위에
wie
The English phrase "on" is translated into Korean as 위에 (wie).
위에 is used to describe something positioned at or resting against the outer surface of something, or attached to something.
Meaning: positioned at or resting against the outer surface of, attached to (prep)
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, 위에 can mean "on" (where an object is touching a surface) or "above" (where an object may or may not be touching the surface).
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 에 is used with 위 to indicate a location, making 위에 the standard way to say "on" or "on top of". Note that the particle 에 is also used when talking about days of the week, such as following a specific day.
How do you pronounce it?
wie
Did you know?
- The word 위 can also refer to the 'stomach' in certain anatomical contexts or medical discussions, creating a linguistic link between 'top' and the upper body.
- To describe something 'on' a wall, Koreans often use 에 alone or 벽에 without adding 위, because a wall is seen as a surface rather than a 'top'.
- The word 위 (top) is also used in many common Korean idioms to describe being 'above' someone in social hierarchy or status.
Examples in context
- 여기 잔디 위에 앉자.Let's sit here on the grass.This sentence shows how to use 위에 when suggesting a place to sit.Tatoeba #11106786 by intertime, translation #61693 by CK
- 고양이 한 마리가 의자 위에 앉아 있다.A cat was sitting on the chair.This sentence illustrates using 위에 to describe a cat's position on a chair.Tatoeba #11106109 by intertime, translation #35822 by CK
- 책상 위에 책이 있어요.The book is on the desk.This sentence demonstrates using 위에 to state where a book is located on a desk.Tatoeba #5099448 by chris3spice, translation #2351693 by AlexJ22
- 책상에 컴퓨터를 놨어요.I placed the computer on the desk.
- 밥에 소금 넣었어.I put salt on the rice.
- 6월 5일에On June 5th
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are looking for Minji's phone in the living room.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 휴대폰 어디 있어요?Minji ssi, hyudaepon eodi isseoyo?Minji, where is your phone?
- 민지 Min-ji식탁 위에 있어요.Siktak wie isseoyo.It is on the dining table.
- 민준 Min-jun아, 저기 테이블 위에 있네요!A, jeogi teibeul wie inneyo!Ah, it is over there on the table!
- 민지 Min-ji고마워요, 민준 씨.Gomawoyo, Minjun ssi.Thank you, Minjun.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
