이것은
igeoseun
The Korean phrase for "this is" is 이것은 (igeoseun).
The phrase is used to identify or introduce a specific object or person near the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 이것 means "this thing" and 은 is the topic marker.
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken Korean, 이것은 is often contracted to 이게 (이것이) when used as the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
igeoseun
Did you know?
- Korean has a three-way system for 'this', 'that', and 'that over there'. While 이것 refers to things near the speaker, 그것 refers to things near the listener and 저것 refers to things far from both.
- When pointing to something, Koreans may use a slight nod of the head or a gesture with the whole hand rather than just a finger, as pointing directly can be seen as aggressive.
- While 이것은 translates to 'this is', you can only use it for inanimate objects. If you want to say 'this person is', you must change the noun to 이분은 or 이 사람은 to avoid sounding like you are treating a human like a piece of furniture.
Examples in context
- 예를 들면, 이것은 펜이다.For example, this is a pen.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 이것은 in an example.Tatoeba #3684965 by intertime, translation #326004 by Zifre
- 이것은 엄청 오래된 책이다.This is a very old book.This sentence shows the use of 이것은 to describe an old book.Tatoeba #11106150 by intertime, translation #55529 by Eldad
- 이것은 은으로 만든 동전이다.This is a silver coin.This sentence demonstrates using 이것은 to identify a silver coin.Tatoeba #8382938 by baehyunsol, translation #2584315 by tanulni
- 이것은 인터넷입니다This is the internet.
- 이게 결정사항입니다This is the decision.
- 이게 소개팅이야This is a blind date.
- 이것은 사과예요.This is an apple.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun shows Ji-hoon a gift she bought.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 이것은 선물이에요.Ji-hun ssi, igeoseun seonmurieyo.Ji-hun, this is a gift.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 고마워요, 지은 씨.Jeongmallyo? Gomawoyo, Ji-eun ssi.Really? Thank you, Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun이것은 제가 좋아하는 과자예요.Igeoseun jega joahaneun gwajayeyo.This is a snack that I like.
- 지훈 Ji-hun와, 정말 맛있어 보여요!Wa, jeongmal masisseo boyeoyo!Wow, it looks really delicious!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
