제 이름
The English phrase "my name" is translated into Korean as 제 이름.
The word 이름 means "name" in Korean.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 제 (my, humble/polite form) and 이름 (name).
Which one should you use?
While 제 이름 is used in polite or formal settings, 내 이름 is the informal version used with friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using "my name" as the subject of a sentence (e.g., "My name is…"), the topic marker 은 is typically attached to form 제 이름은. Additionally, 제 is a formal way of saying "my" or "I," while 내 is a casual way of saying "my" or "I." The word 입니다 is a formal way of saying "is" or "am."
Did you know?
- Korean has different words for 'name' depending on who you are talking about. While you use 이름 for yourself and peers, you use the honorific term 성함 when asking for the name of a superior or elder.
- In many professional Korean introductions, people often omit 'my name' entirely and instead use their job title or affiliation to establish their identity.
- The polite form 제 is actually a historical contraction of the humble pronoun 저 and the nominative particle -이.
Examples in context
- 제 이름은 스테판이고 이 분은 크리스티안입니다.My name is Stephan and this is Christian.This sentence is useful for introducing yourself and another person using 제 이름.Tatoeba #10617746 by ssuss32, translation #13117226 by LeeisureTime
- 제 이름은 톰입니다.My name is Tom.This sentence is useful for stating your name using 제 이름.Tatoeba #9793333 by Eunhee, translation #1173265 by cntrational
- 제 이름 기억하십니까?Do you remember my name?This sentence is useful for asking if someone remembers 제 이름.Tatoeba #11105604 by intertime, translation #2645534 by CK
- 제 이름은 에밀리입니다.My name is Emily.
- 제 이름은 존입니다.My name is John.
- 제 이름은 릴리입니다.My name is Lily.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Jieun meet for the first time at a workshop.
- 도현 Do-hyeon안녕하세요, 제 이름은 도현입니다.Annyeonghaseyo, je ireumeun Dohyeon-imnida.Hello, my name is Dohyun.
- 지은 Ji-eun반가워요, 도현 씨. 저는 지은이에요.Bangawoyo, Dohyeon ssi. Jeoneun Jieun-ieyo.Nice to meet you, Dohyun. I am Jieun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon만나서 반갑습니다, 지은 씨.Mannaseo bangapsumnida, Jieun ssi.It is a pleasure to meet you, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 잘 부탁드립니다.Ne, jal butakdeurimnida.Yes, I look forward to working with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 제, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
