Guide: How to Say “So What?” in Korean

Learning how to express the phrase “so what?” in Korean can be useful in various situations, whether you want to show indifference, dismissiveness, or curiosity. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “so what?” in the Korean language. We’ll also cover regional variations if necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Formal Ways to Say “So What?” in Korean

When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use respectful language. Here are a few phrases you can use to convey the meaning of “so what?” politely:

1. 어떻게 되는 거예요? (eotteoke doeneun geoyeyo?)

“어떻게 되는 거예요?” is a polite way to ask “so what?” or “what happens?” when you want more information or clarification about a specific situation. This phrase can be used in professional or formal settings to politely seek further details.

2. 그래서 어떤 영향이 있나요? (geuraeseo eotteon yeonghyangi innayo?)

If you want to understand the impact or consequences of something, this phrase is suitable. It can be used in formal conversations or discussions when you need a clear overview of the situation.

Informal Ways to Say “So What?” in Korean

For casual situations or conversations with friends, family, or close acquaintances, you can opt for a more informal approach by using these phrases:

1. 그게 뭐 어때? (geuge mwo eottae?)

“그게 뭐 어때?” is a common way to say “so what?” in a casual context. This phrase can express indifference or dismissiveness when you’re not interested in the topic or want to downplay its importance.

2. 그럼 어쨌는데? (geureom eojjaetneunde?)

In informal situations, using “그럼 어쨌는데?” can be a way to ask “so what?” or “what difference does it make?” It implies a lack of concern or belief that the discussed matter holds any significance.

Tips for Using “So What?” in Korean

Here are a few tips to help you effectively use the phrase “so what?” in Korean:

1. Consider the Context:

Always consider the context and tone of the conversation. The appropriateness of the phrases mentioned above can vary depending on the situation and the level of formality required.

2. Polite Intonation:

Remember that the tone of your voice influences your overall message. When using polite phrases, make sure to adopt a respectful and neutral tone to convey your message appropriately.

3. Mimicking Natural Speech:

Listen to native Korean speakers and try to mimic their intonation and speech patterns. This will help you sound more natural when using phrases like “so what?” in Korean.

Examples:

Let’s take a look at a few examples of how to use the phrases mentioned above:

  • Formal:

    During a business meeting, you can ask your colleague:

    어떻게 되는 거예요? 이 계획은 회사에 어떤 영향이 있을까요? (Eotteoke doeneun geoyeyo? I gyeheomeun hoesae eotteon yeonghyangi isseulkka yo?)

    (What happens? What impact will this plan have on the company?)

  • Informal:

    Having a conversation with a friend, you can respond nonchalantly:

    그게 뭐 어때? 별로 중요하지 않아. (Geuge mwo eottae? Byeorro jungyohaji anha.)

    (So what? It’s not important.)

Remember, the key to effectively using these phrases is to understand the overall context and tailor your response accordingly.

Regional Variations

While there aren’t significant regional variations in the way “so what?” is expressed in Korean, you might encounter slight differences in dialects or accents within Korea. However, the phrases provided earlier can generally be used throughout the country without any issues.

In Summary

In this guide, we covered both formal and informal ways to say “so what?” in Korean. Whether you’re navigating a formal environment or engaging in a casual conversation, these phrases will help you express various degrees of indifference, dismissiveness, or curiosity. Remember to always consider the context and the relationship between you and the person you’re speaking with to choose the most appropriate phrase. Practice speaking with native speakers to improve your pronunciation and intonation, and you’ll soon gain confidence in using these expressions naturally.

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