구어 (gu-eo, gueo) · 말 (mal) · 대화 (dae-hwa, daehwa)
구어 (gu-eo) means informal spoken language, 말 (mal) is a general term for speech or words, and 대화 (dae-hwa) refers to interactive conversation between two or more people.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Informal, natural spoken language used in everyday situations
When to use
casual talk, friendly context, informal expression
The nuance
Use 구어 mainly in casual, everyday speech or informal contexts; it contrasts with written or formal language and is unsuitable for official writing or speeches.
The act of speaking or the words themselves used to express thoughts or feelings
When to use
general speech act, words themselves, expressing thoughts
The nuance
말 is a broad, general term covering the act of speaking or words themselves, used in various contexts without specific restrictions.
Interactive communication between two or more people
When to use
interactive communication, two or more participants, Q&A exchange
The nuance
대화 refers to interactive communication involving at least two participants; it cannot describe monologues or self-talk.
이 책은 구어체로 쓰여 있어서 읽기 쉬워요.
i chaek-eun gu-eo-che-ro sseu-yeo iss-eo-seo ik-gi swi-wo-yo., i chaek eun gu eo che ro sseu yeo iss eo seo ik gi swi wo yo.
구어체 refers to informal, natural spoken style, so it's appropriate to describe a book's style.
친구와 대화를 나누면서 문제를 해결했어요.
chin-gu-wa dae-hwa-reul na-nu-myeon-seo mun-je-reul hae-gyeol-haess-eo-yo., chin gu wa dae hwa reul na nu myeon seo mun je reul hae gyeol haess eo yo.
대화 means interactive communication between two or more people, fitting for talking with a friend.
나는 오늘 말이 많았어.
na-neun o-neul mal-i man-ass-eo., na neun o neul mal i man ass eo.
말 is a general term for speech acts, suitable for expressing that one talked a lot.
혼자서 대화를 했어요.
hon-ja-seo dae-hwa-reul haess-eo-yo., hon ja seo dae hwa reul haess eo yo.
대화 requires interactive communication; alone means no conversation, so it's incorrect.
그는 구어를 잘 사용해서 말이 자연스러워요.
geu-neun gu-eo-reul jal sa-yong-hae-seo mal-i ja-yeon-seu-reo-wo-yo., geu neun gu eo reul jal sa yong hae seo mal i ja yeon seu reo wo yo.
구어 means natural everyday language, fitting to describe natural speech.
회의에서 구어체를 사용했어요.
hoe-ui-e-seo gu-eo-che-reul sa-yong-haess-eo-yo., hoe ui e seo gu eo che reul sa yong haess eo yo.
Meetings are formal; 구어체 is informal and inappropriate here.
그의 말은 항상 신뢰할 만해요.
geu-ui mal-eun hang-sang sin-roe-hal man-hae-yo., geu ui mal eun hang sang sin roe hal man hae yo.
말 refers to words or expressions, appropriate for describing trustworthy speech.
친구와 혼자 구어를 했어요.
chin-gu-wa hon-ja gu-eo-reul haess-eo-yo., chin gu wa hon ja gu eo reul haess eo yo.
'혼자' contradicts 'with a friend'; also, '구어를 하다' is unnatural.
Which word means communication involving two or more people?
Which word means informal, everyday spoken language?
Which word broadly refers to the speech or words one says?
