Understanding Korean Question Structure
Korean sentence structure differs from English, typically following a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order. When asking a question in Korean, the verb usually comes at the end of the sentence, and the sentence can be made into a question simply by changing the verb ending or intonation.
Formal and Informal Question Endings
The level of politeness is crucial in Korean. Here are the most common question endings:
- -ㅂ/습니까? (Formal): Used in news, announcements, or with strangers and elders. Example: 이것이 무엇입니까? (What is this?)
- -아요/어요? (Polite): Used in everyday conversations. Example: 뭐 해요? (What are you doing?)
- -니? (Informal): Used between close friends or to younger people. Example: 어디 가니? (Where are you going?)
Simply changing the verb ending can change a statement into a question in Korean.
Essential Korean Question Words
To ask specific questions, you’ll need to know the Korean equivalents of English question words. Here are some of the most important:
- 뭐 / 무엇 (mwo / mueot) – What
- 누구 (nugu) – Who
- 어디 (eodi) – Where
- 언제 (eonje) – When
- 왜 (wae) – Why
- 어떻게 (eotteoke) – How
- 얼마나 / 얼마 (eolmana / eolma) – How much / How many
These words are typically placed at the beginning of a sentence, but in Korean, they can also appear before the verb at the end.
Common Korean Question Examples
Here are some practical examples to help you get started:
- 이름이 뭐예요? – What is your name?
- 어디에 가요? – Where are you going?
- 몇 시예요? – What time is it?
- 왜 늦었어요? – Why are you late?
- 이거 얼마예요? – How much is this?
Asking Yes/No Questions
To ask yes/no questions in Korean, you often use the same sentence structure as statements, but raise your intonation at the end or use a question ending. For example:
- 학생이에요? – Are you a student?
- 배고파요? – Are you hungry?
Tips for Practicing Korean Questions
- Practice with AI tools: Platforms like Talkpal allow you to practice asking and answering questions with instant feedback.
- Listen to native speakers: Watch Korean dramas or listen to conversations to hear how questions are naturally formed.
- Role play: Practice with a language partner, taking turns asking and answering questions.
- Start simple: Begin with basic questions and gradually build up to more complex ones.
Conclusion
Learning how to ask questions in Korean is a powerful way to accelerate your language skills and connect more deeply with Korean culture. By understanding question structures, mastering key question words, and practicing regularly—especially with resources like Talkpal—you’ll be able to navigate a wide range of conversations confidently. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find asking questions in Korean becomes second nature!
