnida), which simply means “I agree.” This phrase is safe and professional in nearly any situation. Another option is 저도 같은 생각입니다 (jeodo gateun saenggakimnida) — “I think the same as well.” This version feels more collaborative and friendly.

 

When you strongly agree and want to emphasize a point, use 전적으로 동의합니다 (jeonjeogeuro dong-uihamnida), meaning “I completely agree.” However, be cautious not to interrupt others while expressing this—it’s best to wait for a pause or nod to respond.

 

Disagreement is where it gets tricky. In Korean culture, being too direct can make things awkward. Instead of saying “I don’t agree,” soften your language. Try 조금 다르게 생각합니다 (jogeum dareuge saenggakhamnida), meaning “I think a bit differently.” It signals your perspective while respecting the other person’s view.

 

You can also use 그 부분은 다시 생각해볼 필요가 있는 것 같습니다 (geu bubuneun dasi saenggakhaebol piryoga inneun geot gatseumnida), which translates to “I think that part needs to be reconsidered.” It’s polite and leaves room for further discussion.

 

Another great phrase is 말씀은 이해하지만, 저는 다른 입장입니다 (malsseumeun ihaehajiman, jeoneun dareun ipjangimnida), meaning “I understand your point, but I have a different opinion.” This phrase shows maturity and respect.

 

In Korean meetings, people often nod or use short verbal affirmations like 맞습니다 (matseumnida), meaning “That’s right,” to show agreement without interrupting. Use this in between statements to keep the tone warm and agreeable.

 

Remember, even when you disagree, showing appreciation for the other person’s ideas is crucial. Try saying 좋은 의견 감사합니다 (joeun uigyeon gamsahamnida) — “Thank you for the good opinion,” before offering your perspective.

 

Here’s a helpful table of polite agreement and disagreement expressions you can use in meetings:

 

✅ Phrases for Agreeing & Disagreeing

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
동의합니다	dong-uihamnida	I agree
조금 다르게 생각합니다	jogeum dareuge saenggakhamnida	I think a bit differently
좋은 의견 감사합니다	joeun uigyeon gamsahamnida	Thank you for the good opinion
말씀은 이해하지만, 저는 다른 입장입니다	malsseumeun ihaehajiman, jeoneun dareun ipjangimnida	I understand your point, but I have a different opinion

 

Being able to agree or disagree respectfully is a key skill in Korean meetings. By using these expressions, you’ll maintain professionalism while actively contributing to discussions.

 

Next, we’ll look at how to make polite suggestions during meetings!

 

💡 Making Suggestions Politely

Making suggestions in a Korean meeting requires more than just stating your ideas. You also need to show respect, especially if you’re speaking to someone more senior. The language you use must reflect both clarity and humility.

 

A great way to start a suggestion is by saying 제안드리고 싶은 내용이 있습니다 (jeandeurigo sipeun naeyongi itseumnida), which means “I have a suggestion I’d like to offer.” It’s respectful and commonly used in formal settings.

 

Another phrase you can use is 혹시 이런 방안은 어떨까요? (hoksi ireon bangan-eun eotteolkka-yo?), meaning “How about this approach?” This softens your tone and opens the floor for discussion instead of pushing a strong opinion.

 

If you’re unsure about how your idea will be received, try 개인적인 의견이지만 말씀드려도 될까요? (gaeinjeogin uigyeonijiman malsseum deuryeodo doelkkayo?). It means “This is just my personal opinion, but may I share it?” It’s humble, polite, and safe to use.

 

When proposing a change, you might say 이런 방향으로 개선해보는 것은 어떨까요? (ireon banghyangeuro gaeseonhaeboneun geoseun eotteolkka-yo?), which means “How about improving in this direction?” It’s often used in brainstorming or strategy meetings.

 

When you want to sound more proactive, try 제가 한번 추진해보겠습니다 (jega hanbeon chujinhaebogetseumnida), meaning “I’ll try to take the initiative.” This shows leadership and confidence while still being respectful.

 

Another effective phrase is 이 아이디어에 대해 팀원들의 의견을 듣고 싶습니다 (i aideue daehae timwondeurui uigyeon-eul deutgo sipseumnida). It means “I’d like to hear the team’s opinion on this idea.” This creates a collaborative tone and invites discussion.

