❓ [Beginner Series] Ask Anything in Korean: The 6 Strategic Question Words
🙋♂️ Ask Anything in Korean: 6 Essential Question Words (Updated 2026)
💡 Summary: The Language of Curiosity
In Korean, asking questions is the fastest way to build human connection (정). To ask effectively, you must master the 6 core "W-words" and remember the "Verb Last" rule. Whether you're in Gangnam or Jongno, these words will be your survival toolkit.
1. Brian’s Insight: Why Questions Build "Uri" (We)
In my 20 years leading teams, I've noticed that those who ask good questions are the ones who integrate the fastest. In Korea, asking a polite question shows interest and respect. However, how you ask matters as much as what you ask. Using these 6 words with polite endings like "-요" will turn you from a stranger into a "teammate" in any social situation.
2. The Essential Toolkit: 6 Core Question Words
For PC learners, save this table for quick reference:
| Word (KR) | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 뭐 | mwo | What |
| 어디 | eodi | Where |
| 언제 | eonje | When |
| 왜 | wae | Why |
| 어떻게 | eotteoke | How |
| 누구 | nugu | Who |
3. The Framework: Keeping the Verb Last
The most important rule in Korean: The Verb Always Comes Last. Even in questions, the question word usually sits in the middle or early, but the action ends the sentence.
[Subject] + [Question Word] + [Verb]?
• 커피 뭐 마셔요? (What coffee do you drink?)
• 집이 어디예요? (Where is your home?)
4. 2026 Real-Life Scenarios: Practical Examples
• 이게 뭐예요? (What is this?)
• 다이소가 어디예요? (Where is Daiso?)
• 언제 만나요? (When shall we meet?)
• 그 사람이 누구예요? (Who is that person?)
5. Brian’s Pro Tip: The "혹시" Strategy
If you ask "왜?" (Why?) or "누구예요?" (Who are you?) directly, it can sound too blunt. To sound like a sophisticated insider, start your sentence with 혹시 (hok-si)—meaning "by any chance."
Professional Upgrade:
• 혹시 이거 어떻게 해요? (How do I do this, by any chance?)
• 혹시 생일이 언제예요? (When is your birthday, by any chance?)
6. Local Insights: Questions in Seoul
In hubs like Gangnam or Hongdae, you'll hear "뭐?" used as "What?" in very casual settings. However, as an executive or a professional expat, stick to "뭐라고요?" or "네?" if you didn't hear someone. Politeness is your strongest currency in Korea.
🔗 Foundation Lessons for Beginners
Practice Your "W-Words" Live.
Want to stop rehearsing in your head and start speaking to real people? Join my 1:1 sessions on italki to practice these questions in a supportive environment.
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