Learning to ask simple questions like “What is this?” is fundamental when starting to learn a new language. In Korean, there are several ways to ask this question, each with its own nuance and level of formality. Understanding these variations will greatly improve your ability to communicate effectively and navigate different social situations in Korea. This article will delve into the most common and useful ways to ask “What is this?” in Korean, along with explanations of grammar, pronunciation, and cultural context.
The Most Basic Translation: “이게 뭐예요?” (Ige Mwoyeyo?)
The phrase 이게 뭐예요? (Ige Mwoyeyo?) is probably the most common and versatile way to ask “What is this?” in Korean. It is considered polite enough for most everyday situations, making it a great starting point for beginners.
Breaking Down the Phrase
- 이 (I): This. It refers to something that is close to the speaker.
- 게 (ge): A shortened form of “것이 (geosi).” “것 (geot)” means “thing,” and “이 (i)” is a subject marker. “것이 (geosi)” is often shortened to “게 (ge)” in spoken Korean for convenience.
- 뭐 (Mwo): What. This is the direct translation of “what.”
- 예요 (Yeyo): Is. This is a polite form of the verb “이다 (ida),” which means “to be.” “예요 (yeyo)” is used after nouns ending in a vowel.
Therefore, 이게 뭐예요? (Ige Mwoyeyo?) literally translates to “This thing, what is it?” However, it is naturally understood as “What is this?” in English.
Pronunciation Tips
Korean pronunciation can be tricky for beginners. Here are some tips for pronouncing 이게 뭐예요? (Ige Mwoyeyo?) correctly:
- 이 (I): Pronounced like the “ee” in “see.”
- 게 (ge): Pronounced with a soft “g” sound, similar to the “g” in “get,” followed by the “e” sound as in “bed.”
- 뭐 (Mwo): Pronounced with a slightly rounded “m” sound and a “wo” sound, similar to the “wo” in “wonder.”
- 예요 (Yeyo): Pronounced as “yeh-yo,” with a clear separation between the syllables. The “ye” sound is similar to the “ye” in “yes.”
Practice saying the phrase slowly and repeatedly, paying attention to each syllable. Listening to native Korean speakers pronounce it can also be very helpful. There are many online resources, such as YouTube videos and language learning apps, where you can hear the correct pronunciation.
When to Use “이게 뭐예요?”
이게 뭐예요? (Ige Mwoyeyo?) is appropriate in a wide range of situations, including:
- Asking a shopkeeper about an item in their store.
- Inquiring about an unfamiliar object at a friend’s house.
- When you see something new on a menu.
- Generally, when you are speaking to someone you are not extremely close to, or when you want to maintain a polite tone.
This phrase strikes a good balance between politeness and informality, making it a safe choice for most interactions.
A More Formal Option: “이것은 무엇입니까?” (Igeoseun Mueosimnikka?)
For situations requiring a higher level of formality, such as speaking to someone older than you, a superior, or in a formal setting, the phrase 이것은 무엇입니까? (Igeoseun Mueosimnikka?) is more appropriate.
Breaking Down the Phrase
- 이것 (Igeot): This thing. It’s a more formal version of “이것 (Igeot)” meaning “this.”
- 은 (eun): A topic marker. It indicates that “이것 (Igeot)” is the topic of the sentence.
- 무엇 (Mueot): What. This is the formal equivalent of “뭐 (mwo).”
- 입니까 (Imnikka): Is. This is the most formal form of the verb “이다 (ida).” It is used in very polite or formal situations.
Thus, 이것은 무엇입니까? (Igeoseun Mueosimnikka?) translates to “As for this thing, what is it?” This phrase carries a greater sense of respect and deference.
Pronunciation Tips
- 이것 (Igeot): Pronounced as “ee-gut,” with a short “u” sound as in “put.”
- 은 (eun): Pronounced as “eun,” similar to the “un” in “under.”
- 무엇 (Mueot): Pronounced as “mu-ut,” with a short “u” sound as in “put.”
- 입니까 (Imnikka): Pronounced as “im-ni-kka,” with clear separation between the syllables. The “im” sounds like the “im” in “him.”
Practicing the pronunciation carefully is essential to convey the appropriate level of formality.
When to Use “이것은 무엇입니까?”
Use 이것은 무엇입니까? (Igeoseun Mueosimnikka?) in scenarios such as:
- Giving a presentation to a group.
- Speaking to your boss or a senior colleague.
- Interacting with someone significantly older than you.
- Addressing someone of higher social standing.
- In any situation where you want to demonstrate maximum respect.
Using this phrase in a casual setting might sound overly formal or even humorous, so it’s important to reserve it for appropriate occasions.
Asking About Something Farther Away: “저게 뭐예요?” (Jeoge Mwoyeyo?)
If you want to ask “What is that?” when referring to something that is far away from both you and the person you are speaking to, you would use 저게 뭐예요? (Jeoge Mwoyeyo?).
Breaking Down the Phrase
- 저 (Jeo): That (over there). It refers to something that is distant from both the speaker and the listener.
