Learning how to say “to call” in Korean is essential for effective communication in the language. Whether you want to contact a friend, make a reservation, or simply ask someone to call you, knowing the correct expressions is crucial. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying “to call” in Korean, along with various tips to help you navigate this aspect of the language.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “To Call”
In formal situations or when speaking to someone you are not familiar with, it is important to use polite expressions. Here are the formal ways of saying “to call” in Korean:
1. 전화하다 (jeon-hwa-ha-da) – This is the most common and neutral term used for “to call” in Korean. It can be used in various contexts, including phone calls and general communication.
2. 연락하다 (yeon-rak-ha-da) – This expression means “to contact” and can be used interchangeably with “to call.” It implies reaching out through any means of communication, not just phone calls.
Informal Ways to Say “To Call”
When speaking to friends, family members, or people of a similar age, you can use the informal expressions for “to call.” Here are the commonly used informal ways:
1. 전화해 (jeon-hwa-hae) – This is a casual way of saying “call me” in Korean. You can use it when speaking to close friends or family members.
2. 연락해 (yeon-rak-hae) – Similar to the formal expression, this is the informal version of “to call” in Korean.
Tips for Using “To Call” in Korean
1. Politeness: When in doubt, it is better to use the formal expression. Addressing someone with respect is highly valued in Korean culture.
2. Context matters: Depending on the situation, you may need to choose the appropriate expression. If you are specifically referring to a phone call, “전화하다” is the most suitable option. However, if you want to convey the idea of reaching out in general, “연락하다” is a better choice.
3. Nonverbal communication: In addition to verbal expressions, Koreans often use nonverbal cues to convey the idea of making a phone call. Using hand gestures like holding an imaginary phone to your ear can help clarify your intention.
4. Using a person’s name: To make your request more specific, it’s a good idea to include the person’s name when asking them to call you. For example, “제이슨 씨, 전화 해주실래요?” (Jason, can you call me?)
Examples
To illustrate the usage of these expressions, here are a few examples:
- Formal:
a. 숙소 예약하려면 전화해야 해요. (suk-so ye-ya-gu-reo-myeon jeon-hwa-ha-ya hae-yo)
(You need to call to make a reservation.)
b. 아빠한테 전화해봤는데 안 받으셨어요. (a-ppa-han-te jeon-hwa-hae-bwat-neun-de an ba-deu-shyeosseo-yo)
(I tried calling Dad, but he didn’t answer.)
Informal:
a. 친구한테 연락해봤는데 아직 안 받았어. (chin-gu-han-te yeon-rak-hae-bwat-neun-de a-jik an ba-da-sseo)
(I tried calling my friend, but they haven’t picked up yet.)
b. 내일 놀러 올 때 전화해. (nae-il nol-leo ol ttae jeon-hwa-hae)
(Call me when you come to hang out tomorrow.)
Remember, effective communication goes beyond just the vocabulary. Pay attention to the context, level of formality, and nonverbal cues to ensure your message is clear.
Now that you know how to say “to call” in Korean, you can confidently reach out to others and engage in conversations more fluently. Practice these expressions in different situations to enhance your language skills and build meaningful connections.
