Gaining fluency in a foreign language requires understanding not only its vocabulary and grammar but also how to express common prepositions correctly. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “at” in Korean, both formally and informally. From everyday conversations to more formal situations, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “At” in Korean
When speaking formally or in a polite context, there are a few expressions that can be used to convey “at” in Korean.
1. -에 (e) – Particle:
The Korean particle “-에” is commonly used to indicate location or time. It is the equivalent of the English preposition “at.” Here are a few examples:
- 회사에 (hwe-sa-e) – At the company
- 도서관에 (do-seo-gwan-e) – At the library
- 학교에 (hak-gyo-e) – At the school
2. -에서 (e-seo) – Particle:
The particle “-에서” is another way to express “at” in Korean, especially when talking about specific locations where actions take place. This form is often used in sentences with verbs. Take a look at these examples:
- 친구와 학교에서 만났어요. (chin-gu-wa hak-gyo-e-seo man-nat-sseo-yo) – I met my friend at school.
- 레스토랑에서 저녁을 먹었어요. (re-seu-to-rang-e-seo jeo-nyeok-eul meo-geot-sseo-yo) – We had dinner at the restaurant.
- 나는 공원에서 책을 읽었어요. (na-neun gong-won-e-seo chaek-eul ilg-eot-sseo-yo) – I read a book at the park.
Informal Ways to Say “At” in Korean
When speaking informally or with friends, you may use more casual expressions to convey “at” in Korean. Here are a few commonly used phrases:
1. -에 (e) – Particle:
Similar to the formal usage, the particle “-에” can also be used in casual conversations to indicate “at.” For example:
- 집에 (jip-e) – At home
- 카페에 (ka-pe-e) – At the cafe
- 공원에 (gong-won-e) – At the park
2. -에서 (e-seo) – Particle:
Just like in formal language, the particle “-에서” can be used to express “at” in an informal setting as well. Here are some examples:
- 친구 집에서 놀러 갈래? (chin-gu jip-e-seo nol-leo gal-lae) – Do you want to come over to my friend’s place?
- 교실에서 만나! (gyo-shil-e-seo man-na) – Let’s meet at the classroom!
Tips for Proper Usage:
To master the usage of “at” in Korean, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
1. Nouns are followe by “에” or “에서”:
When using a noun to indicate a location, you should attach either “-에” or “-에서” as a particle. The choice between the two particles depends on the context. Here’s a simple rule to follow:
Noun + -에 / -에서
For example:
- 학교에 가다 (hak-gyo-e ga-da) – Go to school
- 마트에서 물건 사다 (ma-teu-e-seo mul-geon sa-da) – Buy things at the mart
2. Verbs are typically followed by “에서”:
When using a verb to indicate an action taking place at a particular location, “-에서” is often added as a particle. Here are a few examples:
- 식당에서 식사하다 (sik-dang-e-seo sik-sa-ha-da) – Have a meal at the restaurant
- 도서관에서 공부하다 (do-seo-gwan-e-seo gong-bu-ha-da) – Study at the library
Regional Variations:
Generally, expressions for “at” in Korean remain consistent across regions. However, certain dialects or regional accents may introduce minor variations. It’s essential to be aware of these nuances if you plan to travel or interact with people from specific areas. Overall, though, the standard forms we’ve covered in this guide should serve you well in most contexts.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned various ways to say “at” in Korean, both formally and informally. Remember to use “-에” or “-에서” when indicating a location or time, and attach them directly to nouns or verbs. Practice using these expressions in real-life situations, and you’ll soon feel more confident in your Korean-speaking abilities. Whether you’re in Seoul or Busan, you’re ready to navigate the streets and communicate effectively. Enjoy your language journey and keep up the great work!
