Language/Korean/Grammar/Question-Words

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Korean → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Question Words

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the topic of question words in the Korean language. Question words are an essential part of any language as they allow us to ask questions and seek information. By learning question words in Korean, you will be able to ask and answer questions confidently, expanding your ability to engage in conversations and communicate effectively in Korean. Throughout this lesson, we will explore the question words 'Where', 'When', 'Who', and 'Why', providing you with comprehensive explanations, numerous examples, and engaging exercises to reinforce your understanding. So let's get started!

Where (어디)

The question word 'Where' in Korean is translated as '어디' (eodi). This question word is used to inquire about the location or position of an object, person, or event. Let's take a look at some examples:

Korean	Pronunciation	English Translation
어디에 가고 싶어요?	Eodie gago sip-eoyo?	Where do you want to go?
학교는 어디에 있어요?	Haggyoneun eodie iss-eoyo?	Where is the school?
레스토랑은 어디에 있나요?	Reseutorang-eun eodie issnayo?	Where is the restaurant?
여기는 어디예요?	Yeogineun eodiyeoyo?	Where is this place?

In the first example, we are asking someone where they want to go. The question starts with '어디에' (eodie), which means 'where'. The verb '가고 싶어요' (gago sip-eoyo) means 'want to go'.

In the second example, we are asking about the location of the school. The question starts with '학교는 어디에' (haggyoneun eodie), which means 'Where is the school'. The verb '있어요' (iss-eoyo) means 'is'.

In the third example, we are asking about the location of the restaurant. The question starts with '레스토랑은 어디에' (reseutorang-eun eodie), which means 'Where is the restaurant'. The verb '있나요' (issnayo) means 'is'.

In the fourth example, we are asking about the location of the current place. The question starts with '여기는 어디예요' (yeogineun eodiyeoyo), which means 'Where is this place'. The verb '예요' (yeoyo) means 'is'.

Now, let's practice using the question word '어디' (eodi) in some exercises.

Exercise 1

Translate the following sentences into Korean:

1. Where is the library? 2. Where do you live? 3. Where are you going? 4. Where is the bus station?

Solution

1. 도서관은 어디에 있어요? (Doseogwan-eun eodie iss-eoyo?) 2. 어디에 살아요? (Eodie sal-ayo?) 3. 어디로 가요? (Eodilo gayo?) 4. 버스 정류장은 어디에 있나요? (Beoseu jeongnyujang-eun eodie issnayo?)

When (언제)

The question word 'When' in Korean is translated as '언제' (eonje). This question word is used to inquire about the time or period of an event or action. Let's take a look at some examples:

Korean	Pronunciation	English Translation
언제 일어나요?	Eonje ireonayo?	When do you wake up?
학교는 언제 시작해요?	Haggyoneun eonje sijaghaeyo?	When does school start?
저녁 식사는 언제 해요?	Jeonyeok siksa-neun eonje haeyo?	When do you have dinner?
언제 끝나요?	Eonje kkeutnayo?	When does it end?

In the first example, we are asking someone about the time they wake up. The question starts with '언제' (eonje), which means 'when'. The verb '일어나요' (ireonayo) means 'wake up'.

In the second example, we are asking about the time school starts. The question starts with '학교는 언제' (haggyoneun eonje), which means 'When does school'. The verb '시작해요' (sijaghaeyo) means 'start'.

In the third example, we are asking about the time of dinner. The question starts with '저녁 식사는 언제' (jeonyeok siksa-neun eonje), which means 'When do you have dinner'. The verb '해요' (haeyo) means 'have'.

In the fourth example, we are asking about the time an event ends. The question starts with '언제' (eonje), which means 'when'. The verb '끝나요' (kkeutnayo) means 'end'.

Now, let's practice using the question word '언제' (eonje) in some exercises.

Exercise 2

Translate the following sentences into Korean:

1. When is your birthday? 2. When do you go to work? 3. When does the movie start? 4. When do you usually go to bed?

Solution

1. 생일은 언제예요? (Saeng-il-eun eonjeyeyo?) 2. 언제 출근해요? (Eonje chulgeunhaeyo?) 3. 영화는 언제 시작해요? (Yeonghwaneun eonje sijaghaeyo?) 4. 보통 언제 자요? (Botong eonje jayo?)

