Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “on” in Korean! Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced learner, this guide will provide you with different ways to express “on” in both formal and informal contexts. Additionally, we will include various examples and useful tips to help you better understand and use these expressions. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “On” in Korean
When using Korean in more formal situations, there are a few ways to express “on” depending on the context. Let’s explore some of the most common options:
1. ~에서 (~eseo)
This is the most common and versatile way to indicate “on” in Korean. “~에서” can be used for both time and location. When talking about time, simply attach “~에서” to the place or object you want to mention. For instance:
오후에 도서관에서 공부했어요.
(Ohu-ye doseogwan-eseo gongbuhaesseoyo.)
I studied at the library in the afternoon.
To express “on” when referring to a physical location, use “~에서” with the place you want to mention. For example:
카페에서 친구랑 만났어요.
(Kape-eseo chinguran mannasseoyo.)
I met my friend at the cafe.
2. ~에 (~e)
This particle is used to indicate “on” when talking about physical locations or surfaces. It is commonly used with verbs related to placement, such as “놓다” (to put) or “올리다” (to place). Here’s an example:
책상에 컴퓨터를 놨어요.
(Chaeksange keomp-yuteoreul nonasseoyo.)
I placed the computer on the desk.
Informal Ways to Say “On” in Korean
Now, let’s explore informal ways to express “on” in Korean. These expressions are commonly used in everyday conversations with friends, family, or peers.
1. ~에 (~e)
Similar to the formal usage, “~에” can also be used informally. For example:
밥에 소금 넣었어.
(Bape sogum neoeosseo.)
I put salt on the rice.
2. ~위에 (~wie)
This particle is used to indicate “on” when talking specifically about surfaces or objects. It is more commonly used in informal conversations. Take a look at the following example:
신발이 집안 위에 있어.
(Sinbali jiban wie isseo.)
The shoes are on the floor.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the usage of “on” in Korean:
- Tip 1: For expressing “on top of” in Korean, you can use “~위에” (wie) or “~위로” (wiro) interchangeably. They both convey the same meaning.
- Tip 2: When talking about days of the week in Korean, instead of using “on” as in English, you simply say the day followed by “에” (e). For example, “Monday” would be “월요일에” (woryoil-e).
- Tip 3: When indicating a specific date, use “일” (il) instead of “에” (e). For instance, “on June 5th” would be “6월 5일에” (yugwol o-il-e).
Now let’s explore some additional examples to further solidify your understanding:
- 책이 책상에 있어요. (Chaegi chaeksang-e isseoyo.) – The book is on the desk.
- 휴대폰이 가방 안에 있어요. (Hyudaepon-i gabang ane isseoyo.) – The phone is in the bag.
- 텔레비전 위에 원격을 놓으세요. (Tellebijeon wie won-gyeok-eul no-euseyo.) – Put the remote on top of the TV.
- 나는 자전거를 공원에 두고 갔어. (Naneun jajeongeoreul gong-won-e dugo gasseo.) – I left my bicycle in the park and went.
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “on” in Korean. Whether you need to express physical location or time, you are equipped with a variety of phrases and particles to accurately convey your message. Remember to practice using these expressions in everyday conversations to improve your fluency. Happy learning!
