이것은 한국어입니다
The English phrase 'this is korean' is translated into Korean as 이것은 한국어입니다.
Note that 한국어 specifically refers to the Korean language, while 한국 refers to the country South Korea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 이것은 한국어입니다 is composed of 이것 (this), 은 (topic marker), 한국어 (Korean language) and 입니다 (is/am/are in formal polite style).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 이것은 한국어입니다 is the formal way to say 'This is Korean'. For a more casual spoken context, you can use the contraction 이건, as seen in 이건 한국어예요. The form 이게 한국어야 is the informal way to say 'This is Korean'.
Did you know?
- If you are referring to North Korean, you would change the phrase to 이것은 조선어입니다 (Igeoseun Joseoneo-imnida) because they use the name 조선 (Joseon) for their country.
- While 한국어 refers to the language, the word 한글 is used specifically for the unique alphabet created by King Sejong the Great in 1443.
- When using the formal 입니다 (imnida), it is common practice to give a slight, polite bow while speaking to show respect to the listener.
Examples in context
- 선생님, 이것은 한국어입니다.seonsaengnim, igeoseun hangugeoimnida.Teacher, this is Korean.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihoon are looking at a book together.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 이 책은 무슨 언어예요?Jihun ssi, i chaegun museun eoneoyeyo?Jihoon, what language is this book?
- 지훈 Ji-hun이것은 한국어입니다.Igeoseun hangugeo-imnida.This is Korean.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 멋진 글씨네요.Jeongmal meotjin geulssineyo.The handwriting is really cool.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요, 아주 예뻐요.Majayo, aju yeppeoyo.Right, it is very pretty.
