뭐야
mwoya
In Korean, "what the heck" is said as 뭐야 (mwoya).
Depending on the context, it can be translated as "What's this?" or "What the heck?"
Meaning: softer form of "what the hell" (phrase)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You should not use this form with people older than you or in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
mwoya
Did you know?
- If you are extremely frustrated, you might hear a much harsher version where the 'ㅁ' sound is replaced with a stronger, more vulgar consonant to create a 'what the hell' effect.
- In many Korean dramas, characters use 뭐야 as a form of playful teasing or 'tsundere' flirtation rather than actual confusion or anger.
- If you use 뭐야 while staring at an object, it is a literal question, but saying it while looking at a person is often a challenge to their behavior.
Examples in context
- 뭐야?What the heck?
- 이게 뭐야?ige mwoya?What the heck is this?
- 도대체 뭐야?dodaeche mwoya?What the heck is going on?
- 갑자기 뭐야?gapjagi mwoya?What the heck is this all of a sudden?
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyeon are looking at a strange package on the floor.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현아, 이거 뭐야?Dohyeon-a, ige mwoya?Dohyeon, what the heck is this?
- 도현 Do-hyeon나도 잘 모르겠어.Nado jal moreugesseo.I don't know either.
- 수빈 Su-bin누가 두고 간 걸까?Nuga dugo gan geolkka?I wonder who left it here.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 이상하다.Jeongmal isanghada.It's really strange.
