Learning how to express simple, everyday phrases is crucial for effective communication in any language. Knowing how to say “this one” in Korean is an essential building block for making requests, pointing out objects, and engaging in basic conversations.
This article provides a detailed exploration of the various ways to express “this one” in Korean, covering grammatical nuances, usage rules, and practical examples. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use these expressions correctly and naturally.
This article is particularly beneficial for students of the Korean language, travelers visiting Korea, and anyone interested in Korean culture. By mastering these expressions, learners can significantly improve their comprehension and fluency, enabling them to navigate daily interactions with greater ease and accuracy.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “This One” in Korean
- Structural Breakdown: Pronouns and Particles
- Types and Categories of “This One”
- Examples of “This One” in Context
- Usage Rules for “This One”
- Common Mistakes When Using “This One”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances and Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “This One” in Korean
The concept of “this one” in Korean is primarily conveyed using the demonstrative pronoun 이 (i), which means “this.” This pronoun is often combined with other words or particles to specify what “this” refers to. The most common way to say “this one” or “this thing” is 이것 (igeot). However, there are other variations and expressions that can be used depending on the context and the specific meaning you want to convey.
이것 (igeot) is a combination of 이 (i), meaning “this,” and 것 (geot), meaning “thing” or “object.” Therefore, it literally translates to “this thing.” It is a general term that can refer to any object, idea, or situation that is close to the speaker. The shortened form, 이건 (igeon), is also frequently used in spoken Korean and carries the same meaning as 이것 but is considered more casual.
Structural Breakdown: Pronouns and Particles
Understanding the structure of Korean sentences is essential for using “this one” correctly. Korean is an SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) language, meaning the verb typically comes at the end of the sentence.
Particles play a crucial role in indicating the grammatical function of nouns and pronouns.
Here’s a breakdown of the components:
- 이 (i): Demonstrative pronoun meaning “this.” It indicates proximity to the speaker.
- 것 (geot): Noun meaning “thing,” “object,” or “matter.” It provides a general reference.
- 이것 (igeot): Combination of “this” and “thing,” meaning “this thing” or “this one.”
- 은/는 (eun/neun): Topic particle. It marks the topic of the sentence. 은 is used after consonants, and 는 is used after vowels.
- 이/가 (i/ga): Subject particle. It marks the subject of the sentence. 이 is used after consonants, and 가 is used after vowels.
- 을/를 (eul/reul): Object particle. It marks the object of the sentence. 을 is used after consonants, and 를 is used after vowels.
- 이에요/예요 (ieyo/yeyo): Copula verb meaning “is.” 이에요 is used after consonants, and 예요 is used after vowels.
For example, in the sentence 이것은 책이에요 (Igeoseun chaegeieyo), which means “This is a book,” the structure is as follows:
- 이것 (igeot): This one/thing
- 은 (eun): Topic particle
- 책 (chaek): Book
- 이에요 (ieyo): Is
Therefore, the sentence literally translates to “As for this, it is a book.”
Types and Categories of “This One”
While 이것 (igeot) is the most common way to say “this one,” there are variations and related expressions that are useful to know. These variations often involve combining 이 (i) with other nouns to specify what “this” refers to.
이것 (Igeot) – This Thing
이것 (igeot) is the most basic and versatile way to express “this one” or “this thing.” It can be used in a wide range of contexts and is generally considered polite and neutral.
Example: 이것은 무엇이에요? (Igeoseun mueosieyo?) – What is this?
이건 (Igeon) – This One (Shortened Form)
이건 (igeon) is a shortened and more casual version of 이것 (igeot). It is frequently used in spoken Korean, especially among friends and family.
Example: 이건 내 거야. (Igeon nae geoya.) – This is mine.
이유 (I Yu) – This reason
이유 (I Yu) means “This reason”. It is used when you want to specify the reason of something.
Example: 이유가 뭐에요? (I yuga mwoeyo?) – What is this reason?
이꽃 (I Kkot) – This flower
이꽃 (I Kkot) means “This flower”. It is used when you want to specify the flower of something.
Example: 이꽃은 예뻐요. (I kkoteun yeppeoyo.) – This flower is pretty.
이침 (I Chim) – This needle
이침 (I Chim) means “This needle”. It is used when you want to specify the needle of something.
Example: 이침은 날카로워요. (I chimeun nalkarowoyo.) – This needle is sharp.
