Which one should you use?
The phrase 왜 그래요? is a polite and commonly used way to ask 'Why are you like this?' in formal Korean, whereas 왜 그래? is a casual and widely used way to ask 'Why are you like this?' in everyday conversations among friends or peers. For the specific sense of 'why are you being like this?', you might use the informal 왜 이래? with friends or people younger than you, whereas 왜 이래요? is polite or the more respectful 왜 이러세요? when addressing someone older or in a higher social position.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
왜 이래요? is polite. For a more respectful way to ask the same question, often used when addressing someone older or in a higher social position, use 왜 이러세요? In casual settings with friends or people younger than you, use the informal 왜 이래? or 왜 그래?
How do you pronounce it?
wae iraeyo?
Did you know?
- The word 왜 (wae) is a homograph that can also mean 'Japanese' or 'small/petty' depending on the Hanja used. This can lead to confusing wordplay in puns or historical contexts.
- In Korean pop culture and dramas, 왜 이래? is often delivered with a specific playful push or nudge to signal that the speaker is teasing rather than actually angry.
- The phrase 왜 이래요? can be used as a social 'buffer' to politely stop someone from doing something embarrassing or overly affectionate in public.
Examples in context
- 존경하는 회장님, 왜 그렇게 되셨나요?Respected Chairman, why have you become like this?
- 친구야, 왜 그래?Hey friend, why are you like this?
- 갑자기 왜 이래요?gapjigi wae iraeyo?Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?
- 갑자기 왜 이래요? 무서워요.gapjagi wae iraeyo? museowoyo.Why are you being like this suddenly? It's scary.
- 아니, 왜 이래요?ani, wae iraeyo?No, really, why are you acting like this?
Example conversation
Ji-eun is confused by Ji-hun's sudden strange behavior at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 갑자기 왜 이래요?Ji-hun ssi, gapjagi wae iraeyo?Ji-hun, why are you being like this all of a sudden?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아무것도 아니에요.amugeotdo anieyo.It's nothing.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 왜 이래요?jeongmal wae iraeyo?Seriously, why are you acting like this?
- 지훈 Ji-hun그냥 좀 피곤해서 그래요.geunyang jom pigonhaeseo geuraeyo.It's just because I'm a bit tired.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 왜, CC BY-SA 4.0.
