Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 질문 있다 | jilmun itda | |
| 질문 있어요 | jilmun isseoyo | informal, polite |
| 질문 있습니다 | jilmun itseumnida | formal, polite |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 질문 (jilmun), which means "question" and the verb 있다 (itda), which means "to exist" or "to have".
Which one should you use?
The phrase 질문 있어요 is a polite version used in everyday conversation. In contrast, 질문 있습니다 is the formal version used in professional or highly structured environments.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For everyday polite conversation with people you are not close to or those of higher status, use 질문 있어요. For highly formal settings such as interviews, presentations or speaking to a large audience, use 질문 있습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the sentence more grammatically complete, you can add the subject particle 이 to the noun, resulting in 질문이 있어요. Additionally, if you want to ask a question more softly or politely in a formal way, you can say 질문 좀 드릴 수 있을까요?, which means "May I ask a question?"
How do you pronounce it?
jilmun itda
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, asking a question is often framed as 'disturbing' or 'troubling' the listener, which is why the phrase 여쭤볼 것이 있습니다 is used to be extra respectful.
- In the phrase 질문 좀 드릴 수 있을까요?, the verb 드리다 is the humble version of 'to give', implying that the speaker is 'giving' their question to the listener as a gesture of respect.
- The word 질문 is actually a hybrid of Chinese characters, known as Sino-Korean, rather than a purely native Korean word.
Examples in context
- 질문 있어요.I have a question.This sentence is useful for practicing the polite form 질문 있어요.Tatoeba #13177670 by atitarev, translation #378292 by CK
- 선생님, 질문이 있습니다.Teacher, I have a question.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jieun and Dohyun are studying together at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현, 나 질문 있다.Dohyeon, na jilmun itda.Dohyun, I have a question.
- 도현 Do-hyeon어떤 게 궁금해?eotteon ge gunggeumhae?What are you curious about?
- 지은 Ji-eun이 부분 설명 좀 해줘.i bubun seolmyeong jom haejwo.Please explain this part to me.
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 알았어. 같이 보자.eung, arasseo. gachi boja.Okay, I got it. Let's look at it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I have a question” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 있다, 질문, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
