What is -냐 ending?
The -냐? ending is a direct and informal way to ask questions, commonly used among friends or when addressing younger individuals. While it can sound blunt, it is widely understood and frequently used in casual speech, especially by men.
Key Characteristics:
1. Among close friends or juniors – Typically used by older speakers towards younger individuals or within casual speech.2. To express curiosity, surprise, or demand an answer – It often sounds direct and sometimes blunt/rude.
3. By male speakers more frequently – While not exclusive, it is more commonly used by men in casual conversations.
Conjugation Rules
The usage of -냐? depends on the verb type:
1. Verbs + -냐?
Example: 가다 (to go) → 가냐? ("Are you going?")
2. Adjectives + -냐?
Example: 좋다 (to be good) → 좋냐? ("Is it good?")
3. Past tense + -았/었냐?
Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹었냐? ("Did you eat?")
4. 있다/없다 verbs + -냐?
Example: 시간이 있냐? ("Do you have time?")
5. Nouns + (이)냐?
Example: 학생이냐? ("Are you a student?")
Example: 친구냐? ("Are you a friend?")
When and How to Use -냐?
1. Casual questioning between close people:
- 지금 뭐 하냐? ("What are you doing now?")
- 어디 가냐? ("Where are you going?")
2. Expressing curiosity or demanding an answer:
- 왜 안 오냐? ("Why aren’t you coming?")
- 숙제 다 했냐? ("Did you finish your homework?")
3. Seeking past information:
- 어제 밥 먹었냐 ("Did you eat yesterday?")
- 시험 잘 봤냐? ("Did you do well on the exam?")
4. Showing slight disbelief or challenging someone:
- 진짜냐? ("Is that really true?")
- 너 그걸 믿냐? ("Do you believe that?")
Differences from Other Question Endings
Ending | Usage | Politeness Level |
---|---|---|
-냐? | Direct, casual, sometimes blunt | Informal |
-니? | Friendly, casual, softer | Informal |
-어?/아? | Neutral, everyday conversation | Informal |
-습니까? | Formal, professional settings | Very polite |
-나요? | Polite, softer than -냐? | Polite |
Examples of -냐? in Use
"Are you going to school today?"
Practice Sentences
Try translating these sentences into Korean using -냐?:
1. "Are you busy now?"3. "Is this your book?"
(Answers: 지금 바쁘냐? / 내 메시지 봤냐? / 이거 네 책이냐?)
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