Question Words

1. 뭐요?

   Mwo-yo?

   What?

   Usage

   The question word to ask what something is or what was said

2. 어디요?

   Eo-di-yo?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; point at a map or an object while you say it

3. 언제요?

   Eon-je-yo?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks about time — departures, opening hours

4. 누구요?

   Nu-gu-yo?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, including who is in charge

5. 왜요?

   Wae-yo?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; keep your tone soft so it does not sound like an accusation

6. 어떻게요?

   Eo-tteo-ke-yo?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method — how to get there, how to use something

7. 몇 개요?

   Myeot gae-yo?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a number of things, people, or stops

8. 얼마예요?

   Eol-ma-ye-yo?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard way to ask a price — the most used shopping question

9. 어느 거요?

   Eo-neu geo-yo?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Choosing among options; use it while pointing

10. 이게 뭐예요?

    I-ge mwo-ye-yo?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or an item to ask what it is — handy in markets and eateries

11. 화장실이 어디예요?

    Hwa-jang-si-ri eo-di-ye-yo?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most used travel questions; fine to ask anyone

12. 지금 몇 시예요?

    Ji-geum myeot si-ye-yo?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful while waiting for transport

13. 있어요?

    I-sseo-yo?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is available; point at the item and it works

14. 가능해요?

    Ga-neung-hae-yo?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — a discount, a repair, a takeaway

15. 유료예요?

    Yu-ryo-ye-yo?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, entry, or Wi-Fi costs money

16. 무료예요?

    Mu-ryo-ye-yo?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Check whether a sample, a map, or a shuttle is free of charge

17. 이거 괜찮아요?

    I-geo gwaen-chan-a-yo?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. 안 되나요?

    An doe-na-yo?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. 몸은 괜찮으세요?

    Mom-eun gwaen-chan-eu-se-yo?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "이거 괜찮아요?" (asking permission)

    Grammar Note

    The "-으세요" ending honors the subject (the person being asked)

20. 정말요?

    Jeong-mal-yo?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. 확실해요?

    Hwak-sil-hae-yo?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "정말요?"

22. 어디서 오셨어요?

    Eo-di-seo o-syeoss-eo-yo?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

    Grammar Note

    "오셨어요" is the honorific past form of "오다" (to come)

23. 성함이 어떻게 되세요?

    Seong-ham-i eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

    Grammar Note

    "성함" is the honorific form of "이름" (name), used for elders or first meetings

24. 나이가 어떻게 되세요?

    Na-i-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    In Korea, asking age is normal and often necessary to choose the right honorific level — unlike in much of Europe, it is not considered rude

25. 같이 사진 찍어도 될까요?

    Ga-chi sa-jin jjik-eo-do doel-kka-yo?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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