[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 5: Asking About Age

Basic Korean Conversation 5: Asking About Age

Dialogue

A: 나이가 어떻게 되세요? (Naiga eotteoke doeseyo?)

B: 저는 스물다섯 살이에요. (Jeoneun seumuldaseot sal-ieyo.)

A: 동갑이네요. (Donggab-ineyo.)

B: 정말요? 반가워요. (Jeongmalyo? Bangawoyo.)

---

Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 나이가 어떻게 되세요? (Naiga eotteoke doeseyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "How old are you?" in English. It’s a polite way to inquire about someone’s age.
• Usage: Use this question in a respectful manner when you want to know someone's age, particularly in a more formal or polite setting.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "na-i-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?" The word "나이" (nai) means "age," and "어떻게 되세요" (eotteoke doeseyo) means "how is."

2. 저는 스물다섯 살이에요. (Jeoneun seumuldaseot sal-ieyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "I am 25 years old." It is a simple and polite way to state your age.
• Usage: Use this phrase when someone asks about your age. The structure can be adapted by changing "스물다섯" to your specific age.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "jeo-neun seu-mul-da-seot sal-i-e-yo." The word "스물다섯" (seumuldaseot) means "twenty-five," and "살이에요" (sal-ieyo) means "years old."

3. 동갑이네요. (Donggab-ineyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "We are the same age." It is a friendly and surprised way to express that you and the other person share the same age.
• Usage: Use this phrase when you find out that someone is the same age as you. It helps to build a connection.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "dong-gab-i-ne-yo." The word "동갑" (donggab) means "same age," and "이네요" (ineyo) is an ending that expresses realization or discovery.

4. 정말요? 반가워요. (Jeongmalyo? Bangawoyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "Really? Nice to meet you." It expresses pleasant surprise and friendliness.
• Usage: Use this phrase to respond positively when you find out you share the same age or something in common with someone.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "jeong-mal-yo? ban-ga-wo-yo." The word "정말요" (jeongmalyo) means "really," and "반가워요" (bangawoyo) means "nice to meet you."

---

Basic Korean Vocabulary and Expressions

• 나이 (Nai): Age
  • Example: "나이가 몇이에요?" (How old are you?).
• 어떻게 되세요 (Eotteoke doeseyo): How is (formal)
  • Example: "직업이 어떻게 되세요?" (What is your job?).
• 저는 (Jeoneun): I am (formal)
  • Example: "저는 선생님이에요" (I am a teacher).
• 스물다섯 (Seumuldaseot): Twenty-five
  • Example: Change this to your age: "스물" (twenty), "서른" (thirty), etc.
• 살 (Sal): Years old
  • Example: "열 살" (ten years old).
• 동갑 (Donggab): Same age
  • Example: "우리는 동갑이에요" (We are the same age).
• 정말요 (Jeongmalyo): Really?
  • Example: "정말요? 몰랐어요" (Really? I didn't know).
• 반가워요 (Bangawoyo): Nice to meet you
  • Example: "만나서 반가워요" (Nice to meet you).

---

Basic Korean Conversation - Additional Examples

• Discussing Different Ages:
  • A: 나이가 어떻게 되세요? (Naiga eotteoke doeseyo?) - How old are you?
  • B: 저는 서른 살이에요. (Jeoneun seoreun sal-ieyo.) - I am thirty years old.
  • A: 동갑이네요. (Donggab-ineyo.) - We are the same age.
  • B: 정말요? 반가워요. (Jeongmalyo? Bangawoyo.) - Really? Nice to meet you.
• Talking About Age Informally:
  • A: 몇 살이야? (Myeot sal-iya?) - How old are you? (informal)
  • B: 나는 스물다섯 살이야. (Naneun seumuldaseot sal-iya.) - I am twenty-five years old. (informal)
  • A: 나도 동갑이야. (Nado donggab-iya.) - I am the same age.
  • B: 진짜? 반가워. (Jinjja? Bangawo.) - Really? Nice to meet you. (informal)

---

When to Use These Phrases

• Formal Settings: Use these phrases in formal settings like professional environments, when meeting new people, or when talking to someone older or of higher status.
• Informal Settings: The informal versions can be used with friends, peers, or younger people in casual settings.

