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Setting Boundaries: 'I can't take on more today'

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πŸ›‘
IS #153 β€” Setting Boundaries: 'I can't take on more today'
How to say no, set limits, and protect your time in Korean β€” without damaging relationships.
πŸ”Š
Iru Helper Note
In Korean workplaces, saying "no" outright can feel abrupt or disrespectful. Native speakers soften boundary-setting with apologies, explanations, and offers of future availability.
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”.
(I'm sorry, but today I'm already completely full with work.)
Β 

πŸ›‘ What You'll Learn Today

Setting boundaries in Korean is less about saying "no" and more about saying "not right now, and here's why." The most effective Korean boundary expressions include an apology, a reason, and often an alternative. This lesson gives you the full toolkit to protect your capacity, your time, and your energy β€” all while preserving the relationship.

πŸ“Œ Boundary-Setting Expressions

Expression
Meaning
Notes
μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”
Today I'm already completely full
Explains capacity honestly
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”
Sorry, but it's beyond my capacity
For tasks outside your ability
μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
It seems difficult right now
Soft, indirect refusal
λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
I think I can help next time
Soften with future offer
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆμ€ νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš”
To be honest, it's hard right now
Honest but gentle
μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”
Because I have priorities
Explains without over-apologizing
이건 μ œκ°€ 맑기 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
I think it'll be hard for me to take this on
Soft ownership of limit
μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”
I need a bit more time
For deadlines and pressure
쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”
I think some adjustment will be needed
For shifting priorities
제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”
I'll check on my end and get back to you
Buys time professionally
뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
I think the burden is a bit too much
Honest about overload
λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”?
How about asking someone else?
Redirects gracefully
쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”?
Can we push this back a bit?
Negotiates timeline
μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”
I'll help within what I'm able to do
Sets scope, not full refusal
πŸ’‘ Key pattern: μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ° / μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄ β†’ reason/limit β†’ λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” / λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜. Soften β†’ Explain β†’ Redirect.

πŸ’¬ Conversations in Action

Declining additional work from a colleague:
λ™λ£Œ: 이거 μ˜€λŠ˜κΉŒμ§€ 뢀탁해도 λΌμš”?
(Colleague: Can I ask you to do this by today?)
λ‚˜: μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”. 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”?
(Me: I'm sorry, but today I'm already completely full. I'll check on my end and get back to you. Can we push this back a bit?)
Setting scope on a task:
상사: 이 ν”„λ‘œμ νŠΈ 전체λ₯Ό 맑아쀄 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
(Manager: Can you take on this whole project?)
λ‚˜: μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆμ€ 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”. μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”.
(Me: To be honest, I think some adjustment will be needed right now. I'll help within what I'm able to do.)

🌏 Cultural Note β€” 눈치 and Saying No

In Korean professional culture, a direct "μ•ˆ λΌμš”" ("no") to a senior can feel like a rejection of the person, not just the task. That's why native speakers wrap refusals in μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ° and pair them with alternatives. The goal is to communicate your limit while preserving 체면 (face) for both parties. This isn't weakness β€” it's the socially skilled way to hold a boundary in Korean.
<summary>Try This Speaking Exercise
For each scenario, set a boundary using an appropriate expression.
A. A colleague asks you to take on extra work today. Explain you're full.
<summary>Answer
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”. λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
</summary>
B. Someone asks you to do something outside your skill set.
<summary>Answer
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”. λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”?
</summary>
C. A task feels overwhelming. Be honest but gentle.
<summary>Answer
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, 뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
</summary>
D. Someone is rushing you. Explain you need more time.
<summary>Answer
μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”.
</summary>
E. You can help, but only partially. Set the scope.
<summary>Answer
μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. 이건 μ œκ°€ 맑기 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
</summary>
F. You need to buy time before committing.
<summary>Answer
제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”.
</summary>
G. A deadline feels too tight. Negotiate.
<summary>Answer
쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”? μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
</summary>
H. You're overloaded and need to redirect the task.
<summary>Answer
뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”?
</summary>
I. Explain your current priorities without over-apologizing.
<summary>Answer
μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”. 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
</summary>
J. Deliver a full boundary sequence: soften β†’ explain β†’ redirect β†’ offer alternative.
<summary>Answer
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”. μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”? λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
</summary>
πŸ“š
Expression Reference
Expression
Nuance/Key
μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”
capacity explanation
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”
skills limit
μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
soft indirect refusal
λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
future offer
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄
honest opener
μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”
priority explanation
μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”
time negotiation
쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”
adjustment needed
λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”?
graceful redirect
μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ
scope-setting
πŸ’‘
Tip: μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ° = "I'm sorry, but..." The -λŠ”λ° ending softens what comes next. It's not a full apology β€” it's a social lubricant that makes the following limit feel considerate rather than blunt. Use it as your default opening for any boundary.
</summary>
πŸ”
Want more reps?
Think of a real situation where you needed to say "no" or "not now." Reconstruct that conversation in Korean using the soften β†’ explain β†’ redirect pattern. Try three different scenarios. The goal: your "no" feels like a gift, not a rejection.
Β 

