뭐라고 해야 해요?
mworago haeya haeyo?
In Korean, "what should I say?" is expressed as 뭐라고 해야 해요? (mworago haeya haeyo?)
This phrase is a question used to ask for advice or instructions on the correct words to use in a specific situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The component 뭐라고 consists of 뭐 (what) and the particle -라고, which is used for quoting or specifying what is being said.
How does it change in a sentence?
The casual version used with friends or people younger than you is 뭐라고 해야 해?
How do you pronounce it?
mworago haeya haeyo?
Did you know?
- If you are struggling to find the exact words, Koreans might use the expression 말문이 막히다, which describes the sensation of one's 'speech gate' being blocked.
- When asking for the 'right' way to say something to an elder, the word 'say' itself might change from 말하다 to the humble 말씀드리다.
- If someone answers your question by saying 마음대로 하세요, they aren't giving you words to use but are telling you to 'do as you please'.
Examples in context
- 어떻게 말해야 돼?What should I say?
- 사과할 때 뭐라고 해야 해요?sagwahal ttae mworago haeya haeyo?What should I say when I apologize?
- 처음 만났을 때 뭐라고 해야 해요?cheoeum mannasseul ttae mworago haeya haeyo?What should I say when meeting someone for the first time?
- 이 상황에서 뭐라고 해야 해요?i sanghwangeseo mworago haeya haeyo?What should I say in this situation?
Example conversation
Subin is asking Minjun for advice on how to introduce herself at a formal gathering.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 자기소개를 할 때 뭐라고 해야 해요?Minjun ssi, jagisogaereul hal ttae mworago haeya haeyo?Minjun, what should I say when I introduce myself?
- 민준 Min-jun이름과 직업을 말하면 돼요.ireumgwa jigeobeul malhamyeon dwaeyo.You can just say your name and job.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 만나서 반갑다고 말할까요?geureom mannaseo bangapdago malhalkkayo?Then, should I say it is nice to meet you?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 그렇게 말하는 게 좋아요.ne, geureoke malhaneun ge joayo.Yes, it is good to say that.
