What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 일하고 있어요 is a combination of 일하다 (to work) and the progressive form -고 있다 (to be doing), literally meaning "I am working".
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on their focus and level of formality. 일하고 있어요 describes the continuous action of working. 근무하고 있습니다 is a formal way to say "I am at work" that specifically emphasizes the ongoing nature of the work. In contrast, 일 중이야 is an informal way to express that you are "in the middle of work".
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix at the end of the phrase determines the politeness and formality. The -어요 suffix in 일하고 있어요 makes it a polite expression. Dropping the 요 to form 일하고 있어 changes the phrase to an informal/casual form. Using the -습니다 ending, as seen in 일하고 있습니다, makes the phrase highly formal, which is suitable for professional reports or speaking to high-ranking superiors.
How do you pronounce it?
ilhago isseoyo
Did you know?
- If you want to tell someone you are 'at work' in terms of physical location, Koreans often use the word 회사 (company) instead of a verb for working. You might say 'I am at the company' rather than 'I am working'.
- In highly hierarchical Korean workplaces, employees may use the humble pronoun 제 ('my') instead of 내 ('my') when reporting their work status to a superior to show modesty.
- The term 근무 in 근무하고 있습니다 is a Sino-Korean word derived from Chinese characters. It carries a more official and rigid connotation than the native Korean word 일, which is used in 일하고 있어요.
Examples in context
- 지금 일하고 있어요.jigeum ilhago isseoyo.I am working right now.
- 죄송해요, 일하고 있어요.joesonghaeyo, ilhago isseoyo.I am sorry, I am at work.
- 아직 사무실에서 일하고 있어요.ajik samusireseo ilhago isseoyo.I am still working at the office.
Example conversation
Minjun calls Jieun during the day to ask her to lunch.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 지금 점심 먹으러 갈래요?Jieun ssi, jigeum jeomsim meogeureo gallaeyo?Jieun, do you want to go get lunch now?
- 지은 Ji-eun미안해요, 저 지금 일하고 있어요.mianhaeyo, jeo jigeum ilhago isseoyo.I'm sorry, I am at work right now.
- 민준 Min-jun많이 바빠요?manhi bappayo?Are you very busy?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 나중에 연락할게요.ne, najunge yeonrakhalgeyo.Yes, I will contact you later.
