What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as 이거 (this), 한국어로 (Korean-language-in), 어떻게 (how) and 말해요? (say?).
Which one should you use?
Using 이거 (this) is slightly more colloquial than 이것을 (this thing), though both are grammatically correct in this context. To be more specific, 이거 한국말로 뭐라고 해요? is a common way to ask "What do you call this in Korean?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 이거 한국어로 어떻게 말해요? is in the polite style, making it appropriate for use with strangers or people you are not close to. For very formal settings like news broadcasts or military contexts, use 이것을 한국어로 어떻게 말합니까? If you are addressing someone for assistance, the formal phrase 저기요, 이것을 한국말로 어떻게 말해요? can be used. In contrast, 이걸 한국어로 어떻게 말하지? and 한국말로 어떻게 말하지? are informal ways to say "How to say this in Korean". Finally, the casual version 이거 한국어로 어떻게 말해? is used only with close friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle -로 (-ro) in 한국어로 indicates the means or instrument, meaning "by way of" or "in" the Korean language.
Did you know?
- When using 저기요 to get someone's attention before asking this phrase, you are literally saying 'over there', which acts as a polite 'excuse me' to a stranger.
- If you use the informal 말해? with someone older or of a higher social rank, it can be perceived as extremely rude or even aggressive, regardless of your intent.
- The phrase 한국말 is often used interchangeably with 한국어, but 말 specifically refers to 'spoken language' or 'speech', whereas 어 refers to 'language' as a formal system.
Examples in context
- 죄송한데, 이거 한국어로 어떻게 말해요?joesonghande, igeo hangugeoro eotteoke malhaeyo?Excuse me, how do you say this in Korean?
Example conversation
A student asks a friend for help with a textbook.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 이거 한국어로 어떻게 말해요?hyeon-u ssi, igeo hangugeoro eotteoke malhaeyo?Hyunwoo, how do you say this in Korean?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이건 '사과'라고 말해요.igeon 'sagwa' rago malhaeyo.You say this is 'sagwa'.
- 민지 Min-ji아, 그렇군요. 고마워요!a, geureokunyo. gomawoyo!Ah, I see. Thank you!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니에요, 민지 씨.anieyo, minji ssi.You're welcome, Minji.