πŸ“¦ Practice Hub β€” Setting Boundaries

Exercise 1 β€” Choose the Right Expression

Choose the best boundary-setting expression for each situation.
A. You're fully booked today and need to explain your capacity.
a) μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš” b) μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš” c) 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš” d) μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”
<summary>Answer
b) μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš” β€” directly explains full capacity.
B. A task is outside your skill set and you need to say so politely.
a) μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš” b) 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš” c) 뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš” d) 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”?
<summary>Answer
b) 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš” β€” "it's beyond my capacity/skillset."
C. You need to negotiate a later deadline without refusing outright.
a) λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”? b) μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄ c) 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”? d) μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”
<summary>Answer
c) 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”? β€” negotiates timeline gently.
D. You want to buy time before committing.
a) 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš” b) 이건 μ œκ°€ 맑기 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš” c) μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš” d) λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
<summary>Answer
a) 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš” β€” professional time-buying phrase.
E. You want to redirect the task to someone else gracefully.
a) μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš” b) μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš” c) λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”? d) 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”
<summary>Answer
c) λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”? β€” graceful redirect.
F. You can help, but only within a limited scope.
a) μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš” b) μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄ c) μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš” d) μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°
<summary>Answer
a) μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš” β€” sets scope without full refusal.
G. You want to open a boundary honestly but gently.
a) 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”? b) μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆμ€ νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš” c) μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš” d) μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”
<summary>Answer
b) μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆμ€ νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš” β€” honest and gentle.
H. You feel the workload is too heavy and want to name it.
a) 뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš” b) λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš” c) 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš” d) 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”
<summary>Answer
a) 뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš” β€” names the overload honestly.
I. You want to soften any refusal as its opening word.
a) μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„ b) μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ° c) μ†”μ§νžˆ d) 쑰율
<summary>Answer
b) μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ° β€” the standard soft opener for any limit or refusal.
J. You want to offer help at a future time after declining now.
a) 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš” b) λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš” c) μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš” d) 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³ 
<summary>Answer
b) λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš” β€” future availability offer.
πŸ“š
Quick Reference
Expression
Use Case
μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”
capacity full
제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”
skill limit
μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
soft indirect no
λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
future offer
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄
honest opener
쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”?
timeline negotiation
제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”
buys time
λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”?
redirect
뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
names overload
μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ
scoped help
🚨
Pitfall: μ•ˆ λΌμš” alone
Saying μ•ˆ λΌμš” without explanation or softening can come across as dismissive or rude in Korean professional settings. Always pair a refusal with μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ° + reason + alternative. The extra two seconds of framing protects the relationship.

