저 솔로예요
jeo solloyeyo
The English phrase "I am single" is translated into Korean as 저 솔로예요 (jeo solloyeyo).
This phrase is used to state that you are not currently in a romantic relationship. While there are formal terms like 미혼 (unmarried), the word 솔로 is the most common way to express being single within a social or dating context.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 솔로 is a loanword derived from the English word "solo," used here to mean a single person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To speak informally with friends or people younger than you, use 나 솔로야. If you need to be very formal and respectful, you can use 저는 독신입니다. or simply 독신입니다. Another informal option is 나는 싱글이야, which uses the borrowed English word "single" (싱글) to add a sense of informality.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 솔로예요, the ending -예요 is the polite form of the verb "to be" used after a noun that ends in a vowel.
How do you pronounce it?
jeo solloyeyo
Did you know?
- In Korean social dynamics, someone who is 솔로 might be teased with the term 모태솔로 (motae solo), which means they have been single since the moment of conception.
- The polite pronoun 저 used in this phrase was once mistakenly linked in dictionaries to the Chinese character for 'chopsticks' (箸) due to their identical sound.
- The phrase 저 솔로예요 uses the English word 'solo', which in English usually describes a performance or a task, but in Korean, it is the standard way to label a romantic status.
Examples in context
- 저는 현재도 독신입니다.I am still single.
- 나는 싱글이야.I am single.
- 진짜? 나도 싱글이야!Really? I am single too!
- 현재 저 솔로예요.hyeonjae jeo sollo-ye-yo.Currently, I am single.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are talking about their relationship status at a party.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨는 여자친구 있어요?Dohyun ssineun yeojachingu isseoyo?Dohyun, do you have a girlfriend?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 저 솔로예요. 수빈 씨는요?aniyo, jeo sollo-yeyo. Subin ssineun-yo?No, I am single. How about you, Subin?
- 수빈 Su-bin저도 저 솔로예요.jeodo jeo sollo-yeyo.I am single too.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말요? 반갑네요.jeongmallyo? bangapneyo.Really? That's good to hear.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 저, CC BY-SA 4.0.
