🇺🇸 Translation
Cat and woman (Wait, what was your name?)
📙 Lesson point
How to say “Wait, what was your name?” in Korean
Hello, everyone! Today, we’re going to learn about an expression we use when asking or recalling memories that are uncertain. First, we will learn to make this expression by learning about the interrogative ending “(interrogative) + 더라?” We’ll take a look at how to change interrogative sentences into this form and how we can translate the meaning of it. Then, we’ll look at some examples to see how this expression is commonly used.
After reading this post, you will be able to say “Wait, what was your name?” in Korean, and also learn how this type of interrogative sentences are grammatically formed. Moreover, we’ll look into the actual expression that Jisoo of BLACKPINK used for her Instagram post. Let’s begin!
Interrogative Ending ‘(Interrogative) + 더라?’
First, let’s start with learning the interrogative ending, “(interrogative) + 더라?” “(Interrogative) + 더라?” is an interrogative ending used when recalling and asking one another about a past event the speaker has experienced. It is an informal and non-polite tone of speech, so note that you’d use this only with your friends.
So, how can we make this type of interrogative sentence? The original form of Korean interrogative sentences end with “(Interrogative) +야?” (ya) in casual speech. All you have to do is change the ending to “더라?” (deo’ra).
For example, the interrogative sentence “이게 뭐야? (What’s that?)” can be changed into “이게 뭐더라? (Wait, what was that?),” and “숙제는 언제까지야? (When’s our homework due?)” can be changed into “숙제는 언제까지더라? (Wait, till when was our homework due?)”
Difference between “-야?” (ya) and “더라?” (deo’ra)
Let’s take a step further and examine the difference between interrogative sentences that use “-야?” and “-더라?”
They are both used in casual and informal speech, but their meanings differ. When “-야?” is used, we can translate it as a simple question, but when “더라?” is used, a nuance of recalling uncertain memories is added.
Let’s compare more closely through the example “뭐야?”
- “뭐야?” (mwo’ya) is used when one asks something one doesn’t know with pure curiosity informally. This can be roughly translated as “What is it?”
- “뭐더라?” (mwo’deo’ra) is used when one asks something one knows, but can’t remember at that moment. This can be translated as “Wait, what was it, again?”
Examples Using What / When / Where
Now, let’s look at some examples to get an idea of how to translate sentences using “(interrogative) + 더라?”
What (무엇) 너 이름이 뭐야? = What is your name? 너 이름이 뭐더라? = Wait, what was your name again? (I knew it, but I forgot)
When (언제) 지수 생일이 언제야? = When in Jisoo’s birthday? 지수 생일이 언제더라? = Wait, when was Jisoo’s birthday? (I knew it, but I forgot)
Where (어디) 지수 고향이 어디야? = Where is Jisoo’s hometown? 지수 고향이 어디더라? = Wait, where was Jisoo’s hometown? (I knew it, but I forgot)
Jisoo says: 캣과 우먼 (근데 너 이름이 뭐더라?!)
In conclusion, BLACKPINK Jisoo wrote the caption ‘캣과 우먼 (cat and woman),’ posting a picture of a cat and her. However, she heard the name of the cat in the past, but couldn’t remember the name of the cat. So, she is saying ‘근데 너 이름이 뭐더라?!’ which means “Wait, what was your name?”