Significado
Asking politely for the reason someone has come to a particular place.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is a hallmark of 'K-Service' (K-서비스). It emphasizes the host's readiness to assist without being intrusive. In offices, this phrase is used to filter visitors. If you don't have an appointment, the tone might be slightly firmer. In clinics, this phrase is synonymous with 'What are your symptoms?'. Patients respond with their ailment. Using the literal 'Why' (왜) is often seen as a sign of anger or lack of education in formal settings.
Don't be too literal
If you hear this, don't talk about the subway. Talk about why you are there!
Watch your intonation
A rising intonation sounds friendly. A flat or falling intonation can sound like you are suspicious of the visitor.
Significado
Asking politely for the reason someone has come to a particular place.
Don't be too literal
If you hear this, don't talk about the subway. Talk about why you are there!
Watch your intonation
A rising intonation sounds friendly. A flat or falling intonation can sound like you are suspicious of the visitor.
The 'Why' Rule
In Korean, 'How' is almost always more polite than 'Why' when asking about people's actions.
The Smile
Always pair this phrase with a slight bow or a smile to maximize the 'welcoming' effect.
Ponte a prueba
You are working at a bank. A customer walks in. What is the most appropriate thing to say?
고객님이 은행에 들어왔습니다. 뭐라고 말할까요?
'어떻게 오셨어요?' is the standard polite way to ask a customer's business.
Complete the dialogue at the hospital.
간호사: 안녕하세요. ________? 환자: 배가 아파서 왔어요.
The patient's answer 'I came because...' indicates the question was about the purpose of the visit.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Match '어떻게 오셨어요?' with its most likely context.
This phrase is primarily used in professional reception contexts.
Fill in the missing honorific part.
실례지만, 어떤 일로 어떻게 오___어요?
The honorific infix '-시-' combined with past tense '-었-' becomes '-셨-'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios고객님이 은행에 들어왔습니다. 뭐라고 말할까요?
'어떻게 오셨어요?' is the standard polite way to ask a customer's business.
간호사: 안녕하세요. ________? 환자: 배가 아파서 왔어요.
The patient's answer 'I came because...' indicates the question was about the purpose of the visit.
Match '어떻게 오셨어요?' with its most likely context.
This phrase is primarily used in professional reception contexts.
실례지만, 어떤 일로 어떻게 오___어요?
The honorific infix '-시-' combined with past tense '-었-' becomes '-셨-'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, if you are visiting their office. It's very polite.
It's slightly softer and more 'curious' than '오셨어요?'. Both are great.
Ask '뭐 타고 오셨어요?' or '오시는 길 힘들지 않으셨어요?' (Was the way here okay?)
They use different honorific systems, but the logic of 'how' vs 'why' is similar in many Asian languages.
Yes, that is perfectly natural and kind.
That is the honorific marker. It shows you respect the person who 'came'.
Yes, but '어떻게 오셨어요?' helps move the conversation toward the purpose of the visit.
It's better to use '어떤 일로 연락 주셨는지요?' in formal writing.
Literally yes, but pragmatically no. It's like 'What brings you here?'.
Usually '[Reason] + -러 왔어요' (I came to [do something]).
Frases relacionadas
무슨 일로 오셨어요?
synonymWhat business brings you here?
어떻게 도와드릴까요?
builds onHow can I help you?
웬일이세요?
similarWhat brings you here? (Unexpected)
어쩐 일로 오셨어요?
similarWhat kind of matter brings you here?
잘 오셨어요
contrastWelcome / I'm glad you came
