What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 어디 (where) and 가세요 (the honorific form of "to go").
Which one should you use?
While 어디 가세요? is the default, you might encounter other forms: 어디 가십니까? is a polite and respectful version, 어디로 가시는 건가요? is a formal way to ask and 어디 가? is the most casual and straightforward version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality changes depending on whom you are addressing. 어디 가십니까? is a highly formal version used in professional settings or when addressing someone of much higher status. 어디 가세요? and 어디 가요? are polite forms. Specifically, 어디 가요? is a standard polite version used with acquaintances or people you are not intimately close with. For close friends or people younger than you, use the casual form 어디 가?
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the subject "you" is omitted, which is standard and natural in Korean when the context makes it clear who is being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
eodi gaseyo?
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, asking "Where are you going?" is often used as a casual greeting or a way to start a conversation, similar to "How are you?" in English, rather than a literal inquiry into one's destination.
Did you know?
- The Korean word 어디 is also used to transcribe the name of the famous Hungarian poet Ady Endre into Hangul.
- Korean often omits the word for 'you' in 어디 가세요? Including a pronoun like 당신 (you) in this specific question can actually sound aggressive or unnaturally confrontational.
- In very casual settings, 어디 가? can be said with a rising intonation to ask a question or a falling intonation to express surprise that someone is leaving.
Examples in context
- 오늘 어디로 가십니까?Where are you going today?
- 어디 가?Hey, where are you going?
- 어디 가세요?eodi gaseyo?Where are you going?
- 지금 어디 가세요?jigeum eodi gaseyo?Where are you going right now?
- 선생님, 어디 가세요?seonsaengnim, eodi gaseyo?Teacher, where are you going?
Example conversation
Subin meets Jihun in the apartment hallway.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 어디 가세요?Jihun ssi, eodi gaseyo?Jihun, where are you going?
- 지훈 Ji-hun도서관에 가요.doseogwane gayo.I am going to the library.
- 수빈 Su-bin혼자 가세요?honja gaseyo?Are you going alone?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 혼자 가요.ne, honja gayo.Yes, I am going alone.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 어디, CC BY-SA 4.0.
