나도 껴도 돼?
nado kkyeodo dwae?
The English phrase "can I join?" is translated into Korean as 나도 껴도 돼? (nado kkyeodo dwae?)
This phrase is a request to participate in an activity or a group that others are already doing. The underlying verb implies being included or squeezed into an existing situation, such as a game, a conversation or a social circle.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 나 (I), 도 (also), 껴도 (even if [I] am included/squeezed in) and 돼? (is it okay/allowed?).
Which one should you use?
While 나도 껴도 돼? is a common way to ask to join, other variations exist depending on the context and tone. For example, 참여해도 돼? is an informal way to say "Can I participate?" and 같이 할 수 있을까? is an informal way to say "Can we do it together?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask this politely to a stranger or someone older, use the polite form 저도 끼워도 될까요? instead.
How do you pronounce it?
nado kkyeodo dwae?
When do people say it?
If someone asks to join you informally, common responses include 응, 당연하지! (Yeah, of course!) or 그래, 같이 하자 (Sure, let's do it together).
Did you know?
- The word 끼다 is also used to describe the formation of fog or the accumulation of dirt, suggesting a sense of something filling a gap or layering over a surface.
- The word 끼다 can also be used for the physical act of putting on a ring or a glove. This shares the same imagery of fitting something into a specific space as joining a group.
- While 나도 껴도 돼? is common among friends, using it with a superior can be seen as too casual because it implies you are pushing your way into their space.
Examples in context
- 참여할 수 있을까요?Can I join?
- 네, 물론입니다!Yes, sure!
- 같이 할 수 있을까?Can we do it together?
- 응, 당연하지!Yes, of course!
- 나도 껴도 돼?nado kkyeodo dwae?Can I join too?
- 나도 껴도 돼? 재미있겠다.nado kkyeodo dwae? jaemiitgetda.Can I join? It looks fun.
- 그 게임 나도 껴도 돼?geu geim nado kkyeodo dwae?Can I join that game?
Example conversation
Subin sees Hyunwoo playing a mobile game and wants to play with him.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우야, 나도 껴도 돼?hyunwooya, nado kkyeodo dwae?Hyunwoo, can I join?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 당연히 되지!eung, dang-yeonhi doeji!Yeah, of course you can!
- 수빈 Su-bin진짜? 고마워!jinjja? gomawo!Really? Thanks!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo자, 이제 같이 하자.ja, ije gachi haja.Here, let's play together now.
