Batchim — Final Consonants
16 consonants can end a Korean syllable — but they make only 7 sounds. Master these seven, and you can pronounce any batchim.
The 7 Representative Sounds
Open each card for pronunciation guides, example words, and practice questions.
Double Batchim
A double batchim is two different consonants sharing the final position — there are 11 in total. You never pronounce both; a rule decides which single sound survives.
Pronounce the FIRST consonant (6)
Pronounce the SECOND consonant (3)
The ㅎ merges with the next sound (2)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is batchim in Korean?
Batchim is the consonant at the bottom of a Korean syllable block. A syllable is built as initial consonant + vowel + final consonant (batchim) — in 한, the ㄴ is the batchim. The word comes from batchida, "to support from below".
How many batchim sounds are there?
Although 16 consonants can appear in the final position, they are pronounced as only 7 sounds: k, n, t, l, m, p, ng. For example, final ㅅ, ㅈ, ㅊ, ㅌ, and ㅎ are all pronounced [t]. These are called representative sounds.
How do you pronounce double batchim?
Only one of the two consonants is pronounced. For ㄳ, ㄵ, ㄼ, ㄽ, ㄾ, and ㅄ you pronounce the first; for ㄺ, ㄻ, and ㄿ the second. Before a vowel, however, both survive — the second consonant carries over to the next syllable.
Why are batchim sounds unreleased?
Korean final consonants are unreleased (stopped) — your mouth closes and stays closed. The p in English "cup" opens with a puff of air, but the ㅂ in 밥 ends with sealed lips. Mastering this difference is key to natural Korean pronunciation.
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