Learn Korean - For Beginners [ Monthly Update ]

Question Words in Korean (what, where, how etc.)

Today we're looking at question words, such as the above in the title. There will be an example for each word, but to practice, you can write down a question using each word in the comments! 

What - 무엇 (mueot) 

In Korean dramas you'll often hear them say "mwo" for short. And that's how you wanna say if you want to sound fluent, avoid saying mu-eot. 

Example: 무엇을 먹고 싶어요? (Mueoseul meokgo sipeoyo?) = What do you want to eat?

Again, here avoid saying it like it's written and instead say "mwo-seul" or "meo-seul" depending on how you wanna romanize it. For a clearer underestanding of how to saying, try listening to fluent Koreans saying this word. 

Which - 무슨 (museun

Example: 무슨 영화를 좋아해요? (Museun yeonghwareul joahaeyo?) = Which movie do you like?

Remember that "joahaeyo" actually sounds more like "choahaeyo" with "ch". 

Where - 어디 (eodi)

Example: 화장실이 어디에 있어요? (Hwajangshiri eodie isseoyo?) = Where is the bathroom?

Notice how "the bathroom" - "hwajangshiri" is writen with an "r" instead of an "l"? This is beacause the "l" is following by an "i" and it will in this case sound more like an "r", wheras if you said "hwajangshil" alone it will sound like an "l". 

A great question for when you're touring an unknown place. It's a great idea to remember this one! You'll find public bathrooms in a lot of places in South Korea so using this might help you a lot! 

When - 언제 (eonje)

Example: 언제 시간이 있어요? (Eonje shigani isseoyo?) = When do you have time?

A short and simple one for when planning a hang out ;) 

Who - 누구 (nugu)

Example: 저 사람이 누구예요? (Jeo sarami nuguyeyo?) = Who is that person?

You can also use "i" as in "i sarami nugueyo?" (이 사람이 누구예요?) if you wanna ask "who is THIS person?" as in someone who's in your proximity. Whereas the question above can be used for when someone isn't around or standing far away. However if you wanna use "이", be careful when and how to use it, as it might seem disrespectful to ask this in front of a person. You should rather ask the person directly, saying: "dangshin nugueyo?" (당신 누구예요?). 

Why - 왜 (wae)

Example: 왜 늦었어요? (Wae neujeosseoyo?) = Why are you late?

You have probably heard this a lot and in many different contexts. This word can be used all depending on the situation. Mainly it means "why" but it can also be translated as "what" in some cases. It is important to understand the context when hearing this word. 

For example someone is sad and you ask them "wae?" or "wae keuraeyo?" (왜 그러요?). In this context it directly means "why are you like this?" It is important to notice that this isn't a negative question. It basically means "why are you in this state?" or more correctly "what's wrong?"  

How - 어떻게 (eotteoke)

Example: 이걸 어떻게 해요? (Igeol eotteoke haeyo?) = How do you do this?

Korean is a very context related language. This again can have different meanings depending on the use. For example, "igeon eottaeyo?" (이건 어때요?) which can be translated to two things, "HOW about this?" or "WHAT about this?". So don't get confused if you're reading subtitles and you suddenly hear "eottae" with the translation "what". Remember to listen to the full sentence and the context for a better understanding. 

How much - 얼마 (eolma)

Example: 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) = How much is this?

Another one great for shopping!

How many - 몇 개 

Example: 몇 개 필요해요?" (Myeot-gae piryohaeyo?) = How many do you need?

This last one is simple and straightforward. 

Let me know if you have questions and I'll be ready to hopefully help! If you have any topics you wanna learn about whether it be about the language or the culture don't hesitate to leave a comment.