Hello there! If you’re eager to learn how to say “Who knows” in Korean, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this phrase in Korean. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Who knows” in Korean:
In formal situations, there are a couple of phrases you can use to express “Who knows” in Korean. Here are two common ones:
- 누가 아시겠어요 (nuga asigesseoyo) – This phrase is a polite way to ask “Who knows” in Korean. It’s suitable when you’re speaking to someone older, someone in a higher position, or in a formal setting.
- 아무도 모릅니다 (amudo moreumnida) – This is another formal way to say “Who knows” in Korean. It directly translates to “Nobody knows.” You can use it when discussing uncertain or unknown situations.
Informal Ways to Say “Who knows” in Korean:
Now, let’s move on to informal expressions of “Who knows” in Korean. Informal speech is generally used among friends, family members, or people of similar age or social status. Here are a few ways to say “Who knows” in a more casual context:
- 누가 아는데? (nuga aneunde?) – This is a commonly used informal expression of “Who knows” in Korean. It can be translated as “Who knows” or “Who would know.” It’s a straightforward way to ask for information.
- 아는 사람 있어? (aneun saram isseo?) – Another way to say “Who knows” in an informal manner is by asking “Is there someone who knows?” This phrase is quite versatile and can be applied in various casual situations.
Tips and Examples:
If you want to further enhance your understanding, here are a few tips and examples to help you grasp the nuances of saying “Who knows” in Korean:
1. Politeness Matters:
In Korean culture, showing respect and politeness is crucial, especially when addressing someone older or in a formal setting. So, make sure to adjust your phrase usage accordingly. For example, when speaking to your seniors, it’s best to use the formal expressions mentioned earlier.
Example:
Person A: “어제 누가 아시겠어요?” (eoje nuga asigesseoyo?) – “Who knows who it was yesterday?”
Person B: “전혀 모르겠습니다” (jeonhyeo moreugesseumnida) – “I have no idea.”
2. Using Casual Speech:
When conversing with friends, family, or peers, you can comfortably switch to a more informal tone. Utilize the informal expressions shared above to maintain a casual atmosphere.
Example:
Person A: “오늘 수업 취소됐대, 누가 아는데?” (oneul sueop chwisodwaetdae, nuga aneunde?) – “I heard today’s class got canceled, who would know?”
Person B: “진짜? 나도 몰라. 물어봐야지” (jinjja? nado molla. mureobwayaji) – “Really? I don’t know either. Let’s ask.”
3. Be Mindful of Context:
Understanding the context in which you’re using the phrase is essential in any language. The same goes for expressing “Who knows” in Korean. Consider the situation, the level of politeness required, and the relationship with the person before deciding on the appropriate expression.
Example:
Person A: “지금 계획은 어때? (jigeum gyehoek-eun eottae?) – “What about the plan now?”
Person B: “누가 아는데, 다들 바쁜 것 같아” (nuga aneunde, dadeul bappeun geot gata) – “Who knows, everyone seems busy.”
Fun Fact: The phrase “Who knows” can also be used when you’re uncertain or when you don’t want to commit to a definite answer. It’s a versatile expression that can convey various tones depending on the situation.
Now that you have a good understanding of how to say “Who knows” in Korean, go ahead and practice using these phrases in appropriate contexts. Remember to pay close attention to your audience and the level of formality needed. Happy learning!
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that the Korean language can vary slightly depending on the region or dialect. The expressions shared in this guide are the standard Korean phrases commonly used nationwide.
