Learning how to say different phrases and expressions in Korean can greatly enhance your communication skills when interacting with Korean speakers. Whether you are planning to visit South Korea, have Korean friends or simply have an interest in the Korean language, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the various ways to say “how to say” in Korean, both formally and informally.
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Formal Ways to Say “How to Say” in Korean
In formal situations, it is important to use appropriate language and honorifics when asking for the translation of a word or phrase in Korean. Here are a few ways you can express “how to say” formally:
- 어떻게 말합니까? (Eotteohge malhamnikka?) – This is the most common and formal way to ask “how to say” in Korean. It literally translates to “How do you say it?” and is a polite way to inquire about a specific word or phrase.
- 어떻게 표현합니까? (Eotteohge pyohyeonhamnikka?) – This phrase specifically asks how to express something in Korean. It is often used when seeking the correct terminology or finding the appropriate words for a particular situation.
- 이 한국말로 어떻게 말하나요? (I Hangukmallo eotteohge malhanayo?) – This sentence, meaning “How do you say it in Korean?” is an indirect way of asking someone to provide a translation or word meaning, emphasizing that it is for your understanding.
Informal Ways to Say “How to Say” in Korean
When you are in a casual or friendly setting, you can use a more relaxed tone to ask how to say something in Korean. Here are a few informal expressions:
- 어떻게 말해? (Eotteohge malhae?) – This is the standard way to ask “how to say” in informal situations. It is commonly used among friends or people of the same age group. Remember, using informal language should only be done with people you are on familiar terms with.
- 이거 한국말로 어떻게 말하지? (Igeo Hangukmallo eotteohge malhaji?) – This question translates to “How do you say this in Korean?” and is an informal way to inquire about the translation of a specific word or phrase. It is often used when seeking help from friends or peers.
- 이거 한국어로 어떻게 말하지? (Igeo Hangugeo eotteohge malhaji?) – Similar to the previous expression, this phrase asks for the translation of something into Korean. It is commonly used among friends who are learning the language together and seeking assistance from each other.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to help you effectively ask “how to say” in Korean:
- Be polite: When in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of being too formal rather than too informal, especially when conversing with strangers or older individuals.
- Provide context: When asking how to say something, it is helpful to provide some context or situation in which the word or phrase will be used. This will enable the other person to give you a more accurate translation.
- Actively listen and repeat: When someone provides you with the translation, make sure to actively listen and repeat the word or phrase to improve your pronunciation and reinforce your learning.
Example conversation:
Person A: 어떻게 ‘thank you’ 라고 말해요? (Eotteohge ‘thank you’ rago malhaeyo?)
Person B: ‘Thank you’는 ‘고맙습니다’ 또는 ‘감사합니다’라고 말해요. (‘Thank you’neun ‘gomapsumnida’ ttoneun ‘gamsahamnida’ rago malhaeyo.)
Translation:
Person A: How do you say ‘thank you’?
Person B: ‘Thank you’ can be expressed as ‘고맙습니다’ or ‘감사합니다’.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to ask native speakers or language exchange partners for assistance and clarification when learning how to say something in Korean. Enjoy the journey of expanding your language skills and embracing the Korean culture!
