Surprise! ‘Mwoya?’ – The Perfect Korean Expression for Unexpected Moments

Situation: Sarah has just graduated from college and landed her first job. Her close friend, Emma, surprises her with a thoughtful gift to celebrate her achievement.

Sarah: Hey Emma, what’s going on?사라: 엠마야, 무슨 일이야?Sara: Emma-ya, museun ir-iya?
Emma: Hey Sarah! I have a little surprise for you.엠마: 사라! 너에게 깜짝 선물이 있어.Emma: Sara! Neo-ege kkamjjak seonmul-i isseo.
Sarah: What is this?사라: 이게 뭐야?Sara: Ige mwoya? Mwoya?
Emma: Open it and find out!엠마: 열어봐!Emma: Yeol-eobwa!
Sarah: Oh my gosh, this is gorgeous!사라: 세상에, 이거 정말 예쁘다!Sara: Sesange, ige jeongmal yeppeuda!
Emma: I wanted to get you something special to celebrate your graduation and new job.엠마: 네 졸업과 새 직장을 축하하기 위해 특별한 걸 준비하고 싶었어.Emma: Ne joleop-gwa sae jik-jangeul chukhaha-gi wihae teukbyeolhan geol junbi-hago sip-eosseo.
Sarah: This is so thoughtful of you. I can’t believe you got this for me.사라: 정말 생각 깊은 선물이야. 네가 나를 위해 이걸 준비했다니 믿을 수가 없어.Sara: Jeongmal saeng-gag gipeun seonmul-iya. Nega nareul wihae igeol junbihaetda-ni mideul su-ga eobseo.
Emma: You totally deserve it! I’m so proud of you.엠마: 넌 그럴 자격이 있어! 네가 너무 자랑스러워.Emma: Neon geureol jagyeogi isseo! Nega neomu jarangseureowo.
Sarah: Thank you so much, Emma. This means a lot to me.사라: 정말 고마워, 엠마. 이 선물이 나에게 큰 의미가 있어.Sara: Jeongmal gomawo, Emma. I seonmul-i na-ege keun uimi-ga isseo.
Emma: You’re welcome! Now, let’s celebrate your success!엠마: 천만에! 이제, 네 성공을 축하하자!Emma: Cheonman-e! Ije, ne seong-gong-eul chukhaha-ja!