---

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 key phrases can lead to misunderstandings or seem impolite.
• Cultural Sensitivity: When asking about someone’s age, be mindful of the context and the person’s comfort level. Age can be a sensitive topic for some people.

---

Pronunciation Tips

• 나이가 어떻게 되세요? (Naiga eotteoke doeseyo?): Break it down into syllables – "na-i-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?" The "어떻게" (eotteoke) should be pronounced with a soft "eo" sound.
• 저는 스물다섯 살이에요. (Jeoneun seumuldaseot sal-ieyo.): Say it as "jeo-neun seu-mul-da-seot sal-i-e-yo." The "스물다섯" (seumuldaseot) sounds like "sue-mul-da-seot."
• 동갑이네요. (Donggab-ineyo.): Pronounce it as "dong-gab-i-ne-yo." The "동갑" (donggab) is pronounced with a hard "g" sound.
• 정말요? 반가워요. (Jeongmalyo? Bangawoyo.): Say it as "jeong-mal-yo? ban-ga-wo-yo." The "정말요" (jeongmalyo) sounds like "jong-mal-yo."

---

Understanding Seniority Culture in Korea: More Than Just Age

Korea is a country steeped in tradition and cultural nuances. One of the most prominent aspects of Korean society is the concept of seniority, known as "seonbae" (선배) and "hubae" (후배). While seniority is often associated with age, it's a more complex system that influences interactions, relationships, and even business practices.

 

The Roots of Seniority

 

Korean seniority culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, a philosophy that emphasizes respect for elders and hierarchical relationships. This respect extends beyond family to social circles, workplaces, and even casual interactions.

 

How Seniority Works in Korea

• Age: Age is the most obvious factor in determining seniority. Older individuals are generally considered more senior than younger ones.
• Experience: In professional settings, experience can also play a role. Someone with more years in a company or field might be seen as senior to someone younger, even if they are of a similar age.
• Social Groups: Within friend groups or social circles, the order in which people met can establish a seniority hierarchy. The person who joined the group first might be considered the most senior.

Everyday Manifestations of Seniority

• Language: Korean has specific vocabulary and speech levels to address people of different seniority. Using the wrong level can be seen as disrespectful.
• Bowing: The depth of a bow often reflects the level of respect shown to someone senior. Deeper bows are more respectful.
• Drinking Culture: In social settings, younger people often pour drinks for their seniors and turn their heads away when taking a sip as a sign of respect.
• Workplace Dynamics: Seniors often mentor and guide their juniors, while juniors show deference and respect to their seniors.

Seniority in the Workplace

Seniority holds significant weight in Korean workplaces. It can influence:

• Decision-Making: Seniors often have more authority and their opinions carry more weight.
• Promotions: While merit is increasingly important, seniority can still play a role in promotions and career advancement.
• Communication: Juniors are expected to communicate respectfully with their seniors, using formal language and avoiding direct confrontation.

Navigating Seniority as a Foreigner

If you're a foreigner living or working in Korea, understanding seniority culture is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Learn the Language: Familiarize yourself with the different speech levels and honorifics.
• Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to how Koreans interact with each other and try to follow their lead.
• Show Respect: Even if you don't fully understand the nuances of seniority, showing respect to those older or more experienced than you will go a long way.

Is Seniority Changing?

While seniority remains deeply ingrained in Korean society, there are signs of change. Younger generations are increasingly valuing individual merit and challenging traditional hierarchies. However, seniority is likely to remain an important part of Korean culture for the foreseeable future.

 

Seniority culture is a complex and fascinating aspect of Korean society. By understanding its roots, manifestations, and implications, you can navigate social and professional interactions more effectively and gain a deeper appreciation for Korean culture.

---

By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can comfortably ask about someone's age and discuss your own. This not only helps in building rapport but also enhances your cultural understanding and communication skills in Korean-speaking environments. Happy learning!