Meaning
A polite question asking for someone's opinion.
Cultural Background
In meetings, junior staff are often expected to wait for seniors to speak first. Asking '어떻게 생각하세요?' is a way for a leader to encourage participation. Asking for an opinion is considered a sign of humility. It shows that you do not assume you know everything. Among close friends, the formal ending is dropped, but the sentiment remains the same.
Use it to listen
This phrase is a great way to stop talking and let the other person share their wisdom.
Respect the hierarchy
Always use the formal '-세요' ending when speaking to someone older or in a higher position.
Meaning
A polite question asking for someone's opinion.
Use it to listen
This phrase is a great way to stop talking and let the other person share their wisdom.
Respect the hierarchy
Always use the formal '-세요' ending when speaking to someone older or in a higher position.
Test Yourself
Which is the most polite way to ask for an opinion?
어떻게 _____?
'-세요' is the standard polite honorific ending.
Complete the sentence.
그 계획에 대해 _____?
The context is asking for an opinion on a plan.
Choose the best response.
A: 이 옷 어때요? B: _____
Asking back for an opinion is a natural conversation flow.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Asking a boss for feedback.
Formal settings require polite honorifics.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises어떻게 _____?
'-세요' is the standard polite honorific ending.
그 계획에 대해 _____?
The context is asking for an opinion on a plan.
A: 이 옷 어때요? B: _____
Asking back for an opinion is a natural conversation flow.
Asking a boss for feedback.
Formal settings require polite honorifics.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite and appropriate for teachers.
It depends on the stage of the date, but it's generally safe and polite.
They are different words! '어떡해' means 'what to do', while '어떻게' means 'how'.
Yes, you can ask '이 가방에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?' (What do you think about this bag?).
They might say '잘 모르겠어요' (I'm not sure).
Yes, '어때요?' is shorter but less specific.
No, you can just say '이거 어떻게 생각하세요?'
Not if your tone is polite and you are genuinely interested.
Related Phrases
의견이 어떠세요?
synonymWhat is your opinion?
어떻게 생각해?
similarWhat do you think?
동의하세요?
builds onDo you agree?
