If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, it’s always helpful to know how to ask for the price of something. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or simply curious about the cost of an item, being able to ask “How much does it cost?” in Korean will come in handy. In this guide, we’ll provide you with both formal and informal ways to express this question in Korean so that you can navigate through different situations with ease. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Ask “How Much Does It Cost?”
When addressing strangers, elders, or people in service positions, it’s important to use formal language. Here are a few phrases you can use to ask about prices formally:
1. 얼마입니까? (Eolma-imnikka?)
This is the most common and versatile way to ask “How much does it cost?” in a formal setting. 얼마 (eolma) means “how much,” and 입니까 (imnikka) is a formal ending that adds politeness to the question.
Example:
A: 신발이 얼마입니까? (Shinbari eolma-imnikka?)
B: 이 신발은 5만 원입니다. (I shinbareun oman wonimnida.)
A: How much are these shoes?
B: These shoes cost 50,000 won.
2. 가격이 어떻게 되나요? (Gagyeogi eotteoke doenayo?)
This phrase can also be used in formal contexts and is translated as “What is the price?”
Example:
A: 이 제품의 가격이 어떻게 되나요? (I jepumui gagyeogi eotteoke doenayo?)
B: 이 제품은 10만 원입니다. (I jepumeun yeoman wonimnida.)
A: What is the price of this product?
B: This product costs 100,000 won.
Informal Ways to Ask “How Much Does It Cost?”
When speaking with friends, peers, or in casual settings, you can use informal language. Here are two common phrases to ask about prices informally:
1. 얼마에요? (Eolma-e-yo?)
This phrase is a simple and casual way to ask “How much is it?” 얼마 (eolma) means “how much,” and 에요 (eyo) is the informal ending used to make the sentence polite enough for daily conversations.
Example:
A: 이거 얼마에요? (Igeo eolma-e-yo?)
B: 이거는 2천 원이에요. (Igeoneun i-cheon woni-e-yo.)
A: How much is this?
B: This is 2,000 won.
2. 값이 얼마야? (Gabi eolma-ya?)
In more informal settings, you can use this phrase, which translates to “What’s the price?” or “How much does it cost?”
Example:
A: 이거 값이 얼마야? (Igeo gabi eolma-ya?)
B: 이거 값이 3만 원이야. (Igeo gabi samman won-iya.)
A: What’s the price of this?
B: The price of this is 30,000 won.
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
When asking the price in South Korea, keep the following tips in mind:
- Prices in South Korea are typically given in Korean won (₩). For example, 10,000 won is written as “만 원” (man won).
- While the above phrases cover most situations, there can still be regional variations in spoken language. However, these variations are often subtle and won’t pose a significant barrier to communication.
- Politeness is highly valued in Korean culture, so it’s always safer to err on the side of formality unless you’re in a very casual setting with close friends.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price, especially in traditional markets or when purchasing multiple items.
Now that you have a solid understanding of how to ask “How much does it cost?” in Korean, you can confidently tackle shopping experiences, dining outings, or any situation where knowing the price is crucial. Remember to use formal phrases in formal settings and informal phrases in casual settings. Enjoy your time exploring South Korea, embracing the culture, and making memorable purchases!
