이것은 저의
igeoseun jeoui
The phrase "this is my" in Korean is 이것은 저의 (igeoseun jeoui).
This phrase is used to identify something as belonging to the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 이것 (this thing), 은 (topic marker) and 저의 (my, polite form).
Which one should you use?
In natural speech, the polite 저의 (jeoui) is frequently contracted to 제 (je).
How do you pronounce it?
igeoseun jeoui
Did you know?
- The sound of the phrase 저의 creates a homograph with a completely different meaning, where it refers to a 'hidden intention' or 'motive' rather than ownership.
- Korean speakers often omit the 'my' part entirely if the context makes it obvious. Instead of saying 'this is my book', they might simply say 이것은 책입니다 (this is a book) while pointing to it.
- If you are speaking to someone of higher social status, you must use the humble 저의 instead of the casual 내 to avoid sounding disrespectful.
Examples in context
- 이것은 저의 가방입니다.This is my bag.
- 이거 내 핸드폰이야.This is my cellphone.
- 이건 내 자전거야.This is my bicycle.
- 이것은 저의 책입니다.igeoseun jeoui chaekimnida.This is my book.
- 이것은 저의 휴대폰입니다.igeoseun jeoui hyudaeponimnida.This is my phone.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are looking for their umbrellas at the entrance.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 이 우산 누구 거예요?Minjun ssi, i usan nugu geo-yeyo?Minjun, whose umbrella is this?
- 민준 Min-jun아, 이것은 저의 우산입니다.A, igeoseun jeoui usan-imnida.Oh, this is my umbrella.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 비슷하게 생겼네요.jeongmal biseutage saenggyeotneyo.They look really similar.
- 민준 Min-jun찾아주셔서 감사합니다, 수빈 씨.chajajusyeoseo gamsahamnida, Subin ssi.Thank you for finding it, Subin.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 저의, CC BY-SA 4.0.
