나이가 어떻게 되세요?
Introduction:
The phrase "나이가 어떻게 되세요?" (naiga eotteoke doeseyo) translates to "How old are you?" in English. This is a polite and respectful way to ask someone's age in Korean, which is a common part of conversation due to the importance of age in determining social hierarchy and how to address others in Korean culture.
In this phrase:
- 나이 (nai) means "age."
- 어떻게 (eotteoke) means "how."
- 되세요 (doeseyo) is a polite form of the verb 되다 (doeda), meaning "to become" or "to be."
This phrase is generally used when speaking to someone older or when you want to be polite.
More Expressions:
Here are more useful ways to talk about age and ask about someone's age in Korean:
몇 살이에요? (Myeot sarieyo?)
- Translation: How old are you? (Informal)
- This is a more casual way to ask about age, used between friends or with someone younger.
연세가 어떻게 되세요? (Yeonsega eotteoke doeseyo?)
- Translation: How old are you? (Honorific)
- Use this when asking the age of an elderly person, as 연세 (yeonse) is the honorific word for "age."
저는 스물다섯 살이에요 (Jeoneun seumul-daseot sarieyo)
- Translation: I am 25 years old.
- This is a sentence structure you can use to express your own age.
몇 살로 보여요? (Myeot sallo boyeoyo?)
- Translation: How old do I look?
- A fun question to ask when guessing someone's age.
나이가 많으세요 (Naiga maneuseyo)
- Translation: You’re older.
- This can be used to refer politely to someone who is older.
나이가 많지 않아요 (Naiga manchi anayo)
- Translation: I’m not that old.
- Useful for downplaying your age in a light-hearted way.
Pronunciation Tips:
- 나이 (Nai) is pronounced like "nah-ee."
- 어떻게 (Eotteoke) sounds like "uh-tteo-keh," with a slight emphasis on the "tteo."
- 되세요 (Doeseyo) is pronounced "dweh-se-yo," with a soft "d" sound at the beginning.
In Korean culture, asking someone’s age is common, especially when determining how to address them properly. By learning how to ask and respond to questions about age, you’ll be better prepared for conversations and social situations in Korea.