소개
sogae[sʰo̞ɡɛ]
The Korean word for introduction is 소개 (sogae).
소개 is a noun meaning the means of presenting one person to another. To use it as a verb meaning 'to introduce', you can combine it with the verb 하다 to form 소개하다.
Meaning: means of presenting one person to another (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 소개 refers to a general introduction, 자기소개 specifically means 'self-introduction'. Additionally, the informal term 소개팅 is used specifically to refer to blind dates or informal meetings where people are introduced to one another.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural speech, you will often see the noun 소개 used with the object marker 를 and the verb 하다 to form the phrase 소개를 하다, which means 'to do an introduction'. When addressing others, you can use the honorific title 님 after someone's name to show respect.
How do you pronounce it?
sogae
Did you know?
- In a professional 소개, it is customary to introduce the person with the lower rank or status to the person with the higher rank first.
- In Korea, a 'blind date' is often called a 소개팅 (sogaeting), which is a portmanteau of 소개 (introduction) and the English word 'meeting'.
- During a formal 자기소개 or self-introduction, it is common to mention one's hometown or alma mater to establish a social connection with the listener.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요, 제 이름은 [Your Name]입니다. 이 자리를 빌어서 간단히 자기소개를 드리겠습니다.Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I would like to briefly introduce myself.
- 여러분, 이 분은 [Person's Name]씨예요. 간단히 소개해 드리겠습니다.Ladies and gentlemen, this is Mr./Ms. [Person's Name]. Let me introduce them briefly.
- 너 소개팅 어땠어? 좋은 사람 만났어?How was your blind date? Did you meet a nice person?
- 안녕하세요, [Person's Name]님. 저는 [Your Name]입니다.Hello, Mr./Ms. [Person's Name]. I am [Your Name].
- 자기소개Self-introduction
- 친구의 소개로 만났어요.chin-gu-ui sogae-ro mannasseoyo.I met them through a friend's introduction.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are at a social gathering.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 제 소개를 할게요.Jihun ssi, je sogae-reul halgeyo.Jihun, let me introduce myself.
- 지훈 Ji-hun반가워요, 수빈 씨.Banga-woyo, Subin ssi.Nice to meet you, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin이쪽은 제 친구예요.Ijjok-eun je chin-gu-ye-yo.This is my friend.
- 지훈 Ji-hun소개해 줘서 고마워요.Sogae-hae jwoseo goma-woyo.Thank you for the introduction.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “introduction” translations and entries 소개, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
