Gaining basic knowledge of how to say “what” and understanding the nuances behind it is essential for effective communication in South Korean. This guide will provide you with various formal and informal ways to express “what” in the Korean language, as well as some regional variations that may be encountered. Throughout this guide, you will come across helpful tips and examples to enhance your understanding and application of this keyword.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What”
When it comes to formal situations, it is important to use respectful language in South Korea. Here are a few formal ways to say “what” in Korean:
- 무엇 (mueot): This is the standard, neutral term for “what.” It can be used in various settings without causing offense. For example:
방금 무엇을 말씀하셨나요? (bang-geum mueot-eul mal-ssum-hasyeot-na-yo?) – What did you just say?
뭐 (mwo): This informal version of “what” is commonly used in formal settings, such as workplaces or interviews with superiors. However, it should be used with caution and only when appropriate. For example:
오늘 회의는 뭐로 결정되었어요? (o-neul hui-ee-neun mwo-ro gyeol-jeong-dwee-eoss-eo-yo?) – What was the decision made in today’s meeting?
Informal Ways to Say “What”
In informal situations, such as conversations with friends, family, or peers, using casual language is common. Here are some informal ways to express “what” in South Korean:
- 뭐야 (mwo-ya): This is a casual way of saying “what” and can be used comfortably with close friends or family members. For example:
며칠째 거기에 있었어? 뭐야 여기 너무 편해! (myeo-chil-jjae geo-gi-e it-eoss-eo? mwo-ya yeo-gi neo-mu pyeon-hae!) – How many days have you been there? What? It’s so comfortable here!
어머 (eo-meo): This expression shows surprise and can be used informally among peers or friends. It is often used to say “what” in response to unexpected news or situations. For example:
어머, 정말? 그런 일이 벌어진 거야? (eo-meo, jeong-mal? geu-reon-il-i beol-eo-jin geo-ya?) – What? Really? Did that really happen?
Regional Variations and Dialects
South Korea has various dialects, and the way people express “what” can differ slightly depending on the region. Although it is not necessary to learn all the regional variations, it can be helpful to know a few examples:
- 뭐라니 (mwo-ra-ni): This is commonly used in the Gyeongsang Province to express “what.” For example:
뭐라니? 왜 그렇게 놀라는 거야? (mwo-ra-ni? wae geu-reok-ke nol-la-neun geo-ya?) – What? Why are you so surprised?
뭐지 (mwo-ji): This form is used predominantly in the Jeolla Province and is similar to the standard Korean “뭐” (mwo). For example:
이거 뭐지? 어디서 찍은 사진이야? (i-geo mwo-ji? eo-di-seo jjig-eun sa-jin-i-ya?) – What’s this? Where was this photo taken?
Remember, understanding regional variations is not crucial for everyday conversation, but it can be interesting to explore these dialects if you have the opportunity!
Additional Tips and Considerations
1. Context Matters: When using any expression of “what” in South Korean, ensure you consider the context of the situation to determine the appropriate formality level.
2. Non-verbal Communication: In addition to using the correct words, pay attention to non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and tone of voice. They play a vital role in conveying the intended meaning and understanding the “what” being referred to.
3. Politeness and Respect: South Koreans value politeness and respect in their interactions. When in doubt, it is generally advised to err on the side of formality to avoid any unintended offense.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this guide on how to say “what” in South Korean! You should now have a good understanding of various formal and informal ways to express this keyword, as well as some knowledge of regional variations. Remember to take cultural and social factors into consideration when using these expressions. Practice using these phrases in context to improve your communication skills in the Korean language. Happy learning!
