있잖아
itjana
In Korean, "you see" can be translated as 있잖아 (itjana), a phrase used to get someone's attention.
This phrase serves as a conversational filler or opener. It is frequently used to grab someone's attention before you begin telling a story or delivering news, often functioning like "hey" or "listen."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the verb 있다 (to exist or to be) and the particle -잖아, which implies "as you know" or "you see."
Which one should you use?
The forms vary based on the level of politeness required. 있잖아 is the casual version, while 있잖아요 is the polite version. In a formal context, one might use the verb 보다 (to see) in forms such as 보십니다 (formal present indicative) or 보십시오 (formal imperative).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
있잖아 is an informal form used in casual speech with friends or people younger than you. To make the phrase suitable for people you are not close to or those older than you, use the polite version 있잖아요.
How do you pronounce it?
itjana
Did you know?
- Using 있잖아 can sometimes signal the start of a secret or a piece of gossip. It sets a tone of intimacy between the speaker and the listener.
- The word 있다 is a high-frequency 'chameleon' word in Korean. Depending on the context, it can mean 'to exist', 'to be located', or even 'to possess' something.
- Because 있잖아 functions as a conversational 'hook', it is often used by Koreans to pause and think mid-sentence without losing the listener's interest.
Examples in context
- 이 사진을 보십시오Please see this photo.
- 이 영화를 보세요Please watch this movie.
- 있잖아, 나 어제 꿈을 꿨어.itjanna, na eoje kkumeul kkwosseo.You see, I had a dream yesterday.
- 있잖아, 이거 진짜 맛있다.itjanna, igeo jinjja masitta.You see, this is really delicious.
Example conversation
Jihoon wants to tell Seoyeon about a movie he saw.
- 지훈 Ji-hun있잖아, 서연아, 그 영화 진짜 재밌더라.itjanna, seoyeon-a, geu yeonghwa jinjja jaemitdeora.You see, Seoyeon, that movie was really fun.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말? 나도 보고 싶어.jeongmal? nado bogo sipeo.Really? I want to see it too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 다음에 같이 보러 갈까?geureom daeume gachi boreo galkka?Then, shall we go see it together next time?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 좋아!eung, joa!Yes, sounds good!
