오늘 뭐해?
oneul mwohae?
The English phrase "what are you doing today?" is translated into Korean as 오늘 뭐해? (oneul mwohae?)
This phrase is a casual question used to ask someone about their plans or activities for the current day. While it literally asks what someone is doing, it is most commonly used to ask about someone's plans or availability.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 오늘 (today), 뭐 (what) and 해 (do/doing).
Which one should you use?
오늘 뭐 할 거야? is an informal expression that implies a plan or intention for the day.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Adding the suffix -요 to the end makes the question polite and suitable for people you are not close with or are older than you, as in 오늘 뭐 해요? 오늘 무슨 일을 하시나요? is a polite and respectful way to ask 'What are you doing today?' suitable for formal situations or when talking to someone older or in a higher position of authority. 오늘 뭐하고 계세요? is a polite way to inquire about someone's activities for the day and maintains a formal tone.
How do you pronounce it?
oneul mwohae?
Did you know?
- Korean often drops the subject 'you' entirely in 오늘 뭐해?, as specifying the person can sometimes sound too direct or aggressive.
- If you are texting a close friend, you might see 오늘 뭐해? written even more briefly as 오늘 머해? This uses a phonetic spelling to mimic a cute or playful tone.
- The word 오늘 (today) is etymologically built from the concept of 'the day that has come'. It traces back to an ancient form combining a word for 'to come' with the word for 'day'.
Examples in context
- 선생님, 오늘 무슨 일을 하시나요?Teacher, what are you doing today?
- 저는 오늘 회의를 준비하고 있습니다.I am preparing for a meeting today.
- 사장님, 오늘 뭐하고 계세요?Boss, what are you up to today?
- 오늘은 회사 업무를 처리하고 있습니다.Today I am handling company business.
- 현우야, 오늘 뭐해?Hyunwoo, what are you doing today?
- 나는 영화 보러 갈 거야.I am going to see a movie.
- 오늘 뭐해?oneul mwohae?What are you doing today?
- 특별한 거 없어? 오늘 뭐해?teukbyeolhan geo eopseo? oneul mwohae?Nothing special? What are you doing today?
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting on the phone.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은아, 오늘 뭐해?jieun-a, oneul mwohae?Jieun, what are you doing today?
- 지은 Ji-eun나 그냥 집에 있어. 왜?na geunyang jibe isseo. wae?I'm just staying at home. Why?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo영화 보러 갈래?yeonghwa boreo gallae?Do you want to go see a movie?
- 지은 Ji-eun그래, 좋아!geurae, joa!Sure, sounds good!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오늘, CC BY-SA 4.0.