Exercise 2 β€” Korean β†’ English Translation

Translate each sentence naturally.
A. μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”.
<summary>Answer
I'm sorry, but today I'm already completely full with work.
B. μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
<summary>Answer
To be honest, it seems difficult right now.
C. 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”. λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”?
<summary>Answer
It's beyond my capacity. How about asking someone else?
D. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”. 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”?
<summary>Answer
I need a bit more time. Can we push this back a bit?
E. μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”. 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
<summary>Answer
Because I have priorities. I think some adjustment will be needed.
F. 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”.
<summary>Answer
I'll check on my end and get back to you.
G. 뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄ νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš”.
<summary>Answer
I think the burden is a bit too much. To be honest, it's hard.
H. 이건 μ œκ°€ 맑기 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
<summary>Answer
I think it'll be hard for me to take this on. I think I can help next time.
I. μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”.
<summary>Answer
I'll help within what I'm able to do.
J. μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ§€κΈˆμ€ νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš”. 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”. 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”.
<summary>Answer
I'm sorry, but it's hard right now. I think some adjustment will be needed. I'll check on my end and get back to you.
πŸ“š
Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Word
Meaning
μ—­λŸ‰
capacity / capability
μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„
priority
쑰율
adjustment / coordination
λ²”μœ„
scope / range
λΆ€λ‹΄
burden / pressure
미루닀
to delay / push back
맑닀
to take on / be in charge of
πŸ’‘
Grammar Tip: -을/λ₯Ό 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš” literally means "it seems like it will be difficult right now." The -γ„Ή 것 κ°™μ•„μš” ending softens a statement into a feeling or assessment β€” less confrontational than a direct "μ•ˆ λΌμš”."

Exercise 3 β€” Complete the Sentence

Fill in the blank with a natural boundary expression.
A. _, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”. (Soften + explain capacity)
<summary>Answer
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”.
B. _ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ’€ νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš”. (Honest opener)
<summary>Answer
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ’€ νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš”.
C. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”. _ λ κΉŒμš”? (Negotiate deadline)
<summary>Answer
μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”. 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”?
D. _ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. (Buy time professionally)
<summary>Answer
제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”.
E. 이건 제 _ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”. (Skill limit)
<summary>Answer
이건 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”.
F. λ‹€λ₯Έ _ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”? (Redirect gracefully)
<summary>Answer
λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”?
G. _ λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”. (Name overload + adjustment)
<summary>Answer
뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
H. μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” _ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. (Scoped help)
<summary>Answer
μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”.
I. _ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”. μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. (Priority + soft no)
<summary>Answer
μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”. μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
J. μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, 이건 μ œκ°€ 맑기 __ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” __ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. (Soft limit + future offer)
<summary>Answer
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, 이건 μ œκ°€ 맑기 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄ 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
πŸ“š
Sentence Starters
Starter
Function
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°
soft opener
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄
honest opener
μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”
time negotiation
제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³ 
buys time
제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”
skill limit
λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게
redirect
뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
overload signal
μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ
scope-setting
μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”
priority reason
πŸ’‘
Production Tip
Always end a boundary-setting response with something forward-looking: λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš” or 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. This signals you're not closing the door β€” just managing the current moment. It's the difference between a wall and a gate.

Exercise 4 β€” Dialogue Completion

Complete each dialogue with a natural boundary-setting response.
A. λ™λ£Œ: 이 λ³΄κ³ μ„œ μ˜€λŠ˜κΉŒμ§€ μž‘μ„±ν•΄ 쀄 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”. 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”?
B. 상사: 이 μΆ”κ°€ ν”„λ‘œμ νŠΈλ₯Ό 맑아쀄 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆμ€ 뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
C. 친ꡬ: 였늘 저녁에 도와쀄 수 μžˆμ–΄?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”. λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” 도와쀄 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„.
D. λ™λ£Œ: 이거 λ°”λ‘œ 해쀄 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”.
E. 상사: λ””μžμΈ μž‘μ—…λ„ 같이 맑아주싀 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, 그건 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”. λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”?
F. λ™λ£Œ: λ‚΄μΌκΉŒμ§€ 두 가지 λ‹€ 끝낼 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”. 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”.
G. 상사: μ–Έμ œκΉŒμ§€ ν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”. 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”?
H. λ™λ£Œ: 이 νŒŒνŠΈλ„ λ‹΄λ‹Ήν•΄ 쀄 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. 이건 μ œκ°€ 맑기 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
I. 친ꡬ: 이번 주에 많이 도와쀄 수 μžˆμ–΄?
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
이번 μ£ΌλŠ” μ’€ νž˜λ“€ 것 κ°™μ•„. 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½ν• κ²Œ.
J. 상사: 였늘 μ•ˆμœΌλ‘œ μ²˜λ¦¬ν•΄ μ£Όμ„Έμš”.
λ‚˜: _
<summary>Answer
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”. 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”? 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리 μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
πŸ“š
Useful Phrases
Phrase
Meaning
λ³΄κ³ μ„œ
report
맑닀
to take on / handle
λ‹΄λ‹Ήν•˜λ‹€
to be in charge of
μ²˜λ¦¬ν•˜λ‹€
to handle / process
μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ 빨리
as fast as possible
파트
part / section
μΆ”κ°€ ν”„λ‘œμ νŠΈ
additional project
πŸ’‘
Conversation Tip
When declining a request from a 상사 (superior), always end with 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ μ΅œλŒ€ν•œ λ…Έλ ₯ν•˜κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ ("I'll do my best on my end") or μ‘°μœ¨ν•΄ λ“œλ¦¬κ² μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ ("I'll work to adjust"). This shows commitment even within your limits β€” an important signal in Korean workplace culture.

