Learning how to greet someone and ask about their activities in Korean is a great way to start a conversation. Whether you prefer a formal or informal tone, being able to connect with others through a simple “hi, what are you doing?” can open countless opportunities for friendship and cultural exchange. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to express this phrase in Korean, including both formal and informal versions. Additionally, we’ll provide tips, examples, and some regional variations to enrich your understanding. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Greeting: 안녕하세요? 뭐 하고 계세요?
In a formal setting, such as when meeting someone for the first time or speaking with authority figures, you should use the formal form of “hi” and “what are you doing?” in Korean. The phrase “안녕하세요?” is the standard way to say “hi,” while “뭐 하고 계세요?” means “what are you doing?”. Here’s an example:
Person A: 안녕하세요? 뭐 하고 계세요?
Person B: 안녕하세요! 저는 숙소를 예약하고 있어요. (Hello! I am making a hotel reservation.)
2. Informal Greeting: 안녕! 뭐 해?
When speaking to friends, family, or peers in a casual environment, you should use the informal form of greetings and expressions. Instead of “안녕하세요?” you can simply say “안녕!” which means “hi.” Similarly, “뭐 해?” is a casual way to say “what are you doing?”. Here’s an example:
Person A: 안녕! 뭐 해?
Person B: 안녕! 방 청소하고 있어. (Hi! I am cleaning my room.)
3. Additional Tips and Variations
3.1. Adding Names for Politeness
To show respect and politeness, you can add the person’s name or title after the greeting. For example:
안녕하세요, 선생님? 뭐 하고 계세요?
(Hello, teacher! What are you doing?)안녕, 지수야! 뭐 해?
(Hi, Jisoo! What are you doing?)
3.2. Using Regional Variations
Korean dialects, known as “satoori,” introduce regional variations in the language. Here’s an example of how the phrase might differ in dialects:
In the Busan dialect (부산 사투리): 안녕! 뭐 하신디?
(Hi! What are you doing?)In the Jeju dialect (제주 사투리): 안녕해! 무슨 거 심디?
(Hi! What are you doing?)
3.3. Emphasizing Time of Day
Depending on the time of day, you may want to adjust your greetings. Koreans often use specific phrases to greet others according to the time:
- “좋은 아침입니다!” – Good morning! (Used early in the morning until around 10 AM)
- “안녕하세요?” – Hello! (Used throughout the day)
- “안녕하세요? 좋은 저녁이에요?” – Hello! Good evening! (Used in the evening)
By adjusting your greetings based on the time of day, you can foster a deeper connection with native Korean speakers. Congratulations! You now know how to say “hi, what are you doing?” in Korean in both formal and informal contexts. Remember to consider the level of formality and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to when choosing the appropriate phrase. Enjoy practicing your Korean greetings and connecting with new friends with your newfound language skills! Happy learning and 안녕하세요! (Hello!)
