말하다
malhada[ˈma̠(ː)ɾɦa̠da̠]
To say say in Korean, use the verb 말하다 (malhada). It is the common, general way to say something out loud or in writing.
말하다 covers both spoken and written communication, though it more strongly suggests the act of speaking. It suits formal conversations and written language.
Meaning: to communicate verbally or in writing (verb)
Which one should you use?
말하다 is for general speaking or saying something. 이야기하다 is more specifically used for having a conversation or telling a story.
How does it change in a sentence?
In everyday polite conversation the verb is usually conjugated to 말해요 rather than left in the dictionary form. When talking about the speech of someone older or of higher status, use the honorific form 말씀하시다 instead of 말하다.
How do you pronounce it?
말하다 is romanized as malhada.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use plain 말하다 for the words of an elder or a superior. Use 말씀하시다.
Did you know?
- The word 말 (mal), the root of 말하다, is a homonym that also means 'horse'. Context is the only way to tell if someone is talking about a conversation or an animal.
- Korean has a specific concept called 'nunchi' which involves 'reading' a person's intentions without them having to 말하다 anything at all.
- If you want to express 'to say' in a very formal or public setting, such as a news report or a speech, you might encounter the verb 말씀드리다 (malsseumdeurida). This is the humble version of the honorific, used when you are the one speaking to a superior.
Examples in context
- 어제 일은 미안하다고 말하고 싶어요. 괜찮아요. 아나.I want to say I’m sorry for yesterday. It’s okay, Anna.In 미안하다고 말하고 싶어요, the verb appears as 말하고 and joins the wish to say sorry.
- 선생님이 수업 중에 말씀하셨습니다.The teacher said during the class.
- 회의에서 대표가 중요한 문제에 대해 얘기했습니다.The representative talked about an important issue during the meeting.
- 이거 어디서 들었다고 말해 줘.Tell me where you heard this.
- 사실을 솔직하게 말하다.sasil-eul soljik-hage malhada.To say the truth honestly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 말하다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