Who (누구)

The question word 'Who' in Korean is translated as '누구' (nugu). This question word is used to inquire about the identity of a person or people. Let's take a look at some examples:

Korean	Pronunciation	English Translation
누구세요?	Nuguseyo?	Who are you?
누구랑 갔어요?	Nugurang gass-eoyo?	Who did you go with?
누구가 왔어요?	Nuguga wass-eoyo?	Who came?
누구의 책이에요?	Nugui chaegi-eoyo?	Whose book is this?

In the first example, we are asking someone about their identity. The question starts with '누구세요' (nuguseyo), which means 'Who are you'.

In the second example, we are asking who someone went with. The question starts with '누구랑' (nugurang), which means 'with who'. The verb '갔어요' (gass-eoyo) means 'went'.

In the third example, we are asking who came. The question starts with '누구가' (nuguga), which means 'Who came'. The verb '왔어요' (wass-eoyo) means 'came'.

In the fourth example, we are asking about the owner of a book. The question starts with '누구의' (nugui), which means 'Whose'. The noun '책이에요' (chaegi-eoyo) means 'book is'.

Now, let's practice using the question word '누구' (nugu) in some exercises.

Exercise 3

Translate the following sentences into Korean:

1. Who is your best friend? 2. Who is that person over there? 3. Who is the teacher? 4. Whose bag is this?

Solution

1. 가장 친한 친구는 누구예요? (Gajang chinh-an chingu-neun nuguyeyo?) 2. 저기 저 사람은 누구예요? (Jeogi jeo salam-eun nuguyeyo?) 3. 선생님은 누구예요? (Seonsaengnim-eun nuguyeyo?) 4. 이 가방은 누구의 거예요? (I gabang-eun nugui geoyeyo?)

Why (왜)

The question word 'Why' in Korean is translated as '왜' (wae). This question word is used to inquire about the reason or cause of an action or event. Let's take a look at some examples:

Korean	Pronunciation	English Translation
왜 그렇게 생각해요?	Wae geuleohge saeng-gakhaeyo?	Why do you think so?
왜 그렇게 행동했어요?	Wae geuleohge haengdonghaess-eoyo?	Why did you behave like that?
왜 이렇게 어려워요?	Wae ireohge eoryeowoyo?	Why is it so difficult like this?
왜 그렇게 늦었어요?	Wae geuleohge neut-eoss-eoyo?	Why were you so late?

In the first example, we are asking someone about the reason behind their thoughts. The question starts with '왜' (wae), which means 'Why'. The verb '생각해요' (saeng-gakhaeyo) means 'think'.

In the second example, we are asking why someone behaved in a certain way. The question starts with '왜' (wae), which means 'Why'. The verb '행동했어요' (haengdonghaess-eoyo) means 'behaved'.

In the third example, we are asking why something is difficult. The question starts with '왜' (wae), which means 'Why'. The verb '어려워요' (eoryeowoyo) means 'is difficult'.

In the fourth example, we are asking why someone was late. The question starts with '왜' (wae), which means 'Why'. The verb '늦었어요' (neut-eoss-eoyo) means 'were late'.

Now, let's practice using the question word '왜' (wae) in some exercises.

Exercise 4

Translate the following sentences into Korean:

1. Why are you sad? 2. Why did you buy that? 3. Why is the sky blue? 4. Why didn't you come to the party?

Solution

1. 왜 슬퍼요? (Wae seulpeoyo?) 2. 왜 그거 샀어요? (Wae geugeo sassy-eoyo?) 3. 왜 하늘이 파란 거예요? (Wae haneuli paran geoyeyo?) 4. 왜 파티에 안 왔어요? (Wae patie an wass-eoyo?)

