Korean word

글쎄요

Pronunciation

Romanizationkeulsseyo

Meaning

  • interjectionhmm

Example

글쎄요, 잘 모르겠어요.keul sse yo chal mo reu ge sseo yo

Hmm, I don't know.

Illustration for 글쎄요 (hmm)

More examples

저는 글쎄요, 그 사람을 바로 믿기 어려워요.cheo neun keul sse yo keu sa ra meul pa ro mit kki eo ryeo wo yo

Hmm, it's hard for me to trust that person right away.

Core concept

A gentle verbal pause that keeps a reply open when certainty or a quick decision is missing.

Common phrases

  • 글쎄요, 잘 모르겠는데요keul sse yo chal mo reu gen neun de yo

    Hmm, not sure

Similar words

글쎄keulsse: A conversational way to avoid a firm answer when feeling unsure about what to say.
음eum: A short sound made while thinking before continuing with a reply.

Definition in Korean

글쎄요는 일상에서 잘 모를 때나 바로 결정하기 어려울 때 정중하게 망설이며 쓰는 감탄사이다.keul sse yo neun il sang e seo chal mo reul ttae na pa ro kyeol jeong ha gi eo ryeo ul ttae cheong jung ha ge mang seo ri myeo sseu neun kam tan sa i da

Word origin

글쎄요 (geulsseyo, "hmm") is formed from 글쎄 (geulsse, "hmm") and a polite sentence ending, linking uncertainty with respectful speech.

Usage tips

  • It can sound friendly in everyday talk, but a short reply may seem vague when a clear fact is needed.

Other meanings

  • wellinterjection
  • I wonderinterjection

Related words

Word lists with this word