Today, let’s learn some simple Korean words!
We will learn “여기(Yuh-gee),” “거기(Guh-gee),” “저기(Juh-gee),” and “어디(Uh-dee).”
These are words you will often use when asking for directions in Korea.
여기 (Yuh-gee)
English Meaning: Here
Use this when: You are talking about a place close to you, the speaker.
Dictionary Pronunciation: Yeo-gi
Easy Pronunciation: Yuh-gee
거기 (Guh-gee)
English Meaning: There / that place
Use this when: You are talking about a place close to the listener, or a place that was already mentioned.
Dictionary Pronunciation: Geo-gi
Easy Pronunciation: Guh-gee
저기 (Juh-gee)
English Meaning: Over there
Use this when: You are talking about a place that is far from both you and the listener.
Dictionary Pronunciation: Jeo-gi
Easy Pronunciation: Juh-gee
어디 (Uh-dee)
English Meaning: Where
Use this when: You want to ask about a place or location.
Dictionary Pronunciation: Eo-di
Easy Pronunciation: Uh-dee
There is one more thing!
As I mentioned in a previous post, “저기” is not only used to point at a place.
It is also very often used when you want to talk to someone, but you do not know what to call them.
You can use it like this:
저기요 (Juh-gee-yo)
English Meaning: Excuse me.
Use this when: You want to get someone’s attention, especially when you do not know what to call them.
Dictionary Pronunciation: Jeo-gi-yo
Easy Pronunciation: Juh-gee-yo
저기… (Juh-gee…)
English Meaning: Um… / Excuse me…
Use this when: You want to start talking to someone a little carefully or hesitantly.
Dictionary Pronunciation: Jeo-gi
Easy Pronunciation: Juh-gee
However, please be careful.
You should not use “저기요(Juh-gee-yo)” or “저기(Juh-gee)…” in formal business situations.
It can sound too casual depending on the situation.
Next time, I will show you how to use these words with more example sentences!
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