Learning how to effectively express “I told you” in Korean can come in handy in various situations, whether you’re casually chatting with friends or engaging in a more formal conversation. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways to convey this phrase, as well as provide some regional variations when necessary. By the end, you’ll feel confident in using “I told you” correctly in Korean.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways
When expressing “I told you” formally, you’ll want to use polite language and honorifics. Here are a few common phrases:
Formal Phrase 1: 말씀드렸습니다 (malssumdeuryeossseumnida)
Formal Phrase 2: 말씀하셨어요 (malssumhasyeosseoyo)
Formal Phrase 3: 얘기드렸어요 (yaegideuryeosseoyo)
Let’s break down each phrase and provide some examples:
- 말씀드렸습니다 (malssumdeuryeossseumnida): This is the most formal way to say “I told you.” It is often used when speaking to someone older or in a higher position.
Example: 제가 그러지 말씀드렸습니다. (Je-ga geureoji malssumdeuryeossseumnida.) – I told you not to do that.
말씀하셨어요 (malssumhasyeosseoyo): This phrase is still formal but slightly less polite. It can be used in situations where a higher level of politeness is not necessary, such as with colleagues or acquaintances.
Example: 어제 전화로 말씀하셨어요. (Eoje jeonhwa-ro malssumhasyeosseoyo.) – I told you over the phone yesterday.
얘기드렸어요 (yaegideuryeosseoyo): This is another way to express “I told you” formally, slightly less common but still appropriate in formal settings. It can be used interchangeably with the previous phrases.
Example: 그 여행 계획을 얘기드렸어요. (Geu yeohaeng gyehoek-eul yaegideuryeosseoyo.) – I told you about that travel plan.
2. Informal Ways
When speaking informally with friends, family, or people of similar age and status, you can use more casual expressions to convey “I told you.” Here are a few popular options:
Informal Phrase 1: 말했잖아 (malhaessjanha)
Informal Phrase 2: 말했어 (malhaesseo)
Informal Phrase 3: 그러지 말라고 했잖아 (geureoji mallago haessjanha)
Now, let’s dive into each expression and provide some examples:
- 말했잖아 (malhaessjanha): This is a casual and straightforward way to say “I told you” to friends or people you have a close relationship with. It’s commonly used in everyday conversations.
Example: 너가 말 안 들었잖아. (Neo-ga mal an deureossjanha.) – You didn’t listen to what I said.
말했어 (malhaesseo): A shorter version of the previous phrase, but it carries the same meaning. It’s often used in quick, casual exchanges among friends.
Example: 그거 안 좋다고 말했어. (Geugeo an johdago malhaesseo.) – I told you that wasn’t good.
그러지 말라고 했잖아 (geureoji mallago haessjanha): This expression encompasses the idea of warning or advising someone against doing something. It’s commonly used among friends or close acquaintances.
Example: 친구들이랑 놀라고 했잖아. 왜 혼자 놀고 있어? (Chingudeurang nollago haessjanha. Wae honja nolgo isseo?) – I told you to hang out with friends. Why are you alone?
Regional Variations
While there aren’t significant regional variations when it comes to expressing “I told you” in Korean, there might be slight differences in pronunciation or intonation. The phrases mentioned above are generally understood and used throughout Korea. However, keep in mind that certain dialects might have alternative expressions specific to the region.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you’ve learned how to say “I told you” in Korean, you’re well-equipped to use this phrase confidently in various contexts. Remember to adjust your language to match the formality level of your conversation and the relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Also, keep in mind regional variations, even though they are minimal.
Practice using these expressions in your conversations, and you’ll quickly become more comfortable with them. Remember, learning Korean, like any language, takes time and practice. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process as you expand your language skills.
Happy learning!
