What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 한국어 (Korean language), 잘 (well) and 하시네요 (the honorific form of 'to do' with an observational suffix).
Which one should you use?
While 한국어 잘하시네요 is the standard polite form, you may also encounter 한국어 잘하네요 (hangugeo jalhaneyo). Removing the -시- honorific makes the phrase less formal and can sound slightly less respectful if used toward an elder or a stranger.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 한국어 잘하시네요 is polite and suitable for speaking to strangers or people older than you. For a more casual setting, you might hear the informal 한국어 잘 하네! (You're good at Korean!). Other formal variations include 한국어를 잘 하시는군요 (You speak Korean well) and 한국어에 능하시네요 (You are proficient in Korean).
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -시- in 하시네요 is an honorific marker that shows respect to the person being spoken to.
How do you pronounce it?
hangugeo jalhasineyo
When do people say it?
When receiving this compliment, a common and appropriate way to respond is 감사합니다 (thank you).
Did you know?
- While 감사합니다 is the standard reply, a culturally modest response is to say 아니에요 ('no') or 아니에요, 아직 부족해요 ('no, I am still lacking').
- The suffix -네요 at the end of 잘하시네요 functions as a 'discovery' marker. It tells the listener that you have just realized or been surprised by how well they speak in that very moment.
- The word 한국어 is a Sino-Korean word, meaning it is derived from Chinese characters, combining 한국 for 'Korea' and 어 for 'language'.
Examples in context
- 한국어 잘하시네요!hangugeo jalhasineyo!Your Korean is good!
- 와, 한국어 잘하시네요.wa, hangugeo jalhasineyo.Wow, your Korean is good.
- 한국어 잘하시네요, 정말 놀라워요.hangugeo jalhasineyo, jeongmal nollawoyo.Your Korean is good, it's really amazing.
Example conversation
Minjun compliments Subin after hearing her speak Korean.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 한국어 잘하시네요!subin ssi, hangugeo jalhasineyo!Subin, your Korean is good!
- 수빈 Su-bin아니에요, 아직 많이 부족해요.anieyo, ajik mani bujokhaeyo.No, I still have a lot to learn.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 자연스러워요.jeongmal jayeonseureowoyo.It's really natural.
- 수빈 Su-bin칭찬해 주셔서 감사합니다.chingchanhae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Thank you for the compliment.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 한국어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
