Korean Conversation: Politely Changing the Subject with 'Speaking of which...'
Learn to smoothly change topics in Korean using transition phrases like 말이 나왔으니 말인데요 and 그런데, with a sample dialogue and practice.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Korean conversation, changing the subject abruptly can seem rude. Instead, use polite transition phrases to signal that you're shifting to a new topic. This lesson focuses on expressions like 말이 나왔으니 말인데요 (mal-i na-wass-euni mal-indeyo), which means 'speaking of which,' and other softeners such as 그런데 (geureonde) and 참 (cham). You'll learn how to introduce a related topic naturally, and how to switch to something new without offending your conversation partner. We'll cover the nuances of each phrase, when to use them, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you'll be able to navigate topic changes in Korean with confidence.
By the end, you can…
- use 말이 나왔으니 말인데요 to transition from a related topic to a new one.
- politely change the subject using 그런데, 참, and other softeners.
- recognize and avoid abrupt topic changes that might seem impolite.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
말이 나왔으니 말인데요
Speaking of which...
mal-i na-wass-euni mal-indeyo
Used when the new topic is related to what was just mentioned. It literally means 'since the word came out, I'm saying...'
그런데
By the way / However
geureonde
A common way to change the subject or introduce a contrasting point. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
참
Oh, by the way
cham
An interjection used to suddenly remember or bring up a new topic. It's casual and friendly.
그건 그렇고
That's true, but / Anyway
geugeon geureoko
Used to acknowledge the previous topic before moving on. It softens the transition.
얘기가 나와서 말인데
Since we're on the subject...
yaegiga nawaseo mal-inde
Similar to 말이 나왔으니 말인데요 but slightly more casual. Used when the new topic is connected to the current one.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern 말이 나왔으니 말인데요 is a polite way to change the subject when the new topic is related to what was just said. It consists of 말이 나오다 (the word came out) + -으니 (since) + 말인데요 (I'm saying, but...). For example, if someone mentions they went to a restaurant, you can say: '말이 나왔으니 말인데요, 저도 그 식당에 가 봤어요.' (Speaking of which, I've been to that restaurant too.) This shows you're connecting to their topic before shifting. Another pattern is 그런데, which is more general and can be used to change to an unrelated topic. For instance: '그런데, 내일 날씨가 어떨까요?' (By the way, what will the weather be like tomorrow?)
When to use it
Use 말이 나왔으니 말인데요 when you want to transition from a related topic to a new one, especially in polite conversation. It's common in both formal and informal settings, but it might sound slightly formal in casual chat. In casual situations, you can use 얘기가 나와서 말인데 instead. Use 그런데 when you want to change to a completely different topic or introduce a contrasting point. It's versatile and safe in most contexts. 참 is best for sudden recollections in friendly conversation, like '참, 오늘 저녁에 약속 있어?' (Oh, by the way, do you have plans tonight?). Avoid using these phrases too frequently, as it can seem like you're not listening.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
어제 새로 생긴 카페에 갔는데, 커피가 정말 맛있었어요.
I went to a newly opened cafe yesterday, and the coffee was really delicious.eoje saero saenggin kapee gatneunde, keopiga jeongmal masisseosseoyo.말이 나왔으니 말인데요, 저도 그 카페에 가 봤어요. 디저트도 훌륭하더라고요.
Speaking of which, I've been to that cafe too. The desserts were excellent as well.mal-i na-wass-euni mal-indeyo, jeodo geu kapee ga bwasseoyo. dijeoteudo hullyunghadeoragoyo.그런데, 혹시 주말에 시간 있으세요? 같이 가고 싶어서요.
By the way, do you happen to have time on the weekend? I'd like to go together.geureonde, hoksi jumare sigan isseuseyo? gati gago sipeoseoyo.참, 이번 주말에는 좀 바빠요. 다음 주는 어때요?
Oh, this weekend I'm a bit busy. How about next week?cham, ibeon jumareneun jom bappayo. daeum juneun eottaeyo?A little context goes a long way
In Korean conversation, directly changing the subject can be seen as dismissive. Using transition phrases shows respect and maintains harmony. The phrase 말이 나왔으니 말인데요 is particularly useful in formal or polite contexts, while 참 is more casual and friendly. Koreans often use these softeners to keep the conversation flowing without seeming abrupt. Additionally, listening actively and responding to the previous topic before changing is considered good manners.
One thing to watch for
Using 그런데 to change the subject without acknowledging the previous topic, which can seem abrupt.
Try this instead: It's better to first respond to the previous topic, then use 그런데. For example: '아, 그렇군요. 그런데, 다른 얘기인데요...' (Ah, I see. By the way, on a different note...) This softens the transition.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely change the subject when the new topic is related to what was just said?
Show a sample answer
말이 나왔으니 말인데요
This phrase directly connects to the previous topic and signals a related shift. Other phrases like 얘기가 나와서 말인데 are also acceptable in casual contexts.
2What is a casual way to suddenly bring up a new topic?
Show a sample answer
참
참 is an interjection used to introduce a new topic casually, often when you suddenly remember something. 그런데 could also work but is more neutral.
3Translate: 'By the way, do you have plans tomorrow?'
Show a sample answer
그런데, 내일 약속 있어요?
그런데 is a common way to change the subject. The sentence uses polite informal style. Other variations like '참, 내일 약속 있어?' are also possible in casual speech.
Use 말이 나왔으니 말인데요 for related topic shifts, and 그런데 or 참 for general or sudden changes. Always acknowledge the previous topic first to keep the conversation polite.
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