What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 어디 (where), 있었 (the past tense of to be/exist) and 어요 (a polite ending).
Which one should you use?
While 어디 있었어요? is a standard way to ask the question, other forms exist depending on the level of respect required. For example, 어디에 다녀오셨어요? is a formal version and 어디에 다녀왔어? is an informal version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality changes based on the endings and specific verbs used. For a more formal and respectful way to ask someone you do not know well or to show respect towards, use 어디에 다녀오셨어요? To make the question much more respectful, suitable for elders or superiors, use 어디 계셨어요? instead of 있었어요. For informal situations, such as talking to friends, family or peers, use 어디에 다녀왔어? You can also create an informal version of the default form by removing the 요 from the end to get 어디 있었어?, which is used with close friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the past tense 있었- to ask about a completed state of being in a location.
How do you pronounce it?
eodi isseosseoyo?
Did you know?
- Because Korean relies heavily on hierarchy, you cannot simply use the same 'where' question for your boss as you would for your younger sibling. Using the wrong verb for 'to be' can make you sound like you are treating a superior like a piece of furniture.
- While 어디 means 'where', it can also be used in idioms to mean 'let me see' or 'let's think' when pondering a decision.
- The polite version 어디에 다녀오셨어요? literally translates to 'Did you go and come back from where?' This version is much more common in polite social exchanges than the direct 'where were you' version.
Examples in context
- 어디 있었어요?eodi isseosseoyo?Where have you been?
- 어제 한 시간 동안 어디 있었어요?eoje han sigan dong-an eodi isseosseoyo?Where were you for an hour yesterday?
- 전화도 안 받고 어디 있었어요?jeonhwado an batgo eodi isseosseoyo?You didn't answer the phone, where have you been?
Example conversation
Dohyun is looking for Jieun at a cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 어디 있었어요?Jieun ssi, eodi isseosseoyo?Jieun, where have you been?
- 지은 Ji-eun화장실에 있었어요.hwajangshile isseosseoyo.I was in the restroom.
- 도현 Do-hyeon많이 기다렸어요.man-i gidaryeosseoyo.I waited for a long time.
- 지은 Ji-eun미안해요, 도현 씨.mianhaeyo, Dohyun ssi.I'm sorry, Dohyun.
