어떤 거
eotteon geo
In Korean, the phrase 'like what' is translated as 어떤 거 (eotteon geo).
어떤 거 is used to ask for a specific example of something that has been mentioned in a conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 어떤, meaning 'what kind of' and 거, meaning 'thing' or 'object'.
Which one should you use?
어떤 거 is the contracted, colloquial version of 어떤 것.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
어떤 거 is an informal form used in everyday conversation, whereas 어떤 것 is the formal version. This difference exists because 거 is the contraction of the full form 것.
How do you pronounce it?
eotteon geo
Did you know?
- The word 어떤 is a descendant of Middle Korean words found in the 1447 text Seokbo sangjeol. This means the root of the word has been used in written Korean for over five centuries.
- If you are speaking to someone much older or in a professional setting, using 어떤 거 might sound dismissive. In those cases, you would need to add a polite particle or use the formal 어떤 것 to remain respectful.
- Depending on the intonation, 어떤 거 can shift from a genuine question to a sarcastic 'like what?' Raising the pitch at the end makes it a query, while a flat tone can express skepticism.
Examples in context
- 그 영화 어떤 느낌이었어?What was the feeling like for that movie?
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are discussing what kind of music to listen to.
- 민지 Min-ji우리 새로운 음악 듣자.uri saeroun eumak deutja.Let's listen to some new music.
- 지훈 Ji-hun어떤 거 말이야?eotteon geo mariya?Like what are you talking about?
- 민지 Min-ji재즈 같은 거 어때?jejeu gateun geo eottae?How about something like jazz?
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아, 민지야.joa, Minji-ya.Sounds good, Minji.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 거, 어떤, CC BY-SA 4.0.
