In Korean culture, showing respect and using the appropriate level of formality when speaking is highly valued. Therefore, it’s important to know how to say “What are you doing?” in Korean using both formal and informal expressions. In this guide, we will take a comprehensive look at various ways to express this question, including tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When speaking to someone in a formal context, such as to a higher-ranking person, an elder, or someone you don’t know well, it is crucial to use formal language. Here are two common ways to ask “What are you doing?” formally:
1. 무엇을 하고 계세요? (Mu-eo-seul ha-go gyae-se-yo?)
This is a polite and respectful way to inquire about someone’s activities. It is important to remember to add the honorific suffix -세요 (se-yo) to the verb ending 하다 (ha-da) and to include the subject marker -을 (eul) before the verb. Here’s an example:
(Formal)
A: 안녕하세요! 무엇을 하고 계세요? (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo! Mu-eo-seul ha-go gyae-se-yo?)
B: 저는 지금 일하고 있습니다. (Jeo-neun ji-geum il-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.)
A: 아, 알겠습니다. (A, al-ges-seum-ni-da.)
Translation:
A: Hello! What are you doing?
B: I’m currently working.
A: Ah, I see.
2. 어떻게 지내세요? (Eo-tteo-ke ji-nae-se-yo?)
This phrase is another polite way to ask someone what they are doing, emphasizing their overall well-being. It can be used as an alternative to the previous expression in certain situations. Let’s see it in action:
(Formal)
A: 안녕하세요! 어떻게 지내세요? (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo! Eo-tteo-ke ji-nae-se-yo?)
B: 네, 잘 지내고 있습니다. (Ne, jal ji-nae-go it-seum-ni-da.)
A: 그렇게 좋아 들어서 다행이네요. (Geu-reo-ke jo-a deu-reo-seo da-haeng-i-ne-yo.)
Translation:
A: Hello! How have you been?
B: I’ve been doing well, thank you.
A: I’m glad to hear that.
Informal Expressions
When talking to friends, people of the same age, or those in informal settings, you can use a more casual language. Here are two common ways to ask “What are you doing?” informally:
1. 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?)
This is the most straightforward and commonly used informal way to ask someone what they are doing. It is a shortened form of “뭐를 하고 있어?” (Mwo-reul ha-go i-sseo?) where 뭐 (mwo) means “what.” Let’s see it in action:
(Informal)
A: 안녕! 뭐 해? (An-nyeong! Mwo hae?)
B: 아무 것도 안 해. 그냥 집에 있어. (A-mu geot-do an hae. Geu-nyang jip-e i-sseo.)
A: 나도 그래. (Na-do geu-rae.)
Translation:
A: Hey! What are you doing?
B: Nothing much. Just at home.
A: Same here.
2. 뭐하고 있어? (Mwo-ha-go i-sseo?)
This informal expression is similar to the previous one but includes the verb 하다 (ha-da) between “뭐” (mwo) and “하고” (ha-go) to explicitly ask what someone is doing. Here’s an example:
(Informal)
A: 안녕! 뭐하고 있어? (An-nyeong! Mwo-ha-go i-sseo?)
B: 친구랑 영화 보고 있어. (Chin-gu-rang yeong-hwa bo-go i-sseo.)
A: 그래? 나도 같이 볼래? (Geu-rae? Na-do ga-chi bol-lae?)
Translation:
A: Hey! What are you doing?
B: I’m watching a movie with a friend.
A: Really? Do you want to watch together?
Regional Variations
Korean is spoken with some regional variations within the country. However, the expressions covered above are widely understood and used throughout South Korea. The formal and informal ways of asking “What are you doing?” discussed earlier are considered standard across different regions in South Korea. Therefore, no specific regional variations need to be mentioned in this context.
Conclusion
Mastering the different ways to say “What are you doing?” in Korean, both formally and informally, is essential for effective communication. Remember to use the formal expressions when speaking to superiors, elders, or in more formal contexts. On the other hand, the informal expressions are suitable for friends, peers, and informal settings. By using these phrases correctly, you’ll be able to navigate social interactions in Korean with ease.
Just keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be confidently asking “무엇을 하고 계세요?” or “뭐 해?” in Korean. Good luck!
