같이 놀래?
gachi nollae?
In Korean, "do you want to play?" is expressed as 같이 놀래? (gachi nollae?)
The phrase is a casual invitation to spend time together and have fun. In Korean, the verb 놀다 (to play) is used broadly for hanging out, chilling or spending time together, not just for children playing with toys.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 같이 (together), 놀 (the stem of the verb 'to play') and the suffix -래? (a casual way to ask about intention or desire).
Which one should you use?
Adding 가다 after 놀러 emphasizes the invitation to go somewhere together. Using 오다 after 놀러 suggests that the person should come and join.
How do you pronounce it?
gachi nollae?
Did you know?
- In Korean, 놀다 ('to play') can also describe someone who is unemployed or idling their time away, as in the phrase 노는 사람 ('a person who plays').
- The word 같이 ('together') is derived from the root 같- ('to be the same'), implying that doing things together is akin to being in the same state.
- Korean culture emphasizes 'uri' ('we/our'), so the 같이 ('together') part of the phrase is often implied even if not spoken, as social activities are viewed collectively.
Examples in context
- 오늘 같이 놀래?oneul gat-i nol-lae?Do you want to hang out today?
- 우리 내일 같이 놀래?uri naeil gat-i nol-lae?Do you want to play together tomorrow?
- 시간 되면 같이 놀래?sigan doe-myeon gat-i nol-lae?Do you want to hang out if you have time?
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are talking on the phone.
- 민지 Min-ji현우야, 오늘 같이 놀래?Hyun-woo-ya, oneul gat-i nol-lae?Hyunwoo, do you want to hang out today?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그래, 좋아!geurae, jo-a!Sure, sounds good!
- 민지 Min-ji어디서 만날까?eo-di-seo man-nal-kka?Where should we meet?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo공원에서 만나자.gong-won-eseo man-na-ja.Let's meet at the park.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 같이, CC BY-SA 4.0.
