Korean word

누구

Pronunciation

Romanizationnugu

Meaning

  • pronounwho

Example

저 사람은 누구예요?cheo sa ra meun nu gu ye yo

Who is that person?

Illustration for 누구 (who)

More examples

저분은 누구세요?cheo bu neun nu gu se yo

Who is that person?

Core concept

A simple request to know which person someone means or who someone is.

Common phrases

  • 누구예요nu gu ye yo

    Who is it

  • 누구세요nu gu se yo

    Who are you

Similar words

누가nuga: A question word that asks who carries out an action.
누군가nugunga: A word meaning an unspecified person.
누구나nuguna: A word meaning all people without leaving anyone out.

Definition in Korean

사람을 가리켜 정체를 물을 때 쓰는 의문대명사.sa ra meul ka ri kyeo cheong che reul mu reul ttae sseu neun ui mun dae myeong sa

Word origin

As an old native Korean question word, it has no reliable modern component breakdown, so its stable meaning as a person question is the most useful way to learn it.

Usage tips

  • Politeness is usually shown by the ending of the surrounding question, while this question word itself stays focused on identifying the person.

Related words

  • 누군가nugungasomeonepronoun
  • 누구나nugunaeveryoneadverb
  • 누구든지nugudeunjianyonepronoun

Word lists with this word