What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the humble pronoun 저 and the polite verb ending -예요, which is the form of the verb "to be" used when the preceding noun ends in a vowel.
Which one should you use?
While 저는 리사예요 is a polite way to introduce yourself, you can also use the formal 저는 리사입니다 or the more descriptive 저는 리사라고 합니다, which means "I am called Lisa". For casual settings, the informal version 나는 리사야 is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 저는 리사예요 is polite and appropriate for most social situations, such as meeting a stranger or a colleague for the first time. Use the formal 저는 리사입니다 or 저는 리사라고 합니다 (I am called Lisa) in very formal settings. Conversely, use the informal 나는 리사야 or 나는 리사라고 해 when speaking to friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite verb ending -예요 is used when the noun you are identifying ends in a vowel. In the informal version, the pronoun changes from the humble 저는 to the casual 나는 and the expression 라고 합니다 (to be called) becomes the informal 라고 해.
How do you pronounce it?
jeoneun risayeyo
Did you know?
- In many social situations, Koreans will rarely use the phrase 저는 리사예요 to refer to themselves by name. Instead, they often use their professional title or a relationship term, such as 'Teacher Lisa' or 'Manager Lisa', to identify themselves.
- When introducing yourself, it is customary to accompany the phrase with a slight bow, the depth of which depends on the social status of the person you are meeting.
- When using the version 저는 리사입니다, the verb 입니다 is actually a 'copula' that functions differently than the English 'to be'. It is so formal that using it in a casual setting with friends could make you sound like a character in a historical drama or a high-ranking official.
Examples in context
- 저는 리사예요.jeoneun risayeyo.I am Lisa.
- 만나서 반가워요, 저는 리사예요.mannaseo bangawoyo, jeoneun risayeyo.Nice to meet you, I am Lisa.
- 처음 뵙겠습니다, 저는 리사예요.cheoeum boepgetseumnida, jeoneun risayeyo.How do you do, I am Lisa.
Example conversation
Two people are meeting for the first time at a party.
- 도현 Do-hyeon안녕하세요, 이름이 뭐예요?annyeonghaseyo, ireumi mwoyeyo?Hello, what is your name?
- 수빈 Su-bin안녕하세요, 저는 리사예요.annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun risayeyo.Hello, I am Lisa.
- 도현 Do-hyeon반가워요, 리사 씨. 저는 도현이에요.bangawoyo, risa ssi. jeoneun dohyeonieyo.Nice to meet you, Lisa. I am Dohyun.
- 수빈 Su-bin만나서 반가워요, 도현 씨.mannaseo bangawoyo, dohyun ssi.It is nice to meet you, Dohyun.