Examples of “This One” in Context
To fully understand how to use “this one” in Korean, it’s helpful to see it in various contexts. The following tables provide examples of sentences using 이것 (igeot) and 이건 (igeon), along with their English translations and explanations.
The first table focuses on basic sentences using 이것 (igeot) in different grammatical structures.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 이것은 사과입니다. (Igeoseun sagwaimnida.) | This is an apple. | Basic declarative sentence identifying an object. |
| 이것을 주세요. (Igeoseul juseyo.) | Please give me this. | Requesting something using the object particle. |
| 이것이 좋아요. (Igeosi joayo.) | I like this. | Expressing preference using the subject particle. |
| 이것은 비싸요. (Igeoseun bissayo.) | This is expensive. | Describing a characteristic of the object. |
| 이것은 누구의 것이에요? (Igeoseun nuguui geosieyo?) | Whose is this? | Asking about ownership. |
| 이것은 비밀이에요. (Igeoseun bimilieyo.) | This is a secret. | Indicating the nature of the object/information. |
| 이것은 선물이에요. (Igeoseun seonmurieyo.) | This is a gift. | Identifying the object as a gift. |
| 이것은 맛있어요. (Igeoseun masisseoyo.) | This is delicious. | Describing the taste of something. |
| 이것은 필요 없어요. (Igeoseun pillyo eopseoyo.) | I don’t need this. | Expressing lack of need. |
| 이것은 중요해요. (Igeoseun jungyohaeyo.) | This is important. | Emphasizing the importance of something. |
| 이것은 제 책입니다. (Igeoseun je chaegimnida.) | This is my book. | Identifying the object as one’s own book. |
| 이것은 제가 만든 거예요. (Igeoseun jega mandeun geo예요.) | I made this. | Stating that the speaker made the object. |
| 이것은 오래된 사진이에요. (Igeoseun oraedoen sajienieyo.) | This is an old photo. | Describing the age of the object. |
| 이것은 새로운 모델이에요. (Igeoseun saeroun modelieyo.) | This is a new model. | Describing the object as a new model. |
| 이것은 특별한 날에만 사용해요. (Igeoseun teukbyeolhan nareman sayonghaeyo.) | I only use this on special days. | Indicating when the object is used. |
| 이것은 한국에서 가져온 거예요. (Igeoseun hangugeoeseo gajeoon geo예요.) | This is brought from Korea. | Stating that the object is from Korea. |
| 이것은 제가 가장 좋아하는 거예요. (Igeoseun jega gajang joahaneun geo예요.) | This is my favorite. | Expressing that the object is the speaker’s favorite. |
| 이것은 여름에 시원하게 마시는 차예요. (Igeoseun yeoreume siwonhage masineun chayeyo.) | This is a tea that you drink cold in the summer. | Describing the object as a tea that is drunk cold in the summer. |
| 이것은 제가 어렸을 때부터 가지고 있던 인형이에요. (Igeoseun jega eoryeosseulttaebuteo gajigo itdeon inhyeongieyo.) | This is a doll I’ve had since I was a child. | Describing the object as a doll that the speaker has had since childhood. |
| 이것은 우리 할머니가 만들어 주신 김치예요. (Igeoseun uri halmeoniga mandeureo jusin gimchieyo.) | This is kimchi that my grandmother made for me. | Describing the object as kimchi that the speaker’s grandmother made. |
The next table provides examples using the shortened form 이건 (igeon), which is more common in spoken Korean.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 이건 뭐예요? (Igeon mwo예요?) | What is this? | Asking about the identity of the object. |
| 이건 너무 커요. (Igeon neomu keoyo.) | This is too big. | Describing the size of the object. |
| 이건 어때요? (Igeon eottaeyo?) | How about this? | Asking for an opinion or suggestion. |
| 이건 내가 할게. (Igeon naega halge.) | I’ll do this. | Offering to do something. |
| 이건 비밀이야. (Igeon bimiriya.) | This is a secret. | Indicating secrecy. |
| 이건 진짜예요. (Igeon jinjja예요.) | This is real. | Asserting authenticity. |
| 이건 농담이에요. (Igeon nongdamieyo.) | This is a joke. | Clarifying that something is not serious. |
| 이건 어렵다. (Igeon eoryeopda.) | This is difficult. | Expressing difficulty. |
| 이건 쉽다. (Igeon swipta.) | This is easy. | Expressing ease. |
| 이건 내 잘못이 아니야. (Igeon nae jalmosi aniya.) | This is not my fault. | Denying responsibility. |
| 이건 내 선물이야. (Igeon nae seonmuriya.) | This is my gift. | Indicating that the object is the speaker’s gift. |
| 이건 비밀로 해 줘. (Igeon bimillo hae jwo.) | Keep this a secret. | Asking someone to keep the object a secret. |
| 이건 내가 제일 좋아하는 거야. (Igeon naega jeil joahaneun geoya.) | This is my favorite. | Expressing that the object is the speaker’s favorite. |
