Not a Dream – Bilingual Lyrics Korean/English

• By: 송소희 Song Sohee
• Album: Not a Dream

Lyrics & Translation

Learning Korean through “Not a Dream” offers a unique opportunity to connect with both traditional and contemporary Korean culture. The song’s blend of Gugak and pop provides a rich lyrical landscape, and understanding the concept of 'han' (한) and 'ma-eum' (마음) within the lyrics can offer deep cultural insights. What makes this song special is its story of artistic and personal liberation, making it an inspiring piece for any language learner.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
바다 (bada) /pa.da/ A1	noun - sea
기다리다 (gidarida) /ki.da.ɾi.da/ A1	verb - to wait
꿈 (kkum) /kkum/ A1	noun - dream
날 (nal) /nal/ A1	noun - day
마음 (maeum) /ma.ɯm/ A2	noun - heart, mind
눈물 (nunmul) /nun.mul/ A2	noun - tear
길 (gil) /kil/ A1	noun - road, way
달리다 (dallida) /tal.li.da/ A1	verb - to run
놓다 (nohda) /noh.da/ A2	verb - to release, to put
부르다 (bureuda) /pu.ɾɯ.da/ A2	verb - to call
닦다 (dakkda) /tak.k͈a/ A2	verb - to wipe
바라보다 (baraboda) /pa.ɾa.bo.da/ A2	verb - to look at, to watch
두렵다 (duryeopda) /tu.ɾjʌp.ta/ B1	adjective - to be afraid
숨 (sum) /sum/ A2	noun - breath
바람 (baram) /pa.ɾam/ A2	noun - wind
온도 (ondo) /on.do/ B1	noun - temperature
느끼다 (neukkida) /nɯk.ki.da/ A2	verb - to feel

Key Grammar Structures

• 나의 안식이 기다리지

  ➔ -(으)지 ending (rhetorical question)

  ➔ The ending "-(으)지" is used to express a rhetorical question, implying agreement or expectation. Here, it suggests the speaker believes that rest awaits them.

• 있나 내게도 드디어

  ➔ -나 ending (question)

  ➔ The ending "-나" is a question ending, often used in informal or poetic contexts. It adds a sense of wonder or uncertainty to the question.

• 구름곶 너머 꿈이 아니야

  ➔ -이/가 아니야 (negative copula)

  ➔ "-이/가 아니야" is a negative copula, meaning "it is not." It denies the preceding noun. In this case, it denies that what is beyond the cloud is a dream.

• 가라 말할까 두려워

  ➔ -(으)ㄹ까 봐(서) (fear/worry that)

  ➔ The grammar "-(으)ㄹ까 봐(서)" expresses fear or worry that something might happen. The speaker is afraid that someone might tell them to leave.

• 하나 마음에 숨이 불어

  ➔ Verb + 어/아/여 (informal style)

  ➔ This is a very common informal sentence ending. It creates a declarative sentence in casual form.

• 아- 그래 내가 바란 거야

  ➔ -ㄴ/은/는 거야 (explanation, reason)

  ➔ The "-ㄴ/은/는 거야" ending is used to provide an explanation or reason for something. It emphasizes that "that's what I wanted."