할 말이 있어요
hal mari isseoyo
In Korean, "I have something to tell you" is expressed as 할 말이 있어요 (hal mari isseoyo).
A phrase used to introduce a piece of information or a topic that the speaker wants to discuss.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 할 (to do/to say), 말 (word/speech) and 이 있어요 (there is/to have).
Which one should you use?
할 말이 있어요 is the standard polite way to use this phrase in everyday social situations. For more casual settings, you can use 말하고 싶은 게 있어 or 얘기하고 싶은 게 있어 or 할 말이 있어. In more formal contexts, you can use 제가 말하고 싶은 게 있습니다 or 말씀드리고 싶은 게 있습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version 할 말이 있어 is used with close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
hal mari isseoyo
Did you know?
- The word 말 (speech/word) shares the same pronunciation as the Korean word for 'horse'. While they are spelled differently in Korean script, this phonetic overlap is a common source of humor and wordplay in Korean linguistics.
- In Korean dramas, the phrase 할 말이 있어 is often used as a linguistic trigger to signal a sudden confession of love or a dramatic breakup.
- When you want to express 'I have something to tell you' in a very formal, professional setting, you might use the verb 드리다 (to give/offer). This turns the act of speaking into an act of 'offering' information to the listener, showing deep respect.
Examples in context
- 도현 씨, 할 말이 있어요.Dohyeon-ssi, hal mari isseoyo.Dohyeon, I have something to tell you.
- 잠깐만요, 할 말이 있어요.Jamkkanmanyo, hal mari isseoyo.Wait a moment, I have something to tell you.
- 진지하게 할 말이 있어요.Jinji-hage hal mari isseoyo.I have something serious to tell you.
Example conversation
Dohyun approaches Seoyeon at the office.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨, 할 말이 있어요.Seoyeon ssi, hal mari isseoyo.Seoyeon, I have something to tell you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네? 무슨 일이에요?ne? museun irieyo?Yes? What is it?
- 도현 Do-hyeon다음 주에 고향에 가요.daeum jue gohyange gayo.I am going to my hometown next week.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 잘 다녀오세요.jeongmalyo? jal danyeo-oseyo.Really? Have a safe trip.
