Question 1

What does 뭐요 (mwo-yo, mwoyo) mean in Korean?

Accepted Answer

‘뭐요’ combines ‘뭐’ (what) with the polite ending ‘-요’, used to politely ask 'What?' or express surprise in response to something said. ‘뭐요’ is typically used alone at the end of a sentence to politely ask for repetition or express surprise. It fits informal to semi-formal spoken contexts but is not for very formal situations. Pronunciation: mwo-yo, mwoyo.

Question 2

뭐요 (mwo-yo, mwoyo)는 무슨 뜻이에요?

Accepted Answer

‘뭐요’는 ‘뭐’에 존댓말 어미 ‘-요’가 붙은 형태로, 상대방의 말을 다시 묻거나 놀라움을 표현할 때 쓰는 반말보다 공손한 반응형 의문사입니다. ‘뭐요’는 주로 상대방의 말을 잘 못 들었거나 이해하지 못했을 때, 또는 놀라움이나 의아함을 나타낼 때 문장 끝에 단독으로 사용됩니다. 공식적인 자리보다는 일상적이고 친근한 상황에서 적당한 존댓말 표현입니다. 발음: mwo-yo, mwoyo.

Question 3

What are the nuances of 뭐요 (mwo-yo, mwoyo)?

Accepted Answer

More polite than ‘뭐’ Can express both surprise and questioning Friendly but not for very formal settings

Question 4

Is this sentence Correct? A: 내일 회의가 취소됐어요. B: 뭐요? (a: nae-il hoe-ui-ga chwi-so-dwaess-eo-yo. b: mwo-yo?, a: nae il hoe ui ga chwi so dwaess eo yo. b: mwo yo?)

Accepted Answer

‘뭐요?’ is appropriately used to express surprise and ask for confirmation.

Question 5

Is this sentence Correct? A: 그 사람은 내 친구야. B: 뭐요? (a: geu sa-ram-eun nae chin-gu-ya. b: mwo-yo?, a: geu sa ram eun nae chin gu ya. b: mwo yo?)

Accepted Answer

‘뭐요?’ fits situations where the listener did not understand and asks again.

Question 6

Is this sentence Incorrect? A: 오늘 날씨가 좋아요. B: 뭐요? (a: o-neul nal-ssi-ga joh-a-yo. b: mwo-yo?, a: o neul nal ssi ga joh a yo. b: mwo yo?)

Accepted Answer

Using ‘뭐요?’ for obvious or neutral statements sounds unnatural.

Question 7

Is this sentence Correct? A: 내일 시험이 있어요. B: 뭐요? (a: nae-il si-heom-i iss-eo-yo. b: mwo-yo?, a: nae il si heom i iss eo yo. b: mwo yo?)

Accepted Answer

‘뭐요?’ is appropriate to express surprise or ask for confirmation.

Question 8

Is this sentence Incorrect? A: 저는 학생입니다. B: 뭐요? (a: jeo-neun hak-saeng-ip-ni-da. b: mwo-yo?, a: jeo neun hak saeng ip ni da. b: mwo yo?)

Accepted Answer

‘뭐요?’ is rude and inappropriate for simple introductions.

Question 9

In which situation is ‘뭐요’ mainly used?

Accepted Answer

상대방 말을 못 알아들었을 때. ‘뭐요’ is used to ask for repetition or express surprise.

Question 10

What kind of speech style is ‘뭐요’?

Accepted Answer

존댓말. ‘뭐요’ has the polite ending ‘-요’, making it respectful.

Question 11

Which sentence appropriately uses ‘뭐요’?

Accepted Answer

A: 내일 휴가야. B: 뭐요?. ‘뭐요?’ fits when surprised or confirming important info.

What does 뭐요 mean?

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