말하다
malhada
to speak / to say / to tell (one direction)
이야기하다
iyagihada
to talk / to converse / to chat (two-way exchange)
말하다 vs 이야기하다: Speaking vs Conversing in Korean
말하다 means to speak or say something in one direction, while 이야기하다 means to have a conversation or exchange stories with someone.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 말하다 (malhada) | 이야기하다 (iyagihada) | |
|---|---|---|
| Directionality | One-directional — speaker delivers information | Two-directional — both parties exchange |
| Typical Usage | Reporting, announcing, quoting | Having a chat, sharing stories |
| Object Structure | ~에게 말하다 (tell someone something) | ~와/과 이야기하다 (talk with someone) |
| Formality | Neutral to formal | Slightly more casual, conversational |
| Root Noun | 말 (word, speech) | 이야기 (story, talk, conversation) |
Examples in Context
Telling someone to speak quietly — using 말하다
조용히 말해 줘.
Please speak quietly.
Saying you had a long talk with a friend — using 이야기하다
어제 친구랑 오래 이야기했어.
I talked with my friend for a long time yesterday.
Quoting what someone said — using 말하다
선생님이 내일 시험이 있다고 말했어.
The teacher said there is an exam tomorrow.
Suggesting you talk things out together — using 이야기하다
우리 같이 이야기해 봐요.
Let's talk it out together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using 말하다 when you mean a mutual conversation — 말하다 implies one person is speaking, not a back-and-forth exchange.
- ✗Using 이야기하다 with 에게 instead of 와/과 — 이야기하다 typically pairs with 와/과 because it's mutual.
- ✗Forgetting that 이야기 can also be a standalone noun meaning 'story' or 'talk' — 이야기하다 simply verbalizes it.
- ✗Confusing 말하다 with 말씀하다, which is the honorific form used when describing a superior's speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 이야기하다 and 말하다 interchangeably in casual speech?
In everyday speech, Koreans sometimes use them interchangeably, but 이야기하다 still emphasizes mutual exchange. In precise writing or formal contexts, the distinction matters more.
What is the honorific form of 말하다?
말씀하다 is used when referring to someone of higher status speaking. You would use it to describe what a teacher or elder said.
Is 얘기하다 the same as 이야기하다?
Yes, 얘기하다 is a contracted, informal version of 이야기하다 and carries the same meaning in casual spoken Korean.
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