Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to express your age in Korean, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways to convey your age, along with some valuable tips and examples. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When speaking to someone in a formal context, such as an elderly person, someone of higher position, or someone you’ve just met, it’s important to use formal language to show respect. The following are two common phrases to indicate your age:
1. Korean Formal Expression:
“제 나이는 [insert your age]입니다.”
(Je nai-neun [insert your age]-im-ni-da.)
This phrase can be translated as “My age is [your age].” Let’s look at an example:
Person A: 안녕하세요. 제 나이는 25살입니다.
(Annyeonghaseyo. Je nai-neun 25 sal-im-ni-da.)
Person B: 반갑습니다. 저는 23살입니다.
(Bangapseumnida. Jeoneun 23 sal-im-ni-da.)
In this example, Person A says their age first, using the formal expression, and then Person B responds with their age.
2. Korean Formal Expression:
“KoreanAge에 따르면 제 나이는 [insert your Korean age]입니다.”
(KoreanAge-e daturumyeon je nai-neun [insert your Korean age]-im-ni-da.)
This phrase can be translated as “According to Korean Age, my age is [your Korean age].” The concept of Korean Age reflects the age calculation system used in Korea. Note that Korean Age can be different from your actual age when calculated by the lunar calendar. Here’s an example:
Person A: 한국 나이로 말하면 제 나이는 27살입니다.
(Hanguk nairo marhamyeon je nai-neun 27 sal-im-ni-da.)
Person B: 실제 나이는 25살이군요.
(Silje nai-neun 25 sal-i-gun-yo.)
Person A states their Korean Age first, using the formal expression. Then, Person B reacts by stating their actual age in Korean Age.
Informal Expressions
Using informal language is suitable when talking to friends, family members, or people of similar age or lower position. Here are two common informal phrases you can employ to express your age:
1. Korean Informal Expression:
“나이가 [insert your age]살이야.”
(Naiga [insert your age]-sariya.)
This phrase translates as “I am [your age] years old.” Let’s look at an example:
Friend A: 안녕! 나이가 어때?
(Annyeong! Naiga eottae?)
Friend B: 나 22살이야. 너는?
(Na 22 sal-iya. Neoneun?)
In this conversation, Friend A asks about Friend B’s age using the informal expression, and then Friend B responds in the same manner.
2. Korean Informal Expression:
“몇 살이니?”
(Myeot sal-ini?)
This phrase means “How old are you?” and is commonly used among close friends or peers. Here’s an example:
Friend A: 어! 오랜만이다. 몇 살이니?
(Eo! Oraenmanida. Myeot sal-ini?)
Friend B: 나는 29살인데 너는?
(Naneun 29 sal-inde neoneun?)
In this friendly exchange, Friend A expresses joy and asks how old Friend B is. Friend B proceeds to share their age, followed by another question back to Friend A.
Useful Tips and Regional Variations
1. Age Calculations:
Keep in mind that Koreans often use the lunar calendar to calculate ages. This can result in a difference of one or even two years compared to your Gregorian calendar age. However, in modern South Korea, the Gregorian calendar age is becoming more prevalent.
2. Age Terminology:
Instead of just saying the number representing your age, Koreans commonly add the word “살” (sal) after the number to indicate age. This is essential for proper age expression in Korean.
3. Respectful Language:
When speaking to people older than you, it’s crucial to employ honorific language, which includes formal expressions and proper speech forms. Respecting elders is an essential part of Korean culture.
4. South Korean Pronunciation:
It’s worth mentioning that Korean spoken in South Korea may have slight pronunciation variations compared to other regions. Keep this in mind if you plan to travel to different parts of Korea.
Now armed with these formal and informal age expressions in Korean, you can easily engage in age-related conversations with various individuals. Remember, always be respectful and adapt your speech style to the context and relationship with the person you’re conversing with. Enjoy practicing your Korean language skills and have fun exploring the rich culture of Korea!
