Whether you’re planning to visit South Korea, interacting with Korean friends, or simply interested in learning the Korean language, knowing how to ask “What are you doing?” is a useful and essential phrase to have in your vocabulary. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express this question in Korean, focusing on both formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When speaking to someone you are not close with or in a formal setting, you can use the following phrases to ask what someone is doing:
1. 무슨 일을 하고 계세요? (museun ireul hago gyeseyo?)
This is a polite and formal way to inquire about someone’s activities. It literally translates to “What work are you doing?” and can be used in both professional and social contexts.
2. 어떤 일을 하고 계세요? (eotteon ireul hago gyeseyo?)
Similar to the previous phrase, this expression translates to “What work are you doing?” but is slightly more generic. It can be used when referring to both job-related tasks or general activities someone might be engaged in.
Informal Expressions:
If you’re speaking to friends, family members, or people of a similar age, you can use the following informal phrases:
1. 뭐 해? (mwo hae?)
This is a casual and commonly used way to ask “What are you doing?” among friends. It is a short form of the more polite expression “뭐 하고 있어?” (mwo hago isseo?) and can be used in various situations.
2. 뭐하고 있어? (mwo hago isseo?)
This informal expression is slightly more detailed than the previous one and is commonly used among friends or people in a similar age group. It asks “What are you doing?” in a friendly and relaxed manner.
Additional Tips:
1. Pay Attention to Context:
When using these phrases, it’s important to consider the context in which you are speaking. Different levels of formality are appropriate depending on the situation and the person you are addressing. Observing and adapting to the appropriate level of formality will help ensure effective communication.
2. Non-Verbal Communication:
In addition to using the correct phrases, remember that non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice play a significant role in conveying the intended meaning. Korean culture places importance on respect and politeness, so make sure to adopt a respectful and courteous demeanor when interacting with others.
3. Regional Variations:
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and can be used in most regions of South Korea, it’s worth noting that there may be slight variations in expressions between different regions or dialects. However, these variations are generally minimal and won’t significantly impact your ability to communicate.
Examples:
Now, let’s see some examples of how to use the phrases we’ve learned:
- Formal Expression:
Person A: 존경하는 교수님, 무슨 일을 하고 계세요? (jongyeonghaneun gyosunim, museun ireul hago gyeseyo?)
Person B: 저는 학교에서 가르치고 있습니다. (jeoneun hakyoeso gareuchigo itseumnida.) - Informal Expression:
Person A: 친구야, 뭐해? (chinguya, mwo hae?)
Person B: 방에서 책을 읽고 있어. (bangeseo chaek-eul ilko isseo.)
Conclusion:
Mastering the phrase “What are you doing?” in Korean is a valuable skill for effective communication and building relationships. In this guide, we explored both formal and informal expressions, highlighting their appropriate usage. Remember to adapt the level of formality based on the context and person you are speaking with. By practicing these phrases and paying attention to non-verbal cues, you’ll enhance your ability to engage in conversations and connect with Korean speakers. Enjoy your language learning journey!
