What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Can I do one question?" where 질문 means "question", 하나 means "one" and 해도 돼요? means "is it okay to do?"
Which one should you use?
While 질문 하나 해도 돼요? is a standard way to ask, you might also hear 뭐 하나 물어봐도 돼요?, which is a more natural-sounding alternative in many conversational contexts because it uses the verb 물어보다 (to ask/inquire) instead of 질문하다 (to question).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 질문 하나 해도 돼요? is polite and suitable for use with strangers, colleagues or people older than you due to the -요 ending. For a more formal tone, you can use 질문을 드려도 될까요? (May I ask you a question?) or 질문을 하도록 허락해 주실 수 있을까요? (Could you permit me to ask a question?). If you are speaking to close friends or people younger than you, you can use informal versions like 질문 좀 해도 돼?, 한 가지 물어봐도 될까?, 질문 좀 해도 되지? or even 조언 좀 구해도 돼? if you are specifically asking to seek advice.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, the verb 하다 (to do) is used to mean "to ask" when referring to a question.
How do you pronounce it?
jilmun hana haedo dwaeyo?
Did you know?
- Because 질문 is a Sino-Korean word, its written roots are identical to the words used for 'question' in both Japanese and Chinese.
- If you want to be extra respectful to a superior, you change the verb from 'to do' to 'to give' (드리다), making the phrase literally 'May I give you a question?'
- When seeking advice instead of a simple answer, Koreans use the phrase 조언 좀 구해도 돼?, which uses a verb meaning 'to seek' or 'to rescue'.
Examples in context
- 질문 하나 해도 돼요?jilmun hana haedo dwaeyo?Can I ask you a question?
- 저, 질문 하나 해도 돼요?jeo, jilmun hana haedo dwaeyo?Um, can I ask you a question?
- 선생님, 질문 하나 해도 돼요?seonsaengnim, jilmun hana haedo dwaeyo?Teacher, can I ask you a question?
Example conversation
Subin approaches Dohyun in a quiet cafe to ask for help.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 질문 하나 해도 돼요?Dohyun-ssi, jilmun hana haedo dwaeyo?Dohyun, can I ask you a question?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 수빈 씨. 무슨 일이에요?Ne, Subin-ssi. museun irieyo?Yes, Subin. What is it?
- 수빈 Su-bin이 문제 어떻게 풀어요?i munje eotteoke pureoyo?How do I solve this problem?
- 도현 Do-hyeon제가 도와줄게요.jega dowajulgeyo.I will help you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 질문, 하나, 해도, CC BY-SA 4.0.
