Learn Korean: Noun + 왜 그래

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Noun + 왜 그래. You can attach any nouns to imply that there is something wrong with it. It is most of the time negative, but it can be funny and mocking too depending on the tone of the speaker. It can also express worry. For instance, hwhen your friend put so much make-up, you can say 얼굴이 왜 그래? When your friend is looking sad, you can say 얼굴이 왜 그래. Literally, it means why is it (anything) like that.

얼굴이 왜 그래?

What’s wrong with your face?

표정이 왜 그래?

What’s wrong with your facial expression? (Is there something wrong?)

옷이 왜 그래?

What’s wrong with your clothes?