이것
igeot[iɡʌ̹t̚]
The English phrase "this one" is translated into Korean as 이것 (igeot).
The phrase is used to identify or point to a specific object that is near the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 이 (this) and 것 (thing/object), literally meaning "this thing".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In daily conversation, the contraction 이거 is much more common and is used as an informal way to say "this one".
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken Korean, several contractions are used depending on the grammatical role of the word. When the phrase functions as the subject of a sentence, the form 이것이 is frequently contracted to 이게. When the phrase functions as the topic of a sentence, 이것은 is frequently contracted to 이건.
How do you pronounce it?
igeot
Did you know?
- While 이것 refers to something near the speaker, Korean has a three-way system instead of two, using 그것 for something near the listener and 저것 for something far from both.
- In highly formal settings or when showing respect to a listener, speakers may avoid 이것 and instead use the honorific word 이분 if the 'thing' being pointed to is actually a person.
- The word 것 in 이것 is a bound noun, meaning it almost never stands alone and must be preceded by a modifier like 'this' or 'that'.
Examples in context
- 톰은 이것 하나를 원한다.Tom wants this one.The sentence is useful for expressing a desire for a specific object using 이것.Tatoeba #11105538 by intertime, translation #1141029 by CK
- 이것 좀 보여주실래요?Can I see this one?The sentence is useful for requesting to see an object using 이것.Tatoeba #4748065 by kimhkng, translation #54971 by CK
- 어느 것이 그의 집인가요? 이것인가요, 저것인가요?Which is his house, this one or that one?The sentence is useful for choosing between two items using 이것.
- 이 책이 필요해요. 이것을 주세요.I need this book. Please give me this one.
- 이건 어때요?How about this one?
- 이거 마실래?Do you want to drink this one?
- 이게 더 좋아.This one is better.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are looking at clothes in a store.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 이것 어때요?Subin-ssi, igeot eottaeyo?Subin, how about this one?
- 수빈 Su-bin이것은 너무 예뻐요.igeoseun neomu yeppeoyo.This one is very pretty.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 이것으로 살까요?geureom igeoseuro salkkayo?Then shall we buy this one?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 좋아요.ne, joayo.Yes, that's good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 이것, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
