그 (geu)
'그' is a common Korean pronoun with various meanings depending on context.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
'그' is a pronoun referring to 'that person' or 'that thing' known to both speaker and listener.
Nuances
When to use
Referring to a person in conversation, Mentioning an object in a story, Using pronouns in sentences
In context
'그' can precede a noun or stand alone to replace a previously mentioned subject or object. It is used in both formal and informal contexts.
그 사람은 친절해요.
geu sa-ram-eun chin-jeol-hae-yo., geu sa ram eun chin jeol hae yo.
'그 사람' refers to a specific known person.
그 책을 읽었어요.
geu chaek-eul ik-eoss-eo-yo., geu chaek eul ik eoss eo yo.
'그 책' means the previously mentioned book.
그가 집에 갔어요.
geu-ga jip-e gass-eo-yo., geu ga jip e gass eo yo.
'그가' refers to a specific male subject.
그는 내 친구야.
geu-neun nae chin-gu-ya., geu neun nae chin gu ya.
'그는' is the subject referring to a specific male in conversation.
그 여자도 올 거예요.
geu yeo-ja-do ol geo-ye-yo., geu yeo ja do ol geo ye yo.
'그 여자' refers to a known female person.
그거 맛있어요.
geu-geo mas-iss-eo-yo., geu geo mas iss eo yo.
'그거' is a pronoun referring to a previously mentioned object.
그 사람은 누구예요?
geu sa-ram-eun nu-gu-ye-yo?, geu sa ram eun nu gu ye yo?
'그 사람' points to a specific person in a question.
그는 책을 좋아해요.
geu-neun chaek-eul joh-a-hae-yo., geu neun chaek eul joh a hae yo.
'그는' is the subject referring to a male.
What does '그' refer to?
What does the expression '그 사람' mean?
Which sentence uses '그' correctly?
