What does 이게 뭐야 mean?
이게 뭐야 means "“What on earth is this?”" in Korean.
How it works here
이게 뭐야? expresses strong surprise or puzzlement. The ending -야? gives it a strong informal-question feeling.
Key expression
이게 뭐야?
An expression used when suddenly surprised or puzzled by something unexpected
A very colloquial informal expression. It can stand alone or be followed by an explanation. Because it strongly shows surprise, it is uncommon in formal settings.
When it's used
Used to react immediately with surprise or confusion when seeing an unexpected object or situation.
The line
이게 뭐야? 세팍타크로!
What is this? Sepak takraw!
The speaker is confronted with an unfamiliar object and reacts immediately in confusion.
Scene from “Run BTS! 2022 Special Episode - Telepathy Part 1” · Channel: BANGTANTV Watch on YouTube
More examples
이게 뭐야? 냉장고가 왜 이렇게 시끄럽지?
What is this? Why is the refrigerator so noisy?
이게 뭐야? 내가 주문한 건 이거 아닌데.
What is this? This isn’t what I ordered.
Quick check
When would you use this expression?
이게 뭐야
이게 뭐야? 세팍타크로!
What is this? Sepak takraw!
- Say it after suddenly seeing something strange and becoming confused.
- Prepare a friend’s birthday party in advance.
- Quietly read a bus schedule.
Show the answer
Say it after suddenly seeing something strange and becoming confused.
An expression used when suddenly surprised or puzzled by something unexpected. A very colloquial informal expression. It can stand alone or be followed by an explanation. Because it strongly shows surprise, it is uncommon in formal settings.
Other words in this line
- 이
- This
- 뭐
- What
- 세팍타크로
- Sepak takraw
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