마이 레이디
mai reidi
The English phrase 'my lady' can be expressed in Korean as 마이 레이디 (mai reidi).
마이 레이디 is used as an address towards a peeress.
Meaning: address towards a peeress (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
mai reidi
Did you know?
- The word 마이 in this phrase is derived from the Japanese word 片前 via an earlier form 가다마이.
- In Korean fantasy literature, the phrase 마이 레이디 is a linguistic shorthand used to instantly tell the reader the setting is inspired by Western medieval tropes.
- Korean typically uses a complex system of honorifics to address social superiors rather than direct loanwords like 마이 레이디.
Example conversation
Dohyun is greeting Jieun at a formal party.
- 지은 Ji-eun반가워요, 도현 씨.bangawoyo, dohyun ssi.Nice to meet you, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon마이 레이디, 오늘 정말 빛나시네요.mai reidi, oneul jeongmal binnasineyo.My lady, you are truly shining today.
- 지은 Ji-eun칭찬해 줘서 고마워요.chingchanhae jwoseo gomawoyo.Thank you for the compliment.
- 도현 Do-hyeon함께 춤추시겠어요?hamkke chumchusigesseoyo?Would you like to dance with me?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 마이, CC BY-SA 4.0.
