그렇지
geureochi
The English phrase "isn't it" can be translated into Korean as 그렇지 (geureochi).
In Korean, these phrases function as tag questions used to ask for agreement or confirmation of a statement. While 그렇지 is primarily used to confirm a fact or seek agreement, it can also serve as an exclamation of realization, such as "That's right!" or "I knew it!"
Which one should you use?
The phrase 그렇지 is used to seek agreement, whereas the more explicit negative question "isn't it?" is formed using 그렇지 않아?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The choice of phrase depends on the level of politeness required. 그렇지 is an informal way to say "isn't it" or "right?" used with friends or people younger than you. For a polite version suitable for strangers or elders, you can add the suffix –요 to the end to create 그렇죠. For formal situations, use 아니겠습니까. There are also informal variations: 아니야 is a casual way to say it, while 아니지 is a friendlier informal way.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form a more explicit negative question like "isn't it?", you can use the negative form 그렇지 않아?
How do you pronounce it?
geureochi
Did you know?
- When Koreans reach a 'eureka' moment while saying 그렇지, they often pair the phrase with a physical gesture, such as slapping their thigh or nodding vigorously to emphasize the realization.
- The root of 그렇지 is 그렇다, which describes a state of being 'like that' rather than the concept of logical truth.
- Using the polite form 그렇죠 too frequently during a conversation can inadvertently make the speaker sound pushy, as it may feel like you are pressuring the listener to agree with your every point.
Examples in context
- 그렇습니다, 아니겠습니까?That's correct, isn't it?
- 오늘 날씨 정말 좋지, 그렇지?oneul nalssi jeongmal joji, geureotji?The weather is really nice today, isn't it?
- 이 영화 정말 재미있지, 그렇지?i yeonghwa jeongmal jaemiitji, geureotji?This movie is really fun, isn't it?
- 그게 네 생각이지, 그렇지?geuge ne saenggagiji, geureotji?That's what you think, isn't it?
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting in a cafe discussing a new song.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 노래 정말 좋지, 그렇지?i norae jeongmal joji, geureotji?This song is really good, isn't it?
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 정말 좋아.eung, jeongmal joha.Yes, it's really good.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은이도 이 가수 좋아하지, 그렇지?jieunido i gasu johaji, geureotji?You like this singer too, don't you, Jieun?
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아, 완전 내 스타일이야.maja, wanjeon nae seutairiya.Right, it's totally my style.
