What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 취미 (hobby), the subject marker 가 (ga), 뭐 (what) and 예요? (is it?).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 취미가 뭐예요? uses the polite ending -예요, making it appropriate for speaking to people you are not close with or who are older than you. For highly professional settings or formal interviews, use the formal version 취미가 무엇입니까? In contrast, the informal version 취미가 뭐야? is used with close friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 취미가 뭐예요? is a polite way to pose the question. The formal version 취미가 무엇입니까? is also available for professional contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
chwimiga mwoyeyo?
What mistakes should you avoid?
In natural Korean, the possessive "your" is usually omitted when the context is clear, so avoid saying 당신의 취미가 뭐예요?
When do people say it?
When someone asks you this, a natural way to answer is to use the pattern 제 취미는 [noun]예요 (My hobby is [noun]).
Did you know?
- The word 취미 (hobby) comes from Chinese characters meaning 'to taste' or 'to appreciate'. In its original sense, it refers to the aesthetic taste and discernment a person possesses.
- If you are in a job interview, asking about hobbies can be a subtle way to gauge your 'personality fit' for the company culture. Interviewers often look for hobbies that demonstrate persistence or teamwork rather than just relaxation.
- In modern Korean social settings, asking 취미가 뭐예요? can sometimes feel too direct or like a formal interview. People often ask more specific questions about what someone did over the weekend instead.
Examples in context
- 취미가 뭐예요?chwimiga mwoyeyo?What is your hobby?
- 혹시 취미가 뭐예요?hoksi chwimiga mwoyeyo?By any chance, what is your hobby?
- 서연 씨, 취미가 뭐예요?Seoyeon ssi, chwimiga mwoyeyo?Seoyeon, what is your hobby?
Example conversation
Two people are getting to know each other at a social gathering.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 취미가 뭐예요?Do hyeon ssi, chwimiga mwoyeyo?Dohyun, what is your hobby?
- 도현 Do-hyeon제 취미는 요리예요.Je chwimineun yori-yeyo.My hobby is cooking.
- 서연 Seo-yeon와, 정말 멋지네요!Wa, jeongmal meotjineyo!Wow, that is really cool!
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요, 서연 씨.Gomawoyo, Seoyeon ssi.Thank you, Seoyeon.
