Learning how to express “this year” in Korean is essential for any language learner. Whether you want to have a friendly conversation with a Korean friend or have a formal setting where politeness matters, understanding the different ways to convey “this year” is crucial. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal expressions, provide tips on usage, and offer a variety of examples to help you understand and use the phrases correctly.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When it comes to formal expressions for “this year” in Korean, using the correct honorifics and polite language is vital. Here are a few ways to express “this year” formally:
1. 올해 (Olhae)
One of the most common phrases used to refer to “this year” in formal contexts is “올해” (olhae). This phrase is polite and widely used in various situations.
Example:
올해는 본국으로 돌아가고 싶어요. (Olhaeneun bonguguro doragago sip-eoyo.)
“I want to go back to my home country this year.”
2. 금년 (Geumnyeon)
Another formal expression for “this year” is “금년” (geumnyeon). Although slightly less common than “올해,” it is still appropriate for formal settings.
Example:
금년은 비즈니스 확장에 집중할 것입니다. (Geumnyeon-eun bijeunis hwangjang-e jibjunghal geos-ibnida.)
“This year, we will focus on business expansion.”
Informal Expressions:
In informal situations, such as talking with friends or peers, you can use more relaxed expressions to convey “this year.” Here are a couple of commonly used phrases:
1. 올해 (Olhae)
Yes, “올해” (olhae) can be used both formally and informally. While it is primarily used in formal situations, it is also acceptable to use among friends.
Example:
올해 여행 계획이 어때? (Olhae yeohaeng gyehoegi eottae?)
“How about the travel plans for this year?”
2. 이번 해 (Ibeon hae)
“이번 해” (ibeon hae) is another way to say “this year.” It is more commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in casual conversations.
Example:
이번 해에 어떤 일을 시작할까? (Ibeon hae-e eotteon ireul sijagalkka?)
“What kind of project should we start this year?”
Tips for Usage:
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using these expressions:
- Use formal expressions in situations where politeness and respect are required, such as business or professional settings.
- Informal expressions are suitable for conversations with friends, peers, or individuals of a similar age group.
- Always consider the context and level of formality when choosing which expression to use.
- Practice these phrases regularly to become comfortable with their usage.
Regional Variations:
While the above expressions are commonly used throughout Korea, regional variations can still exist. Here is an example of a regional variation:
1. 올해 (Olhae) – Dialect:
In the Gyeongsang region, people often use the dialect version of “올해” (olhae) by replacing the “ㅗ” sound with a “ㅜ” sound, resulting in “울해” (ulhae).
Example:
울해도 이렇게 빨리 가는 거냐? (Ulhaedo ireohge ppalli ganeun geonya?)
“You’re leaving so early this year too?”
In Conclusion
Learning how to say “this year” in Korean is essential for effective communication. By familiarizing yourself with both formal and informal expressions such as “올해” (olhae) and “이번 해” (ibeon hae), you can confidently express the concept of “this year” in various situations. Remember to consider the level of formality and context when choosing which expression to use. Regular practice and exposure to different regional variations will further enhance your Korean language skills. Enjoy your journey of learning Korean, and have a fantastic year!
