너의 것
Neoui geot
The Korean phrase for 'yours' is 너의 것 (Neoui geot).
너의 것 can function as either the subject or the object within a sentence.
Meaning: sincerely (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive pronoun 너의 (your) and the noun 것 (thing/object).
Which one should you use?
While 너의 것 is informal, 당신의 것 is a more polite or formal way to say 'yours'. The informal possessive pronoun for 'yours' is 네 거.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
너의 것 is used in informal or casual settings with people of equal or lower status.
How does it change in a sentence?
In informal speech, 너의 것 is often followed by the copula 이야 (is).
How do you pronounce it?
Neoui geot
Did you know?
- While 당신의 것 is the formal version of 'yours', the word 당신 can be perceived as aggressive or confrontational if used with a stranger in a heated argument.
- In spoken Korean, the word 네 (your) sounds identical to the word 내 (my). To avoid confusion, many speakers pronounce 'your' as 니 instead.
- Korean speakers often avoid using 너의 것 entirely by omitting the pronoun, simply asking 'Is this [item]?' if the ownership is already clear from the context.
Examples in context
- 탐, 이것들이 너의 것이야?Are these yours, Tom?This sentence is useful for asking if certain items belong to someone using 너의 것.Tatoeba #5548682 by YUJIHEE, translation #3739827 by CK
- 이거 네 거야?Is this yours?
- 네 책이야Your book
- 이 가방은 너의 것이야.i gabang-eun neoui geos-iya.This bag is yours.
- 그 책은 너의 것이 아니야.geu chaek-eun neoui geos-i aniya.That book is not yours.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are cleaning up after a party.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈, 이 컵이 너의 것이야?Jihun, i keobi neoui geosiya?Jihun, is this cup yours?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니, 내 것이 아니야.ani, nae geosi aniya.No, it's not mine.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 누구 것일까?geureom nugu geosilkka?Then whose could it be?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아마 다른 사람의 것일 거야.ama dareun sarameui geot il geoya.It's probably someone else's.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
