그녀는 누구예요?
geunyeoneun nuguyeyo?
The English phrase "who is she?" is translated into Korean as 그녀는 누구예요? (geunyeoneun nuguyeyo?)
This phrase is a question used to ask for the identity of a female person. While 그녀는 누구예요? is a direct translation, in natural spoken Korean it is much more common and polite to use 그분은 누구예요?, which means "Who is that person?" (polite).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 그녀 (geunyeo) literally means "she".
Which one should you use?
The form 그녀는 누구예요? is a standard way to ask the question, while 그녀가 누구인가요? is a common formal version. Another alternative polite way to ask is 그 여자분은 어떻게 되세요?
How do you pronounce it?
geunyeoneun nuguyeyo?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-use 그녀 (geunyeo) in Korean, but it is primarily used in written literature and sounds unnatural in spoken conversation.
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, it's common for people to address someone by their name or title rather than using pronouns like "he" or "she".
Did you know?
- The word 그녀 was not originally part of the Korean language but was created by translators to mirror Western pronouns like 'she' in translated novels.
- To be truly natural, Koreans often omit the pronoun entirely and just ask 누구예요?, relying on context or a gesture to indicate the woman.
- If you are speaking about a woman who is older or higher in status than you, using the direct 'she' pronoun can actually be perceived as rude. Using a title like 선생님 (teacher) is the standard way to refer to her respectfully.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are looking at a group photo.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그녀는 누구예요?geunyeoneun nuguyeyo?Who is she?
- 지은 Ji-eun제 친한 친구예요.je chinhan chin-guyeyo.She is my close friend.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 예쁘시네요.jeongmal yeppeusineyo.She is really pretty.
- 지은 Ji-eun감사합니다.gamsahamnida.Thank you.
