말 — meaning in English: Words

mal · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for horse

트럭

teuleog

개방

gaebang

채권

chaegwon

안전

anjeon

말

mal

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word '말' (mal) in various contexts, such as everyday conversations to express thoughts, feelings, or opinions. For example, you might hear someone say '내 말은...' (na mal-eun...), which translates to 'What I mean is...' when clarifying a point during a discussion.

Synonyms & nuances

While '말' refers specifically to 'words' or 'speech', another close synonym is '언어' (eoneo), which means 'language'. '말' is chosen when emphasizing the spoken aspect or the content of what is being communicated, while '언어' refers more broadly to the system of communication as a whole.

Culture

'말' is not only a fundamental word in the Korean language but also plays a significant role in Korean culture, reflecting the importance of communication and social interaction. The evolution of the word can be traced back to its Old Korean roots, where it was associated with speech and storytelling, highlighting the rich tradition of oral history in Korea.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of '말' in English?

'말' translates to 'words' in English and is used to refer to spoken or written language.

Q.How do you use '말' in a sentence?

You can use '말' in sentences like '그 사람의 말이 맞아요' (geu saram-ui mal-i majayo), which means 'That person's words are correct.'

Q.Is '말' used in formal situations?

'말' is generally neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, making it versatile for various conversations.

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