거기
geogi[kɤ̘ɡɪ]
The English word 'there' is translated into Korean as 거기 (geogi). Wiktionary also lists 거기에 (geogie).
Meaning: in or at that place (position) (adv)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 거기 | geogi | [kɤ̘ɡɪ] (Gyeongsang, narrow) [kʌ̹ɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 거기에 | geogie |
거기 is used to refer to a location that is near the listener or a place that has been previously mentioned in a conversation.
Which one should you use?
거기 is used when the word functions as a noun, a subject or an object in a sentence. In contrast, 거기에 is used specifically when 'there' functions as an adverb of location to indicate a specific point of existence or a destination, translated as 'at' or 'in' that place.
How does it change in a sentence?
거기에 is the form used to indicate the location where an action or state occurs (at/in that place).
How do you pronounce it?
geogi
Did you know?
- The word 거기 can be used to refer to a 'taboo' or private part of the body to avoid saying the anatomical name directly.
- When answering the phone, a person might say 거기 to ask 'Who is this?' or 'Who is calling there?', treating the phone line as a physical location.
- Korean uses a three-way system for 'here', 'there', and 'over there' based on the physical proximity of the speaker, the listener, and the object. This creates a more nuanced spatial map than the English 'here' and 'there'.
Examples in context
- 난 거기 있을 거야.I'll be there.This sentence shows how to use 거기 to indicate a future presence.Tatoeba #8367650 by Eunhee, translation #2247682 by CK
- 걔 아직 거기 있어?They're still there?This sentence uses 거기 to ask about someone's current location.Tatoeba #11136647 by Eunhee, translation #11165274 by Layla
- 모두들 거기 있을 거야.Everyone's going to be there.This sentence demonstrates the use of 거기 when referring to a group of people's location.Tatoeba #8367638 by Eunhee, translation #2891180 by CK
- 저기에 식당이 있어요.There is a restaurant over there.
- 그곳에서 무슨 일이 있었어요?What happened there?
- 거기에 뭐가 있어?What's there?
- 저쪽에 공원이 있어요.There is a park over there.
- 거기에 가게가 있어요.There is a store there.
- 그곳에 사람이 많이 있어요.There are many people there.
- 저기에 버스 정류장이 있어요.There is a bus stop over there.
- 저쪽으로 가면 바다가 보여요.If you go that way, you can see the sea.
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are looking for a lost item in a room.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo혹시 거기 있어?Hoksi geogi isseo?Is it by any chance there?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니, 거기 없어.Ani, geogi eopseo.No, it's not there.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 어디 있을까?Geureom eodi isseulkka?Then where could it be?
- 서연 Seo-yeon가방 안을 다시 보자.Gabang aneul dasi boja.Let's look inside the bag again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “there” translations and entries 거기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
