Meaning
To engage in a conversation or exchange thoughts with someone.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects 'Uri-munhwa' (We-culture). Talking is not an individual act but a collective sharing of experience. Even in business, 'sharing a talk' often happens over a meal or drinks (Hoesik), as it's believed that sharing physical space and food makes the 'sharing of stories' more sincere. On KakaoTalk, the phrase is often shortened to '얘기 나눠요' or even just '톡 나눠요' (share a KakaoTalk message). Historically, 'Sarangbang' (guest rooms) were places specifically designed for men to gather and 'share stories' (담소를 나누다).
Drop the marker
In casual speech, say '얘기 나눠요' instead of '이야기를 나누어요' to sound more like a native.
Don't use with animals
You don't 'share a story' with a dog. Just use '말을 걸다' (to speak to).
Meaning
To engage in a conversation or exchange thoughts with someone.
Drop the marker
In casual speech, say '얘기 나눠요' instead of '이야기를 나누어요' to sound more like a native.
Don't use with animals
You don't 'share a story' with a dog. Just use '말을 걸다' (to speak to).
The 'With' Particle
Always remember to use '-와/과' or '-랑'. '친구를 이야기를 나누다' is a common mistake; it must be '친구**와**'.
Silence is okay
In Korea, 'sharing a talk' can include comfortable silences. It's not always about constant chatter.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '나누다'.
어제 친구와 재미있는 이야기를 ______.
The past tense of '나누다' is '나누었어요' or '나눴어요'.
Which sentence is the most natural for 'Let's chat over coffee'?
커피 마시면서...
'-읍시다' is a formal suggestion. '나누다' is the most natural verb here.
Complete the dialogue with the correct honorific.
A: 선생님, 잠깐 ______ 나누고 싶습니다. B: 그래, 들어오렴.
When talking to a teacher (선생님), use the honorific '말씀'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Two world leaders meeting to discuss peace.
For formal, high-level discussions, '{대화|對話}를 나누다' is the most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Talk vs. Share a Talk
Practice Bank
4 exercises어제 친구와 재미있는 이야기를 ______.
The past tense of '나누다' is '나누었어요' or '나눴어요'.
커피 마시면서...
'-읍시다' is a formal suggestion. '나누다' is the most natural verb here.
A: 선생님, 잠깐 ______ 나누고 싶습니다. B: 그래, 들어오렴.
When talking to a teacher (선생님), use the honorific '말씀'.
Situation: Two world leaders meeting to discuss peace.
For formal, high-level discussions, '{대화|對話}를 나누다' is the most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it can be used for any conversation that involves an exchange, even if it's just a 5-minute catch-up.
Yes, '얘기 나눠요' is very common in texting when you want to suggest a call or meeting.
'이야기하다' is the simple verb 'to talk.' '이야기를 나누다' is a more expressive collocation that emphasizes the mutual sharing of thoughts.
Yes, but it's better to use the honorific '말씀을 나누다' to show respect.
Usually, no. It implies a harmonious exchange. For an argument, use '말다툼하다' or '싸우다'.
In this context, it means 'to share.' It's like dividing a pie so everyone can have some.
You can say '이야기 좀 나누고 싶어요.'
No, it's just a standard contraction of '이야기' used in speech.
Yes, it's very common in written journals to describe who you met and talked with.
You can still use it: '사람들과 이야기를 나누었어요.'
Yes, '담론' (discourse) is used in very academic or political contexts.
Yes! You can share food (음식을 나누다), share feelings (마음을 나누다), or share a room (방을 나누다).
Related Phrases
대화를 나누다
formal equivalentTo engage in dialogue
말씀을 나누다
honorificTo share words (honorific)
담소를 나누다
specialized formTo have a pleasant chat
의견을 나누다
similarTo share opinions
속삭이다
contrastTo whisper
토론하다
contrastTo debate/discuss
