뭔가를 하고 있어요
mwongareul hago isseoyo
The English phrase "I am doing something" is translated into Korean as 뭔가를 하고 있어요 (mwongareul hago isseoyo).
This phrase is used to state that the speaker is currently engaged in an activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 뭔가 (something), 를 (object marker), 하고 (doing) and 있어요 (am/is/are currently in a state of).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
하고 있습니다 is a formal expression used to convey that you are currently doing something. 하고 있어요 is an informal expression that implies you are currently engaged in an activity or action. To say this to a close friend or someone younger, you drop the polite ending 요 to get 뭔가를 하고 있어.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form uses the -고 있어요 construction, which is the standard way to express the present progressive aspect in Korean. In highly formal settings, such as a business presentation or news report, the ending changes from 있어요 to 있습니다.
How do you pronounce it?
mwongareul hago isseoyo
Did you know?
- The auxiliary verb 있어요 comes from the root meaning 'to exist' or 'to be'. To say you are 'doing' something is literally to say that the action 'exists' in your current state.
- The word 뭔가 is a contraction of 무엇인가, which literally means 'is it something'. Using this instead of 무엇 adds a nuance of vagueness or uncertainty to the activity.
- When using this phrase to talk about yourself in a professional setting, the choice of 'I' is just as important as the verb. You must switch from the casual 'na' to the humble 'jeo' to maintain the politeness level established by the 있어요 or 있습니다 endings.
Examples in context
- 저는 지금 공부하고 있습니다.I am currently studying.
- 저는 일을 합니다.I am working.
- 친구들과 놀러 가려고 해.I am planning to hang out with friends.
- 지금 뭔가를 하고 있어요.jigeum mwongareul hago isseoyo.I am doing something right now.
- 저는 혼자서 뭔가를 하고 있어요.jeoneun honjaseo mwongareul hago isseoyo.I am doing something by myself.
Example conversation
Jihoon calls Seoyeon to see if she is busy.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 지금 바빠요?Seoyeon ssi, jigeum bappayo?Seoyeon, are you busy right now?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 지금 뭔가를 하고 있어요.Ne, jigeum mwongareul hago isseoyo.Yes, I am doing something right now.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 나중에 다시 전화할게요.Geureom najunge dasi jeonhwahalgeyo.Then I will call you back later.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 고마워요, 지훈 씨.Ne, gomawoyo, Jihoon ssi.Okay, thank you, Jihoon.
