Hello and welcome to this guide on how to say “go out” in Korean! Whether you’re planning to travel to South Korea, communicate with Korean friends, or simply have an interest in the language, learning how to express this common phrase is essential. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to say “go out” in Korean, highlighting any regional variations if necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Go Out” in Korean
If you want to express the idea of “go out” in a formal setting, such as when speaking to someone older, in a professional context, or with strangers, you can use the following expressions:
- 외출하다 (wechulhada)
This is the most standard and formal way to say “go out” in Korean. It can be broken down into two parts: “외출” which means “outing” or “excursion,” and “하다” which is the verb ending that indicates an action. So, when combined, 외출하다 translates to “to go out.” - 나가다 (nagada)
Although “나가다” can mean “to come out,” it is also commonly used to express the act of “going out” in a formal context. It is a versatile verb that can be used for various situations. - 나오다 (naoda)
Similar to “나가다,” “나오다” generally means “to come out.” However, it can also be used to convey the idea of leaving or going out. This form is more commonly used when describing someone else going out rather than oneself.
Informal Ways to Say “Go Out” in Korean
When interacting with friends, peers, or in a casual setting, it is common to use less formal expressions. Here are some informal ways to say “go out” in Korean:
- 나가다 (nagada)
In informal contexts, “나가다” is used just as frequently as in formal situations. It is a straightforward expression that can be used interchangeably across various settings. - 나오다 (naoda)
Similarly, “나오다” is commonly used informally to mean “go out.” It is a versatile verb that can be utilized comfortably in casual conversations. - 밖으로 나가다 (bak-euro nagada)
This expression literally translates to “to go outside” and is used casually to indicate “go out.” It provides a more specific description of the action. - 외출하다 (wechulhada)
While “외출하다” is mainly used in formal context, it can also be used informally among friends who prefer a slightly more polite tone. So, feel free to use it when appropriate!
Tips and Examples for Using “Go Out” in Korean
Now, let’s take a look at some tips and examples that will help you better understand how to incorporate the phrases mentioned above into your Korean conversations:
Tips:
- When using the verb “나가다” or “나오다,” it’s important to differentiate between the subject. If you are referring to someone else, you can use their name or a pronoun before the verb. For instance, “철수가 나가다” means “Chulsoo goes out.”
- Remember to conjugate the verb based on the tense and politeness level required for the situation. For instance, “나가요” is the present tense polite form for “go out.”
Examples:
Here are some examples that demonstrate the usage of various expressions for “go out” in Korean:
영수가 외출하러 갔어요. (Yeongsu-ga wechulhaleo gass-eoyo.)
Yeongsu went out for an outing.김지연이 밖에서 놀고 있어요. (Kim Jiyeon-i bak-eseo nolgo iss-eoyo.)
Kim Jiyeon is out having fun.내일은 나가지 못해요. (Nae-il-eun nagaji mosh-aeyo.)
I can’t go out tomorrow.
Remember that the context and relationship between speakers play a vital role in determining which expression is most appropriate to use. Always consider the formality and familiarity of the situation before deciding on the phrase to use.
Now armed with the knowledge of both formal and informal ways to say “go out” in Korean, you are ready to start incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations. Practice using the examples provided, pay attention to the context, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learning a new language is an exciting journey, and the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become!
Happy learning and enjoy your experiences using “go out” in Korean!
