Understanding the Korean Phrase
“Where Are You Going?” (어디 가요?)(eo-di ga-yo?).
If you’re learning Korean, you’ve likely come
across the phrase “Where are you going?”
In Korean, this phrase is 어디 가요? (eo-di ga-yo?).
This might seem simple, but there are some
important cultural and linguistic aspects
that can deepen your understanding.
Here, we’ll break down the phrase, explore
its context, and show you how to use it naturally.
1. The Basics: Translating “Where Are You Going?”
The phrase 어디 가요? (eo-di ga-yo?)
is a casual way of asking, “Where are you going?”
Let’s look at each part:
어디 (eo-di): This means “where.”
It’s a location question word, used
when asking about places.
가요 (ga-yo): This comes from the verb 가다 (ga-da),
meaning “to go.” The verb 가다 is conjugated
here in a polite, present-tense form,
ending in -요 (-yo), which adds politeness.
In everyday conversation, 어디 가요? is the default
phrase for asking where someone is headed
in a friendly, informal context.
2. Common Variations
Depending on the level of formality
and the context, you might encounter slightly
different variations of 어디 가요?
어디 가? (eo-di ga?):
This is the casual, informal version.
Use this with close friends or people of a similar age.
어디 가세요? (eo-di ga-se-yo?):
This is the honorific form.
It’s more polite than 어디 가요?, often used for strangers,
older people, or in formal situations.
3. When to Use “어디 가요?” (and When Not To!)
In Korean, 어디 가요? can serve multiple purposes.
While it’s a straightforward question asking
about someone’s destination,
it’s also used casually as a way to start a conversation.
Here are some common situations:
Casual Greeting:
Koreans often use 어디 가요?
even if they aren’t particularly curious about
where someone is going.
It’s often used to greet someone you see out and about.
For example:
You run into a friend on the street. Instead of saying,
“Hi!” you could say, “어디 가요?”
Genuine Curiosity:
When you actually want to know where
someone is going, this phrase works perfectly.
Maybe you’re in a group, and someone
gets up to leave; 어디 가요?
is a polite way to ask about their destination.
Avoiding Directness:
Keep in mind that Koreans value indirect communication,
so don’t be surprised
if someone hesitates to answer directly.
They may respond with something general
like “Just out” (그냥 가요, gu-nyang ga-yo)
if they don’t want to specify.
4. Answering “어디 가요?”
If someone asks 어디 가요?,
how should you respond?
A simple response follows the same
verb structure and often includes the location.
For example:
학교 가요 (hak-kyo ga-yo) - “I’m going to school.”
집에 가요 (ji-be ga-yo) - “I’m going home.”
친구 만나러 가요 (chin-gu man-na-reo ga-yo)
- “I’m going to meet a friend.”
5. Cultural Insight:
Why Koreans Ask “어디 가요?”
As mentioned, 어디 가요?
is more than just a literal question.
It’s a common way to show friendliness,
express interest, and start small talk.
Since Korean society tends to be community-oriented,
asking about someone’s destination
can be a way to show that you care.
Don’t be surprised if people ask you 어디 가요?
when you’re out and about; it’s often just a friendly gesture.
Conclusion:
Adding “어디 가요?” to Your Korean Phrases
The phrase 어디 가요?
is essential for any Korean learner to master
because it’s versatile, simple, and
frequently used in daily life. Whether
you’re catching up with a
friend, being friendly with a stranger,
or genuinely curious about
someone’s plans, 어디 가요?
is a go-to question that helps you connect
with people naturally.
Try using it next time you’re practicing Korean,
and watch how easily it fits into conversations!