Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “they” in Korean! Here, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of expressing “they,” without neglecting any necessary regional variations. We will provide you with numerous tips, examples, and explanations to help you navigate the intricacies of the Korean language. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “They” in Korean
In formal Korean, you need to consider the social hierarchy to express “they” correctly. Here are a few options:
- Silh-eumdeul (실무들): This is a gender-neutral formal term used to refer to multiple people. It is versatile and can be universally applied in both written and spoken contexts. Examples: “They are doctors” would be translated as “Silh-eumdeul-eun uisa-yeyo” (실무들은 의사예요).
- Gyeolhonhan cheonsa/saekki (결혼한 철사/새끼): This is an older, more formal way of saying “they” but is rarely used in modern Korean. You may still encounter it in historical or literary texts.
Informal Ways to Say “They” in Korean
In informal Korean settings, you have a broader range of options to express “they.” Here are a few common ones:
- Geureon saramdeul (그런 사람들): This is a casual and widely used way to say “they” in spoken language. It literally translates to “those people” and can refer to a group of individuals. Example: “They are going to the park” is “Geureon saramdeul-i gong-won-e gaja-yo” (그런 사람들이 공원에 가자요).
- Mudeung (무등): This word is commonly used among friends and peers to mean “they.” It is more prevalent in certain regional dialects, so be mindful of its context and usage.
Regional Variations
While we have covered the most common ways to say “they,” it’s essential to be aware of regional variations if you plan to communicate with locals or travel to different parts of Korea. Here are a few notable examples:
Gidarimja (기다림자): This regional term is used by some Koreans in the Gangwon Province area. While it implies “they,” it has a connotation of “those who wait.” Remember that this may not be universally understood outside of that specific region.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you confidently use “they” in Korean:
- When speaking Korean, remember to pay attention to the correct speech level based on the formality you want to convey.
- If you are unsure about the gender of the group you are referring to, it is best to use gender-neutral terms like “silh-eumdeul” (실무들) or “geureon saramdeul” (그런 사람들).
- Always strive to practice the correct pronunciation of the Korean words and phrases. Paying attention to intonation and accent patterns will help you sound more natural and be better understood.
Let’s go through a few more examples to solidify your understanding:
1. They are learning Korean together.
Korean: 그들은 함께 한국어를 배우고 있어요.
Romanization: Geu-deul-eun hamkke Hangugeo-reul bae-u-go iss-eo-yo.2. They went to the beach for a vacation.
Korean: 그들은 휴가로 해변에 갔어요.
Romanization: Geu-deul-eun hyu-ga-ro haebyeon-e gass-eo-yo.3. They are friends from childhood.
Korean: 그들은 어린 시절부터의 친구예요.
Romanization: Geu-deul-eun eorin sijeol-bu-teo-ui chingu-ye-yo.
Congratulations! You have now learned how to say “they” in Korean effectively. Remember to appreciate the various formal and informal ways of expressing “they” while respecting regional variations. Practice speaking, listening, and reading Korean regularly to reinforce these concepts.
We hope this guide has been helpful and has provided you with the necessary knowledge to confidently use “they” in Korean. Enjoy your language learning journey, and best of luck!
