[#8] 🎧How to Say 'What is This?' in Korean

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Ever found yourself in a Korean restaurant,
pointing at a menu item you don’t recognize?
Here’s how to ask,
'What is this?' in the most natural way!

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The phrase "이건 뭐예요?"

( i-geon mwo-ye-yo? )

 
translates to "What is this?" in English.
Here’s the breakdown:
 

이건 (i-geon): This (with a subject marker)

뭐 (mwo): What

예요 (ye-yo): Is it

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To use it, simply point at the item and ask,
( i-geon mwo-ye-yo? ).
Most locals will happily explain what it is.

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In Korea, you might say ( i-geon mwo-ye-yo? )
in various situations:
 
1. At a restaurant, pointing at a menu item
2. In a market, holding an unfamiliar product

You can say:
 - What is this? : ( i-geon mwo-ye-yo? )

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Server or Vendor responds:
- It's bulgogi. : ( bul-go-gi-im-ni-da. )

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You can follow up:
- Is it spicy? : ( mae-weo-yo? )

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Server or Vendor responds:
- Yes, it is a little spicy. : ( ne, jo-geum mae-weo-yo. )

 
- No, it is not. : ( ah-ni-yo. )

 

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Use a polite tone when asking
to make your interaction smoother.
Koreans appreciate curiosity,
especially about their cuisine and culture. 

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In Korean culture, being curious about food
is a great conversation starter.

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Next time you’re dining out in Korea,
confidently ask ( i-geon mwo-ye-yo? )
It’s a phrase that opens doors
to delicious discoveries!

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