Gaining familiarity with common phrases is a great way to start learning a new language. In Korean, expressing “this is” is an essential phrase used in various situations. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “this is” in Korean and provide tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “This is”
When addressing someone with higher social status, or in formal situations, it is important to use the appropriate language and honorifics. Here are a few formal ways to say “this is” in Korean:
- 이것은 (i-geot-eun): This is the most straightforward way to say “this is” in Korean. Use this phrase when introducing or referring to something in a respectful manner. For example, “이것은 인터넷입니다” (i-geot-eun in-teo-neo-im-ni-da) means “This is the internet.”
- 이게 (i-ge): In formal speech, the phrase “이게” can be used to express “this is” in a more concise way. For instance, “이게 결정사항입니다” (i-ge gyeol-jeong-sa-hang-im-ni-da) means “This is the decision.”
Informal Ways to Say “This is”
When talking to friends, family, or in informal situations, Korean has a range of casual expressions. Here are a couple of ways to say “this is” informally:
- 이거야 (i-geo-ya): This is a casual way of saying “this is.” It is commonly used among friends or peers. For example, “이거야 나의 새 집이야” (i-geo-ya na-eui sae jib-i-ya) means “This is my new house.”
- 이게 (i-ge): Similar to the formal usage, “이게” can also be used casually. It can be a shortened form of “이거야” as well. For instance, “이게 소개팅이야” (i-ge so-gae-ting-i-ya) translates to “This is a blind date.”
Regional Variations
While Korean is mostly standardized across different regions, there can be slight variations in dialect or accent. However, when it comes to expressing “this is,” the variations are minimal. To ensure clear communication, it is advisable to stick to the standard Korean phrases mentioned above.
Tips for Using “This is” in Korean
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when using the phrase “this is” in Korean:
- Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) Structure: Remember that Korean follows the Subject-Object-Verb sentence structure. This means that the subject, in this case, “this,” often comes before “is” in the sentence. For example, “This is a pen” translates as “이건 펜이에요” (i-geon pen-i-e-yo).
- Use Polite Endings: Depending on the formality level, add the appropriate polite endings -습니다 (-seum-ni-da) or -요 (-yo) to the verb. For formal speech, use -습니다 and for informal or casual speech, use -요.
- Context Matters: Always consider the context when using “this is.” Korean relies heavily on context, so make sure the sentence sufficiently provides the necessary information to the listener.
Example Dialogue:
Jin: 이것은 사과예요.
(Ee-geot-eun sa-gwa-ye-yo.)
This is an apple.Soo-Min: 이거야 내 새 자전거야!
(i-geo-ya nae sae ja-jeon-geo-ya!)
This is my new bicycle!
Learning how to say “this is” in Korean is a useful step in mastering the language. By understanding the formal and informal ways, as well as considering regional variations, you’ll be prepared to use this phrase appropriately in various situations. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep exploring the language and enjoy the journey of learning Korean!
