what are double consonants

What are Double Consonants (쌍자음)?

We can use double consonants to represent fortis sounds that cannot be expressed with basic consonants. These sounds are more tense and pronounced with greater pressure.

There are only five double consonants in Korean:

• ㄲ (gg)
• ㄸ (dd)
• ㅃ (pp)
• ㅆ (ss)
• ㅉ (jj)

Pronunciation and Examples

ㄲ (ssang-giyeok) – Romanization: gg
Example: 꼬리 (ggori – tail), 꽃 (kkot – flower)

ㄸ (ssang-digeut) – Romanization: dd
Example: 딸기 (ddalgi – strawberry), 똑똑하다 (ttokttokhada – smart)

ㅃ (ssang-bieup) – Romanization: pp
Example: 빵 (ppang – bread), 뽀뽀 (ppoppo – kiss)

ㅆ (ssang-siot) – Romanization: ss
Example: 쌀 (ssal – rice), 쓰다 (sseuda – to write)

ㅉ (ssang-jieut) – Romanization: jj
Example: 짜다 (jjada – salty), 짧다 (jjalbda – short)

How to Teach Double Consonants

• Start with the single consonants: ㄱ, ㄷ, ㅂ, ㅅ, ㅈ
• Demonstrate tension: Have students feel pressure in the throat or tongue.
• Use minimal pairs: e.g. 가다 (gada – go) vs. 까다 (ggada – peel)
• Practice with repetition: Use audio and mimic native speakers.

Tips for Learners

Double consonants are fortis. They do not exist in English, so it’s okay to find them difficult at first. Focus on clarity, not breathiness. Practice often and listen to native Korean pronunciation.