Korean, as a rich and nuanced language, offers various ways to express the question “What did you do?” depending on the level of formality and the context. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of asking this question, along with some regional variations when necessary. Let’s delve into it!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
When speaking to someone in a higher social status or someone you are not familiar with, it’s important to use formal language. Here are a few phrases you can use:
1. 무엇을 했습니까? (Mu-eo-seul haessseubnikka?)
This is the standard and most formal way to ask “What did you do?” It shows respect and is suitable for formal situations or when speaking to strangers.
2. 어떤 일을 하셨나요? (Eotteon ireul hasyeotnayo?)
This expression, literally meaning “What work did you do?” is another polite way to inquire about someone’s actions. It is commonly used when asking about someone’s job-related activities.
3. 어떤 활동을 하셨습니까? (Eotteon hwaldongeul haseossseubnikka?)
If you want to emphasize the notion of activity or highlight a specific action, this phrase is a suitable choice.
2. Informal Expressions:
Informal language is used among friends, family members, or in casual situations. Here are a couple of phrases you can use:
1. 뭐 했어? (Mwo haesseo?)
When talking to friends or peers, this phrase is a common way to ask “What did you do?” in an informal tone.
2. 뭐 했어요? (Mwo haesseoyo?)
If you want to maintain a slightly more polite tone while still speaking informally, you can use this expression. It is a common way to ask acquaintances about their activities.
3. Regional Variations:
Korean dialects can have their own unique expressions. Here, we mention a regional variation:
1. 뭐 했써? (Mwo haessseo?)
This phrase is commonly used in the Gyeongsang Province dialect, specifically in the Busan and Daegu regions. It is an informal way of asking “What did you do?” and is widely understood within that area.
Tips for Using These Expressions:
1. Pay Attention to Verb Endings:
Korean verbs have different endings depending on the level of formality and politeness. Make sure to use the appropriate verb forms according to the situation.
2. Consider Your Relationship:
The choice between using formal or informal expressions depends on your relationship with the person you are addressing. Always take into account the level of familiarity and social status when choosing which form to use.
3. Be Mindful of Context:
The context in which you ask “What did you do?” can influence the choice of expression. For example, if you are specifically referring to someone’s job, use phrases that reflect that context.
Example Sentences:
Below are a few examples of how to use these phrases in different situations:
-
Formal:
- 회의가 끝난 후에 무엇을 했습니까? (Hoe-uiga kkeutnan hue mu-eoseul haessseubnikka?)
- 오늘 어떤 일을 하셨나요? (Oneul eotteon ireul hasyeotnayo?)
-
Informal:
- 어제 뭐 했어? (Eoje mwo haesseo?)
- 방금 뭐 했어요? (Banggeum mwo haesseoyo?)
-
Regional Variation:
- 저녁에 뭐 했써? (Jeonyeoke mwo haessseo?)
Remember, the more you practice using these phrases in different situations, the more natural they will become to you. So go ahead and start incorporating them into your Korean conversations!
Learning how to say “What did you do?” in Korean is a great step towards improving your language skills and building deeper connections with Korean speakers. Enjoy exploring the nuances of the language and have fun communicating in Korean!
