여기
yeogi[jʌ̹ɡi]
The Korean word for "here" is 여기 (yeogi).
여기 is an adverb used to refer to the place in, on or at this location, specifically near the speaker.
Meaning: in, on, or at this place (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 여기 means "here" (near the speaker), use 거기 for "there" when referring to a place near the listener and use 저기 for "there" when referring to a place that is far from both the speaker and the listener.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify 여기 with particles to change its function. Adding the particle '-에' creates 여기에, which is used to specify a location as the destination of a movement or the location of an action. Adding the particle '-서' creates 여기서, which is used when an action is actively occurring at this location.
How do you pronounce it?
yeogi
Did you know?
- While 여기 means 'here', adding the honorific suffix -요 makes it 여기요, which is the standard way to call a server in a restaurant to get their attention.
- Koreans may use 저기요 (over there) instead of 여기요 (here) to politely start a conversation with a stranger, as it creates a psychological distance that feels less intrusive.
- The modern form 여기 evolved from the Middle Korean form 이ᅌᅥ긔, which featured a distinct pronunciation that no longer exists in modern Korean.
Examples in context
- 여기 잔디 위에 앉자.Let's sit here on the grass.This sentence shows how to use 여기 to specify a location on the grass.Tatoeba #11106786 by intertime, translation #61693 by CK
- 톰은 종종 여기 온다.Tom often comes here.This sentence uses 여기 to describe a place someone visits.Tatoeba #11110798 by intertime, translation #5693969 by marcj794
- 난 여기 꽤 만족스러워.I'm quite happy here.This sentence uses 여기 to describe being happy at a certain location.Tatoeba #8358297 by Eunhee, translation #5166516 by CK
- 광장에 가보세요.Please go to the square.
- 여기 있습니다.I am here.
- 이 곳은 어떤 곳인가요?What kind of place is this?
- 이 곳에서 무엇을 할 수 있나요?What can you do here?
- 여기 앉아.Sit here.
- 여기 어떡하지?What should I do here?
- 이곳에서 여유를 즐기세요.Enjoy yourself here.
- 여기서 뭐 할래?What do you want to do here?
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are looking for a place to sit in a cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨, 여기 자리 있어요.Seoyeon ssi, yeogi jari isseoyo.Seoyeon, there is a seat here.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 여기 앉을까요?Jeongmalyo? Yeogi anjeulkkayo?Really? Shall we sit here?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 여기가 명당이에요.Ne, yeogiga myeongdang-ieyo.Yes, this is the best spot.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 고마워요.Dohyun ssi, gomawoyo.Thank you, Dohyun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “here” translations and entries 여기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 여기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