- 게 (ge): Again, the shortened form of “것이 (geosi),” meaning “thing (subject marker).”
- 뭐 (Mwo): What.
- 예요 (Yeyo): Is.
Therefore, 저게 뭐예요? (Jeoge Mwoyeyo?) literally translates to “That thing over there, what is it?” and is understood as “What is that?”
Pronunciation Tips
- 저 (Jeo): Pronounced as “juh,” similar to the “juh” in “just.”
- 게 (ge): Same as in “이게 뭐예요?” (Ige Mwoyeyo?).
- 뭐 (Mwo): Same as in “이게 뭐예요?” (Ige Mwoyeyo?).
- 예요 (Yeyo): Same as in “이게 뭐예요?” (Ige Mwoyeyo?).
When to Use “저게 뭐예요?”
저게 뭐예요? (Jeoge Mwoyeyo?) is used when:
- You are pointing at something in the distance.
- You and the person you are speaking to are both looking at something far away.
- The object in question is not near either of you.
Using “이게 뭐예요? (Ige Mwoyeyo?)” when referring to something far away would be grammatically incorrect and potentially confusing.
Asking About Something Near the Other Person: “그게 뭐예요?” (Geuge Mwoyeyo?)
If you want to ask “What is that?” referring to something that is closer to the person you are speaking to than to yourself, you would use 그게 뭐예요? (Geuge Mwoyeyo?).
Breaking Down the Phrase
- 그 (Geu): That. It refers to something closer to the listener.
- 게 (ge): Again, the shortened form of “것이 (geosi),” meaning “thing (subject marker).”
- 뭐 (Mwo): What.
- 예요 (Yeyo): Is.
Therefore, 그게 뭐예요? (Geuge Mwoyeyo?) literally translates to “That thing (near you), what is it?” and is understood as “What is that?”
Pronunciation Tips
- 그 (Geu): Pronounced as “geu,” similar to the “gu” in “good.”
- 게 (ge): Same as in “이게 뭐예요?” (Ige Mwoyeyo?).
- 뭐 (Mwo): Same as in “이게 뭐예요?” (Ige Mwoyeyo?).
- 예요 (Yeyo): Same as in “이게 뭐예요?” (Ige Mwoyeyo?).
When to Use “그게 뭐예요?”
그게 뭐예요? (Geuge Mwoyeyo?) is used when:
- You are asking about something that is near the person you are talking to.
- The object is closer to the listener than to you.
- You are pointing to something the other person is holding or looking at closely.
For example, if someone is holding an object and you don’t know what it is, you would use 그게 뭐예요? (Geuge Mwoyeyo?).
Other Useful Phrases and Considerations
Beyond the core phrases, understanding a few related concepts can further enhance your Korean communication skills.
Using “무슨” (Museun)
Instead of just asking “What is this?”, you might want to ask “What kind of…?” or “What type of…?” In this case, you can use the word 무슨 (museun), which means “what kind of” or “which.”
For example, you could ask:
이거 무슨 빵이에요? (Igeo museun ppangieyo?) – What kind of bread is this?
- 빵 (ppang) means “bread.”
이거 무슨 차예요? (Igeo museun chaye-yo?) – What kind of car is this?
- 차 (cha) means “car” or “tea” depending on the context.
Showing Respect Through Honorifics
Korean is a hierarchical language, and using honorifics is crucial to show respect to people older than you or of higher status. While the basic phrases we’ve covered are polite enough for many situations, remember to be mindful of your audience. Using the formal phrase 이것은 무엇입니까? (Igeoseun Mueosimnikka?) is a good way to ensure you are being respectful in formal situations.
Context is Key
As with any language, context plays a vital role in understanding and being understood. Pay attention to the situation, your relationship with the person you are speaking to, and their body language. These cues will help you choose the most appropriate phrase and avoid misunderstandings.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to learn how to say “What is this?” in Korean is to practice. Use these phrases in real-life conversations, watch Korean dramas and movies, and listen to Korean music. The more you immerse yourself in the language, the more comfortable you will become using these phrases naturally.
Adding “좀 (Jom)” for Politeness
Adding the word 좀 (jom) before the question can make it sound even more polite. 좀 (jom) can be translated as “a little” or “please” in some contexts.
For example:
- 이게 좀 뭐예요? (Ige jom mwoyeyo?) – What is this, please?
While not strictly necessary, adding 좀 (jom) can soften the tone and show extra consideration.
Understanding Particle Usage
Korean uses particles to indicate the grammatical function of words in a sentence. In the phrases we’ve discussed, the particles “이 (i),” “은 (eun),” and “게 (ge)” are essential. Understanding how these particles work will help you construct your own Korean sentences.
- 이/가 (I/ga): Subject markers. “이 (i)” is used after nouns ending in a consonant, and “가 (ga)” is used after nouns ending in a vowel.
- 은/는 (Eun/neun): Topic markers. “은 (eun)” is used after nouns ending in a consonant, and “는 (neun)” is used after nouns ending in a vowel.
