그래?
geurae?
The English phrase "is it?" can be translated into Korean as 그래? (geurae?)
A question used to express surprise or interest in response to a statement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is formed from the stem of the verb 그러하다 (to be so) combined with a question-indicating ending.
Which one should you use?
The form 그래? is used with friends or people younger than you, whereas 그래요? should be used with strangers or people older than you. The phrase 맞아? is a common way to say "Is it?" in informal conversations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite version of the phrase is 그래요? The formal way to say "Is it?" is 입니까. The formal version of the phrase is 그렇습니까?, which translates to "Is it so?"
How do you pronounce it?
geurae?
Did you know?
- In text messaging, the phrase 그래? is often shortened to just the consonant ㄱㄹ? to save time and convey a casual tone.
- The word 맞아 (used in 맞아?) originally comes from the verb meaning 'to fit' or 'to be correct', like a puzzle piece fitting into a slot.
- Using the formal 그렇습니까? in a casual setting with friends would actually make you sound like you are joking or being sarcastically distant.
Examples in context
- 그것은 차입니까?Is that a car?
- 오늘은 비가 올 것입니까?Will it rain today?
- 이 책 좋아?Is this book good?
- 이 영화 본 적 있어요?Have you seen this movie before?
- 그게 정말 그래?geuge jeongmal geurae?Is that really true?
- 아, 그래?a, geurae?Oh, is it?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new movie at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji이 영화 진짜 재미있어.i yeonghwa jinja jaemiisseo.This movie is really fun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 그래?jeongmal geurae?Is it really?
- 민지 Min-ji응, 꼭 봐!eung, kkok bwa!Yes, you must see it!
- 도현 Do-hyeon알았어, 내일 볼게.arasseo, naeil bolge.Okay, I will watch it tomorrow.