 

It’s also common to ask for feedback right after your suggestion by saying 이 점에 대해서 어떻게 생각하시나요? (i jeome daehaeseo eotteoke saenggakhasinayo?) — “What do you think about this point?” It shows you're open to different perspectives.

 

Avoid being too direct like “We should do this” or “This is better.” Instead, wrap your suggestions with inclusive and respectful language, such as 함께 고려해볼 수 있을 것 같습니다 (hamkke goryohaebol su isseul geot gatseumnida) — “I think it’s something we could consider together.”

 

Here’s a summary table of useful Korean phrases for making suggestions politely:

 

📝 Polite Suggestion Phrases in Korean

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
제안드리고 싶은 내용이 있습니다	jeandeurigo sipeun naeyongi itseumnida	I have a suggestion
혹시 이런 방안은 어떨까요?	hoksi ireon bangan-eun eotteolkka-yo?	How about this approach?
말씀드려도 될까요?	malsseum deuryeodo doelkkayo?	May I say something?
개선해보는 것은 어떨까요?	gaeseonhaeboneun geoseun eotteolkka-yo?	How about improving this?

 

Suggestions are more likely to be accepted when they’re delivered with respect and openness. Use these phrases to present your ideas smoothly in Korean meetings.

 

Next, let’s explore how to ask for clarification when something is unclear during the meeting.

 

🔍 Asking for Clarification

In meetings, it’s common to miss something or not fully understand a point. In Korean workplace culture, asking questions respectfully is not seen as a weakness—it’s a sign of professionalism and engagement. However, how you ask makes a big difference.

 

The safest and most respectful way to ask is 죄송하지만 다시 설명해 주실 수 있을까요? (joesonghajiman dasi seolmyeonghae jusil su isseulkkayo?), which means “Sorry, but could you please explain that again?” It’s formal and humble—perfect for most situations.

 

You can also say 조금 더 자세히 말씀해 주시겠어요? (jogeum deo jasehi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?), meaning “Could you explain it in more detail?” This is polite and useful when a topic is technical or new to you.

 

When you need to confirm what you heard, try 제가 제대로 이해했는지 확인하고 싶습니다 (jega jedaero ihaehaenneunji hwagin hago sipseumnida). This means “I’d like to confirm if I understood correctly.” It shows that you're paying close attention.

 

In casual or smaller team meetings, you might say 이 부분이 조금 헷갈리는데요 (i bubuni jogeum hetgallineundeyo), meaning “This part is a little confusing.” It’s softer and useful when you're not completely lost but need clarification.

 

Another useful phrase is 좀 더 구체적으로 말씀해 주실 수 있나요? (jom deo guchejeogeuro malsseumhae jusil su innayo?) — “Could you speak more specifically?” It invites the speaker to be more clear without sounding critical.

 

To ask someone to repeat something, use 다시 한 번 말씀해 주시겠어요? (dasi han beon malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?), which means “Could you say that one more time?” You’ll hear this often in real-life meetings.

 

If you didn’t hear something due to sound or audio issues, say 소리가 잘 안 들렸습니다 (soriga jal an deullyeotseumnida) — “I couldn’t hear well.” This is especially helpful in online meetings or calls.

 

For written clarification (like in a shared document), you might say 이 부분에 대해 이메일로 정리해 주실 수 있을까요? (i bubune daehae imeillo jeongrihae jusil su isseulkkayo?) — “Could you summarize this by email?” It’s practical and polite.

 

Here’s a table of common expressions to ask for clarification politely in Korean:

 

🧾 Phrases for Clarification in Korean

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
다시 설명해 주실 수 있을까요?	dasi seolmyeonghae jusil su isseulkkayo?	Could you explain that again?
조금 더 자세히 말씀해 주시겠어요?	jogeum deo jasehi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?	Can you explain in more detail?
제대로 이해했는지 확인하고 싶습니다	jedaero ihaehaenneunji hwagin hago sipseumnida	I want to confirm if I understood correctly
소리가 잘 안 들렸습니다	soriga jal an deullyeotseumnida	I couldn’t hear well

 

Don’t hesitate to ask questions during meetings—just do it with the right language. These polite expressions will help you seek clarity while keeping the discussion respectful and smooth.

