저는 한국계 미국인이에요
jeoneun hangukgye miguginieyo
The English phrase "I am Korean American" is translated into Korean as 저는 한국계 미국인이에요 (jeoneun hangukgye miguginieyo).
This phrase is used to identify yourself as a United States citizen of Korean descent. The core component 한국계 미국인 means "Korean American."
Which one should you use?
The different versions of this phrase change based on how formal or casual you want to be.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Seoul, the expression 나는 한국계 미국인이야(요) is used, often adding 요 to soften the tone.
How do you pronounce it?
jeoneun hangukgye miguginieyo
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word for American 미국인 contains the character 미, which means 'beautiful'. This is a phonetic transcription of 'America' that happens to use the word for 'beauty'.
- While 한국계 미국인 is the standard term, some people use the loanword 교포 to describe Koreans living abroad. This term carries a specific social nuance regarding the 'diaspora' experience that the formal phrase does not.
- Korean is a 'pro-drop' language, meaning you can often omit the word 저는 ('I') entirely. If the context is clear, saying just 한국계 미국인이에요 is more natural to native speakers than including the pronoun.
Examples in context
- 저는 한국계 미국인이에요.jeoneun hangukgye miguginieyo.I am Korean American.
- 사실 저는 한국계 미국인이에요.sasil jeoneun hangukgye miguginieyo.Actually, I am Korean American.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are meeting for the first time at a social gathering.
- 지훈 Ji-hun안녕하세요, 지훈이라고 해요.annyeonghaseyo, jihoonirago haeyo.Hello, my name is Jihoon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon반가워요, 저는 서연이에요. 한국 분이세요?bangawoyo, jeoneun seoyeonieyo. hanguk buniseyo?Nice to meet you, I am Seoyeon. Are you Korean?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니요, 저는 한국계 미국인이에요.aniyo, jeoneun hangukgye miguginieyo.No, I am Korean American.
- 서연 Seo-yeon아, 그렇군요!a, geureokunyo!Ah, I see!
