야, 들어봐
ya, deureobwa
The English phrase "hey, listen" is translated into Korean as 야, 들어봐 (ya, deureobwa).
야, 들어봐 is an informal expression used to get someone's attention before you share information or tell a story.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 야 (hey), the verb 듣다 (to listen) and the auxiliary verb -어 보다 (to try doing something/to try listening).
Which one should you use?
While 야, 들어봐 is used with friends, 저기요, 들어보세요 is a more appropriate way to say "Excuse me, please listen" when addressing a stranger or someone in a formal setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You should only use it with close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
ya, deureobwa
Did you know?
- The word 야 is so informal that using it with someone older than you can be perceived as a direct insult or a challenge to their authority.
- The exclamation 야 bears a striking phonetic similarity to the Arabic word for 'hey' or 'oh', which is يَا (yā).
- Depending on the tone, 야 can be used as a standalone sentence to express shock, disbelief or anger, completely removing the need for the 'listen' part of the phrase.
Examples in context
- 어! 들어봐, 내일 파티가 있는데 같이 가자고 하려고 했어.Hey! Listen, there's a party tomorrow, and I wanted to ask if you'd like to come together.
- 야, 들어봐. 진짜 웃긴 일 있었어.ya, deureobwa. jinjja utgin il isseosseo.Hey, listen. Something really funny happened.
- 야, 들어봐. 내 말 좀 들어봐.ya, deureobwa. nae mal jom deureobwa.Hey, listen. Just listen to what I have to say.
- 야, 들어봐. 이거 대박이야.ya, deureobwa. igeo daebakiya.Hey, listen. This is amazing.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo tries to tell Subin some exciting news at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo야, 들어봐. 나 드디어 합격했어!ya, deureobwa. na deudieo hapgyeokhaesseo!Hey, listen. I finally passed!
- 수빈 Su-bin진짜? 정말 축하해, 현우야!jinjja? jeongmal chukahae, hyunwo-ya!Really? Congratulations, Hyunwoo!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워. 이제 드디어 자유야.gomawo. ije deudieo jayuya.Thanks. I'm finally free now.
- 수빈 Su-bin오늘 기분 최고겠다!oneul gibun choegogetda!You must feel amazing today!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 야, CC BY-SA 4.0.
