당신은요
dangsineunyo
The Korean phrase for "how about you" is 당신은요 (dangsineunyo).
This phrase is used to ask the same question back to the person who just asked you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun 당신 (you), the topic marker 은 (as for) and the polite sentence ending 요 (polite particle).
How do you pronounce it?
dangsineunyo
Did you know?
- In romantic songs or between married couples, 당신 is often used as a deeply affectionate, poetic way to say 'darling' or 'honey'. This is a complete reversal of its potentially rude tone used with strangers.
- While 당신 translates to 'you', using it in person can actually feel confrontational or even aggressive in many social situations. In many contexts, it is safer to omit the word entirely or use the person's title instead.
- If you are speaking to a close friend, you would replace 당신은요 with 너는?, as the polite ending 요 would create an awkward emotional distance.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are talking about their weekend plans.
- 민준 Min-jun저는 이번 주말에 영화를 볼 거예요. 당신은요?jeoneun ibeon jumare yeonghwareul bol geoyeyo. dangsineun-yo?I am going to watch a movie this weekend. How about you?
- 지은 Ji-eun저는 친구를 만날 거예요.jeoneun chingureul mannal geoyeyo.I am going to meet a friend.
- 민준 Min-jun좋겠네요. 어디에서 만나요?joketneyo. eodieseo mannayo?That sounds nice. Where are you meeting?
- 지은 Ji-eun강남역에서 만날 거예요.gangnam-yeogeseo mannal geoyeyo.I am meeting them at Gangnam Station.
