뭘 봐?
mwol bwa?
The English phrase "what are you looking at?" is translated into Korean as 뭘 봐? (mwol bwa?)
This phrase is almost exclusively used in a confrontational or aggressive manner to challenge someone who is staring at you. It is a question asked when someone is staring in a way that feels rude or intrusive.
What does it mean word for word?
In this contraction, 뭘 (mwol) is a contraction of 무엇을 (what) and 봐 (bwa) is the informal form of the verb "to see/look".
Which one should you use?
While 뭘 봐? is the default, you may encounter other versions depending on the level of politeness. 뭐 보고 있어? is an informal way to express the same idea, while 뭐 보고 계세요? is a formal way to say "What are you looking at?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
It should only be used with people younger than you or close friends. Using it with strangers or elders is highly aggressive and rude. If you want to follow standard polite grammar while still being confrontational, you can use 뭘 보세요?
How do you pronounce it?
mwol bwa?
Did you know?
- If you use the polite version 뭘 보세요? while maintaining an aggressive tone, it can actually sound more sarcastic and condescending than the informal version.
- In Korean street culture, saying 뭘 봐? while slightly tilting the chin upward is a non-verbal signal of aggression that can escalate a verbal disagreement into a physical fight.
- The word 봐 comes from the verb 보다, which is used not only for 'looking' but also for 'dating' a person or 'spending' time.
Examples in context
- 아무 것도 아니야, 그냥 바깥 경치를 바라보고 있었어.Nothing, I was just looking at the scenery outside.
- 뭘 봐?mwol bwa?What are you looking at?
- 아까부터 뭘 봐?akkabuteo mwol bwa?What have you been looking at since earlier?
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing in a crowded hallway.
- 민준 Min-jun뭘 봐? 할 말 있어?mwol bwa? hal mal isseo?What are you looking at? Do you have something to say?
- 지은 Ji-eun그냥 본 건데 왜 그래?geunyang bon geonde wae geurae?I was just looking, why are you acting like this?
- 민준 Min-jun기분 나쁘니까 보지 마.gibun nappeunikka boji ma.It makes me uncomfortable, so don't look.
- 지은 Ji-eun알았어, 미안해.arasseo, mianhae.Alright, I'm sorry.
