In Korean, expressing “like what” can come in handy when you want to ask for clarification or inquire about someone’s preferences. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “like what” in both formal and informal settings, along with various tips, examples, and regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Like What” in Korean
When speaking formally in Korean, you can use the following phrases to ask “like what”:
1. 어떤 것처럼 (eotteon geoscheoreom)
This phrase is commonly used in formal contexts to mean “like what” or “in what way.” It can be used to ask for general information or specific details.
Example: “어떤 것처럼 말해 보세요?” (Eotteon geoscheoreom malhae boseyo?) – “Can you say it like what?”
2. 어떠한지 (eotteohanjeungji)
Similar to “어떤 것처럼,” this phrase is more formal and is used to inquire about the nature or state of something. It can also be used to ask “like what” in a more abstract sense.
Example: “그 사람 어떠한지 알아요?” (Geu saram eotteohanjeungji arayo?) – “Do you know what kind of person he is?”
Informal Ways to Say “Like What” in Korean
When speaking informally or with friends in Korean, feel free to use these more casual expressions:
1. 어떻게 (eotteoke)
The word “어떻게” translates to “how” in English, but it can also be used to ask “like what” in a casual manner. It’s versatile and widely used among friends.
Example: “오늘 저녁 어떻게 할까?” (Oneul jeonyeok eotteoke halkka?) – “What should we do for dinner tonight?”
2. 어떤 느낌 (eotteon neukkim)
If you want to ask someone about a feeling or impression, you can use “어떤 느낌.” This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations.
Example: “그 영화 어떤 느낌이었어?” (Geu yeonghwa eotteon neukkimieosseo?) – “What was the feeling like for that movie?”
Regional Variations
While Korean is primarily a standard language, there are some regional variations in certain dialects. Let’s explore how “like what” may differ across regions:
1. Seoul Dialect
In the Seoul dialect, the phrase “like what” is often expressed as “어떻게” in both formal and informal situations.
2. Busan Dialect
In the Busan dialect, people may use “어떠할건지 (eotteohalgeonji)” instead of “어떻게” or “어떠한지” to ask “like what,” especially in informal settings.
Tips for Usage
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when using these phrases in Korean:
1. Politeness Matters
Remember to adjust the level of politeness based on the context and the person you are speaking to. Formal expressions are more appropriate when talking to strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
2. Contextual Understanding
Understanding the context is essential to determine the most appropriate way to ask “like what” in Korean. Be mindful of the situation and tailor your phrase accordingly.
3. Practice Listening and Speaking
Listening to native speakers and practicing speaking will help you get a better grasp of the nuances in pronunciation and intonation when using these phrases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to ask “like what” in Korean is beneficial for effective communication and understanding. Whether you choose a formal or informal expression, always adapt your language to the context. Remember to practice actively listening, speaking, and gradually incorporating these phrases into your Korean conversations. Happy learning!