Cultural Insight: Regional Variations

It's important to note that regional variations exist in the usage and understanding of question words in Korean. Different regions within Korea may have different dialects or accents, which can affect the pronunciation and usage of question words. For example, the question word 'Where' is pronounced as '에디' (edi) in the Jeolla region of Korea. Similarly, the question word 'When' is pronounced as '언제요' (eonjeyo) in the Gyeongsang region. These regional variations add depth and richness to the Korean language, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the country. When interacting with native Korean speakers, it's always interesting to observe and learn from these regional variations.

Exercise 5: Role Play

Now it's time to put your knowledge of question words into practice! In this exercise, you will engage in a role play conversation with a partner. One person will play the role of a tourist visiting Korea, while the other person will play the role of a local Korean providing information and assistance. Use the question words 'Where', 'When', 'Who', and 'Why' to ask and answer questions related to tourist attractions, events, and local customs. Be creative and make the conversation engaging and informative. Here are some prompts to get you started:

1. Tourist: "Where can I try traditional Korean food?"

  Local Korean: "You can try traditional Korean food at the Gwangjang Market. It's a famous market known for its delicious street food."

2. Tourist: "When is the best time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?"

  Local Korean: "The best time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace is in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's a beautiful sight!"

3. Tourist: "Who is the most famous K-pop artist in Korea?"

  Local Korean: "BTS is currently one of the most famous K-pop groups in Korea. Their music has gained international popularity."

4. Tourist: "Why do Koreans bow when they greet each other?"

  Local Korean: "Bowing is a sign of respect in Korean culture. It's a way to show honor and acknowledge the other person's presence."

Feel free to come up with your own questions and answers based on your interests and knowledge of Korean culture. Practice the role play conversation multiple times to improve your fluency and confidence in using question words.

Summary

In this lesson, we explored the question words 'Where', 'When', 'Who', and 'Why' in the Korean language. We learned how to use these question words to ask and answer questions about location, time, identity, and reason. Through numerous examples and exercises, we practiced using these question words in context, allowing us to develop a deeper understanding of their usage and meaning. Additionally, we discussed the regional variations that exist in the pronunciation and usage of question words, highlighting the cultural diversity of Korea. By mastering the usage of question words, you will be able to engage in meaningful conversations and gain valuable insights into Korean culture. Keep practicing and applying your knowledge, and soon you will become proficient in using question words in Korean!

Table of Contents - Korean Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Korean Alphabets

• Reading and writing Korean Alphabets
• Korean Pronunciation
• Subject and Object Markers

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Hello and Goodbye
• Introducing Yourself
• Family and Friends

  ---

Korean Culture and Customs

• Korean Etiquette
• Korean Holidays
• Korean Cuisine

  ---

Sentence Building

• Basic Verb Conjugation
• Question Words
• Connecting Verbs

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Daily Routine

• Daily Activities
• Means of Transportation
• Weather and Seasons

  ---

Korean Pop Culture

• Korean Dramas
• Korean Music
• Korean Cinema

  ---

Describing People and Things

• Describing People
• Describing Things
• Comparatives and Superlatives

  ---

Food and Drinks

• Food and Ingredients
• Drinks
• Cooking and Recipes

  ---

Korean Traditions

• Korean Weddings
• Korean Festivals
• Korean Games and Sports

  ---

Verb Tenses

• Past Tense
• Future Tense
• Progressive Tense

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Travel and Sightseeing

• Travel Vocabulary
• Sightseeing Vocabulary
• Shopping Vocabulary

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Korean Arts and Crafts

• Korean Calligraphy
• Korean Pottery
• Korean Paper Crafts

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Conjunctions and Connectors

• Conjunctions
• Connectors
• Conditional Sentences

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Health and Body

• Body Parts
• Health Vocabulary
• Exercise and Fitness Vocabulary

  ---

Korean Nature

• Korean National Parks
• Korean Folk Villages
• Korean Eco-Friendly Practices

Sources

• Korean Question Words - Vocabulary for Asking Questions
• How To Ask Questions In Korean: 3 Easy Ways - Ling App
• Lesson 21: Asking Questions in Korean: Why, When, Where, Who

Other Lessons

• Give your Opinion
• Connectors
• Korean Pronunciation
• Describing Things
• Nouns
• Gender
• Describing People
• Conjunctions
• Plurals
• Questions

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