| 이건 어디에서 샀어? (Igeon eodieseo sasseo?) | Where did you buy this? | Asking about the origin of the object. |
| 이건 너무 비싸. (Igeon neomu bissa.) | This is too expensive. | Expressing that the object is too expensive. |
| 이건 필요 없어. (Igeon pillyo eopseo.) | I don’t need this. | Expressing that the object is not needed. |
| 이건 나중에 다시 봐. (Igeon najunge dasi bwa.) | Look at this again later. | Suggesting that the object be looked at again later. |
| 이건 정말 특별해. (Igeon jeongmal teukbyeolhae.) | This is really special. | Expressing that the object is special. |
| 이건 내가 만든 거야. (Igeon naega mandeun geoya.) | I made this. | Stating that the speaker made the object. |
| 이건 그냥 가져가. (Igeon geunyang gajeoga.) | Just take this. | Offering the object to someone. |
This table shows how 이 (i) can be combined with other nouns to refer to “this [noun]”.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 이 책은 재미있어요. (I chaegeun jaemiisseoyo.) | This book is interesting. | Referring to a specific book. |
| 이 영화는 감동적이에요. (I yeonghwaneun gamdongjeogieyo.) | This movie is touching. | Referring to a specific movie. |
| 이 사람은 누구예요? (I sarameun nugu예요?) | Who is this person? | Referring to a specific person. |
| 이 음식은 맛있어요. (I eumsigeun masisseoyo.) | This food is delicious. | Referring to specific food. |
| 이 노래는 정말 좋아요. (I noraeneun jeongmal joayo.) | This song is really good. | Referring to a specific song. |
| 이 집은 우리 할머니 댁이에요. (I jibeun uri halmeoni d댁이에요.) | This house is my grandmother’s house. | Referring to a specific house. |
| 이 차는 제 거예요. (I chaneun je geoyeyo.) | This car is mine. | Referring to a specific car. |
| 이 학교는 역사가 깊어요. (I hakgyoneun yeoksaga gipeoyo.) | This school has a deep history. | Referring to a specific school. |
| 이 강아지는 너무 귀여워요. (I gangajineun neomu gwiyeowoyo.) | This puppy is so cute. | Referring to a specific puppy. |
| 이 문제는 좀 어려워요. (I munjeneun jom eoryeowoyo.) | This problem is a bit difficult. | Referring to a specific problem. |
| 이 아이는 제 조카예요. (I aineun je jokayeyo.) | This child is my nephew/niece. | Referring to a specific child. |
| 이 질문에 답해 주세요. (I jilmune daphae juseyo.) | Please answer this question. | Referring to a specific question. |
| 이 이야기는 정말 감동적이에요. (I iyagineun jeongmal gamdongjeogieyo.) | This story is really touching. | Referring to a specific story. |
| 이 옷은 어디에서 샀어요? (I oseun eodieseo sasseoyo?) | Where did you buy this outfit? | Referring to a specific outfit. |
| 이 커피는 너무 뜨거워요. (I keopineun neomu tteugeowoyo.) | This coffee is too hot. | Referring to a specific cup of coffee. |
| 이 프로젝트는 중요해요. (I peurojekteuneun jungyohaeyo.) | This project is important. | Referring to a specific project. |
| 이 계획은 성공적일 거예요. (I gyehoegeun seonggongjeogil geoyeyo.) | This plan will be successful. | Referring to a specific plan. |
| 이 기회는 놓치지 마세요. (I gihoeneun nochiji maseyo.) | Don’t miss this opportunity. | Referring to a specific opportunity. |
| 이 결정은 신중해야 해요. (I gyeoljeongeun sinjunghaehaeyo.) | This decision should be made carefully. | Referring to a specific decision. |
| 이 결과는 예상했던 대로예요. (I gyeolgwaneun yesanghaetdeon daeroyeyo.) | This result is as expected. | Referring to a specific result. |
The table below provides example using 이유 (I Yu) – This reason
| Korean Sentence | English Translation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 이유가 있어요. (I yuga isseoyo.) | There is a reason. | Stating that there is a reason for something. |
| 이유를 말해 주세요. (I yureul malhae juseyo.) | Please tell me the reason. | Asking someone to explain the reason. |
| 이유를 알 수 없어요. (I yureul al su eopseoyo.) | I cannot know the reason. | Stating that the reason is unknown. |
| 이유는 간단해요. (I yuneun gandanhaeyo.) | The reason is simple. | Describing the reason as being simple. |
| 이유를 설명해 드릴게요. (I yureul seolmyeonghae deurilgeyo.) | I will explain the reason to you. | Offering to explain the reason. |
Usage Rules for “This One”
Using “this one” correctly in Korean involves understanding the context, formality, and the specific nuance you want to convey. Here are some key usage rules:
- Formality: 이것 (igeot) is generally considered more formal and polite than 이건 (igeon). Use 이것 when speaking to elders, superiors, or in formal situations. 이건 is appropriate for casual conversations with friends and family.
