그거 사
geugeo sa
In Korean, "buy that one" is expressed as 그거 사 (geugeo sa).
This phrase is used as a command or a suggestion to purchase a specific item.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 그거, which literally means "that thing" or "that one".
Which one should you use?
The phrase can take several forms depending on who you are talking to. The base form 그거 사 is informal. To be polite, you can use 그거 사요. If you want to be more respectful or use an honorific tone, you can use 그거 사세요. The form 그거 사줘 is also informal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal tone, you may use 그거 사 주세요. The form 그거 사세요 is a more respectful way to suggest or command someone to buy that item.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix 요 to the end makes the phrase polite (그거 사요) instead of informal (그거 사).
How do you pronounce it?
geugeo sa
Did you know?
- Korean has a three-way system for 'this' and 'that'. While 그거 is 'that one' near the listener, if the object is far from both speakers, you must use 저거 instead.
- The word 사 in 그거 사 is actually a native Korean verb root for 'to buy', and it is entirely unrelated to the many Sino-Korean words that share the same pronunciation, such as 'four' or 'death'.
- In many social situations, instead of commanding someone to 'buy that one', Koreans prefer to say 그거 사줘, which translates to 'please buy that for me'. This shifts the phrase from a command to a request for a favor.
Examples in context
- 그거 한 개 주세요.Please give me one of those.
- 그것을 사면 안 될까요?Is it okay if I buy that one?
- 그거 사고 싶은데.I want to buy that one.
- 그거 사.geugeo sa.Buy that one.
- 색깔이 예쁘니까 그거 사.saekkkari yeppeunikka geugeo sa.It's a pretty color, so buy that one.
- 할인하니까 그거 사.harinhannikka geugeo sa.It's on sale, so buy that one.
Example conversation
Two friends are shopping for a new phone case.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈아, 이 디자인 어때?ji-hun-a, i di-ja-in eo-ttae?Jihoon, how is this design?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 그거 사.eung, geugeo sa.Yeah, buy that one.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말? 고마워!jeong-mal? go-ma-wo!Really? Thanks!
- 지훈 Ji-hun너한테 잘 어울려.neo-han-te jal eo-ul-ryeo.It suits you well.
