Chapter 4

Safety Warnings & Emergencies

Learn the words and phrases that could keep you safe — warning signs, safety equipment names, and how to react in an emergency.

Study Notes

Safety vocabulary appears heavily on EPS-TOPIK because misunderstanding it has real consequences on the job.
-지 마세요 (don't do ___) is the pattern used on almost every warning sign.
-아/어야 해요 (must / have to) is the pattern used on almost every safety rule.

Vocabulary

안전모

anjeonmo

Safety

Safety helmet

안전모를 꼭 쓰세요.

Anjeonmoreul kkok sseuseyo.

“Please be sure to wear a safety helmet.”

조심하세요

josimhaseyo

Safety

Be careful

기계 근처에서 조심하세요.

Gigye geuncheoeseo josimhaseyo.

“Be careful near the machine.”

위험

wiheom

Safety

Danger

이 구역은 위험합니다.

I guyeogeun wiheomhamnida.

“This area is dangerous.”

다치다

dachida

Safety

To get hurt / injured

손을 다쳤어요.

Soneul dachyeosseoyo.

“I hurt my hand.”

비상구

bisanggu

Safety

Emergency exit

비상구는 저쪽에 있어요.

Bisangguneun jeojjoge isseoyo.

“The emergency exit is over there.”

Grammar

-아/어야 해요

Beginner

Saying you must do something

Attach -아야 해요 or -어야 해요 to a verb stem (based on vowel harmony) to express obligation — something you must or have to do.

안전모를 써야 해요.

Anjeonmoreul sseoya haeyo.

“You must wear a safety helmet.”

-지 마세요

Beginner

Telling someone not to do something

Attach -지 마세요 to a verb stem to politely tell someone not to do an action — common in safety instructions.

기계를 만지지 마세요.

Gigyereul manjiji maseyo.

“Please don't touch the machine.”

Conversation Practice

Warning a Coworker

You notice a coworker about to touch a hot machine part

You

조심하세요! 위험해요!

Josimhaseyo! Wiheomhaeyo!

“Be careful! It's dangerous!”

Coworker

왜요? 무슨 일이에요?

Waeyo? Museun irieyo?

“Why? What's wrong?”

You

이거 만지지 마세요. 뜨거워요.

Igeo manjiji maseyo. Tteugeowoyo.

“Don't touch this. It's hot.”

Coworker

아, 알겠어요. 감사합니다.

A, algesseoyo. Gamsahamnida.

“Oh, I understand. Thank you.”

Listening Practice

Safety Announcement

An alarm sounds and a voice comes over the speaker. Listen for what workers are told to do and where to go.

Transcript

Announcement: 안전 경보입니다. 모든 직원은 안전모를 착용하세요.This is a safety alert. All staff, please wear your safety helmets.

Announcement: 3구역 근처에는 가지 마세요.Please do not go near Zone 3.

Announcement: 비상구로 침착하게 이동하세요.Please move calmly to the emergency exit.

Comprehension Check

1. What are all staff told to wear?

2. Which zone should workers avoid?

Reading Practice

Safety Sign

위험! 이 구역에서는 안전모를 써야 해요.Danger! You must wear a safety helmet in this area.

기계를 만지지 마세요.Do not touch the machine.

문제가 생기면 바로 사장님에게 말하세요.If a problem occurs, tell the boss immediately.

Comprehension Check

1. What must you wear in this area?

2. What should you do if a problem occurs?

Chapter Quiz

1. What does "위험" mean?

2. Which pattern tells someone NOT to do something?

3. "안전모를 써야 해요" means:

4. What does "비상구" mean?