- Proximity: The pronoun 이 (i) indicates that the object or person being referred to is close to the speaker. If the object is further away, use 그 (geu) (that) or 저 (jeo) (that over there).
- Topic vs. Subject: Use the appropriate particle (은/는 or 이/가) depending on whether “this one” is the topic or the subject of the sentence.
- Clarity: Ensure that the context makes it clear what “this one” refers to. If there is any ambiguity, specify the object by combining 이 (i) with a noun (e.g., 이 책 (i chaek) – this book).
Exceptions and Special Cases:
- When referring to a person, it’s generally more polite to use 이분 (ibun) instead of 이것 (igeot), especially when speaking to or about someone older or of higher status. 이분 (ibun) means “this person” and is a more respectful way to refer to someone.
- In some cases, you might use 여기 (yeogi) (here) to refer to a place or location. For example, you could say 여기가 좋아요 (Yeogiga joayo) to mean “I like it here.”
Common Mistakes When Using “This One”
Learners often make mistakes when using “this one” in Korean. Being aware of these common errors can help you avoid them and improve your accuracy.
Here are some common mistakes:
- Incorrect Particle Usage: Using the wrong particle (은/는, 이/가, 을/를) can change the meaning of the sentence or make it grammatically incorrect.
- Using 이것 for People: Referring to a person as 이것 (igeot) is considered rude and inappropriate. Use 이분 (ibun) instead.
- Ignoring Formality: Using 이건 (igeon) in formal situations can be perceived as disrespectful. Always use 이것 (igeot) in formal settings.
- Confusion with That: Mixing up 이 (i) (this) with 그 (geu) (that) or 저 (jeo) (that over there) can lead to misunderstandings. Remember that 이 refers to something close to the speaker.
Here are some examples of correct vs. incorrect usage:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 이것은 학생이에요. (Igeoseun haksaengieyo.) (Referring to a person) | 이분은 학생이에요. (Ibuneun haksaengieyo.) | 이것 is used for objects, not people. 이분 is the correct term for “this person.” |
| 이건은 책이에요. (Igeoneun chaegeieyo.) | 이것은 책이에요. (Igeoseun chaegeieyo.) or 이건 책이에요. (Igeon chaegeieyo.) | The particle 은/는 should be attached directly to the noun/pronoun. |
| 그것 좋아요. (Geugeot joayo.) (Intending to say “I like this.”) | 이것이 좋아요. (Igeosi joayo.) | 그것 means “that,” not “this.” Use 이것 to refer to something close to you. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “this one” in Korean with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or particle.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _____ 무엇이에요? (_____ mueosieyo?) (What is this?) | 이것은 (Igeoseun) |
| 2. _____ 내 거야. (_____ nae geoya.) (This is mine.) | 이건 (Igeon) |
| 3. _____ 책은 재미있어요. (_____ chaegeun jaemiisseoyo.) (This book is interesting.) | 이 (I) |
| 4. _____ 주세요. (_____ juseyo.) (Please give me this.) | 이것을 (Igeoseul) |
| 5. _____ 비싸요. (_____ bissayo.) (This is expensive.) | 이것은 (Igeoseun) |
| 6. _____ 누구 거예요? (_____ nugu geoyeyo?) (Whose is this?) | 이건 (Igeon) |
| 7. _____ 영화는 슬퍼요. (_____ yeonghwaneun seulpeoyo.) (This movie is sad.) | 이 (I) |
| 8. _____ 필요 없어요. (_____ pillyo eopseoyo.) (I don’t need this.) | 이것은 (Igeoseun) |
| 9. _____ 선물이에요. (_____ seonmurieyo.) (This is a gift.) | 이건 (Igeon) |
| 10. _____ 음식은 맛있어요. (_____ eumsigeun masisseoyo.) (This food is delicious.) | 이 (I) |
Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences into Korean using “this one.”
