Welcome to our guide on how to say “What does it mean?” in Korean. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate learner, understanding how to ask this question is essential for improving your Korean language skills. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to ask this question, with tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Ask “What Does It Mean” in Korean
If you want to ask the formal version of “What does it mean?” in Korean, you can use the following phrase:
“무슨 뜻이에요?” (Museun ddeusi-eyo?)
This phrase, “무슨 뜻이에요?”, is appropriate for formal situations, such as speaking to people of higher authority, elder individuals, or in professional settings. It shows respect and politeness, which is important in Korean culture.
Now, let’s break down this phrase:
- “무슨” (Museun) means “what” in English.
- “뜻이에요” (Ddeusi-eyo) is a polite form of “mean” in Korean.
When communicating formally, it’s essential to use honorific language in Korean. This ensures you maintain respect and show proper manners.
Informal Way to Ask “What Does It Mean” in Korean
If you’re in a casual or familiar setting, you can use the informal version of “What does it mean?” The appropriate phrase is:
“뭐야?” (Mwoya?)
This phrase, “뭐야?”, is used among friends, family, or people of similar age or close relationship. It’s an informal, friendly way to ask the meaning of something.
Breaking down the phrase “뭐야?”:
- “뭐” (Mwo) means “what” in Korean.
- “야” (Ya) is a casual particle used to ask a question or get attention.
Using informal language allows you to build a closer connection with others and shows a more relaxed atmosphere.
Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve explored both the formal and informal ways to ask “What does it mean?” in Korean, let’s dive into some tips and examples to further enhance your understanding.
Tips:
- Always be mindful of the context and relationship when choosing between formal and informal language.
- If unsure about the appropriate level of formality, it’s generally safer to default to the formal version.
- Listen to native speakers or watch Korean media to familiarize yourself with the proper intonation and pronunciation of the phrases.
- Practice, practice, practice! The more you use these phrases, the more natural they will become.
Examples:
Let’s now look at some examples of how to use our phrases in everyday conversations:
Example 1:
Formal: A student asking a teacher about a difficult word.
Student: 선생님, 이 단어의 뜻이 무슨 뜻이에요? (Seonsaengnim, i daneoui ddeusi museun ddeusi-eyo?)
Teacher: 이 단어는 ~~~라는 뜻입니다. (I daneoneun ~~~raneun ddeusi-imnida.)
Translation: Teacher, what does the meaning of this word “~~~”? This word means “~~~”.
Example 2:
Informal: Friends discussing a new slang term.
Friend 1: 응, 뭐야 그 말이? (Eung, mwoya geu mari?)
Friend 2: 그 말은 최근 유행 중인 단어야. (Geu mareun choegeun yuhaeng jungin daneoya.)
Translation: Yeah, what does that word mean? That word is a recently trendy term.
Remember that these are just a few examples; the phrases can be used in various situations and conversations.
By understanding the formal and informal ways to ask “What does it mean?” in Korean, you’ll be able to engage in meaningful conversations and expand your vocabulary. Practice diligently and continuously expose yourself to Korean language resources to improve your overall fluency. Enjoy your language learning journey!