Exercise 5 β€” Free Speaking Practice

Speak your answer aloud in Korean. Use at least one boundary expression per prompt.
A. A friend asks for a big favor when you're already exhausted. Set a kind boundary.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ μ’€ νž˜λ“€μ–΄. λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” 도와쀄 수 μžˆμ„ 것 κ°™μ•„.
B. Your boss asks you to take on a third project this week. Respond professionally.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ§€κΈˆμ€ 뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”. 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
C. Someone asks you to do something you don't have the skills for. Redirect gracefully.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, 그건 제 μ—­λŸ‰ λ°–μ΄μ—μš”. λ‹€λ₯Έ λΆ„κ»˜ λΆ€νƒλ“œλ¦¬λŠ” 게 μ–΄λ–¨κΉŒμš”?
D. A colleague rushes you with an unrealistic deadline. Negotiate the timeline.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”. 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”? 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”.
E. You're asked to volunteer for something you don't have capacity for. Set a scope.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ „λΆ€ 맑기 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
F. Give a full boundary-setting response: soften β†’ explain β†’ negotiate β†’ future offer.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”. μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄ μ§€κΈˆμ€ νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš”. 쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”? λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” κΌ­ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”.
G. Someone keeps adding tasks to your plate. Name the overload clearly.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, 뢀담이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ 큰 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”. 쑰율이 ν•„μš”ν•  것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
H. A friend asks you to meet but you need rest. Set a warm boundary.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°, μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ μ’€ νž˜λ“€μ–΄. λ‹€μŒμ— κΌ­ 보자! μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ’€ 더 ν•„μš”ν•΄.
I. Practice saying 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš” in a real scenario you imagine.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯ λ‹΅λ³€λ“œλ¦¬κΈ° μ–΄λ €μ›Œμš”. 제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³  μ—°λ½λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”.
J. Reflect: what's the hardest boundary for you to set? Try saying it in Korean.
<summary>Suggested Approach
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄, μ§€κΈˆμ€ 정말 νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš”. μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”. 이해해 μ£Όμ…”μ„œ κ°μ‚¬ν•΄μš”.
πŸ“š
Sentence Starters
Starter
Use
μ£„μ†‘ν•œλ°
soft opener
μ†”μ§νžˆ λ§μ”€λ“œλ¦¬λ©΄
honest opener
μ˜€λŠ˜μ€ 이미 일이 꽉 μ°Όμ–΄μš”
capacity full
μ§€κΈˆ λ‹Ήμž₯은 μ–΄λ €μšΈ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
soft no
μš°μ„ μˆœμœ„κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μ„œμš”
priority reason
쑰금 미뀄도 λ κΉŒμš”?
negotiate deadline
제 μͺ½μ—μ„œ ν™•μΈν•˜κ³ 
buys time
λ‹€μŒμ—λŠ” λ„μ™€λ“œλ¦΄κ²Œμš”
future offer
μ œκ°€ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” λ²”μœ„ λ‚΄μ—μ„œ
scoped help
πŸ†
Speaking Challenge
Role-play three different scenarios: (1) setting a limit with a friend, (2) with a colleague, (3) with a superior. Notice how your tone shifts slightly for each relationship. In Korean, formality level changes β€” but the structure (soften β†’ explain β†’ redirect) stays the same.
경계λ₯Ό μ„€μ •ν•˜λŠ” 건 λ‚˜λ₯Ό μ§€ν‚€λŠ” λ™μ‹œμ— μƒλŒ€λ°©μ„ μ‘΄μ€‘ν•˜λŠ” κ±°μ˜ˆμš”. ✨
Β