누군가와
nugungawa
The phrase "with someone" in Korean is translated as 누군가와 (nugungawa).
Used to indicate that an action is performed in the company of another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The particle 와 means 'with' or 'and' when attached to a noun.
Which one should you use?
The form 누군가랑 is a common colloquial way to say 'with someone' in spoken Korean.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 와 is used after a noun ending in a vowel, whereas 과 is used after a noun ending in a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
nugungawa
Did you know?
- If you are expressing 'with' in the sense of 'with a tool' or 'with a method', such as 'with a spoon', you cannot use 와. You must instead use the particle 로 to distinguish between human company and instrumental means.
- When using the particle 와 to mean 'with', you must be careful with social hierarchy. If you are speaking to someone much older or in a higher position, using the colloquial 랑 instead of 와 can sound dismissive or overly casual.
- In Korean, the concept of 'with' can be expressed through nouns that imply 'togetherness', such as 함께. While 누군가와 is grammatically standard, adding 함께 makes the sentiment of sharing an experience feel much warmer and more intentional.
Examples in context
- 점심 시간에 사무실에서 함께 식사합시다.Let's have lunch together in the office.
- 영화 보러 같이 가자!Let's go watch a movie together!
- 방학 때 함께 여행해요!Let's travel together during the vacation!
- 친구와 함께 공원에 놀러 갔어요.I went to the park with my friend.
- 부모님과 함께 저녁식사를 하러 식당에 갔어요.I went to the restaurant for dinner with my parents.
- 누군가와 함께 식사를 했어요.nugungawa hamkke siksareul haesseoyo.I had a meal with someone.
- 누군가와 같이 가고 싶어요.nugungawa gachi gago sipeoyo.I want to go with someone.
- 누군가와 대화하는 것은 즐거워요.nugungawa daehwahaneun geoseun jeulgeowoyo.It is enjoyable to talk with someone.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are talking about their weekend plans.
- 수빈 Su-bin이번 주말에 뭐 할 거예요?ibeon jumare mwo hal geoyeyo?What are you doing this weekend?
- 도현 Do-hyeon누군가와 영화를 보기로 했어요.nugungawa yeonghwareul bogiro haesseoyo.I decided to watch a movie with someone.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말요? 누구와 가나요?jeongmalyo? nuguwa ganayo?Really? Who are you going with?
- 도현 Do-hyeon그냥 친한 친구예요.geunyang chinhan chinguyeyo.It is just a close friend.
