어째서
eojjaeseo
In Korean, 'how come' is expressed as 어째서 (eojjaeseo).
The phrase is used as an adverb meaning 'why'.
Meaning: why (adv)
How do you pronounce it?
eojjaeseo
Did you know?
- The word 어째서 is closely related to the Korean word for 'how', 어떻게, showing that 'why' is conceptually linked to 'how' in the Korean language.
- While 어째서 is a direct way to ask 'why', using it too frequently with elders can sound more like a blunt interrogation than a curious question.
- In spoken Korean, 어째서 is frequently shortened to 어째 in casual speech, which can also function as a way to say 'somehow' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- 어째서 약속을 못 지켰어?eojjaeseo yaksogeul mot jikyeosseo?How come you couldn't keep your promise?
- 어째서 기분이 안 좋아 보여?eojjaeseo gibuni an joa boyeo?How come you look upset?
- 어째서 갑자기 비가 오지?eojjaeseo gapjagi biga oji?How come it's suddenly raining?
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are talking at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin어째서 커피를 안 마셔?eojjaeseo keopireul an masyeo?How come you aren't drinking your coffee?
- 민준 Min-jun배가 너무 불러서 그래.baega neomu bulloseo geurae.It's because I'm too full.
- 수빈 Su-bin아까 많이 먹긴 했지.akka mani meoggin haetji.You did eat a lot earlier.
- 민준 Min-jun응, 너무 많이 먹었어.eung, neomu mani meogeosseo.Yeah, I ate way too much.
