너 뭐야
neo mwoya
The English phrase "what are you" is translated into Korean as 너 뭐야 (neo mwoya).
너 뭐야 is a blunt question used to ask someone who they are or what their role is. It is frequently used to express shock, annoyance or to challenge a person's identity or behavior, especially when they are acting in a strange or rude manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun 너 (you) and the interrogative 뭐야 (what is it).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
너 뭐야 is highly informal. Depending on the tone used, it can sound aggressive or confrontational.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the informal/casual ending -야, which is appropriate only for people of equal or lower status.
How do you pronounce it?
neo mwoya
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using 너 뭐야 with elders or superiors, as it is extremely rude in those social contexts.
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, using the pronoun 너 to a stranger can be seen as an immediate act of aggression regardless of the words that follow.
- The word 너 is potentially related to the Old Japanese word na, which also means 'you'.
- Some linguists believe that the words for 'I' 나, 'you' 너, and 'who' 누구 all evolved from a single original root word through a process of changing vowel sounds.
Examples in context
- 너 뭐야?neo mwoya?What are you?
Example conversation
Minjun is angry because Minji keeps interfering in his work.
- 민준 Min-jun너 뭐야? 왜 자꾸 참견이야?neo mwoya? wae jakku chamgyeoniya?What are you? Why do you keep interfering?
- 민지 Min-ji그냥 도와주려는 것뿐이야.geunyang dowajuryeoneun geotppuniya.I am just trying to help.
- 민준 Min-jun도움 필요 없으니까 저리 가.doum piryo eopseunikka jeori ga.I don't need help, so go away.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 너무하네.jeongmal neomuhane.You are being too much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너, CC BY-SA 4.0.
