그는
The English phrase "he is" is translated into Korean as 그는.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the pronoun 그 (he) and the topic marker 는 (as for/regarding).
Which one should you use?
While 그는 is used to introduce him as the topic of a sentence, 그가 is used when he is the specific subject performing an action or when emphasizing that he (and not someone else) is the one.
When do people say it?
In natural spoken Korean, using the third-person pronoun 그 can feel overly literary or unnatural. Native speakers often replace it with the person's name, title or omit the subject entirely if the context is clear.
Did you know?
- The pronoun 그 was not historically common in spoken Korean and became widespread largely through the translation of Western literature and the Bible. Before this influence, Koreans relied almost entirely on names and titles to refer to people.
- If you are talking about someone older or in a higher social position, using a pronoun like 그는 can actually be considered rude or disrespectful.
- While 그 is used for 'he', the word 그것 is used for 'it'. The 그 part actually functions as a demonstrative meaning 'that', effectively making the word for 'he' mean 'that person'.
Examples in context
- 그는 흠잡을 데 없다.He is impeccable.Tatoeba #6295646 by okja, translation #6168881 by carlosalberto
- 그는 그의 서재에 있다.He is in his library.Tatoeba #6845344 by dalgarak, translation #299429 by CK
- 그는 업무에 정신이 없다.He is absorbed in his work.Tatoeba #9467626 by HappyMidnight, translation #297043 by CC
- 그는 학생입니다.He is a student.
- 그가 친구야.He is a friend.
- 그도 배우야.He is an actor too.
- 그분은 선생님입니다.He is a teacher.
- 저희 사장님은 바쁘세요.He is busy.
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are talking about a new colleague.
- 지은 Ji-eun새로 온 동료는 어때요?saero on dongryoneun eottaeyo?How is the new colleague?
- 민준 Min-jun그는 정말 친절해요.geuneun jeongmal chinjeolhaeyo.He is really kind.
- 지은 Ji-eun일은 잘 하나요?ireun jal hanayo?Does he work well?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 그는 아주 성실해요.ne, geuneun aju seongsilhaeyo.Yes, he is very diligent.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
