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How to Say "What" in Korean: A Complete Guide to Question Words
Learning how to ask questions is one of the most fundamental steps in mastering any new language, and Korean is no exception. The word "what" is arguably the most versatile question word, and understanding its various forms is crucial for effective communication. In Korean, the word for "what" is 무엇 (mu-eot), but its usage changes dramatically based on grammar, politeness level, and context. This guide will break down everything you need to know to use "what" like a native speaker.
The Core Word: 무엇 (mu-eot)
At its most basic, the noun for "what" in Korean is 무엇 (mu-eot). It is a noun, meaning it can stand alone or be used within a sentence. Even so, you will rarely use it in isolation. Its power comes from how it interacts with the rest of the sentence Simple, but easy to overlook..
What is it?
- Korean: 무엇이에요? (mu-eot-i-e-yo?)
- Literal Translation: What is [it]?
Notice the particle -이 (i) attached to 무엇. This is the subject marker particle. In Korean, particles are essential for showing the grammatical role of words. Also, since "what" is the subject of the question "What is...? ", it takes the subject marker -이. Which means if the word ended with a consonant, like "book" (책 - chaek), you would use -이 (책이). If it ended with a vowel, like "I" (나 - na), you would use -가 (나가). Since 무엇 ends with the consonant ㅅ, you use -이 And that's really what it comes down to. No workaround needed..
The Crucial Role of Particles and Grammar
The real complexity and nuance of "what" come from the different particles attached to it. These particles indicate the function of "what" in the sentence: is it the subject, the object, or the location?
1. What as the Subject: 무엇 (mu-eot) + 이/가 This is used when "what" is the doer of the action.
- What is happening? -> 무엇이 일어나고 있어요? (mu-eot-i i-reo-na-go it-eo-yo?)
- Here, "what" (무엇) is the subject of the verb "to happen" (일어나다).
- What did you say? (Literally: What said?) -> 무슨 말을 했어요? (mu-seun mal-eul haess-eo-yo?)
- Note: A more common and natural way to ask this is with the adjective 무슨 (mu-seun), which means "what kind of."
2. What as the Object: 무엇 (mu-eot) + 을/를 This is the most common usage. "What" is the receiver of the action.
- What are you eating? -> 무엇을 먹고 있어요? (mu-eot-eul meok-go it-eo-yo?)
- Here, "what" (무엇) is the object of the verb "to eat" (먹다). The object marker -을 is used because 무엇 ends with a consonant.
- What did you buy? -> 무엇을 샀어요? (mu-eot-eul saess-eo-yo?)
3. What as the Location or Time: 어디 (eo-di) or 언제 (eon-je) Sometimes, "what" in English is better translated as "where" or "when" in Korean.
- What is that? (Pointing to something far away) -> 그것은 무엇이에요? (geu-geot-eun mu-eot-i-e-yo?) or more naturally, 그게 뭐예요? (geu-gye mwo-ye-yo?)
- What time is it? -> 몇 시예요? (myeot si-ye-yo?) - This uses the word for "how many" (몇) + "hour" (시).
- What is your name? -> 이름이 뭐예요? (i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?) - Here, "what" is replaced by the more natural 뭐 (mwo), a colloquial short form of 무엇.
Politeness Levels: From Formal to Casual
Korean has a complex honorific system that dictates verb endings. The word "what" itself doesn't change, but the sentence ending does Simple, but easy to overlook..
1. Formal Polite (하십시오 - Hapsipsio): Used in public announcements, very formal writing, or to strangers in a highly respectful manner.
- 무엇을 도와 드릴까요? (mu-eot-eul do-wa deuril-kka-yo?)
- "What can I do for you?" (Literal: What can I help you with?)
2. Standard Polite (해요체 - Haeyo-che): This is the most common level for daily conversation with people you don't know well, like shopkeepers, or in general polite speech.
- 무엇을 드릴까요? (mu-eot-eur deuril-kka-yo?) - "What would you like?" (in a restaurant)
- 무슨 일로 오셨나요? (mu-seun il-lo o-syeot-na-yo?) - "What brings you here?" / "What is the matter?"
3. Informal/Casual (해체 - Hae-che): Used with friends, younger people, or family members.
- 뭐 먹을까? (mwo meok-eul-kka?) - "What should we eat?"
- 왜 왔어? (wae wa-seo?) - "Why did you come?" (Using 왜 for "why" is often more natural than "what" in this context).
Common Variations and Colloquial Shortcuts
In everyday speech, Koreans use shortened and more fluid versions of "what."
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뭐 (mwo): This is the most common, casual short form of 무엇. It's used constantly in informal conversations Turns out it matters..
- 이거 뭐야? (i-geo mwo-ya?) - "What is this?" (Casual, to a friend)
- 점심 뭐 먹을까? (jeom-sim mwo meok-eul-kka?) - "What should we have for lunch?"
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무슨 (mu-seun): This is an adjective meaning "what kind of." It is always used before a noun to ask about the nature or type of something Less friction, more output..
- 무슨 음식을 좋아해요? (mu-seun eum-sik-eul jo
Similarly, 어떤 (eo-tteon) functions as an adjective meaning "what kind of," but it often implies a more open-ended or subjective inquiry compared to the categorical nature of 무슨. It is particularly useful when asking about opinions, preferences, or general characteristics.
- 어떤 음식이 제일 맛있어요? (eo-tteon eum-sik-i je-il mas-it-eo-yo?) - "What kind of food is the most delicious?" (Asking for a recommendation or opinion)
- 어떤 학교를 다녀요? (eo-tteon hak-gyo-reul da-nyeo-yo?) - "What kind of school do you go to?" (Asking about the type or atmosphere of the school)
The Role of Context: Location and Time
As covered, the English "what" can be fulfilled by words for "where" or "when" when the context is about location or time. This is a common point of confusion for learners.
- What is this called? (Pointing to an object) -> 이걸 뭐라고 해요? (i-geol mwo-ra-go hae-yo?) - Here, 뭐 (mwo) is the most natural choice.
- What's that over there? -> 저기서 뭐가 있어요? (jeo-gi-seo mwo-ga it-eo-yo?) - Using 뭐 (mwo) for "thing" and 저기서 (jeo-gi-seo) for "over there" to specify the location.
- What's the matter? -> 왜 그래요? (wae geurae-yo?) - Literally, "Why is it like that?" This is a very common and natural way to express concern.
- What happened? -> 왜 그 happened? Often, 왜 (wae, "why") or 어떻게 (eo-tteo-ke, "how") is used instead of a direct "what."
