What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun 그 (he), the subject marker 가 (subject) and the past tense of the verb 말하다 (to speak/say).
Which one should you use?
While 그가 말했다 is a plain form suitable for writing, you may use 그가 말했어요 for polite daily conversation or 그가 말했습니다 for highly formal settings like news reports or presentations. In very casual settings, you can use the informal 그가 말했어… or its conversational alternative 그가 얘기했어…
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the ending of the phrase changes to reflect social hierarchy and politeness. Use 그가 말했어요 as a polite version for daily interaction and 그가 말했습니다 as a formal/honorific version. To show extreme respect to the person being referred to, use honorific forms such as 그 분께서 말씀하시길… or 그 분께서 말씀하셨습니다.
How do you pronounce it?
geuga malhaetta
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use 말했다 (the simple past) in spoken conversation, but in most social situations, a polite ending like -했어요 or -했습니다 is required.
Did you know?
- In many modern Korean novels, the pronoun 그 (he) is rarely used, as writers prefer using the person's actual name or title to avoid sounding like a translated Western text.
- In Korean, the word for 'say' changes entirely to 말씀하시다 when the person who spoke is someone of higher social status than you.
- If the person who 'said' something is a teacher or boss, the subject marker 가 is replaced by the honorific marker 께서 to show proper respect.
Examples in context
- 대표: "그 분께서 말씀하시길, 회사 분위기는 매우 편안하다고 합니다."Representative: "He said the company atmosphere is very comfortable."
- 그가 말했다.geuga malhaetda.He said.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihoon are talking about a mutual male friend.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈아, 영수가 뭐라고 했어?Jihoon-a, Yeongsu-ga mworago haesseo?Jihoon, what did Youngsu say?
- 지훈 Ji-hun그가 말했다. 오늘 늦을 것 같다고.geuga mal-haet-da. oneul neujeul geot gat-dago.He said that he thinks he will be late today.
- 민지 Min-ji정말? 왜 늦는대?jeongmal? wae neuj-neundae?Really? Why is he late?
- 지훈 Ji-hun차가 너무 막힌다고 했어.chaga neomu mak-hindago haesseo.He said the traffic is too heavy.
