[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 2. Asking Someone's Name

Basic Korean Conversation 2: Asking Someone's Name

Dialogue

 

A: 이름이 뭐예요? (Ireumi mwoyeyo?)

B: 제 이름은 김철수예요. (Je ireumeun Kim Cheolsu-yeyo.)

A: 반갑습니다. (Bangapseumnida.)

B: 저도 반갑습니다. (Jeodo bangapseumnida.)

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Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 이름이 뭐예요? (Ireumi mwoyeyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "What is your name?" in English. It is a polite and common way to ask someone their name.
• Usage: Use this question when meeting someone for the first time. It’s suitable for most social settings and conveys respect.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?" The word "이름" (ireum) means "name," and "뭐예요" (mwoyeyo) means "what is."

2. 제 이름은 김철수예요. (Je ireumeun Kim Cheolsu-yeyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "My name is Kim Cheolsu." It is a polite way to introduce oneself.
• Usage: Use this phrase when someone asks your name. The structure can be adapted by changing "김철수" to your own name.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "je i-reum-eun Kim Cheol-su-ye-yo." The word "제" (je) is a formal way to say "my," "이름은" (ireumeun) means "name is," and "예요" (yeyo) is a polite sentence ending.

3. 반갑습니다. (Bangapseumnida.)

• Meaning: This means "Nice to meet you." It’s a polite and formal way to express pleasure at meeting someone.
• Usage: Use this phrase immediately after learning someone’s name. It’s a good way to continue the conversation with politeness and enthusiasm.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "ban-gap-seum-ni-da." It is important to stress the syllables evenly.

4. 저도 반갑습니다. (Jeodo bangapseumnida.)

• Meaning: This means "Nice to meet you too." It’s a polite response when someone says "반갑습니다" to you.
• Usage: Use this phrase to reciprocate when someone expresses that they are pleased to meet you.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "jeo-do ban-gap-seum-ni-da." The word "저도" (jeodo) means "me too" or "I also."

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Basic Korean Vocabulary and Expressions

• 이름 (Ireum): Name
  • Example: When asked, "이름이 뭐예요?" you respond with your name.
• 뭐예요 (Mwoyeyo): What is
  • Example: This can be used in other contexts like "이거 뭐예요?" (What is this?).
• 제 (Je): My (formal)
  • Example: "제 친구" (je chingu) means "my friend."
• 반갑습니다 (Bangapseumnida): Nice to meet you
  • Example: After introductions, you might say, "모두 반갑습니다" (It’s nice to meet everyone).
• 저도 (Jeodo): Me too
  • Example: When someone says they like something, you can say "저도 좋아해요" (I like it too).

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Basic Korean Conversation - Additional Examples

• Meeting Someone New:
  • A: 안녕하세요, 이름이 뭐예요? (Annyeonghaseyo, ireumi mwoyeyo?) - Hello, what’s your name?
  • B: 제 이름은 이지은이에요. (Je ireumeun Lee Jieun-ieyo.) - My name is Lee Jieun.
  • A: 반갑습니다. (Bangapseumnida.) - Nice to meet you.
  • B: 저도 반갑습니다. (Jeodo bangapseumnida.) - Nice to meet you too.
• Informal Version:
  • A: 이름이 뭐야? (Ireumi mwoya?) - What’s your name? (informal)
  • B: 나는 철수야. (Naneun Cheolsuya.) - I’m Cheolsu. (informal)
  • A: 반가워. (Bangawo.) - Nice to meet you. (informal)
  • B: 나도 반가워. (Nado bangawo.) - Nice to meet you too. (informal)

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When to Use These Phrases

• Formal Introductions: Use these phrases when meeting someone in a formal setting such as a business meeting, a formal event, or when introducing yourself to someone older or of higher status.
• Casual Settings: The informal versions of these phrases can be used with friends, peers, or younger people in casual settings.

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Things to Be Careful About

• Formality: Ensure you use the correct level of formality based on the situation. Using informal speech in a formal setting can be seen as disrespectful.
• Pronunciation: Pronounce each syllable clearly. Mispronouncing names or important phrases can lead to misunderstandings or seem impolite.
• Cultural Sensitivity: When asking someone’s name, be sure to follow up with a polite and positive comment like "반갑습니다" to show respect and friendliness.

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Pronunciation Tips

• 이름이 뭐예요? (Ireumi mwoyeyo?): Break it down into syllables – "i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?" The "뭐" (mwo) sounds like "mwuh" in English.
• 제 이름은 김철수예요. (Je ireumeun Kim Cheolsu-yeyo.): Say it as "je i-reum-eun Kim Cheol-su-ye-yo." The "예요" (yeyo) is pronounced like "yeh-yo."
• 반갑습니다 (Bangapseumnida): Pronounce it as "ban-gap-seum-ni-da," with a slight emphasis on "ban" and "seum."
• 저도 반갑습니다 (Jeodo bangapseumnida): Say it as "jeo-do ban-gap-seum-ni-da," keeping a smooth flow between the words.

By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can introduce yourself and ask for someone’s name in a polite and culturally appropriate manner. These small interactions can greatly enhance your communication skills and help build positive relationships in Korean-speaking environments. Happy learning!