 

Now, let’s learn how to end a meeting properly in Korean in the next section!

 

📌 Summarizing and Wrapping Up

Finishing a meeting in Korean isn’t just about saying goodbye. It’s important to summarize key points, confirm next steps, and end with polite appreciation. A well-structured closing reflects professionalism and helps build strong communication within the team.

 

To begin wrapping up, you can say 오늘 논의한 내용을 간단히 정리하겠습니다 (oneul nonuihan naeyongeul gandanhi jeongrihagetseumnida), which means “I will briefly summarize what we discussed today.” This prepares everyone to shift focus toward conclusion.

 

Then go over action items with 다음과 같은 사항을 진행할 예정입니다 (daeumgwa gateun sahangeul jinaenghal yejeongimnida), meaning “We plan to proceed with the following items.” This helps set clear expectations for follow-up.

 

If there are unresolved topics, you might say 이 부분은 다음 회의에서 다시 다루겠습니다 (i bubuneun daeum hoeuieseo dasi darugetseumnida), which means “We will revisit this topic in the next meeting.” This maintains structure and avoids rushing decisions.

 

To assign responsibilities, use 각 담당자께서는 역할을 확인해 주세요 (gak damdangjakkeseoneun yeokhareul hwaginhae juseyo), or “Please confirm your responsibilities.” It’s direct but respectful.

 

Don’t forget to show appreciation before ending. Say 참석해 주셔서 감사합니다 (chamseokhae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida) — “Thank you for attending.” This should always be part of your closing remarks.

 

If you’re the host or team leader, you can say 모두 수고 많으셨습니다 (modu sugo maneusyeotseumnida), which means “Great job, everyone.” It boosts team morale and maintains a warm tone.

 

For scheduling the next meeting, use 다음 회의 일정은 추후 공유드리겠습니다 (daeum hoeui iljeongeun chuhu gongyudeurigetseumnida) — “The next meeting schedule will be shared later.” It’s a clean way to conclude without pressure.

 

If you want to add a final reminder, say 궁금한 사항은 언제든지 문의 주세요 (gunggeumhan sahangeun eonjedunji munui juseyo), meaning “If you have questions, feel free to ask anytime.” This keeps communication open after the meeting ends.

 

Here’s a useful table with polite expressions to end Korean meetings smoothly:

 

✅ Phrases for Wrapping Up Meetings

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
오늘 논의한 내용을 정리하겠습니다	oneul nonuihan naeyongeul jeongrihagetseumnida	I’ll summarize what we discussed
수고 많으셨습니다	sugo maneusyeotseumnida	Great job, everyone
회의 일정은 추후 공유드리겠습니다	hoeui iljeongeun chuhu gongyudeurigetseumnida	Schedule will be shared later
문의 주세요	munui juseyo	Please ask if you have questions

 

Summarizing and closing with respect helps reinforce a positive and efficient work culture. Use these phrases to leave a lasting good impression and keep communication lines open.

 

❓ FAQ: Korean for Meetings

Q1. How do I say "I agree" formally in Korean?

A1. You can say 동의합니다 (dong-uihamnida) to express agreement politely in formal settings.

 

Q2. How can I say “In my opinion” in a respectful tone?

A2. Use 제 생각에는 (je saenggak-eneun) or 제가 보기에는 (jega bogi-eneun).

 

Q3. What’s the best way to disagree without sounding rude?

A3. Say 조금 다르게 생각합니다 (jogeum dareuge saenggakhamnida), meaning “I think a bit differently.”

 

Q4. How do I make a suggestion politely?

A4. Try 이런 방안은 어떨까요? (ireon bangan-eun eotteolkka-yo?), which means “How about this approach?”

 

Q5. What should I say if I didn’t understand something?

A5. Use 죄송하지만 다시 설명해 주실 수 있을까요? (joesonghajiman dasi seolmyeonghae jusil su isseulkkayo?)

 

Q6. How do I ask someone to speak more slowly?

A6. Say 천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요? (cheoncheonhi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?)

