Learn Korean: Verb + 처음
Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 처음. The word 처음 means beginning or start. We use this to express what we experience doing for the first time. For example, I had always used chopsticks in my life. Occasionally, I use a spoon and a fork. Today, I had a weird but one of a kind experience. My Filipino friend took me to an authentic local restaurant called Mang Inasal. We ordered some thick and juicy grilled chicken. Before digging in, I noticed that some people were eating rice with their bare hands. It was an odd but fascinating sight. My friend explained that it was a culture though not generally practiced. He added that food actually tastes better with bare hands, so he suggested that I try it. I did. After my first chew, I said It’s my first time to eat with hands. The main verb is 손으로 먹다 (to eat with hands). We take the verb stem (먹) and attach 는 것. 것 is often simplified into 게 or 거. Then, we add 처음 combined with the verb 이다 (to be). The actual sentence is 손으로 먹는 게 처음이야/이에요.
비행기를 타는
거 처음이야.
It’s my first time to ride a plane.
당근을 먹는
게 처음이다.
It’s my first time to eat a carrot.
여자랑 같이
자는 거 처음이었어.
It was my first time to
sleep with a woman.