Korean · Real conversations
Clarify a meaning naturally in Korean
Clarification works best when you identify the unclear part. Ask about a word, check a possible interpretation, or request an example that makes the meaning concrete.
Three ways to say it
이 단어는 무슨 뜻이에요?i daneoneun museun tteusieyo?
What does this word mean?
Ask about one unfamiliar word.
지금 출발해야 한다는 뜻이에요?jigeum chulbalhaeya handaneun tteusieyo?
Do you mean that we should leave now?
Check whether you have understood the person's intended message.
예를 들어서 설명해 주실 수 있어요?yereul deureoseo seolmyeonghae jusil su isseoyo?
Could you explain that with an example?
Ask for a concrete example when a definition is not enough.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'Do you mean ...?' asks about intended meaning, not an average or an unkind person. Keep the target-language construction for intention or meaning instead of translating the isolated word 'mean'.
See the difference in context
An unfamiliar word in a sentence
이 문장에 새 단어가 있어요.i munjange sae daneoga isseoyo.
There's a new word in this sentence.
이 단어는 무슨 뜻이에요?i daneoneun museun tteusieyo?
What does this word mean?
Checking whether it is time to leave
시간이 별로 없어요.sigani byeollo eopseoyo.
We don't have much time.
지금 출발해야 한다는 뜻이에요?jigeum chulbalhaeya handaneun tteusieyo?
Do you mean that we should leave now?
Your turn
You understand the words but not how the idea works. Ask for an explanation with an example.
Reveal a sample reply
예를 들어서 설명해 주실 수 있어요?yereul deureoseo seolmyeonghae jusil su isseoyo?
Could you explain that with an example?
This speaking goal 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.
