Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

Direct Quotations ("..."라고 하다)

Used to quote exactly what someone said, word for word. It is written with quotation marks around the quoted speech.

Summary

Equivalent

Said, "..."

Example

Sumi asked, "Are you busy today?"

수미 씨가 "오늘 바빠요?"라고 물었어요.

Grammar rules

  • Attach '라고' (or '하고') immediately after the closing quotation mark, followed by a speaking verb like 말하다 (to say), 하다 (to do/say), 묻다 (to ask), or 쓰다 (to write).
  • '하고' is often used when imitating a sound or describing the specific manner in which someone spoke (like an animal sound or a sigh).

    개가 "멍멍" 하고 짖었어요. (The dog barked, "Woof, woof".)

Patterns

1

Direct quote

Any · "Quote" 라고 말하다/하다

2

Direct quote with action

Any · "Quote" 하고 말하다/묻다

Example sentences

Direct quote · Any · "Quote" 라고 말하다/하다

Sumi asked, "Are you busy today?"

수미 씨가 "오늘 바빠요?"라고 물었어요.

Direct quote · Any · "Quote" 라고 말하다/하다

The teacher said, "There is a test tomorrow."

선생님이 "내일 시험이 있습니다."라고 하셨습니다.

Direct quote · Any · "Quote" 라고 말하다/하다

I answered, "Yes, I understand."

제가 "네, 알겠습니다."라고 대답했어요.

Conversation

A: What did James say yesterday?

어제 제임스 씨가 뭐라고 했어요?

B: He said, "Let's have a party together on the weekend!"

"주말에 같이 파티 해요!"라고 했어요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct particle for a direct quotation.

Writing.

Asking.