Learn Korean: Noun + 뭐래

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Noun + 뭐래(?). We (Person A) use this to ask Person B what Person C said. Person C is the noun in this pattern. For example, I owed Person C an apology but I was not sure if he was in the mood to talk. So I asked Person B to ask if he is okay with it or not. Person B did and he got the response. Before he could relay the message, I asked ahead What did (Person C) say? If Person C's name is Junho and he is a friend, I would say 준호(가) 뭐래(요)? If Junho is just an acquaintance not really close to me, I would say 준호씨(가) 뭐래(요)? We basically attach 이 or 가 to the subject of the sentence. It is also essential that we know how to address a person properly. The honorific form of 뭐래(요) is 뭐라셔(요). It is used when the subject (Person C) is a respected person (e.g teacher, boss, grandfather).

예진이가 뭐래?

What did Yejin say? (Can she join the picnic?)

경찰이 뭐래요?

What did the police say? (Will I be imprisoned?)

그 사람이 뭐래요?

What did he say? (Did he see who broke into the house)?