어디에 있어요
eodie isseoyo
The English phrase "where is the" is translated into Korean as 어디에 있어요 (eodie isseoyo).
This phrase is used to ask about the location of a specific object or place. In Korean, the subject you are looking for, such as a bank or a building, is often omitted if the context of the conversation makes it clear what you are searching for.
Which one should you use?
While 어디에 있어요 is the standard polite form, you may encounter 어디에 있습니까 in highly formal contexts and 어디에 있어? in casual settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For highly formal settings, such as professional environments or news broadcasts, use 어디에 있습니까.
How does it change in a sentence?
The highly formal version of this phrase is 어디에 있습니까?
How do you pronounce it?
eodie isseoyo
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a person rather than an object, you would not use 어디에 있어요 but rather 어디에 계세요, which uses a special honorific verb for 'to exist'.
- In Korea, asking 어디에 있어요 for a restroom is often preceded by 혹시, which functions as a social lubricant to avoid sounding too demanding.
- If you are searching for a lost object, you might hear 어디 갔지?, which literally means 'where did it go?' rather than 'where is it?'
Examples in context
- 그 은행은 어디에 있어요?Where is the bank?This sentence is useful for asking where the bank is using the form 어디에 있어요.Tatoeba #4965175 by rainbow4us, translation #48623 by CK
- 여관은 어디에 있습니까?Where is the inn?
- 화장실이 어디에 있어요?hwajangsil-i eodie isseoyo?Where is the restroom?
- 지하철역이 어디에 있어요?jihacheolyeok-i eodie isseoyo?Where is the subway station?
Example conversation
Seoyeon is asking Hyunwoo for directions in the street.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 버스 정류장이 어디에 있어요?Hyunwoo ssi, beoseu jeongryujang-i eodie isseoyo?Hyunwoo, where is the bus stop?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저기 편의점 옆에 있어요.jeogi pyeonuijeom yeope isseoyo.It is over there next to the convenience store.
- 서연 Seo-yeon아, 저기 있군요. 감사합니다!a, jeogi itgunyo. gamsahamnida!Ah, I see it there. Thank you!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니에요. 조심히 가세요.anieyo. josimhi gaseyo.No problem. Have a safe trip.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
