❓ Making Questions in Korean (Beginner Level)
❓ Curious in Korea? How to Make Questions Like a Native
Ordering coffee, asking for directions, or making new friends? Knowing how to ask questions is the key to surviving and thriving in Korea. Teacher Hoon breaks down the simple "Question Formula" for you.
The Rising Tone Rule (EEAT Tip)
In English, we change the word order to make a question. In Korean, the word order usually stays the same! As a teacher with 20 years of experience, I always tell my students: The most important thing is the rising intonation at the end. Just add a question mark to your voice, and you're halfway there! Let's look at the basic endings.
🧱 Basic Question Endings
| Korean Ending | Romanization | Usage / Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ~예요 / ~이에요? | yeyo / ieyo | Is it...? (Polite casual) |
| ~입니까? | imnikka | Is it...? (Formal settings) |
| ~어요 / ~아요? | eoyo / ayo | Do you...? / Are you...? |
| 무엇을 해요? | mueoseul haeyo | What are you doing? |
📝 High-Frequency Question Phrases
- 🤔 이거 뭐예요? (Igeo mwoyeyo?) - What is this?
- 🕒 지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?) - What time is it now?
- 📍 화장실이 어디예요? (Hwajangsil-i eodiyeyo?) - Where is the bathroom?
- ☕ 이것은 커피예요? (Igeoseun keopi-yeyo?) - Is this coffee?
- 📖 한국어를 공부해요? (Hangugeoreul gongbuhaeyo?) - Do you study Korean?
💡 Teacher Hoon's Expert "Where" Tip
When asking for directions, don't forget the particle -이/가. For example, instead of just saying "Station where?", say "역이 어디예요?" (Yeog-i eodiyeyo?). It makes you sound much more educated and natural!
🗣 Practice Dialogue: Finding Your Way
A (Student): 여기가 명동이에요?
(Is this Myeongdong?)
B (Local): 네, 맞아요.
(Yes, that's right.)
A: 화장실이 어디예요?
(Where is the restroom?)
B: 저쪽이에요.
(It's that way.)
🌏 Cultural Insight: The "Chimaek" Question
In Korea, social life often revolves around food questions! 🍗🍺 One of the most famous combinations is 치맥 (Chi-maek)—Chicken and Beer. You'll often hear Koreans ask, "우리 치맥 할까요?" (Shall we have Chimaek?). This is a great way to bond with new friends at night. Don't be afraid to say "좋아요!" (I like it!) when you hear this!
Want to Practice Question-and-Answer?
Roleplay is the fastest way to get comfortable! Book a 1:1 "Survival Korean" session with Hoon on italki. We'll practice ordering food, asking for sizes while shopping, and basic small talk until questions feel effortless.
🚀 Practice Questioning with Hoon
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