너는?
neoneun?
The English phrase "and you" is translated into Korean as 너는? (neoneun?)
너는? is a short question used to mirror a question that has just been asked to you, effectively asking the same thing back to the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the pronoun 너 (you) and the topic marker 는 (as for/regarding).
Which one should you use?
While 너는? literally asks about the person's identity or state as a topic, in practice, it is used to reflect the exact question just posed to you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
너는? is an informal form. It should be used only with close friends, people of the same age or those who are younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase is a shortened version of a full sentence where the verb is omitted because it is implied by the previous speaker's question.
How do you pronounce it?
neoneun?
Did you know?
- In a formal setting, instead of using the pronoun 'you', a speaker might use the phrase 그쪽은? (geu-jjok-eun?). This literally translates to 'as for that side' and is a way to refer to the other person without using a direct pronoun.
- If you are speaking to someone older, you would never use the word 'you' at all. Instead, you would replace 너는? with the person's professional title or a kinship term like 'older sister' or 'teacher' to ask the question back.
- If you use 너는? with someone you have just met, even if they are your age, they may feel you are being 'too close' or even confrontational. In Korea, age and social hierarchy are often established before the conversation even begins.
Examples in context
- 나는 톰이야. 너는?I'm Tom, and you?This sentence shows how to use 너는? to return a question about one's identity.Tatoeba #10008440 by Eunhee, translation #10008324 by DJ_Saidez
- 나는 학생이야. 너는?naneun haksaengiya. neoneun?I am a student. And you?
- 나는 영화를 좋아해. 너는?naneun yeonghwareul joahae. neoneun?I like movies. And you?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are talking about their favorite colors.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo나는 파란색을 좋아해.naneun paransaegeul joahae.I like blue.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말? 나는 빨간색이 좋아.jeongmal? naneun ppalgansaegi joa.Really? I like red.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그렇구나. 너는 다른 색도 좋아해?geureokuna. neoneun dareun saekdo joahae?I see. Do you like other colors too?
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 노란색도 좋아. 너는?eung, noransaekdo joa. neoneun?Yes, I like yellow too. And you?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.