Learning how to say basic phrases and questions in a foreign language is essential when trying to communicate effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “What did you say?” in Korean. We’ll cover both the formal and informal ways to express this question, and provide tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Way: “What Did You Say?”
When speaking formally or politely in Korean, you would use the phrase “What did you say?” as follows:
“뭐라고 하셨어요?” (mworago hasyeosseoyo?)
This phrase consists of several components:
- “뭐” (mwo): This means “what” in Korean.
- “라고” (rago): This particle connects the verb and the quoted phrase.
- “하셨어요” (hasyeosseoyo): This is the formal/polite past tense form of the verb “하다” (to do/say) in honorific speech.
When using this phrase, make sure to pronounce each syllable distinctly. The “를” (reul) particle is not necessary in this particular question.
Informal Way: “What Did You Say?”
When speaking informally or casually with friends, peers, or those of a younger age group, you would use a different phrase to ask “What did you say?”. Here’s the informal version:
“뭐라고 했어?” (mworago haesseo?)
Similar to the formal version, this phrase also consists of distinct components:
- “뭐” (mwo): Still meaning “what” in Korean.
- “라고” (rago): The same particle connecting the verb and the quoted phrase.
- “했어” (haesseo): This is the informal/casual past tense form of the verb “하다” (to do/say).
Just like before, maintain clear pronunciation for each syllable.
Tips and Examples:
Here are a few tips and examples to help you use these phrases effectively:
- Use the appropriate level of politeness: The formal version is considered polite and should be used with people you are not familiar with, elders, or in professional situations. The informal version should be reserved for close friends, peers, or those younger than you.
- Consider your tone of voice: When asking “What did you say?” in Korean, your tone can convey different meanings. A gentle and friendly tone is suitable for most situations, while a stronger tone may show irritation or confusion.
- Listen attentively: Before using this phrase, ensure that you’ve truly missed what was said. Pay attention and actively listen to the conversation to avoid confusion.
Examples:
- If someone speaks too softly, you can ask: “뭐라고 하셨어요? 좀 대신 크게 말해주세요.” (mworago hasyeosseoyo? jom daesin keuge malhaejuseyo) – “What did you say? Could you please speak louder?”
- If you didn’t understand someone’s accent, you can ask: “뭐라고 했어요? 지방 사투리라 잘 못 알아들었어요.” (mworago haesseoyo? jibang saturira jal mot aradeosseoyo) – “What did you say? I didn’t understand well because of the regional dialect.”
- If you are in a noisy environment, try: “뭐라고 했어요? 소음 때문에 잘 안 들려요.” (mworago haesseoyo? soeum ttaemune jal an deullyeoyo) – “What did you say? I can’t hear well because of the noise.”
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you use these phrases in real-life situations, the more natural and authentic your Korean will become.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “What did you say?” in Korean. You now have both a formal and informal version to suit various situations. Always remember to consider the level of politeness and context when using these phrases. Practice, listen attentively, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification when needed. Keep up the great work!
