What does it mean word for word?
The phrase can be broken down as follows: 이쪽 literally means "this direction" but is used as a polite way to refer to "this person" during an introduction. 제 is the humble form of "my", used to show respect to the listener. And 남자친구 means "boyfriend".
Which one should you use?
The standard way to introduce someone is using 이쪽은 (this person is…). However, if the person is already clearly being pointed at or discussed, you can simply say 제 남자친구예요 (is my boyfriend).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal situation, you can use 이 분은 제 남자친구입니다. In informal settings, such as when speaking to friends or people younger than you, you should use 이쪽은 내 남자친구야, which replaces the humble 제 with the informal 내 and uses the informal ending -야 instead of -예요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending -예요 in 남자친구예요 is the polite, non-honorific form of the verb "to be" used with nouns that end in a vowel.
How do you pronounce it?
ijjogeun je namjachingu-yeyo
Did you know?
- In Korea, it is common for couples to celebrate their 100th day of dating with a special event, rather than just yearly anniversaries.
- Depending on the relationship stage, a woman might refer to her partner as 오빠 (oppa), which means 'older brother', even when introducing him as her boyfriend.
- While 남자친구 is the standard term, many Koreans use the English loanword 남친 (nam-chin) as a common abbreviation in casual text messages or conversation.
Examples in context
- 이쪽은 제 남자친구예요.Ijjogeun je namjachingu-yeyo.This is my boyfriend.
- 인사하세요, 이쪽은 제 남자친구예요.Insahaseyo, ijjogeun je namjachingu-yeyo.Please say hello, this is my boyfriend.
- 제 친구에게 소개할게요. 이쪽은 제 남자친구예요.Je chinguege sogae-halgeyo. Ijjogeun je namjachingu-yeyo.I'll introduce him to my friend. This is my boyfriend.
Example conversation
Subin introduces her boyfriend to her male friend Minjun.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 이쪽은 제 남자친구예요.Minjun ssi, ijjogeun je namjachinguyeyo.Minjun, this is my boyfriend.
- 민준 Min-jun안녕하세요! 만나서 반가워요.annyeonghaseyo! mannaseo bangawoyo.Hello! Nice to meet you.
- 수빈 Su-bin두 분 인사 나누세요.du bun insa nanuseyo.Please greet each other.
- 민준 Min-jun말씀 많이 들었어요.malsseum mani deureosseoyo.I've heard a lot about you.
