What does 이거 mean?

이거 (i-geo, igeo)

이거 (igeo) is a common demonstrative pronoun in everyday Korean, used simply but with various meanings depending on context.

Demonstrative pronoun 이거 pointing to an object

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

이거(i-geo, igeo)

이거 is a shortened form of '이것' and is a demonstrative pronoun pointing to something near the speaker.

Nuances

  • Points to something near the speaker
  • Shortened form of '이것' giving a casual tone
  • Common in informal speech rather than formal
  • Can refer to objects, situations, or ideas depending on context

When to use

Everyday conversation, Shopping, Ordering food

In context

이거 functions as a noun in sentences, referring to objects or situations close to the speaker. It is commonly used in informal or casual speech rather than formal contexts.

Real-world examples

  • 이거 얼마예요?

    i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?, i geo eol ma ye yo?

    이거 correctly points to a nearby object.

  • 이거 맛있어요.

    i-geo mas-iss-eo-yo., i geo mas iss eo yo.

    Natural expression when describing food or something near.

  • 저거 이거 좋아요.

    jeo-geo i-geo joh-a-yo., jeo geo i geo joh a yo.

    Grammatically awkward; sentence structure needs adjustment when combining '저거' and '이거'.

  • 이거는 내 책이에요.

    i-geo-neun nae chaek-i-e-yo., i geo neun nae chaek i e yo.

    Natural sentence using 이거 as the subject.

  • 이거 먹고 싶어.

    i-geo meok-go sip-eo., i geo meok go sip eo.

    Natural everyday expression using 이거 as the object.

Quick quiz

  1. What does '이거' refer to?

    '이거'는 무엇을 가리키나요?('i-geo'neunmu-eos-eulga-ri-ki-na-yo?, 'igeo'neunmueoseulgarikinayo?)
  2. In which situation is '이거' mainly used?

    '이거'는 어떤 상황에서 주로 쓰이나요?('i-geo'neuneo-tteonsang-hwang-e-seoju-rosseu-i-na-yo?, 'igeo'neuneotteonsanghwangeseojurosseuinayo?)
  3. Which sentence is correct?

    다음 문장 중 올바른 문장은?(da-eummun-jangjungol-ba-reunmun-jang-eun?, daeummunjangjungolbareunmunjangeun?)

More meaning guides

View all meaning guides →