What are 5W1H Questions?
In the previous lesson, you learned how to form yes/no questions. Now, let's learn how to ask for specific information using question words , also known as the "5W1H" questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How).
In Korean, these are called 의문사 (uimunsa). Unlike yes/no questions, these questions expect a specific piece of information as an answer, not just a 'yes' ( 네 ) or 'no' ( 아니요 ).
Key Question Words
누가 - Who
무엇 / 뭐 - What
어디 - Where
언제 - When
왜 - Why
어떻게 - How
얼마 - How much
몇 - How many
Who, What, Where
Asking About People, Things, and Places
These three question words are fundamental for basic conversations.
누가 - Who
Used to ask about a person. It often acts as the subject of the sentence.
Korean · English
저 사람이 누구 예요? · Who is that person?
누가 왔어요? · Who came?
무엇 / 뭐 - What
Used to ask about an object or an action. 뭐 is the common, shortened form of 무엇 used in conversation.
Korean · English
이름이 뭐 예요? · What is your name?
무엇 을 공부해요? · What do you study?
어디 - Where
Used to ask about a location.
Korean · English
어디 에 가요? · Where are you going?
집이 어디 예요? · Where is your home?
When, Why, How
Asking About Time, Reasons, and Methods
These question words help you ask for more detailed information.
언제 - When
Used to ask about time.