Meaning
Asks about a person's hometown or country of origin.
Cultural Background
Regional pride is strong. People from Busan are often seen as 'tough and loyal', while people from Seoul are seen as 'sophisticated'. Asking about origin is a way to trigger these cultural archetypes. The term '출신 성분' (chul-sin seong-bun) is a critical social classification system in North Korea that determines one's life opportunities based on their ancestors' actions. In companies, being from the same university (e.g., 'SKY' universities) can be more important than being from the same city. This is also called '출신'.
Use it for networking
In Korea, asking '어디 출신이세요?' is a great way to find common ground. If you are from the same city, you've made a friend for life!
Don't over-ask
If someone seems hesitant to answer, don't push. Some people might have complex backgrounds they don't want to discuss immediately.
Meaning
Asks about a person's hometown or country of origin.
Use it for networking
In Korea, asking '어디 출신이세요?' is a great way to find common ground. If you are from the same city, you've made a friend for life!
Don't over-ask
If someone seems hesitant to answer, don't push. Some people might have complex backgrounds they don't want to discuss immediately.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'origin'.
실례지만, 어디 _______이세요?
The phrase '어디 출신이세요?' is the standard polite way to ask about origin.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a job interview?
Choose the correct formal version:
The '-습니까' ending is the highest level of formality, suitable for interviews.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 어디 출신이세요? 나: 저는 _________________.
When asked '어디 출신이세요?', the most direct answer is '[Place] 출신이에요'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises실례지만, 어디 _______이세요?
The phrase '어디 출신이세요?' is the standard polite way to ask about origin.
Choose the correct formal version:
The '-습니까' ending is the highest level of formality, suitable for interviews.
가: 어디 출신이세요? 나: 저는 _________________.
When asked '어디 출신이세요?', the most direct answer is '[Place] 출신이에요'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it can also be used for schools (서울대 출신) or companies (삼성 출신).
Yes, it is polite enough for a teacher-student relationship.
Related Phrases
고향이 어디예요?
similarWhere is your hometown?
어디서 오셨어요?
similarWhere did you come from?
동향 사람
builds onPerson from the same hometown.
