The Basic Phrase: “What is this?” in Korean
The most common way to say “What is this?” in Korean is 이게 뭐예요? (ige mwoyeyo?). This phrase is polite and suitable for most situations, especially when speaking with people you are not close to or those older than you.
Breaking Down the Phrase
- 이게 (ige): This is a contraction of 이것이 (igeosi), which means “this” as the subject of the sentence.
- 뭐예요? (mwoyeyo?): This is the polite way to ask “What is it?” 뭐 (mwo) means “what”, and 예요 is the polite ending attached to nouns.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronouncing Korean correctly can be tricky for beginners, but breaking down each part helps:
- 이게 (ige): Say “ee-geh” (the “g” is soft, almost like a “k” sound).
- 뭐예요 (mwoyeyo): “mwo-ye-yo” (the “wo” in “mwo” sounds like “woah”).
Practice saying 이게 뭐예요? slowly, then gradually speed up as you become comfortable with the sounds.
Situational Variations
Depending on what you are referring to, or the level of formality, you may want to adjust the phrase:
Informal Version
If you’re speaking with friends or people much younger than you, you can use the informal version:
- 이게 뭐야? (ige mwoya?)
This is less formal and should be used only in casual settings.
Other Related Phrases
- 저게 뭐예요? (jeoge mwoyeyo?) – “What is that (over there)?”
- 그게 뭐예요? (geuge mwoyeyo?) – “What is that (near you)?”
These variations are useful if the object you’re asking about is not right in front of you.
Using the Phrase in Real-life Situations
Here are some common scenarios where you might use “What is this?” in Korean:
- At a restaurant, pointing to a dish on the menu: 이게 뭐예요?
- While shopping, holding up a product: 이게 뭐예요?
- When someone says a word you don’t understand: 그게 뭐예요?
Using this phrase not only helps you understand your surroundings but also encourages interaction and learning opportunities with native speakers.
Tips for Practicing and Expanding Your Vocabulary
- Use Talkpal’s AI-powered language learning platform to practice pronunciation and receive instant feedback.
- Try to use the phrase as often as possible in conversations, both in person and online.
- Expand your questions by adding specific nouns, for example: 이 단어가 뭐예요? (i dan-eoga mwoyeyo?) – “What does this word mean?”
Summary: Mastering “What is this?” in Korean
Learning how to say “What is this?” in Korean—이게 뭐예요?—is a fundamental step in your Korean language journey. This phrase opens doors to more meaningful conversations and deeper cultural understanding. Remember to adjust the formality based on your audience, practice with real-life examples, and use resources like Talkpal to reinforce your skills. With consistent practice, you’ll quickly gain the confidence to ask questions and engage with Korean speakers in authentic ways.
