Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “What for” in Korean! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your Korean language skills, we’ll cover various ways to express this phrase, including formal and informal terms. Get ready to dive into the different ways to ask “What for” in Korean.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What For” in Korean
Formal language is used when speaking to someone of higher social status, such as elders, teachers, or superiors. Here are a few phrases you can use formally to ask “What for” in Korean:
1. 무엇을 위해 (Mujeoseul Wihae)
This is a formal way to ask “What for.” Although not a direct translation of the phrase, it is commonly used in formal situations to convey the intended meaning. For example:
“선생님, 이 행사는 무엇을 위해 열리나요?” (Seonsaengnim, i haengsa-neun mujeoseul wihae yeollina-yo?)
“Teacher, what is this event for?”
2. 왜냐하면 (Waenya Hamyeon)
“왜냐하면” literally translates to “because” but can be used to ask “What for” politely in Korean. Here’s an example of it in a formal sentence:
“존경하는 이유가 무엇입니까? 왜냐하면 제가 여기 새로운 아이디어를 제공하고 싶어서입니다.” (Jonkyeonghaneun iyu-ga mujeopnigga? Waenya hamyeon jega yeogi saeroun aidieoreul jegonghago sip-eoseo-imnida.)
“What’s the reason for your admiration? It’s because I want to provide new ideas here.”
Informal Ways to Say “What For” in Korean
Informal language is used when speaking to friends, family, or someone of similar or lower age/status. Here are some informal ways to ask “What for” in Korean:
1. 뭐니 (Mwoni)
This is a commonly used and casual way to ask “What for” among friends. It is simple and straightforward. Here’s an example:
“이거 뭐니?” (Igeo mwoni?)
“What’s this for?”
2. 왜 그래 (Wae Geurae)
Although it translates to “Why like that,” it can be used to indirectly express “What for” in informal settings. Take a look at this example:
“왜 그래? 왜 울고 있어?” (Wae geurae? Wae ulgo iss-eo?)
“Why like that? Why are you crying?”
Tips for Using “What For” in Korean
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when using the phrase “What for” in Korean:
1. Politeness Matters
When speaking to someone you don’t know well or someone of higher status, it’s important to use formal language. Using informal language inappropriately could be considered impolite and may offend the person you’re speaking to.
2. Context is Key
Korean relies heavily on context, so make sure the situations and relationships are considered when selecting the appropriate way to ask “What for.” The phrase you choose can vary based on your relationship with the person you’re addressing.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to become comfortable with these phrases is to practice speaking and listening to Korean as much as possible. Engage in language exchanges, watch Korean shows, or find a language study partner to gain confidence in using “What for” in various contexts.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our guide on how to say “What for” in Korean. Now you’re equipped with both formal and informal phrases to express this concept. Remember to consider the situation, relationship, and context when choosing the appropriate phrase. Regular practice will help you become more fluent in using these expressions. Enjoy exploring the Korean language and continue your language learning journey with enthusiasm!
