Processing keyword: ~나요? [nayo?] (Isn't it?, right?)

Korean Grammar Point: ~나요? [nayo?] (Isn't it?, right?)

1. Introduction

In the Korean language, ~나요? is an interrogative ending attached to a verb or adjective stem to formulate a polite question. It is commonly used to express curiosity, inquire about information, or gently ask for confirmation in a respectful manner. This ending adds a nuance of politeness and softness to questions, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~나요? is used to:

• Ask questions politely.
• Express curiosity or interest.
• Seek confirmation in a gentle way. It can be roughly translated to "Is it...?", "Do you...?", "Are you...?", or "Isn't it...?" in English, depending on the context.

Structure

Formation Diagram

The formation of ~나요? depends on whether the verb or adjective stem ends with a vowel or a consonant.

For Verbs and Adjectives:

1. Verb/Adjective Stem + -나요?

For Past Tense:

1. Verb/Adjective Stem + -았/었/했나요?

Conjugation Rules

1. Present Tense
   • If the stem ends with a vowel or consonant:
     Verb/Adjective Stem + -나요?
2. Past Tense
   • If the last vowel is 아 or 오:
     Verb/Adjective Stem + -았나요?
   • For other vowels:
     Verb/Adjective Stem + -었나요?
   • For 하다 verbs:
     Verb Stem + -했나요?

Examples of Formation

3. Comparative Analysis

나요? vs. ~어요?/습니까?

• ~나요? is more polite and softer than ~어요?, which is a standard polite question ending.
• ~습니까? is a formal and formal interrogative ending used in very formal situations.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Present Tense Questions
   • 지금 어디에 가나요?
     • Where are you going now?
   • 무슨 책을 읽나요?
     • What book are you reading?
   • 한국 음식을 좋아하나요?
     • Do you like Korean food?
2. Past Tense Questions
   • 어제 학교에 갔나요?
     • Did you go to school yesterday?
   • 주말에 무엇을 했나요?
     • What did you do over the weekend?
   • 그 영화를 봤나요?
     • Have you seen that movie?
3. With Adjectives
   • 날씨가 춥나요?
     • Is the weather cold?
   • 그곳이 아름답나요?
     • Is that place beautiful?
   • 음식이 맛있나요?
     • Is the food delicious?

Formal vs. Informal Usage

• Informal: 친구에게 질문할 때
  • 지금 뭐 해? (What are you doing now?)
• Polite (using ~나요?): 선생님이나 잘 모르는 사람에게 질문할 때
  • 지금 뭐 하나요? (What are you doing now?)

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• Using ~나요? shows respect and politeness, which is important in Korean culture.
• It softens the question, making it less direct and more considerate.

Social Norms

• Appropriate when speaking to someone of equal or higher social status.
• Commonly used in customer service, schools, and workplaces.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the Wrong Tense
   • Incorrect: 어디에 갔나요? (When asking about a current action)
   • Correct: 어디에 가나요? (Where are you going?)
2. Mixing Formality Levels
   • Incorrect: 지금 뭐 하는지요?
   • Correct: 지금 뭐 하나요? (What are you doing now?)

Tips

• Remember the Softness: Use ~나요? when you want to ask politely without sounding too formal.
• Tense Matters: Pay attention to whether you are asking about the present or past.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~나요? is used to form polite, inquisitive questions.
• It is suitable for both formal and informal polite speech.
• The ending attaches directly to the verb or adjective stem.
• Remember to adjust for tense when necessary.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~나요? with the verb 마시다 (to drink) in present tense?
   • Answer: 마시나요?
2. Translate to Korean: "Is the movie interesting?"
   • Answer: 영화가 재미있나요?
3. What is a key difference between ~나요? and ~습니까?
   • Answer: ~나요? is polite and softer, whereas ~습니까? is formal and used in more formal situations.

By understanding and using ~나요?, you can ask questions politely and naturally in Korean, aligning with cultural norms of respect and consideration.