Today, we’ll focus on learning the helpful adverb “here” in Korean and how people use this word in action.
A great thing about languages is that, no matter how much you’ve studied one, there’s always more you could learn. And learning Korean is no different! It’s incredibly common to hear different words in use in Korea, so you’ll definitely want to know more about this adverb, too.
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Brief introduction of “here” as an adverb of place
The word “here” is considered to be an adverb of place. This means, when used as an adverb, it describes the location where the action you are speaking of takes place.
Standard polite form of “here” in Korean
The standard polite form of the Korean word “here” is 여기 (yeogi).
Other words for it are 이리 (iri) and 이쪽 (ijjok). However, of the three, 여기 (yeogi) is the most versatile. The other two words are used in much more simple means, which you’ll learn about below.
You can combine 여기 (yeogi) with many different particles, such as 에 (e) and 로 (ro), depending on what you would like to express or write to a person.
Different ways to say “here” in Korean
There are numerous ways you can use the adverb “here” in a Korean sentence. Below, we’ve given you a few examples of sentences with English translations to get you started.
“Come here” in Korean
The base form for the adverb “come here” is 이리 오다 (iri oda). In action, you can say 이리 와 (iri wa). Note that this is a largely casual phrase, and you may not want to use it with your superior or above your age group as it may sound a bit rude.
You may also hear of 이리 오너라 (iri oneora), especially in traditional or historical drama. This is not as commonly used these days, and it is a plain-style command, so it is not a polite expression.
To be slightly more polite, you may add in -요 (-yob) and say 이리 와요 (iri wayo).
If you want to be formal, you may say 이리 오세요 (iri oseyo).
Another way to say “come here” is 여기로 와요 (yeogiro wayo). However, this adverb is less common to use as a command than what you’ve just learned above.
A cute abbreviation for “come here” is 일루와 (illuwa). You may use these words when talking to a friend or among close friends.
Sample sentences
빨리 이리 와! (ppalli iri wa!)
Come here quickly!
저를 따라 이리로 오세요. (jeoreul ttara iriro oseyo.)
Come follow me here.
일단 여기로 올 수 있어요? (ildan yeogiro ol su isseoyo?)
Can you come here for now?
“I am here” in Korean
For this one, you want to combine 여기 (yeogi) with the “to be” (in a place, to exist, etc.) verb 있다 (itda). If you’re not familiar yet with this Korean verb, you may want to take Korean lessons with us to learn more about it from the beginning.
Depending on the level of formality, you may use 저는 (jeoneun) or the more informal 나는 (naneun). Similarly, if you are being informal, you may say 여기 있어 (yeogi isseo), while 여기 있어요 (yeogi isseoyo) is more polite, and 여기 있습니다 (yeogi isseumnida) is far more formal.
여기 있다 (yeogi itda) is a good structure to use when you want to give someone something. In these instances, the English translation of the word is “Here you are.”
Sample sentences
나 지금 여기 있어요, 어디 있어요? (na jigeum yeogi isseoyo, eodi isseoyo?)
I’m here right now. Where are you?
난 아무 데도 안 갔어요, 여기 있어요. (nan amu dedo an gasseoyo, yeogi isseoyo.)
I didn’t go anywhere, I’m here.
걱정마요. 나는 아직도 여기 있어요. (geokjeongmayo. naneun ajikdo yeogi isseoyo.)
Don’t worry. I’m still here.
제 집은 바로 여기에 있어요. (je jibeun baro yeogie isseoyo).
My home is right here.
“Over here” in Korean
You can say 여기예요 (yeogiyeyo) to express “over here.” Sometimes, even simply saying 여기 (yeogi) will do. However, you may also say 이쪽이에요 (ijjogieyo) when you want to mean the same context.
Sample sentences
유진 씨, 여기예요! (yujin ssi, yeogiyeyo!)
Over here, YooJin!
우리 자리는 이쪽이에요. (uri jarineun ijjogieyo.)
Our seats are over here.
“From here” in Korean
The words “from here” translates as 여기부터 (yeogibuteo). Here, you can note that the adverb “here” is used, together with the Korean particle marking the location, 부터 (buteo).
Sample sentences
지하철 타면 여기부터 학교까지 30분 걸려요. (jihacheol tamyeon yeogibuteo hakgyokkaji 30bun geollyeoyo.)
If we take the subway, it takes 30 minutes from here to school.
여기부터는 혼자 가야 해요. (yeogibuteoneun honja gaya haeyo.)
You must go alone from here.
여기부터 내리막 길이에요. (yeogibuteo naerimak girieyo.)
It’s downhill from here.
Wrap up
And that’s how fast we’ve discovered yet another piece of Korean grammar! Now that you’ve learned the Korean adverb “here” in different ways, why not try giving more of your free time to sit and study Korean adverbs and improve your vocabulary, or you’re language skills? Give it a thought, and let me know if this does work!
