얘야
yaeya
The Korean phrase for "hey girl" is 얘야 (yaeya).
얘야 is an informal way to get the attention of a girl or young woman.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This term is highly informal and is typically used by an older person addressing a much younger person or a child.
How do you pronounce it?
yaeya
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using this to address a female peer or a stranger, as it implies a significant age gap and a position of authority or seniority.
Did you know?
- In historical contexts, 얘야 was often used by nobility to address servants or children of lower social castes.
- Using 얘야 toward someone who is even one year older than you is considered a significant social insult in Korea.
- The word 얘야 is a contraction of the words 이 아이 meaning 'this child'.
Example conversation
Dohyun is calling out to Jieun in a hallway.
- 도현 Do-hyeon얘야, 지금 시간 있어?yaeya, jigeum sigan isseo?Hey girl, do you have time right now?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 도현 씨. 무슨 일이에요?ne, Dohyun ssi. museun irieyo?Yes, Dohyun. What's going on?
- 도현 Do-hyeon부탁할 게 하나 있는데 괜찮을까?butakhal ge hana inneunde gwaenchaneulkka?I have a favor to ask, would that be okay?
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼요, 말씀하세요.geureomyo, malsseumhaseyo.Of course, go ahead.
