Korean · Real conversations
How to respond to “어디 출신이세요?” in Korean
An origin question can refer to a country, where you grew up, or a more complex personal history. Answer the part you want to share.
What you might hear
어디 출신이세요?eodi chulsiniseyo?
Where are you from?
Choose a reply that fits
캐나다 출신이에요.kaenada chulsinieyo.
I'm from Canada.
Name a country when that is the answer you want to give.
인도에서 자랐어요.indoeseo jarasseoyo.
I grew up in India.
Use for the place where you grew up.
여러 곳에서 살았어요.yeoreo goseseo sarasseoyo.
I've lived in several places.
Acknowledge a history involving several places.
그쪽은요?geujjogeunyo?
What about you?
Return the question when you want to hear their story.
Two short exchanges
A new introduction
어디 출신이세요?eodi chulsiniseyo?
Where are you from?
캐나다 출신이에요.kaenada chulsinieyo.
I'm from Canada.
A question about growing up
어디에서 자라셨어요?eodieseo jarasyeosseoyo?
Where did you grow up?
인도에서 자랐어요.indoeseo jarasseoyo.
I grew up in India.
Your turn
Give a short answer that reflects having lived in several places.
Reveal a sample reply
여러 곳에서 살았어요.yeoreo goseseo sarasseoyo.
I've lived in several places.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
