내 딸
nae ttal
The Korean phrase for "my daughter" is 내 딸 (nae ttal).
This phrase is used by a parent to refer to their female child.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression consists of 내 (nae), meaning "my" and 딸 (ttal), meaning "daughter".
Which one should you use?
Additionally, 제 딸 is a respectful version used when speaking to someone of higher status or an older person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
내 딸 is an informal expression used when talking to friends, siblings or people of a similar age. In contrast, 제 딸 is the formal and respectful way to refer to your daughter when speaking to someone of higher status or older age.
How do you pronounce it?
nae ttal
Did you know?
- The sound 내 was once used as the general word for 'smoke', but it was replaced by the word 연기 because 내 had too many homophones.
- In Korean culture, parents may refer to their daughter using a 'nickname' or 'childhood name' rather than the formal word 딸 when speaking to her directly.
- Depending on the region, the pronunciation of the double consonant in 딸 can vary slightly in intensity, though the spelling remains the same.
Examples in context
- 내 딸은 3살일 뿐이야.My daughter is only three years old.This sentence is useful for describing the age of your daughter using 내 딸.Tatoeba #8366746 by Eunhee, translation #8366699 by CK
- 내 딸은 아직 꽤 어려.My daughter is still quite young.This sentence is useful for stating that your daughter is young using 내 딸.Tatoeba #8366750 by Eunhee, translation #8366698 by CK
- 내 딸은 아직 3 살 아래야.My daughter is still under three years old.This sentence is useful for specifying that your daughter is under three years old using 내 딸.Tatoeba #8366748 by Eunhee, translation #8366702 by CK
- 제 딸은 매우 우아합니다.My daughter is very elegant.
- 내 딸은 천사 같아.My daughter is like an angel.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two parents are chatting at a school event.
- 도현 Do-hyeon내 딸은 이제 초등학교에 가요.nae ttaleun ije chodeung-hakkyoe gayo.My daughter is starting elementary school now.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 빠르네요! 벌써 다 컸어요.jeongmal ppareuneyo! beolsseo da keosseoyo.That's so fast! She's already grown up.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 내 딸이 정말 기대하고 있어요.ne, nae ttari jeongmal gidae-hago isseoyo.Yes, my daughter is really looking forward to it.
- 수빈 Su-bin수빈 씨 딸도 곧 학교에 갈 거예요.subin ssi ttaldo got hakkyoe gal geoyeyo.Subin's daughter will go to school soon too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 내, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
