Meaning
To engage in spoken communication or chat with others.
Cultural Background
Talking is often used to resolve '눈치' (social awareness) issues. If someone is upset, you ask to '이야기를 하다' to clear the air. In many East Asian cultures, indirect communication is preferred. '이야기를 하다' is a way to gently approach a topic. In international business, '이야기를 하다' is the standard way to initiate a negotiation or a project update.
Use '얘기' for speed
In casual settings, use '얘기' to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't over-formalize
Using '이야기를 하십시오' with friends sounds robotic and strange.
Meaning
To engage in spoken communication or chat with others.
Use '얘기' for speed
In casual settings, use '얘기' to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't over-formalize
Using '이야기를 하십시오' with friends sounds robotic and strange.
Add '좀'
Adding '좀' (a little) makes your request to talk sound much softer and more polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
친구와 ____.
All options are grammatically acceptable in different contexts.
Which is the most natural way to say 'Let's talk' to a friend?
Choose the best option.
For friends, the plain form '이야기하자' is most natural.
Match the formality.
Match: 1. Formal, 2. Informal
합시다 is formal, 하자 is informal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 시간이 있어요? B: 네, ____.
'이야기 좀 해요' is a natural way to suggest talking.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises친구와 ____.
All options are grammatically acceptable in different contexts.
Choose the best option.
For friends, the plain form '이야기하자' is most natural.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
합시다 is formal, 하자 is informal.
A: 시간이 있어요? B: 네, ____.
'이야기 좀 해요' is a natural way to suggest talking.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, use '이야기를 나누고 싶습니다' for a very polite request.
No, it's usually just 'talk'. Only use it as 'story' if you are telling a narrative.
It's a common contraction. It's perfectly acceptable in speech.
Yes, '이야기 좀 해요' is common in text messages.
It can be both. It depends on the verb ending.
Use '토론하다' or '논의하다' for formal discussions.
Only to people older than you or strangers. Use '이야기해요' instead.
Use '우리는 이야기를 했어요'.
Related Phrases
말을 하다
similarTo speak
대화를 나누다
similarTo share a conversation
수다를 떨다
specialized formTo chat/gossip
