What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 당신 (you), the topic marker 은 (as for) and the polite sentence ending 요 (polite particle).
Which one should you use?
While 당신은요? is a standard way to ask the question, you can also use 당신은 어떠세요? to express interest in the person you are addressing more politely or 너는 어때? when speaking among friends or close acquaintances.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
당신은요? is a polite form. For a more formal way to express interest, use 당신은 어떠세요? In informal situations, such as speaking to a close friend or someone younger than you, you should use 너는 어때? or the even shorter 너는?
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 은 functions as a topic marker, emphasizing that the question is specifically about the person being addressed in contrast to the previous subject.
How do you pronounce it?
dangsineunyo?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-use 당신 because it translates to "you", but in natural Korean, it can sound confrontational or overly formal. It is often better to use the person's title or name instead of 당신.
Did you know?
- In romantic contexts, 당신 is a term of endearment used between spouses, similar to 'honey' or 'darling'.
- Using 당신 in a heated argument can transform 'what about you' into a provocative challenge, making the phrase sound like 'and who do you think you are?'
- In written literature or song lyrics, 당신 is frequently used to address an unknown or distant 'you' in a poetic way that would feel unnatural in spoken conversation.
Examples in context
- 저는 잘 지내고 있어요. 당신은 어떠세요?I am doing well. What about you?
- 나도 잘 지내! 너는 어때?I am doing well too! What about you?
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are talking about their weekend plans.
- 민지 Min-ji저는 이번 주말에 영화를 볼 거예요.Jeoneun ibeon jumare yeonghwareul bol geoyeyo.I am going to watch a movie this weekend.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 좋겠네요. 저는 집에서 쉴 거예요.Jeongmal jokesseneyo. Jeoneun jibeseo swil geoyeyo.That sounds great. I'm going to rest at home.
- 민지 Min-ji그렇군요. 저녁 식사는 정하셨어요? 당신은요?Geureokunyo. Jeonyeok siksaneun jeonghasyeosseoyo? Dangsineunyo?I see. Have you decided on dinner? What about you?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저는 비빔밥을 먹으려고 해요.Jeoneun bibimbabeul meogeuryeogo hae-yo.I'm planning to eat bibimbap.
