Who is This in Korean? (누구세요?)52

In the bustling streets of Seoul or the quiet countryside of Jeju Island, you may have found yourself in a situation where you need to ask someone's name or identity. Whether you're lost and seeking directions, meeting someone for the first time, or simply curious, knowing how to ask "who is this" in Korean is essential for polite and effective communication.

In Korean, the most common way to ask "who is this" is "누구세요? (nuguseyo?)." This phrase is used in formal settings, such as when you meet someone for the first time or when you're speaking to someone in a position of authority. It consists of two parts:
"누구 (nugu)": means "who"
"세요 (seyo)": is a formal honorific ending used to show respect

When pronouncing "누구세요? (nuguseyo?)," it's important to note the following:
The "ㄴ" in "누구" is pronounced with a soft "n" sound, like in "nut."
The "ㄱ" in "구" is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, like in "go."
The "세요" ending is pronounced with a rising intonation, similar to the tone used when asking a question in English.
The overall pronunciation of "누구세요? (nuguseyo?)" is roughly "noo-goo-say-oh."

Here's an example of how you might use "누구세요? (nuguseyo?)" in a formal setting:

You: "어머니, 누구세요?" (Eomeoni, nuguseyo?)

Translation: "Mom, who is this?"

In more casual settings, you can use the informal form "누구야? (nugua?)" to ask "who is this." This phrase is used when speaking to friends, family, or people you're familiar with. It's similar to saying "who are you?" in English.

When pronouncing "누구야? (nugua?)," it's important to note the following:
The "ㄴ" in "누구" is pronounced with a soft "n" sound, like in "nut."
The "ㄱ" in "구" is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, like in "go."
The "야" ending is pronounced with a short, sharp sound, similar to the way you might say "hey" in English.
The overall pronunciation of "누구야? (nugua?)" is roughly "noo-goo-yah."

Here's an example of how you might use "누구야? (nugua?)" in a casual setting:

You: "누구야? 밥 먹고 있어." (Nugua? Bab meokgo isseo.)

Translation: "Who's this? I'm eating."

Whether you're in a formal or casual setting, knowing how to ask "who is this" in Korean is an essential part of polite and effective communication. By using the correct phrases and pronunciations, you can show respect, build relationships, and navigate social situations with confidence.

2024-11-19

Previous：German Words for Good Luck

Next：A Comprehensive Guide to the German Word “Gänseblümchen“