Greetings! If you’re planning to visit Korea or simply interested in learning the Korean language, it’s always helpful to know how to ask someone what they are doing. In this guide, we will provide both formal and informal ways to ask this question, as well as share some regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask “What are you doing?”
If you want to maintain a polite and formal tone while asking someone what they are doing, here are a few phrases you can use:
“무엇을 하고 계세요?” (Mu-eoseul hago gyeseyo?) – This is the most formal way to ask “What are you doing?” in Korean. It can be used with anyone you need to show respect to, such as elders, superiors, or strangers.”
Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey a sense of politeness and formality.
Informal Ways to Ask “What are you doing?”
When talking to friends, family members, or acquaintances in more casual settings, you can use these less formal expressions:
- “뭐해?” (Mwo hae?) – This is the most common and informal way to ask “What are you doing?” in Korean. It can be used among friends, siblings, or when talking to someone younger than you.
- “뭐하고 있어?” (Mwo hago isseo?) – This is another informal and commonly used expression to ask “What are you doing?” It’s a bit more detailed and literally translates to “What are you doing and existing?”
Remember to use these phrases in appropriate social contexts where a more relaxed tone is acceptable.
Regional Variations
While standard Korean is understood throughout the country, there might be slight variations in certain regions. Here, we’ll mention a few regional variations of how you can ask “What are you doing?” But keep in mind that these might not be necessary in most situations:
- Busan Dialect: In the Busan dialect, people might say “무엇 하십니까?” (Mu-eos hasimnikka?), which is similar to the formal expression but with a regional touch.
- Jeju Dialect: In the Jeju dialect, you may come across “뭐 해유?” (Mwo haeyu?), which is a variation of the informal expression with the addition of the Jeju regional accent.
Keep in mind that these regional variations are not commonly used unless you are interacting with locals who speak these specific dialects.
Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve covered the different ways to ask “What are you doing?” in Korean, here are some tips and examples to help you further:
- Politeness Matters: Koreans value politeness, so when in doubt, it’s better to lean towards using more formal expressions, especially when talking to someone older or in a professional setting.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Body language and tone play a crucial role in conveying your message. So, make sure to maintain a warm and friendly tone while asking the question, regardless of the level of formality.
- Cultural Context: In Korean culture, people often inquire about each other’s well-being as a way to show concern and build rapport. So, don’t be surprised if the answer you receive includes more information than just “I’m fine” or “I’m busy.” Take this opportunity to engage in a deeper conversation and show genuine interest in the other person.
Now, let’s take a look at some examples to illustrate the usage of these phrases:
1. Formal:
Person A: 무엇을 하고 계세요? (Mu-eoseul hago gyeseyo?)
Person B: 일하고 있어요. (Ilhago isseoyo.)
Translation: Person A: What are you doing? Person B: I’m working.2. Informal:
Person A: 뭐해? (Mwo hae?)
Person B: 공부해. (Gongbuhae.)
Translation: Person A: What are you doing? Person B: I’m studying.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive guide on how to ask “What are you doing?” in Korea, both formally and informally. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the level of formality required by the situation and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Keep in mind that, above all, maintaining a warm and respectful attitude will go a long way in any conversation. So, practice these phrases, engage with the locals, and enjoy exploring the vibrant Korean culture!
