What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 저, which is the humble form of "I" used when speaking to someone of higher status or in formal settings and 학생, which means "student". The ending 이에요 is the polite form of the verb "to be" (am/is/are).
Which one should you use?
The form 이에요 is specifically used here because the preceding noun, 학생, ends in a consonant. If the noun ended in a vowel instead, you would use 예요 instead of 이에요.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the social context. For a more formal and respectful introduction, you can use the word 입니다. If you are speaking to close friends or people younger than you, the informal version 나는 학생이야 is used. The phrase 학생이야 also means "am a student" in an informal context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending 이에요 serves as the polite form of the verb "to be" when it follows a noun ending in a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
jeoneun haksaeng-ieyo
Did you know?
- Because Korean is a high-context language, you can often omit the word 'I' entirely if the situation makes it clear you are talking about yourself. Simply saying 학생이에요 is often more natural than the full version provided on this page.
- In Korea, 학생 is often used as a generic term of address for any young person, even if they are not currently enrolled in a class.
- The word 학생 is a Sino-Korean word derived from Chinese characters meaning 'learning' and 'person'.
Examples in context
- 저는 학생이에요.I am a student.This sentence is useful for stating your identity as a student.Tatoeba #3421752 by JiMin, translation #252287 by CK
- 나는 학생이야.I am a student
Example conversation
Do-hyeon and Seo-yeon meet for the first time at a cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon반가워요. 이름이 뭐예요?bangawoyo. ireumi mwoyeyo?Nice to meet you. What is your name?
- 서연 Seo-yeon저는 서연이에요. 도현 씨는 직장인이세요?jeoneun seoyeon-ieyo. do-hyeon ssineun jikjang-iniseyo?I am Seo-yeon. Are you an office worker, Do-hyeon?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 저는 학생이에요.aniyo, jeoneun haksaeng-ieyo.No, I am a student.
- 서연 Seo-yeon아, 그렇군요. 전공이 뭐예요?a, geureokunyo. jeongong-i mwoyeyo?Ah, I see. What is your major?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
