말해
malhae
In Korean, "say it" is translated as 말해 (malhae).
This phrase is used as a command to tell someone to speak or to reveal a piece of information.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 말해 is a combination of the verb 말하다 (to speak/say) and its conjugated informal form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 말해 is the casual, non-honorific version used with friends or people younger than you. For a very strong and blunt command, such as those used by superiors to subordinates or in literature, you can use the imperative form 말해라.
How do you pronounce it?
malhae
Did you know?
- The Korean language conceptualizes the ability to speak as a physical entrance called 말문, or 'speech gate'. If a person is too shocked to 'say it', they are described as having their 말문 blocked.
- The noun form of the root word, 말, can also mean 'horse' in Korean, though the context usually makes the distinction clear.
- The phrase 말만 해 literally means 'only speak', but it functions as an idiom meaning 'just say the word' to promise the listener that you will do any favor they request.
Examples in context
- 어떻게 말해요?How do you say it?This sentence is useful for asking how to use the verb 말해.Tatoeba #3695258 by Queserasera, translation #3953908 by KoreanBeaver
- 다시 한 번 말해 주세요.Please say it again.This sentence uses the form 말해 to politely ask someone to repeat something.Tatoeba #13192535 by atitarev, translation #4749552 by luckystar
- 말하고 싶은 게 많은데 못 말해.There's so much I want to say, but I can't say it.This sentence uses the form 말해 to express an inability to speak.Tatoeba #13879036 by Lumi, translation #13879037 by Lumi
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are talking about a secret.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo무슨 일인지 빨리 말해.museun ilinji ppalli malhae.Say it quickly, what is the matter.
- 민지 Min-ji사실은 비밀이야.sasireun bimirya.Actually, it is a secret.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo나한테만 말해.nahanteman malhae.Just say it to me.
- 민지 Min-ji알겠어, 말할게.algesseo, malhalge.Okay, I will tell you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
