Learning how to say “What are you doing?” in Korean can help you engage in conversations and connect with native speakers on a deeper level. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express this question, as well as provide tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Are You Doing?”
In formal Korean, there are several ways to ask someone what they are doing. It’s important to understand the appropriate level of formality based on the person you are addressing and the context of the conversation. Here are a few phrases you can use:
- “무엇을 하고 계세요?” (Museoseul hago gyeseyo?): This is a polite and formal way to ask, which is suitable for strangers, elders, or superiors. It translates to “What are you doing?” or “What are you up to?”.
- “무슨 일로 계십니까?” (Museun ill ro gyesimnikka?): This phrase also maintains a formal tone, allowing you to ask someone politely about their current activities. It can be translated as “What is happening?” or “What’s going on?”.
These formal expressions show respect and should be used in professional settings or when addressing people who require a higher level of formality.
Informal Ways to Say “What Are You Doing?”
When speaking to friends, peers, or someone younger, it is customary to use informal language. Here are a few casual expressions you can use:
- “뭐해?” (Mwohae?): This is a common and simple way to ask “What are you doing?” in a casual setting. It is widely used among friends or people who are on a similar age level.
- “뭐 하고 있어?” (Mwo hago isseo?): This phrase is slightly more detailed and conveys a friendly tone. It can be translated as “What are you up to?” or “What are you doing right now?”.
- “뭐하는 중이야?” (Mwohaneun jungiya?): This expression is commonly used in informal situations and translates to “What are you in the middle of doing?”. It adds an additional layer of curiosity to the question.
Using these informal phrases will help you connect with your friends and peers on a more comfortable and casual level.
Tips for Using “What Are You Doing?” in Korean
Here are some essential tips to remember when using the phrase “What are you doing?” in Korean:
- Pay attention to the context: Make sure the level of formality matches the situation and the person you are speaking to.
- Non-verbal cues: Remember that in Korean culture, it is customary to respect personal space. Therefore, it’s essential to understand when it is appropriate to ask this question.
- Listen carefully: When someone responds to your question, make sure to pay attention to the verb form they use. It can provide clues about their activities.
- Use polite endings: Adding respectful endings like “-요” (“-yo”) or “-ㅂ니다” (“-mnida”) can make your question more polite in formal settings.
Examples of “What Are You Doing?” in Korean
Let’s see some real-life examples of how “What are you doing?” can be used in different contexts:
Formal:
A: 존댓말로 부르면 안돼요? (Jonddaemmallo bureumyeon andwaeyo?) – Can’t I call you by your name using polite language?
B: 미안해요, 제가 일하고 있어서 그렇게 하지 않는 게 좋을 것 같아요. (Mianhaeyo, jega ilhago isseoseo geureohge haji anhneun ge joheul geot gatayo.) – I’m sorry, but I think it would be better if you didn’t do that since I’m working.
Informal:
A: 뭐해? (Mwohae?) – What are you doing?
B: 방 청소하고 있어. (Bang cheongsoneul hago isseo.) – I’m cleaning the room.
Remember to adjust the level of formality according to the situation and your relationship with the person you are talking to.
Regional Variations
While Korean is mainly standardized, there may be slight regional variations in spoken language across different parts of South Korea. However, when it comes to asking “What are you doing?”, the phrases mentioned earlier are understood and used throughout the country. Understanding and using these expressions will ensure effective communication regardless of the specific region.
Now that you have a solid understanding of various ways to say “What are you doing?” in Korean, practice using them in different contexts to enhance your language skills and build stronger connections with native Korean speakers.
Happy learning and enjoy exploring the beautiful Korean language!