Beyond “What is This?” – Expanding Your Vocabulary
Once you’ve mastered the basic phrases for asking “What is this?”, you can expand your vocabulary to ask more specific questions. Learning the names of common objects and places will greatly enhance your ability to communicate in Korean.
For example, instead of asking “What is this?”, you could ask:
이거 사과예요? (Igeo sagwayeyo?) – Is this an apple?
- 사과 (sagwa) means “apple.”
이거 커피예요? (Igeo keopieyo?) – Is this coffee?
- 커피 (keopi) means “coffee.”
Conclusion
Asking “What is this?” in Korean might seem simple, but mastering the different variations and nuances can significantly improve your communication skills. By understanding the grammar, pronunciation, and cultural context behind each phrase, you can confidently navigate various social situations and build stronger connections with Korean speakers. Remember to practice regularly and immerse yourself in the language to become more fluent and natural in your Korean conversations.
FAQ 1: What is the most common way to say “What is this?” in Korean?
The most common and generally useful way to ask “What is this?” in Korean is “이게 뭐예요? (Ige mwoyeyo?).” This phrase is polite and suitable for most everyday situations. It’s relatively easy to pronounce and understand, making it a great starting point for learners.
This phrase is composed of “이게 (ige),” which is a contraction of “이것이 (igeosi)” meaning “this,” and “뭐예요 (mwoyeyo),” which is the polite form of “뭐야 (mwoya)” meaning “what is it?”. Therefore, it translates literally to “This, what is it?” and is widely recognized and accepted in Korean conversation.
FAQ 2: Is there a more formal way to ask “What is this?” in Korean?
Yes, a more formal way to ask “What is this?” is “이것은 무엇입니까? (Igeoseun mueosimnikka?).” This phrase is more appropriate when speaking to someone older than you, someone in a position of authority, or in a formal setting.
Using this phrase shows respect and adherence to Korean honorifics. “이것은 (igeoseun)” means “this” with a formal particle, and “무엇입니까 (mueosimnikka)” is the formal polite question “What is it?”. While not necessary in casual conversations, understanding this phrase is crucial for navigating formal Korean social situations.
FAQ 3: How do I ask “What is that?” in Korean (referring to something further away)?
To ask “What is that?” referring to something further away from both you and the listener, you would use “저게 뭐예요? (Jeoge mwoyeyo?).” The key difference here is the use of “저 (jeo),” which means “that over there.”
Just like “이게 (ige),” “저게 (jeoge)” is a contraction of “저것이 (jeogeosi).” Combining “저게 (jeoge)” with “뭐예요 (mwoyeyo)” forms the complete question, “What is that over there?”. Remember to use this when the object is distant from both participants in the conversation.
FAQ 4: Can I use “그게 뭐예요? (Geuge mwoyeyo?)” and what does it mean?
Yes, you can use “그게 뭐예요? (Geuge mwoyeyo?).” It translates to “What is that?” but it refers to something that is closer to the listener than to you. It implies the item is near the person you’re asking.
The word “그게 (geuge)” is a contraction of “그것이 (geugeosi),” meaning “that.” This is used when referring to something that is close to the person you’re speaking to. Be mindful of the context and proximity when choosing between “이게 (ige),” “그게 (geuge),” and “저게 (jeoge).”
FAQ 5: How do I pronounce “이게 뭐예요?” correctly?
To pronounce “이게 뭐예요? (Ige mwoyeyo?)” correctly, break it down: “이 (i)” is pronounced like “ee,” “게 (ge)” is pronounced like “geh,” “뭐 (mwo)” is pronounced like “mwoh” (similar to “more”), and “예요 (yeyo)” is pronounced like “yeh-yo.”
Putting it together, it sounds like “ee-geh mwoh-yeh-yo.” Pay attention to the slight emphasis on the “mwo” syllable. Listening to native Korean speakers pronounce the phrase is highly recommended for mastering the correct intonation and rhythm.
FAQ 6: Are there any common mistakes that learners make when asking “What is this?” in Korean?
One common mistake is confusing “이 (i),” “그 (geu),” and “저 (jeo).” Remembering the proximity each refers to (this, that near you, that over there) is crucial. Another mistake is using informal language in formal situations.
Learners also sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of “뭐 (mwo),” often pronouncing it incorrectly. Consistent practice and exposure to native Korean speech patterns can help avoid these errors and improve fluency.
FAQ 7: How can I expand my vocabulary related to asking about objects in Korean?
To expand your vocabulary, start learning common Korean nouns for various objects like “책 (chaek)” for “book,” “물 (mul)” for “water,” and “집 (jip)” for “house.” Then, practice using them in sentences with “이게 뭐예요?” and its variations.
Another effective method is to use flashcards or language learning apps that focus on Korean vocabulary. Watching Korean dramas and variety shows can also expose you to new words and phrases in a natural and engaging context, ultimately aiding in vocabulary acquisition and comprehension.