Korean Pronunciation: How to Say “What”

In Korean, knowing how to say “what” is essential for effective communication. Understanding both the formal and informal ways to express this question will help you navigate different social contexts. In this guide, we will explore various pronunciations and provide helpful tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!

1. Formal Way: “What” in Korean Pronunciation

In formal situations, such as speaking to people older than you or those in positions of authority, you would use the word “무엇” (mueot) to say “what” in Korean. It is pronounced as “moo-uht.”

Tips for Pronunciation:

• Keep in mind that the “ㅁ” (m) sound should be pronounced clearly at the beginning.
• The “ㅜ” (u) sound is a bit rounded and relaxed. It is similar to the “oo” sound in the English word “moon.”
• Pay attention to enunciating the final “ㅌ” (t) sound, which represents the “t” in “what”.

Examples:

Formal: 무엇을 찾으세요? (mueot-eul chajeuseyo?) – What are you looking for?

Formal: 무엇을 의미합니까? (mueot-eul uimihanikka?) – What does it mean?

2. Informal Way: “What” in Korean Pronunciation

When addressing friends, acquaintances, or in casual conversations, the informal way to say “what” is “뭐” (mwo). It sounds like “mwoh.”

Tips for Pronunciation:

• The “ㅁ” (m) sound remains the same as in the formal pronunciation.
• The “ㅝ” (wo) sound is pronounced close to the “uh” sound in the English word “duh.”
• Be sure to pronounce the final “ㅇ” (ng) sound softly, almost like a nasal sound at the end of the word.

Examples:

Informal: 뭐 할까? (mwo halkka?) – What should we do?

Informal: 뭐 먹을까? (mwo meogeulkka?) – What should we eat?

3. Additional Tips for Saying “What” in Korean Pronunciation

Regional Variations:

While the formal and informal pronunciations mentioned above are widely used throughout Korea, it’s worth noting that regional variations exist. The dialects prevalent in different regions might have slight alterations in the pronunciation of “what.” For example, in the Gyeongsang Province, a common regional variation uses “모” (mo) instead of “뭐” (mwo). However, for general communication, the formal and informal pronunciations covered earlier are widely understood across the country.

Using “무슨” and “어떤” for “What”:

In addition to using “무엇” (mueot) and “뭐” (mwo), you can also use “무슨” (museun) and “어떤” (eotteon) to ask “what” in Korean. These words help specify the type or nature of something in a question.

무슨: 무슨 책을 읽고 계세요? (museun chaeg-eul ilggo gyeseyo?) – What kind of book are you reading?

어떤: 어떤 음식을 좋아하세요? (eotteon eumsig-eul johahaseyo?) – What type of food do you like?

Politeness Matters:

Remember, using the appropriate formal or informal language based on the context and relationship is crucial in Korean culture. Employing the wrong level of politeness can inadvertently affect your interactions with others.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say “what” in Korean pronunciation is fundamental to effective conversations. By understanding the formal and informal ways, as well as considering regional variations and using additional words like “무슨” and “어떤,” you will enhance your language skills and be able to express yourself more naturally. So, practice these pronunciations and engage in meaningful interactions with Korean speakers. Enjoy your language journey!