Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “What is this?” in Korea. Whether you’re a traveler looking to navigate through the vibrant streets of Seoul, or you’re simply interested in learning the Korean language, this guide will help you master the formal and informal ways to ask this common question. Although there may be slight regional variations in the language, we will focus on the standard Korean commonly used throughout the country.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What is This?”
When you want to ask someone in a formal setting about the identity of an object, you can use the following phrases:
1. 이게 무엇인가요? (Ige mueosingayo?)
This phrase literally translates to “What is this?” and is the most common way to ask in a polite manner. It is appropriate to use this form when speaking to strangers, elders, or people in positions of authority. The ‘-요’ ending indicates politeness, and ‘이게’ means ‘this.’
Example: 저기요, 이게 무엇인가요? (Jeogiyo, ige mueosingayo?) – Excuse me, what is this?
2. 이게 무엇입니까? (Ige mueosingimnikka?)
This phrase is very similar to the first one but is slightly more formal. It is commonly used in official settings or when addressing a large audience. The ‘-입니까’ ending adds formality to the question, and ‘이게’ is still used to mean ‘this.’
Example: 여러분, 이게 무엇입니까? (Yeoreobun, ige mueosingimnikka?) – Ladies and gentlemen, what is this?
Informal Ways to Say “What is This?”
When you are in a casual setting or speaking with close friends, you can opt for the informal phrases listed below:
3. 이게 뭐야? (Ige mwoya?)
This phrase is widely used to ask “What is this?” in an informal and friendly manner. The ‘-야’ ending denotes informality, and ‘이게’ still means ‘this.’
Example: 친구야, 이게 뭐야? (Chinguya, ige mwoya?) – Hey buddy, what is this?
4. 이거 뭐지? (Igeo mwoji?)
This phrase is another casual way to ask “What is this?” The ‘-지’ ending conveys informality, and ‘이거’ is the shortened form of ‘이게.’
Example: 이잉, 이거 뭐지? (Eeing, igeo mwoji?) – Oops, what is this?
Useful Tips and Cultural Insights:
1. Nonverbal Communication:
Koreans place a high emphasis on nonverbal communication. When asking “What is this?” it is common to point at the object or use hand gestures to indicate the item in question. This helps supplement your question and avoids any confusion.
2. Politeness is Key:
When in doubt, it is better to lean towards a more polite form, especially when interacting with strangers or elders. Koreans greatly appreciate politeness and respectful mannerisms.
3. Tone and Volume:
Pay attention to your tone and volume. Koreans generally prefer a softer and more reserved speaking style. Avoid being too loud or overly expressive, especially in formal settings.
4. Responding to the Question:
If someone asks you, “이게 무엇인가요?” or any of the above variations, you can respond as follows:
- 이것은 [object name] 입니다. (igeoseun [object name] imnida.) – This is [object name].
- 그건 [object name]이에요. (geugeon [object name]ieyo.) – That is [object name].
Replace [object name] with the appropriate word for the item you are describing.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned the formal and informal ways to ask “What is this?” in Korea. Remember to consider the setting and relationship when choosing the appropriate phrase. Politeness and respect go a long way in Korean culture. So, next time you find yourself captivated by fascinating Korean sights, confidently ask, “이게 무엇인가요?” or use the informal phrases if the situation permits. Happy exploring!
