What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 직업 (job/occupation), the subject marker 이 and 뭐예요? (is what?).
Which one should you use?
You can use 직업이 어떻게 되십니까? for a more polite phrasing or 직업이 무엇입니까? for a highly formal version typically used in professional interviews or official settings. For casual settings, you might use 직업은 뭐예요?, which is slightly more polite than the informal 직업이 뭐야?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 직업이 뭐예요? uses the polite ending -예요, making it suitable for speaking to strangers or people older than you. The informal version 직업이 뭐야? is used with close friends or people much younger than you. In professional or highly formal environments, use 직업이 무엇입니까? or 직업이 어떻게 되십니까?
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 이 is the subject marker attached to 직업 (job) to indicate that the job is the subject of the question.
How do you pronounce it?
jigeobi mwoyeyo?
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, asking about someone's job is a common way to get to know them, but it can feel intrusive if asked too early in a conversation with a stranger.
Did you know?
- In many professional contexts, Koreans prefer the phrase 직업이 어떻게 되십니까? which literally asks 'how does your job become?' Using 'how' instead of 'what' makes the inquiry feel much more indirect and respectful.
- While asking about a job is a standard icebreaker in Korea, it can carry a weight of social status. Because career and social standing are closely linked, the question might unintentionally feel like an inquiry into one's economic class.
- In Korean, your job often determines the specific honorific title you must use when addressing others, regardless of whether you are talking about your own work.
Examples in context
- 실례지만, 직업이 뭐예요?sillyejiman, jigeobi mwoyeyo?Excuse me, but what is your job?
- 민준 씨, 직업이 뭐예요?Minjun ssi, jigeobi mwoyeyo?Minjun, what is your job?
- 그분은 직업이 뭐예요?geubuneun jigeobi mwoyeyo?What is that person's job?
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a social gathering.
- 민준 Min-jun서연 씨, 직업이 뭐예요?Seoyeon ssi, jigeobi mwoyeyo?Seoyeon, what is your job?
- 서연 Seo-yeon저는 선생님이에요.jeoneun seonsaengnimieyo.I am a teacher.
- 민준 Min-jun멋지네요!meotjineyo!That is cool!
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨는요?Minjun ssineunyo?How about you, Minjun?
