Learning how to say “what in Korean” is essential for effective communication. Whether you’re asking about objects, preferences, or numbers, knowing the right word for “what” in the Korean language can help you sound more natural and polite in different situations.
Question words play a significant role in any language, enabling speakers to gather information, clarify doubts, and engage in meaningful conversations. The Korean alphabet, known as Hangul, is used to form these question words, and learning Korean requires an understanding of these fundamental structures. In formal situations and informal situations, different words apply depending on politeness and tone. Understanding these nuances will help you read Korean, hear it correctly, and respond naturally.
In this article, we will explain the different ways to say “what in Korean,” focusing on sample sentences, translations, and the right context for each.
5 Ways to Say “What” in Korean
Korean has multiple ways to say “what,” each suited to different situations. The most common ones include:
- 뭐 (mwo) – Casual and commonly used.
- 무엇 (mu eot) – Formal and polite.
- 무슨 (mu seun) – Used for asking about types or kinds.
- 어떤 (eo tteon) – Implies “which” or “what type.”
- 몇 (myeot) – Refers to numbers or quantity.
Each of these words plays a specific role, which we will break down below with sample sentences and translations.
1. 뭐 (Mwo)
- Pronunciation: mwuh
- Usage: Casual and commonly used in everyday Korean sentences.
Example Sentences:
- “이게 뭐야?” (What is this?) – Casual inquiry about an object.
- “뭐 하고 있어?” (What are you doing?) – Informal way to ask about someone’s actions.
Pro Tip: Avoid using “뭐” in more formal situations as it can seem impolite.
2. 무엇 (Mueot)
- Pronunciation: moo-eot
- Usage: Formal equivalent of “뭐,” used in polite conversations and formal situations.
Example Sentences:
- “무엇을 원하세요?” (What do you want?) – Polite way to ask about preferences.
- “이것은 무엇입니까?” (What is this?) – Formal inquiry about an object.
Pro Tip: Use “무엇” in professional or more formal situations to show respect.
3. 무슨 (Museun)
- Pronunciation: moo-suhn
- Usage: Used to ask “what kind of” or “which.”
Example Sentences:
- “무슨 영화가 좋아요?” (What kind of movie do you like?) – Inquiring about preferences.
- “무슨 일이야?” (What’s happening?) – Used to ask about events or situations.
4. 어떤 (Eotteon)
- Pronunciation: uh-ttuhn
- Usage: Implies “which” or “what type,” often in selective contexts.
Example Sentences:
- “어떤 음식을 먹고 싶어요?” (What type of food do you want to eat?) – Inquiring about choices.
- “어떤 책을 읽고 있어요?” (Which book are you reading?) – Used for specific inquiries.
5. 몇 (Myeot)
- Pronunciation: myut
- Usage: Refers to “what number” or “how many.”
Example Sentences:
- “몇 시예요?” (What time is it?) – Commonly used for asking the time.
- “몇 명이 왔어요?” (How many people came?) – Asking about quantity or count.
When and How to Use Each Form
Different situations require different forms of “what.” Below is a guide on choosing the right one based on context and politeness.
Formal vs. Informal Usage
| Form | Usage Context |
| 뭐 | Casual, everyday conversations with friends and peers. |
| 무엇 | Professional, polite, and respectful interactions. |
| 무슨 | Asking about types or categories. |
| 어떤 | Asking about choices or preferences. |
| 몇 | Asking about numbers, time, or quantity. |
Choosing the Right Form for the Situation
Different situations require different forms of “what.” Below is a guide on choosing the right one based on context and politeness.
- “무슨” is great for preferences or categories (e.g., “What kind of movie?”).
- “몇” works well when asking about time or quantity.
- Avoid casual forms in business or professional settings to maintain politeness.
Grammar and Sentence Structures
Korean follows a subject-object-verb structure, affecting how questions are formed. Here are some common patterns:
| Korean Sentence | English Translation |
| “무엇을 먹고 싶어요?” | What do you want to eat? |
| “몇 시에 가요?” | What time are you going? |
| “무슨 색을 좋아해요?” | What colour do you like? |
Practicing these sentence structures will help reinforce your understanding.
Cultural Insights into Using “What” in Korean
Understanding cultural nuances is crucial when using question words in Korean. The way you phrase a question can impact how it is perceived, affecting the tone and level of politeness.
Korean communication is deeply rooted in respect and hierarchy, making it essential to choose the right form of “what” based on the social setting.
Politeness and Tone in Korean
Korean places great importance on politeness. The way you ask “what” can change the tone and meaning of a sentence. Learning Korean also means understanding when to use informal versus formal speech.
Examples:
- Polite: “무엇을 하시겠습니까?” (What would you like to do?) – Respectful and formal.
- Abrupt: “뭐야?” (What?) – Informal and can sound rude if misused.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid using “뭐” in formal or professional settings. Overusing formal terms like “무엇” in casual settings can sound stiff or unnatural.
Expanding Beyond “What”
To build a stronger foundation in Korean, learning other question words is helpful:
| Korean Word | Meaning |
| 누구 (nugu) | Who |
| 언제 (eonje) | When |
| 어디 (eodi) | Where |
| 왜 (wae) | Why |
| 어떻게 (eotteoke) | How |
If you’re interested in learning more, consider taking a basic Korean class or enrolling your child in a Korean class for kids.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned the five main ways to say “what” in Korean, it’s time to practice! Whether you’re in casual conversations or formal situations, choosing the right word will help you sound more natural and polite. If you want to read Hangeul or watch Korean dramas, learning these question words is a great start.
To continue your journey in learning Korean, check out Korean Explorer for more resources and classes!
