What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into 그것을 (that [object]), 한국어로 (in Korean), 어떻게 (how) and 말해요 (say/speak).
Which one should you use?
Using 한국어로 (in Korean) specifies the target language, whereas 한국말로 (in Korean speech/language) is a more colloquial way to refer to the spoken language. To be even more natural when asking "What do you call this in Korean?", you can use 이거 한국어로 뭐라고 해요?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 그것을 한국어로 어떻게 말해요 is polite and suitable for use with strangers, teachers or people older than you. In formal settings, you can use versions like 어떻게 한국어로 말합니까?, 그걸 한국어로 어떻게 표현하나요? or 그것을 한국말로 어떻게 말해요? For informal situations, such as speaking with close friends or people younger than you, you can use 한국어로 그거 어떻게 말해? or 한국말로 그건 어떻게 말하지?
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 그것을 한국어로 어떻게 말해요? is a polite question using the standard polite ending –해요. You can elevate your speech to a more formal level by adding '-yo' or '-nida' at the end of sentences.
How do you pronounce it?
geugeoseul hangugeoro eotteoke malhaeyo
Did you know?
- The word 어떻게 is formed by adding the adverbial suffix -게 to the stem 어떻-, which describes a state of being. This transforms a question about 'what state' something is in into a question about 'how' an action is performed.
- When asking 이거 한국어로 뭐라고 해요?, the word 뭐라고 literally means 'saying what'. This shifts the focus from the 'method' of speaking to the 'label' or 'name' of the object.
- When asking for a translation, Koreans often use the verb 표현하다 (pyohyeonhada) instead of 말하다 (malhada). This changes the meaning from 'how do you say that' to 'how do you express that', which sounds more sophisticated.
Example conversation
Minji is asking Hyunwoo for help with a Korean phrase while studying.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 그것을 한국어로 어떻게 말해요?Hyunwoo-ssi, geugeoseul hangugeoro eotteoke malhaeyo?Hyunwoo, how do you say that in Korean?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo음, '사과'라고 말해요.Eum, 'sagwa' rago malhaeyo.Um, you say 'sagwa'.
- 민지 Min-ji아, 그렇군요. 감사합니다!A, geureokun-yo. Gamsahamnida!Ah, I see. Thank you!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니에요, 민지 씨.Anieyo, Minji-ssi.No problem, Minji.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 어떻게, CC BY-SA 4.0.
