You’ve probably heard this word in Korean dramas, so let’s learn how to write wae hangul style.
The word 왜 (wae) means “why” in Korean. It’s simple, powerful, and shows up in emotional scenes where characters demand answers—angrily, sadly, or with deep confusion.
Let’s break down what it means, how it’s used, and how to write it in Hangul.
What Does Wae (왜) Mean?
In plain terms, 왜 = why
It’s used to ask questions, express frustration, or react to unexpected situations. For example, you’ll hear it:
- When a character finds out a secret
- During a breakup or confrontation
- In casual everyday questions like “Why are you late?”
How to Write Wae Hangul Style
We write 왜 using two Hangul components:
- ㅇ = placeholder consonant
- ㅙ = compound vowel (a mix of ㅗ and ㅐ)
So when you write 왜, you’re really writing a single-syllable block made up of:
ㅇ + ㅙ
It’s pronounced roughly like “weh”, with a short, crisp vowel.
Common Phrases That Use 왜
These are real, everyday expressions you’ll hear in dramas and daily conversation.
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
| 왜? | wae? | Why? |
| 왜 그래? | wae geurae? | What’s wrong? |
| 왜 이렇게 늦었어? | wae ireoke neut-eosseo? | Why are you so late? |
Notes:
Line 2 – In English the phrase literally translate to: Why (are you) like that?
Wae Hangul Pronunciation Tip
Keep it light. Wae is quick and sharp—don’t drag the vowel out. Think of it as weh, not way.
If you’re unsure, say “where” quickly, then cut off the ‘r’ sound. That’s close.
Ready for More?
Of course, this is just the beginning. We’ve created a full list of 100+ K-Drama words and expressions, organized by category and matched with flashcards.
So if you’ve ever wanted to understand what they’re really saying in your favorite scenes, this is the easiest way to start.
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