Are you visiting South Korea or learning the Korean language and find yourself struggling to understand someone? Whether you want to comprehend a conversation in a formal or informal setting, asking “What did you say?” is an essential phrase to know. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to ask this question in Korean, along with some helpful tips and examples. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?”
When speaking to someone in a formal setting, it’s important to use polite and respectful language. Here are a few ways to ask “What did you say?” in formal Korean:
1. 무슨 말씀이신가요? (Museun malsseumisin-gayo?)
This phrase translates directly to “What did you say?” and is a formal way to ask for clarification. It is suitable when addressing someone older, of higher social status, or in a professional setting. 2. 죄송하지만 다시 말씀해주실 수 있을까요? (Joesonghajiman dasi malsseumhaejusil su isseulkka-yo?)
This phrase can be used to apologize while asking someone to repeat what they said. It is an excellent choice when you want to be extremely polite in a formal conversation. 3. 다시 한 번 말씀해주시겠어요? (Dasi han beon malsseumhaejusigesseoyo?)
Using this phrase, you politely request someone to repeat what they said. It demonstrates your eagerness to understand and engage in the conversation.
Informal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?”
In informal settings, such as chatting with friends or family, you can use slightly less formal language to ask “What did you say?”. Here are some common phrases you can use:
1. 뭐라고? (Mworago?)
This is a simple and commonly used informal phrase that directly translates to “What?”. It is suitable for casual conversations with friends or people of similar age. 2. 뭐라고 했어? (Mworago haesseo?)
Adding “했어?” at the end of the phrase gives it a more conversational tone. It can be used among friends or acquaintances when seeking clarification. 3. 뭐라고 했지? (Mworago haetji?)
Similar to the previous phrase, this one adds “했지?” for an informal and friendly tone. It works well in casual conversations with friends or younger individuals.
Tips and Examples
Now that you have learned various ways to ask “What did you say?” in Korean, let’s explore some additional tips and examples to help you use these phrases effectively:
1. Pay Attention to Non-verbal Cues:
When you don’t understand what someone said, pay attention to non-verbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, or body language. This can provide valuable context to better comprehend the conversation.
2. Be Respectful:
When interacting in a formal setting, show respect by using polite language and honorifics when appropriate. This demonstrates your understanding of Korean culture and etiquette.
3. Practice Active Listening:
Improving your listening skills is crucial when trying to understand conversations in Korean. Practice active listening by focusing on the speaker, avoiding distractions, and actively trying to comprehend what is being said.
4. Seek Clarification:
If you still don’t understand what someone said after using the phrases mentioned earlier, don’t hesitate to politely ask for further clarification. People are often willing to help and provide more details.
Now, let’s see some examples of how these phrases can be used in different situations:
- Formal Situation: Imagine you’re attending a business meeting in South Korea, and the speaker’s words were unclear. You can say, “무슨 말씀이신가요?” (Museun malsseumisin-gayo?), meaning “What did you say?” in a formal manner.
- Informal Situation: Let’s say you’re hanging out with Korean friends and didn’t catch what they just said. You can respond with “뭐라고 했어?” (Mworago haesseo?), which means “What did you say?” in an informal way.
Remember, it’s essential to adjust your language according to the formality of the situation and the relationship you have with the person you’re speaking to.
With these phrases, tips, and examples in mind, you’re equipped to ask “What did you say?” in both formal and informal settings during your Korean language journey. Now, go out there and engage in meaningful conversations with newfound confidence!
