어딘가
eodinga
The English phrase "somewhere" is translated into Korean as 어딘가 (eodinga).
어딘가 is used as an adverb to refer to an indefinite or unspecified place.
Meaning: in some place (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of 어디, which means "where" and the suffix -ㄴ가, which is an interrogative suffix used to express an indefinite sense or uncertainty.
Which one should you use?
While 어딘가 means "somewhere" (referring to an indefinite specific place), the term 어디든 is used to mean "anywhere" (any place regardless of which one).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 어딘가 as a location in a sentence, it is frequently followed by the location particle 에, forming 어딘가에. If you wish to express movement toward that indefinite location, you can use the particle 로 instead of 에 to create 어딘가로.
How do you pronounce it?
eodinga
Did you know?
- The phrase 어딘가 can be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of being 'out of place' or 'off' about a person's behavior, even if no physical location is mentioned.
- While 어딘가 refers to an indefinite place, Korean has a distinct word 아무데나 for 'anywhere' when the speaker is indifferent or doesn't care about the location.
- Depending on the context, 어딘가 can be used to avoid naming a place to maintain politeness or secrecy, a cultural nuance known as 'indirectness'.
Examples in context
- 톰은 여기 어딘가에 산다.Tom lives somewhere around here.This sentence is useful for showing how to say someone lives somewhere around here using 어딘가.Tatoeba #8549558 by okja, translation #1024547 by CK
- 그는 공원 내 어딘가에 있다.He's somewhere in the park.This sentence shows how to express that someone is somewhere in a specific area like a park using 어딘가.Tatoeba #11104868 by intertime, translation #1471357 by CK
- 당신이 날 필요하면, 난 어딘가에있을거야.If you need me, I'll be somewhere around.This sentence demonstrates how to say you will be somewhere around using 어딘가.Tatoeba #505327 by orzage, translation #249685 by CK
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are looking for a lost set of keys.
- 민지 Min-ji열쇠가 어딘가에 있을 텐데.yeolsoe-ga eodinga-e isseul tende.The keys must be somewhere.
- 도현 Do-hyeon집 안에 어딘가에 둔 것 같아요.jib ane eodinga-e dun geot gat-ayo.I think I put them somewhere inside the house.
- 민지 Min-ji방 어딘가에서 소리가 났어요.bang eodinga-eseo soriga nasseoyo.I heard a sound from somewhere in the room.
- 도현 Do-hyeon제가 다시 찾아볼게요.jega dasi chajabolgeyo.I will look for them again.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
