39. How to ask questions in Korean

Chapter 39: How to ask questions in Korean

When learning any language, knowing how to ask questions is a key skill. In Korean, this is no different. This chapter of our Basic Korean eBook will focus on teaching you how to ask questions in Korean, covering several important aspects such as question structure, use of question particles, and correct pronunciation. Let's get started!

Basic Structure of Questions

In Korean, the basic structure of a question is very similar to that of a statement. The main difference is in the intonation and the question particle at the end of the sentence. For example:

• Affirmation: 나는 학생입니다 (Naneun haksaeng-imnida) - I am a student.
• Question: 나는 학생입니까? (Naneun haksaeng-imnikka?) - Am I a student?

As you can see, the only difference between the statement and the question is the question particle "까" at the end. This particle is used in formal situations and the intonation is raised at the end to indicate that it is a question.

Question Particles

In addition to the "까" particle, there are other question particles used in different contexts. Here are some of the most common ones:

• "뭐": What. For example, "뭐 하고 있어?" (Mwo hago isseo?) - What are you doing?
• "어디": Where. For example, "어디 가고 있어?" (Eodi gago isseo?) - Where are you going?
• "언제": When. For example, "언제 올 거야?" (Eonje ol geoya?) - When are you coming?
• "왜": Why. For example, "왜 그래?" (Wae geurae?) - Why are you like this?
• "어떻게": How. For example, "어떻게 해야 돼?" (Eotteoke haeya dwae?) - What should I do?

Yes/No Questions

To ask questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no", you can use the same structure as a statement, but with the intonation of a question. For example:

• "너 학생이야?" (Neo haksaengiya?) - Are you a student?

In this example, the intonation of the question is raised at the end to indicate that it is a question.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation is a very important aspect when asking questions in Korean. The intonation of the question should be raised at the end to indicate that it is a question. Additionally, question particles have specific pronunciations that must be learned to use them correctly.

In summary, asking questions in Korean involves using question particles, correct sentence structure, and correct intonation. With practice and patience, you'll be able to come up with your own questions in Korean in no time. Keep practicing and best of luck on your Korean learning journey!

Exercises

To consolidate what you've learned in this chapter, try to formulate your own questions in Korean using the question particles you've learned. Remember to use correct intonation and correct sentence structure. Good practice!

This is the end of Chapter 39: How to Ask Questions in Korean. We'll continue our lessons in the next chapter, where we'll learn more about Korean grammar and how to use verbs in sentences. Until then, keep practicing!

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76How to Answer Questions in Korean

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