Meaning
Used to ask about the identity of an object.
Cultural Background
Asking questions is encouraged in educational settings, though students often wait for the teacher to finish. In a formal meeting, pointing at items is considered slightly rude; use an open hand instead. It is very common to ask about unfamiliar ingredients in Korean cuisine.
Use your finger
Always point at the object while asking to ensure clarity.
The 'What's that?' trick
If you don't know the word for something, this phrase is your ultimate survival tool.
Meaning
Used to ask about the identity of an object.
Use your finger
Always point at the object while asking to ensure clarity.
The 'What's that?' trick
If you don't know the word for something, this phrase is your ultimate survival tool.
Be polite
Always use the '-예요' ending to sound polite to strangers.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct question for an object.
____ 뭐예요?
'이거' means 'this thing', which fits '뭐예요'.
Fill in the blank.
이거 ____?
Asking for the identity of an object requires '뭐예요'.
Match the Korean to English.
이거 뭐예요? -> ?
Direct translation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: (Points at a pen) ____? B: 볼펜이에요.
Asking about a pen requires '뭐예요'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ 뭐예요?
'이거' means 'this thing', which fits '뭐예요'.
이거 ____?
Asking for the identity of an object requires '뭐예요'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation.
A: (Points at a pen) ____? B: 볼펜이에요.
Asking about a pen requires '뭐예요'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, use '누구예요?' for people.
Not at all! It shows you are interested.
Just listen for the noun in their reply.
Better to use '이것은 무엇입니까?' in writing.
'이거' is the spoken form of '이것'.
Just '뭐예요?' works if the context is clear.
Related Phrases
이게 뭐예요?
synonymWhat is this?
그거 뭐예요?
similarWhat is that?
저거 뭐예요?
similarWhat is that over there?
이거 누구예요?
contrastWho is this?
