Spencer, letter by letter
Hangul is written in blocks. Each block is one syllable, built from a consonant, a vowel and sometimes a final consonant at the bottom.
| Block | Letters | How each letter sounds | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 스 | ㅅ + ㅡ | ㅅ s ㅡ eu, like “oo” said with spread lips | seu |
| 펜 | ㅍ + ㅔ + ㄴ | ㅍ p ㅔ e, as in “bed” ㄴ n at the end | pen |
| 서 | ㅅ + ㅓ | ㅅ s ㅓ eo, like the u in “up” | seo |
Why Spencer is written this way
- The “r” in Spencer is not written. In Korean spelling, an “r” after a vowel is silent — much like in British English.
- Korean syllables can’t end in most consonant sounds, and two consonants can’t start one, so a soft ㅡ (eu) is added: 스. Say it lightly — it is barely heard.
- The relaxed “uh” sound — like the u in “fun” or the -er in “Peter” — is written ㅓ (eo): 서.
Introducing yourself
The ending after your name depends on how it ends in Korean. 스펜서 ends in a vowel, so you say 제 이름은 스펜서예요 (je ireumeun seupenseoyeyo). With friends, Koreans add 야 (ya) when calling someone by name. At work, coworkers will usually call you 스펜서 씨 or 스펜서 님.
Official documents such as your residence card use your name in English letters, as in your passport. The Hangul spelling is what friends, coworkers and baristas will write.