Learning how to ask “how to say” something in Korean can be a useful tool in your language learning journey. Whether you want to inquire about the Korean translation of a specific word or phrase in a formal or informal setting, this guide will provide you with various tips and examples to help you navigate this request effectively.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “How to Say” in Korean
1. 어떻게 말하나요? (eotteoke malhanayo?) – This is the most common phrase to use when asking someone in a formal setting how to say something in Korean. It is polite and suitable for use with people you do not know well or those who are older or in a higher position than you.
Example: 죽 means “porridge” in Korean. How do you say “porridge” in Korean? – 죽은 한국말로 어떻게 말하세요?
2. 한국말로 어떻게 해요? (hangukmallo eotteoke haeyo?) – This phrase is also formal and equally appropriate to ask how to say something in Korean. It can be used in official or professional settings with individuals you may not be familiar with.
Example: I heard that “delicious” is 맛있다 (masitda) in Korean. How do you say “delicious” in Korean? – “Delicious”는 한국말로 어떻게 해요?
Informal Ways to Say “How to Say” in Korean
1. 어떻게 말해? (eotteoke malhae?) – This phrase is used in casual conversations, with friends, or in informal settings. It is best to use it with people you know well and are on familiar terms with.
Example: I want to know how to say “thank you” in Korean. How do you say it? – 고마워 is “thank you” in Korean. 어떻게 말해?
2. 한국어로 어떻게 해? (hanguk-eoro eotteoke hae?) – This expression is similar to 어떻게 말해? but specifies “in Korean” at the beginning. It is a slightly more polite and sophisticated way to ask someone informally how to say something.
Example: Have you learned how to say “happy” in Korean? How do you say it? – “Happy”는 한국어로 어떻게 해?
Note that when using the informal phrases, it’s important to consider the context and the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to. Always be mindful of the level of familiarity and present yourself accordingly.
Tips for Asking “How to Say” in Korean
1. Be polite: It is crucial to maintain politeness, especially when asking someone in a formal setting. Use formal language and proper honorifics to show respect.
2. Specify the language: To avoid confusion and ensure clarity, specify “in Korean” at the beginning of your question, especially when dealing with multiple languages.
3. Provide context: When asking how to say a word or phrase in Korean, giving context or a related sentence can help the person understand your query better and provide a more accurate translation.
4. Practice pronunciation: When you receive the translation, make sure to repeat it a few times to get the hang of the pronunciation. This will help you remember and use the phrase correctly in the future.
Regional Variations
Generally, there are no significant regional variations in how to ask “how to say” in Korean. However, certain dialects or regions might have slight variations in informal speech:
- Busan dialect: In Busan, a city in South Korea, the informal phrases may slightly differ. Instead of 어떻게 말해?, they often use 어떻게 해?
Conclusion
Now armed with the proper phrases and tips, you can confidently ask how to say something in Korean, whether in formal or informal situations. Remember to be polite, specify the language, and provide context to receive accurate translations. Happy language learning!