 

Q7. How do I summarize a meeting in Korean?

A7. You can begin with 오늘 논의한 내용을 정리하겠습니다 (oneul nonuihan naeyongeul jeongrihagetseumnida)

 

Q8. What’s a polite way to say “That’s a great idea”?

A8. Say 좋은 아이디어입니다 (joeun aideoimnida)

 

Q9. How do I invite others to share their opinion?

A9. Try 다른 분들은 어떻게 생각하시나요? (dareun bundeureun eotteoke saenggakhasinayo?)

 

Q10. How do I express uncertainty in a respectful way?

A10. Use 확실하지는 않지만, 제 생각에는... (hwakshilhajineun anchiman, je saenggakeneun...)

 

Q11. How can I say “I’ll take responsibility”?

A11. You can say 제가 맡겠습니다 (jega matgessseumnida).

 

Q12. How do I ask “Shall we start?” at the beginning?

A12. Use 회의를 시작해도 될까요? (hoeuireul sijakhaedo doelkkayo?)

 

Q13. What do I say when ending a meeting?

A13. Say 수고 많으셨습니다 (sugo maneusyeotseumnida) or 참석해 주셔서 감사합니다 (chamseokhae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida).

 

Q14. How can I say “Let’s move on” in Korean?

A14. Try 다음 주제로 넘어가겠습니다 (daeum jujero neomeogagetseumnida)

 

Q15. What’s a polite way to say “That’s outside today’s topic”?

A15. Use 오늘의 주제와는 다소 다릅니다 (oneurui jujewaneun daso dareumnida)

 

Q16. Can I say “Let’s take a break” formally?

A16. Yes, say 잠시 휴식하겠습니다 (jamsi hyusikhagetseumnida)

 

Q17. How do I say “We need more time”?

A17. Say 시간이 더 필요할 것 같습니다 (sigani deo piryo-hal geot gatseumnida)

 

Q18. How to politely interrupt someone?

A18. Use 말씀 중에 죄송합니다 (malsseum junge joesonghamnida) before continuing.

 

Q19. How do I say “Please continue” to someone?

A19. Say 계속 말씀해 주세요 (gyesok malsseumhae juseyo)

 

Q20. How can I clarify tasks assigned?

A20. Ask 제 역할을 다시 말씀해 주실 수 있나요? (je yeokhareul dasi malsseumhae jusil su innayo?)

 

Q21. How do I say “Please send me the file”?

A21. You can say 파일을 보내주시겠어요? (pailleul bonaejusigesseoyo?)

 

Q22. How can I say “Let’s follow up by email”?

A22. Say 이메일로 후속 논의를 진행하겠습니다 (imeillo husok nonuireul jinaenghagetseumnida)

 

Q23. What phrase means “Let’s decide later”?

A23. Use 추후 결정하도록 하겠습니다 (chuhu gyeoljeonghadorok hagetseumnida)

 

Q24. How do I say “That’s not clear to me”?

A24. Try 그 부분이 명확하지 않습니다 (geu bubuni myeonghwakaji anseumnida)

 

Q25. How to politely say “Let’s stay on topic”?

A25. Say 논의 주제에 집중해 주시기 바랍니다 (nonui jujee jipjungha jusi-gi baramnida)

 

Q26. How can I say “Who will handle this?”

A26. Ask 이 일은 누가 담당하실 예정인가요? (i ireun nuga damdanghasil yejeongingayo?)

 

Q27. What’s a formal way to say “Let’s vote”?

A27. Use 이 사안에 대해 투표를 진행하겠습니다 (i saan-e daehae tupyoreul jinaenghagetseumnida)

 

Q28. How do I request clarification on deadlines?

A28. Say 마감일을 다시 한번 확인해 주실 수 있나요? (magamireul dasi hanbeon hwagin-hae jusil su innayo?)

 

Q29. How do I politely ask someone to hurry?

A29. You might say 가능하면 조금 서둘러 주시겠어요? (ganeunghamyeon jogeum seodulleo jusigesseoyo?)

 

Q30. How can I say “Thank you for the productive meeting”?

A30. Say 유익한 회의 감사합니다 (yui-kan hoeui gamsahamnida)