| English Sentence | Korean Translation |
|---|---|
| 1. This is my friend. | 이분은 제 친구예요. (Ibuneun je chingu예요.) |
| 2. What do you think of this? | 이건 어때요? (Igeon eottaeyo?) |
| 3. This is important. | 이것은 중요해요. (Igeoseun jungyohaeyo.) |
| 4. I like this song. | 이 노래가 좋아요. (I noraega joayo.) |
| 5. This is a secret. | 이건 비밀이야. (Igeon bimiriya.) |
| 6. This is too difficult. | 이건 너무 어려워요. (Igeon neomu eoryeowoyo.) |
| 7. This is my house. | 이 집은 제 집이에요. (I jibeun je jibieyo.) |
| 8. Please look at this. | 이것을 봐 주세요. (Igeoseul bwa juseyo.) |
| 9. This is not my fault. | 이건 내 잘못이 아니야. (Igeon nae jalmosi aniya.) |
| 10. This is really special. | 이건 정말 특별해. (Igeon jeongmal teukbyeolhae.) |
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Variations
For advanced learners, understanding the more subtle nuances and variations of “this one” can further enhance your fluency and comprehension. This includes recognizing regional dialects and idiomatic expressions.
- Dialectal Variations: While 이것 (igeot) and 이건 (igeon) are standard Korean, some regional dialects may have different expressions for “this one.” Being aware of these variations can help you better understand native speakers from different parts of Korea.
- Idiomatic Expressions: Korean has many idiomatic expressions that use 이 (i). For example, 이 핑계 저 핑계 (i pinggye jeo pinggye) means “one excuse after another.”
Further exploration of these advanced topics can be achieved through immersion in Korean media, such as movies, dramas, and literature, as well as through interactions with native speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “this one” in Korean:
- What is the difference between 이것 and 이건?
이것 (igeot) is the full form, while 이건 (igeon) is the shortened, more casual form. Use 이것 in formal situations and 이건 in casual conversations.
- Can I use 이것 to refer to a person?
No, it’s considered rude. Use 이분 (ibun) instead.
- How do I know when to use 은/는 vs. 이/가?
은/는 is used to mark the topic of the sentence, while 이/가 is used to mark the subject. The topic is what you’re talking about, while the subject is who or what is performing the action. For example, in “This book is interesting,” “this book” is the topic, so you would use 은/는.
- What is the difference between 이, 그, and 저?
이 (i) means “this” and refers to something close to the speaker. 그 (geu) means “that” and refers to something close to the listener or something previously mentioned. 저 (jeo) means “that over there” and refers to something far from both the speaker and the listener.
- How do I say “this one” in a polite way when offering something?
You can say 이것을 드릴까요? (Igeoseul deurilkkayo?) – “Shall I give you this?”
- Is it okay to use 이건 with someone older than me?
It’s generally better to use 이것 (igeot) when speaking to someone older than you, as it is more formal and respectful.
- Can I use 이것 by itself, or do I always need to add a particle?
You can use 이것 by itself, but it’s more common to add a particle to indicate its grammatical function in the sentence.
- How can I practice using “this one” in Korean?
Practice by creating your own sentences using 이것 and 이건, and try to use them in real conversations with Korean speakers. You can also watch Korean dramas and movies to see how native speakers use these expressions.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “this one” in Korean is a fundamental step towards achieving fluency and confidence in the language. By understanding the nuances of 이것 (igeot), 이건 (igeon), and related
expressions, learners can effectively communicate in various situations and contexts. Consistent practice, attention to formality, and awareness of common mistakes will pave the way for accurate and natural usage. Continue to immerse yourself in the Korean language and culture, and you’ll find that these essential building blocks will greatly enhance your overall language proficiency.