너희들
neohuideul
The English phrase "you guys" is translated into Korean as 너희들 (neohuideul).
너희들 is an informal way to address a group of two or more people.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the second-person plural pronoun 너희 (you all) and the plural suffix 들 (plural marker).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is strictly informal and should only be used with friends, people younger than you or those with whom you have a close, casual relationship. The term 너희 is commonly used among friends, peers or individuals within the same social hierarchy.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many spoken contexts, the plural suffix 들 is often dropped and people may simply say 너희 to mean "you guys".
How do you pronounce it?
neohuideul
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using this phrase when addressing people older than them or in professional settings, as it can be perceived as rude or disrespectful.
Did you know?
- In many Korean social settings, people avoid using any word for 'you' or 'you guys' altogether, often replacing the phrase with the person's job title or name.
- In highly casual settings, the phrase 너희들 can be replaced by 니들, which is a common spoken contraction that changes the vowel sound for easier pronunciation.
- When addressing a group of peers, Koreans might use 우리 meaning 'we' instead of 너희들 to create a sense of inclusivity and shared belonging.
Examples in context
- 너희들 대단해!You guys are awesome!This sentence is useful for expressing admiration toward a group using 너희들.Tatoeba #8358079 by Eunhee, translation #6936307 by Hybrid
- 한국에 너희들을 만나요!I'll meet you guys in Korea!This sentence is useful for talking about a future meeting with 너희들 in Korea.Tatoeba #471201 by tamsanh, translation #471204 by tamsanh
- 당신들은 일을 끝냈어요?Have you guys finished the work?
- 너희들 내일 뭐 해?neo-hui-deul nae-il mwo hae?What are you guys doing tomorrow?
Example conversation
Minjun sees Jieun and her friends at the entrance of a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun너희들 여기 왔구나!neohuideul yeogi watguna!You guys came here!
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 방금 도착했어.eung, banggeum dochakhaesseo.Yeah, we just arrived.
- 민준 Min-jun뭐 마실 거야?mwo masil geoya?What are you going to drink?
- 지은 Ji-eun우리는 아이스 아메리카노 마실게.urineun aiseu amerikano masilge.We'll have iced americanos.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
