Hello there! If you’re eager to learn how to say “What is this?” in Korean, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding how to ask this question is an essential skill when interacting with Korean speakers or immersing yourself in the Korean language. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to inquire about something in Korean. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Korean language and explore various ways to ask “What is this?”!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What is this?” in Korean
When it comes to expressing formal manners in Korean, it is important to use appropriate honorifics and polite phrases. Here are a few ways to ask “What is this?” formally:
1. 이게 무엇입니까? (Ige mueosimnikka?)
If you are in a situation where you need to maintain formal language, using “이게 무엇입니까?” is a safe bet. This phrase literally translates to “What is this?” and is considered polite and courteous.
2. 이것은 무엇입니까? (Igeoseun mueosimnikka?)
Similar to the previous phrase, “이것은 무엇입니까?” is another formal way to ask “What is this?”. This phrase adds emphasis on the object by using “이것은” (igeoseun) before “무엇입니까?” (mueosimnikka?). It is an excellent choice for more specific inquiries.
Informal Ways to Say “What is this?” in Korean
If you’re in a casual setting or talking to friends, it’s appropriate to use informal language. Here are a couple of informal ways to ask “What is this?” in Korean:
1. 이게 뭐야? (Ige mwoya?)
For a friendly and informal setting, “이게 뭐야?” is a great way to ask “What is this?”. The word “뭐야?” (mwoya?) is a colloquial form of “무엇이야?” (mueosiya?), which means “What is this?” in a more relaxed manner.
2. 이거 뭐지? (Igeo mwoji?)
“이거 뭐지?” is another common informal phrase used to ask “What is this?”. The word “뭐지?” (mwoji?) is a contraction of “무엇이지?” (mueosiji?), which has a similar meaning but in a more conversational tone.
Tips and Examples
Tips for Pronunciation:
- Practice pronouncing the Korean characters “ㄱ” and “ㅈ” correctly, as they are present in various phrases mentioned in this guide.
- Pay attention to the romanization of the Korean words to ensure proper pronunciation. For example, “무엇” is romanized as “mueosim” and “뭐야?” is romanized as “mwoya?”
Examples of “What is this?” in Conversation:
Example 1:
Person A: 이게 무엇입니까? (Ige mueosimnikka?)
Person B: 이것은 사과입니다. (Igeoseun sagwaipnida.)
Translation:
Person A: What is this?
Person B: This is an apple.
Example 2:
Person A: 이게 뭐야? (Ige mwoya?)
Person B: 이거는 한국 전통 음식이야. (Igeoneun hanguk jeontong eumsigiya.)
Translation:
Person A: What is this?
Person B: This is a traditional Korean dish.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed your journey through the formal and informal ways to say “What is this?” in Korean. Remember to adjust your expressions based on the formality of the situation and the relationship with the person you are speaking with. The Korean language is rich and diverse, and mastering everyday phrases like this will help you navigate various conversations with ease. Keep practicing, and enjoy your language learning adventure!
