그런데 왜
geureonde wae
The English phrase "but why" is translated into Korean as 그런데 왜 (geureonde wae).
This phrase is used to ask for a reason after a previous point has been made.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 그런데 (but/by the way) and 왜 (why).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard form is 그런데 왜. In casual conversation, you can use the contraction 근데 왜? If you are speaking to someone older or someone you are not close with, use the polite form 그런데 왜인가요? to ask "but why is that?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 왜 can stand alone to ask "why", but adding 그런데 helps transition from a previous topic or statement.
How do you pronounce it?
geureonde wae
Did you know?
- While 왜 means 'why', it is also the same syllable used in the historical term 왜 to refer to Japan. In certain historical contexts, this could carry a derogatory nuance, though in the phrase 그런데 왜, it only functions as a question.
- The word 왜 can be used as a response to someone calling your name, acting as a shorthand for 'What do you want?' or 'Yes, I am listening'.
- In highly formal settings, asking 왜 directly can be perceived as too blunt or aggressive. Koreans often soften the question by adding phrases like 혹시 meaning 'by any chance'.
Examples in context
- 그럼 왜 그렇게 한거야?So, why did you do that?
- 그런데 왜 안 왔어요?geureonde wae an wasseoyo?But why didn't you come?
- 그런데 왜 못 해요?geureonde wae mot haeyo?But why can't you do it?
- 그런데 왜 갑자기 그래요?geureonde wae gapjagi geuraeyo?But why are you suddenly acting like that?
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about a canceled meeting.
- 지훈 Ji-hun오늘 회의가 취소되었어요.oneul hoeiga chwisodoe-eosseoyo.Today's meeting was canceled.
- 수빈 Su-bin그런데 왜요?geureonde waeyo?But why?
- 지훈 Ji-hun사장님이 오늘 출장을 가세요.sajangnimi oneul chuljang-eul gaseyo.The boss is on a business trip today.
- 수빈 Su-bin그렇군요. 알겠습니다.geureokun-yo. algetseumnida.I see. I understand.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 그런데, 왜, CC BY-SA 4.0.
