Learning how to express “he said” in Korean is an essential step in mastering the language. Being able to correctly convey reported speech allows you to effectively communicate and express others’ words or thoughts. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “he said” in Korean. Additionally, we will provide you with valuable tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “He Said” in Korean
In formal situations, it is crucial to use the appropriate language and honorifics to show respect towards others. Similarly, when reporting someone’s words or thoughts, the correct level of formality should be maintained. Here are a few formal ways to say “he said” in Korean:
그 분께서 말씀하시길… (geu bun-kke-seo mal-ssum-ha-si-gil)
He said…
Using “그 분께서 말씀하시길” indicates utmost respect toward the person you are referring to. It is a polite way to report someone’s speech in formal situations such as business meetings, interviews, or formal presentations.
그 분께서 말씀하셨습니다. (geu bun-kke-seo mal-ssum-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da)
He said…
This phrase is similar to the previous one but adds the polite ending “-ㅂ니다.” It is a more formal and polite way to say “he said” and is commonly used in official or professional settings.
Informal Ways to Say “He Said” in Korean
In informal situations, you can use a more casual tone to say “he said” in Korean. This is common among friends or when conversing with people of a similar age group. Let’s take a look at some informal ways:
그가 말했어… (geu-ga mal-haess-eo)
He said…
Using “그가 말했어” is a simple and commonly used way to report what someone said in casual conversations. This expression portrays a friendly tone and is appropriate for informal interactions.
그가 얘기했어… (geu-ga yae-gi-haess-eo)
He said…
“그가 얘기했어” is another informal expression and can be used interchangeably with the previous example. It reflects a more conversational tone and is frequently used among friends or peers.
Tips for Using “He Said” in Korean
To ensure you effectively express “he said” in Korean, here are a few helpful tips:
- Pay attention to the verb tense: In Korean, the verb tense in reported speech should match the original tense used by the person being quoted. For example, if the original statement was in the present tense, maintain the present tense in your reported speech.
- Use proper honorifics: Adjust the level of politeness and honorifics based on the formality of the situation. Pay attention to the spoken language, as it differs from written language in terms of honorifics.
- Consider the context: The way you report someone’s speech can vary depending on the context of the conversation. Adapt your choice of expression to suit the situation, whether formal or informal.
Examples
To better understand how to say “he said” in Korean, let’s look at some examples in various contexts:
Formal Example:
Interviewer: “우리 회사에서의 근무환경은 어떠신지요?”
대표: “그 분께서 말씀하시길, 회사 분위기는 매우 편안하다고 합니다.”
Interviewer: “How do you find the working environment in our company?”
Representative: “He said the company atmosphere is very comfortable.”
Informal Example:
Friend 1: “우리 내일 놀러갈래?”
Friend 2: “그가 말했어, 내일 시간이 되면 같이 갈래.”
Friend 1: “Shall we hang out tomorrow?”
Friend 2: “He said if he has time, he’ll join us.”
Regional Variations
Regarding regional language variations, it is worth noting that Korean has some dialects. These regional dialects may have their own unique expressions for “he said.” However, for standard Korean (Seoul dialect), the formal and informal ways covered in this guide would be universally understood and commonly used throughout the country.
Mastering how to say “he said” in Korean is essential for effective communication and conveying others’ words accurately. Practice using the appropriate level of formality and pay attention to context and verb tense. With these tips and examples in mind, you’re well on your way to confidently reporting speech in Korean.
