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Reported Speech

Reported speech (indirect speech) allows you to convey what someone else has said, asked, or commanded without quoting them directly. This is essential for natural Korean conversation.

What is Reported Speech?

Direct Speech: "I'm hungry," he said. Reported Speech: He said that he was hungry.

In Korean, reported speech uses specific endings attached to verbs and adjectives, then followed by 하다 (to say/do).

Types of Reported Speech

1. Statements (-다고/라고 하다)

Report what someone said as a fact or statement.

Patterns: - Verbs: -ㄴ다고/는다고 하다 - Adjectives/이다: -(이)라고 하다 - Past: -았/었다고 하다

Shortened Forms: - -다고 → -대(요) - -라고 → -래(요)

Example: - Direct: "저는 학생이에요" - Reported: 학생이라고 했어요 / 학생이래요

2. Questions (-냐고/-(으)냐고 하다)

Report questions that others asked.

Patterns: - Verbs: -냐고/느냐고 하다 - Adjectives: -(으)냐고 하다 - Past: -았/었냐고 하다

Shortened Form: -냐고 → -래(요)

Example: - Direct: "한국어를 공부해요?" - Reported: 한국어를 공부하냐고 물었어요

3. Commands (-(으)라고 하다)

Report commands, requests, or suggestions.

Patterns: - Action verbs: -(으)라고 하다 - Negative: -지 말라고 하다

Shortened Form: -(으)라고 → -래(요)

Example: - Direct: "공부하세요" - Reported: 공부하라고 했어요 / 공부하래요

Key Differences from English

  1. No quotation marks: Korean smoothly integrates reported speech
  2. Tense in the quote: Usually matches original tense (unlike English)
  3. Particles adjust: 저/나, 제/내 change based on perspective
  4. Shortened forms: Very common in casual speech

Common Reporting Verbs

While 하다 (to say) is most common, other verbs work too:

  • 말하다 (to say, tell)
  • 물어보다/묻다 (to ask)
  • 대답하다 (to answer)
  • 설명하다 (to explain)
  • 듣다 (to hear)

Learning Strategy

  1. Master statements first: Most common type
  2. Learn shortened forms: Essential for natural speech
  3. Practice tense conversion: Keep track of time references
  4. Listen actively: Notice how natives use reported speech

Why This Matters

Reported speech is crucial for:

  • Gossip and sharing information
  • Relaying messages
  • Talking about what you heard
  • Natural conversation flow
  • Understanding Korean media and conversations

Start with Statements to build your foundation in reported speech!