Signification
A casual way to ask about an unknown object or situation.
Contexte culturel
When receiving a gift, asking '이게 뭐죠?' is a way to show interest. It's often followed by '열어봐도 돼요?' (Can I open it?). In Korea, many side dishes (banchan) are served. It is perfectly polite to ask '이게 뭐죠?' to learn the name of a dish you like. The '-jyo' ending is a 'magic' suffix that helps bridge the gap between being too formal and too casual, making it a favorite for the 'MZ generation' in workplaces. If someone asks '이게 뭐죠?' with a sharp tone when looking at a mess, they aren't asking for the names of the objects—they are asking 'Who did this?'.
The Softening Power of -jyo
Use '-jyo' instead of '-yeyo' when you want to sound more approachable and less like you're asking a dry question.
Watch Your Tone
A rising intonation at the end makes it a friendly question. A falling intonation can make it sound like a complaint.
Signification
A casual way to ask about an unknown object or situation.
The Softening Power of -jyo
Use '-jyo' instead of '-yeyo' when you want to sound more approachable and less like you're asking a dry question.
Watch Your Tone
A rising intonation at the end makes it a friendly question. A falling intonation can make it sound like a complaint.
Gift Reactions
Even if you know what it is, saying '이게 뭐죠?' shows you are engaged and appreciative.
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate phrase to ask a shopkeeper about an item.
점원에게 물건에 대해 물어볼 때:
'이게 뭐죠?' is polite and natural for a shop setting. '뭐야' is too casual, and '뭐' is rude.
Complete the contraction: 이것이 -> ____
(이것이) 무엇입니까? -> ____ 뭐죠?
'이게' is the specific contraction of '이것이' (subject).
Match the phrase to the correct social context.
1. 이게 뭐야? 2. 이게 뭐죠? 3. 이것이 무엇입니까?
Formality levels must match the social hierarchy.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 생일 축하해요! 여기 선물이에요. B: 우와, ____? 정말 고마워요!
Since the gift is now with the speaker (B), '이게' (this) is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices점원에게 물건에 대해 물어볼 때:
'이게 뭐죠?' is polite and natural for a shop setting. '뭐야' is too casual, and '뭐' is rude.
(이것이) 무엇입니까? -> ____ 뭐죠?
'이게' is the specific contraction of '이것이' (subject).
1. 이게 뭐야? 2. 이게 뭐죠? 3. 이것이 무엇입니까?
Formality levels must match the social hierarchy.
A: 생일 축하해요! 여기 선물이에요. B: 우와, ____? 정말 고마워요!
Since the gift is now with the speaker (B), '이게' (this) is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsThey are at the same politeness level (haeyo-che), but '뭐죠' sounds softer and more conversational.
Yes, it is polite enough for a boss, especially if you have a friendly relationship. For a very strict boss, use '이것이 무엇입니까?'.
'이게' uses the subject marker (focus on the object), while '이건' uses the topic marker (focus on 'as for this').
This is 'aegyo' (cute speech). People change 'mwo' to 'mo' to sound more endearing.
No! Using '이게' (this thing) for a person is very rude. Use '이분은 누구시죠?' (Who is this person?) instead.
Expressions liées
그게 뭐죠?
similarWhat is that (near you)?
저게 뭐죠?
similarWhat is that (over there)?
이게 뭐야?
informalWhat's this? (Casual)
이건 뭐예요?
similarWhat is this? (Standard polite)
무슨 일이죠?
specialized formWhat's going on?
