Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 누구나 | nuguna | |
| 여러분 | yeoreobun | [jʌ̹ɾʌ̹bun] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 다들 | dadeul | [ta̠dɯɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 각자 | gakja | [ka̠k̚t͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word you choose depends on whether you mean "any person without exception," "a specific group of people," or "each individual within a group." For example, 누구나 is used to say that a statement applies to any person. 다들 refers to a specific group of people collectively, while 각자 emphasizes that people are acting individually rather than as a collective. You can also use 모두 as an adverbial phrase meaning "all together."
What does it mean word for word?
The form 누구나 is composed of the interrogative pronoun 누구 (who) and the particle 나 (any/whatever), which literally means "whoever."
Which one should you use?
누구나 is used to mean "anyone" or "anybody" in the sense that a statement applies to any person without exception. In contrast, 각자 is used when you want to emphasize that people are acting or receiving something individually rather than as a collective group.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
다들 is an informal, colloquial expression used among friends or in casual settings. If you are addressing a group formally or in public, such as an audience, you should use the polite form 여러분, which can mean "everybody" or "ladies and gentlemen." For a highly respectful or formal context, 모든 분들 is the appropriate way to address "everyone."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 다들 includes the plural marker –들, which emphasizes the plurality of the group being referred to.
How do you pronounce it?
nuguna
Did you know?
- While 여러분 is used to address a crowd, it cannot be used to refer to a group in the third person. You use it to speak to 'you all', but not to talk about 'everyone' in general.
- The word 각자 is frequently used in the phrase 각자도생, which refers to a survivalist mentality where 'everyone' must fend for themselves in a crisis.
- The polite way to address an audience, 여러분, literally translates to 'various people', using the word 여러 which means 'various' or 'several'.
Examples in context
- 다들 정말 잘 한 것 같아.I think everyone did really well.This sentence uses 다들 to express a thought about how a group performed.Tatoeba #8533821 by Eunhee, translation #8529544 by CK
- 톰만 빼고 다들 파티에 갔어.Everyone except Tom went to the party.This sentence uses 다들 to describe a group of people participating in an event.Tatoeba #4749589 by kimhkng, translation #4013831 by CK
- 누구나 수영할 줄 알아야 한다.Everyone needs to know how to swim.This sentence uses 누구나 to state a requirement that applies to any person.Tatoeba #11115000 by Eunhee, translation #11489686 by camouat
- 그 날 모두 어디로 갈까?Where should we all go on that day?
- 하나, 둘, 셋, 모두 웃어!One, two, three, everyone smile!
- 다들 게임 한 판 할래?Do you all want to play a game?
- 오늘은 모든 분들이 참석하셨습니다.Everyone attended today.
- 여러분, 환영합니다!Ladies and gentlemen, welcome!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A teacher is encouraging her students in a classroom.
- 도현 Do-hyeon누구나 처음에는 어려워요.nuguna cheoeumeneun eoryeowoyo.Everyone finds it difficult at first.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 그렇게 생각하세요, 선생님?jeongmal geureoke saenggak-haseyo, seonsaengnim?Do you really think so, teacher?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 지은 씨도 잘할 거예요.ne, Jieun ssi-do jalhal geoyeyo.Yes, Jieun, you will do well too.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요, 힘이 나요!gomawoyo, himi nayo!Thank you, that gives me strength!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “everyone” translations and entries 여러분, 다들, 각자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 각자, 다들, 여러분, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
