이거 뭐예요 Meaning: What Koreans Say When Asking “What Is This?”

Introduction

Today’s phrase is one you can use almost anywhere in Korea — cafés, markets, museums, convenience stores, and beyond. It’s simple, beginner‑friendly, and helps you start natural conversations with ease.
It’s the polite and friendly way to ask: “What is this?”

What This Phrase Means

이거 뭐예요?
(igeo mwoyeyo?)

Breakdown & Meaning

이거 뭐예요? means “What is this?” in polite Korean. It’s made of three parts:

• 이거: this thing
• 뭐: what
• 예요: polite ending similar to “is”

This level of politeness is perfect for everyday situations — with shop staff, new friends, or anyone you meet while exploring Korea.

Koreans generally appreciate curiosity about their culture, food, and traditions. Asking 이거 뭐예요? sounds gentle and respectful, making it a great phrase for beginners.

How to Use It in Real Life

You can use this phrase almost anywhere, especially when you notice something unfamiliar.

Common situations include:

• Spotting a pastry or drink you don’t recognize at a café
• Seeing a new gadget your friend is using
• Browsing markets in Seoul and finding unusual items
• Receiving a picture from someone and wanting to know what it is
• Pointing to a Korean‑only menu item

You can say it while pointing, holding an item, or showing a photo. It works in nearly every setting.

Usage Examples

1. 
   

   이건 뭐예요?
   Igeon mwoyeyo?
   What is this specific thing?

   
   
2. 
   

   이거 음식 이름이 뭐예요?
   Igeo eumsik ireumi mwoyeyo?
   What’s the name of this food?

   
   
3. 
   

   이거 처음 봤어요. 뭐예요?
   Igeo cheoeum bwasseoyo. Mwoyeyo?
   I’ve never seen this before. What is it?

   
   
4. 
   

   이거 사진 좀 볼까요? 뭐예요?
   Igeo sajin jom bolkkayo? Mwoyeyo?
   Can I check this photo? What is it?

   
   
5. 
   

   이거 한국에서 유명해요? 뭐예요?
   Igeo hangugeseo yumyeonghaeyo? Mwoyeyo?
   Is this popular in Korea? What is it?

   
   

Related Korean Expressions

• 
  

  이게 뭐야?
  Ige mwoya?
  Very casual “What’s this?” for close friends.

  
  
• 
  

  이건 뭐죠?
  Igeon mwotjyo?
  Slightly more formal and extra polite.

  
  
• 
  

  저거 뭐예요?
  Jeogeo mwoyeyo?
  “What is that over there?”

  
  
• 
  

  이거 어떻게 써요?
  Igeo eotteoke sseoyo?
  “How do I use this?”

  
  

Why This Phrase Helps You Learn Faster

Using 이거 뭐예요? helps you learn naturally as you explore Korea. Instead of memorizing lists, you can ask about real objects around you — building vocabulary with meaningful context.

It also reflects a cultural norm: polite curiosity is welcomed. Many people will happily explain, offer extra details, or even give personal recommendations.

For beginners, this phrase is a confidence booster. You don’t need long sentences — just point, ask, and learn.

Closing

Next time you’re at a Korean café, shop, or even watching a Korean drama, try using 이거 뭐예요?. It’s simple, friendly, and opens the door to easy, enjoyable conversations.

Keep exploring, keep asking, and enjoy discovering Korea one phrase at a time.

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Need useful tips for life in Korea?
These guides make daily life much easier:

• Learn “실례합니다” for Polite Korean Manners: A Simple Guide to Sound More Respectful
  
• Learn “잠시만요” Meaning with Simple Korean Examples: A Friendly Guide for Beginners
  

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