Lesson 5
The word 당신 appears in many Korean songs, dramas and movies, but it needs to be used with caution in real-life conversations. Take a closer look at 당신 by following this lesson.
Meaning
In many dictionaries, if you look up the word “you”, you will see 당신 as a suitable translation. However, in reality, native Korean speakers rarely use the word “you” in sentences, especially when speaking in 존댓말, or formal language.
당신 may technically mean “you”, but the connotation of 당신 is much different than “you” in English. Unless you understand what 당신 means, exactly in what situations you can use it, and how to use it - simply do not use it. Luckily, this lesson is dedicated to helping you understand this pesky, but useful, little word!
Well, then when is it that people DO use the word 당신?
You can use the word 당신 when:
- you are angry at someone, and you do not mind fighting or arguing with that person;
- you are translating from a foreign language, and you absolutely must have a word for “you”;
- you are writing or singing a song, or are using indirect language in general;
- you are addressing your spouse (commonly used among middle-aged or older people);
- (rare case) you are talking about someone (who is not present) in an honorific way and want to say “he” or “she”.
Usage 1
당신 뭐야?
= Who do you think you are? / What are you?
당신 뭐가 문제야?
= What is your problem?
Using 당신 in fashion evokes the feeling that you really do not mind getting in a quarrel or a fight with the other person. Note that you are not speaking entirely in 존댓말 anymore. If you are already speaking in 반말, you would say “너”.
Usage 2 & 3
당신의 눈은 참 아름다워요.
= Your eyes are so beautiful.
당신에게 이 노래를 바칩니다.
= I dedicate this song to you.
You are forced to use 당신 here because you do not know the name of the other person without context.
Usage 4
당신 지금 어디예요?
= Honey, where are you?
Other words which can replace 당신 in this usage are 여보 (most common) and 자기 (more common among young couples).
Usage 5
This is becoming more and more rare. Often at times, people drop the word 당신 simply out of fear of being misunderstood.