말해줘
malhae-jwo
In Korean, the phrase to say "tell me" is 말해줘 (malhae-jwo).
This phrase is used to request that someone provide information or speak about a specific topic.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of 말하다 (to speak or tell) and 주다 (to give), which literally translates to 'give me the favor of speaking' or 'give me the favor of telling'.
Which one should you use?
While 말해줘 focuses on the act of telling or speaking, if you want to ask someone to 'let you know' or 'inform' you of a specific fact, it is often more natural to use 알려줘.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 말해줘 is informal. To make the phrase polite and suitable for speaking to people you are not close with or who are older than you, you can add the suffix –요 to create 말해줘요.
How do you pronounce it?
malhae-jwo
Did you know?
- The word 말 (speech) also means 'horse' in Korean. Because they are spelled and sounded the same, speakers rely entirely on context to know if someone is asking for a story or a stallion.
- Korean has a distinct word for 'telling' that refers specifically to reporting a secret or 'tattling' to an authority, which is different from the general 말하다 used in 말해줘.
- Because Korean uses honorifics, there is a much higher level of 'tell me' phrases that use different verbs entirely depending on whether you are speaking to a child, a friend, or a boss.
Examples in context
- 어디가는지 말해줘.Tell me where you're going.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use 말해줘 to ask where someone is going.Tatoeba #4748426 by kimhkng, translation #2953305 by CK
- 선생님, 말해주세요.Teacher, please tell me.
- 친구야, 말해봐.Hey friend, tell me.
- 그 사람의 이름을 말해줘.geu saramui ireumeul malhaejwo.Tell me that person's name.
- 진실을 꼭 말해줘.jinsireul kkok malhaejwo.Please tell me the truth.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are talking about a movie they watched.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그 영화가 재미있었는지 말해줘.geu yeonghwaga jaemiisseonneunji malhaejwo.Tell me if the movie was fun.
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 정말 재미있었어!eung, jeongmal jaemiisseosseo!Yes, it was really fun!
- 지훈 Ji-hun어떤 점이 좋았는지 말해줘.eotteon jeomi joatneunji malhaejwo.Tell me what you liked about it.
- 지은 Ji-eun배우들의 연기가 최고였어.baeudeurui yeongiga choegoyeosseo.The actors' acting was the best.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
