이것들
The English phrase "these" is translated into Korean as 이것들.
이것들 is used to refer to a plural group of things.
Meaning: plural of this (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 이것 (this thing) and the plural suffix 들 (plural marker).
Which one should you use?
While 이것 means "this thing", 이것들 specifically denotes a plural group of things. The singular form of 이것들 is 이것.
How does it change in a sentence?
Depending on its role in a sentence, the form may change: adding the subject marker 이 to 이것들 results in 이것들이, used when these is the subject. Adding the object marker 를 to 이것들 results in 이것들을, used when these is the direct object of a verb.
Did you know?
- Korean uses a three-way system of demonstration. While 이것들 means 'these' (near the speaker), 그것들 refers to things near the listener and 저것들 refers to things far from both.
- If you are referring to 'these' people, you cannot use 이것들. Using 이것들 to describe humans is highly offensive and treats them like inanimate objects.
- When pointing to 'these' items, Koreans may use their whole hand or a slight nod of the head toward the objects rather than pointing with a single index finger, which can be seen as aggressive.
Examples in context
- 이것들 네 것이지, 맞지?These are yours, right?This sentence is useful for confirming ownership of 이것들.Tatoeba #7497210 by raining211, translation #3178516 by CK
- 탐, 이것들이 너의 것이야?Are these yours, Tom?This sentence is useful for asking a question about whether 이것들이 belong to someone.Tatoeba #5548682 by YUJIHEE, translation #3739827 by CK
- 이것들 네 사진이야?Are these your pictures?This sentence is useful for asking if 이것들 are a specific set of items like pictures.Tatoeba #8361512 by Eunhee, translation #5820999 by Gwyn
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are looking at some old books on a table.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 이것들 다 읽었어요?Minji ssi, igeotdeul da ilgeosseoyo?Minji, did you read all of these?
- 민지 Min-ji아니요, 아직 안 읽었어요.aniyo, ajik an ilgeosseoyo.No, I haven't read them yet.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 이것들 빌려 가세요.geureom igeotdeul billyeo gaseyo.Then please borrow these.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 감사합니다, 현우 씨!jeongmalyo? gamsahamnida, Hyunwoo ssi!Really? Thank you, Hyunwoo!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
