Learning how to express yourself in different languages allows you to connect on a deeper level with people from various cultures. In this guide, we will explore how to say “What do you want me to say?” in Korean. We will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, providing you with useful tips, examples, and possible regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
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The Formal Way: “What do you want me to say?”
When addressing someone in a higher social status or being polite, it’s essential to use formal speech. In Korean, you can say “What do you want me to say?” formally by using the following phrase:
“말씀하시기를 원하시는 대로 말씀해주세요.” (malsseumhasigireul wonhasineun daero malsseumhaejuseyo).
Let’s break down the phrase to understand its components:
- 말씀하시기를 (malsseumhasigireul) – meaning “what (do you) want me to say.”
- 원하시는 (wonhasineun) – derived from the verb “to want” (원하다, wonhada) and the polite honorific form “-시다 (-sida).”
- 대로 (daero) – meaning “as.” It is used to indicate that you will speak as the other person wishes.
- 말씀해주세요 (malsseumhaejuseyo) – a polite request to “please tell” or “please say.”
Here’s an example conversation using the formal way:
Person A: A씨, 그 얘기 좀 해주실래요? (A-ssi, geu yaegi jom haejusillaeyo?)
Person B: 네, 말씀하시기를 원하시는 대로 말씀해드리겠습니다. (Ne, malsseumhasigireul wonhasineun daero malsseumhaedrige-sseumnida.)
The Informal Way: “What do you want me to say?”
In informal situations or when speaking to close friends, you can use the casual form of the phrase. Here’s how to say “What do you want me to say?” informally in Korean:
“뭐라고 말하면 돼?” (mworago malhamyeon dwae?)
Let’s break down the informal phrase:
- 뭐라고 (mworago) – a contraction of “뭐라고” (mwola-go), combining “뭐” (mwo) meaning “what” and the quotation particle “라고” (rago).
- 말하면 (malhamyeon) – derived from the verb “to say” (말하다, malhada) and the conjunction “-면 (-myeon)” meaning “if.”
- 돼 (dwae) – a casual, shortened form of “되어” (doeeo), meaning “to be okay.”
Here’s an example conversation using the informal way:
Person A: 얘기 좀 해줄래? (Yaegi jom haejullae?)
Person B: 응, 뭐라고 말하면 돼? (Eung, mworago malhamyeon dwae?)
Regional Variations
Korean dialects can introduce variations in expressions. However, the phrase “What do you want me to say?” is commonly understood and used throughout South Korea, regardless of regional differences. As such, the formal and informal ways mentioned above should suffice for most conversations you encounter.
Additional Tips
To enhance your understanding and usage of the phrase, keep the following tips in mind:
- Politeness: In Korean culture, emphasizing politeness is highly valued. Using formal language when appropriate helps show respect towards others.
- Context matters: Before using this phrase, ensure the situation is suitable for its application. Understanding the context helps you choose the right level of formality.
- Practice pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of each word and practice speaking them aloud. It will help your Korean communication skills significantly.
- Listen and observe: Immerse yourself in Korean media, such as dramas, movies, or music, to familiarize yourself with the language and cultural nuances.
- Use greetings: When addressing someone in Korean, it’s polite to begin with a greeting like “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo) meaning “Hello” or “반갑습니다” (bangapseumnida) meaning “Nice to meet you.”
By incorporating these tips into your language learning journey, you can confidently navigate conversations and express yourself appropriately in Korean.
