Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to ask the question “What are you doing?” in Korean. Whether you’re interested in learning the formal or informal way to ask this question, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll provide you with multiple tips, examples, and even regional variations to help you gain a complete understanding. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask “What are you doing?” in Korean
When speaking in formal situations, such as with your boss, teachers, or elders, it’s important to use formal and polite language. Here are a few phrases you can use to ask “What are you doing?” formally:
1. 무엇을 하고 계세요? (Mueoseul hago gyeseyo?)
The phrase “무엇을 하고 계세요?” is a polite and formal way to ask “What are you doing?” The verb “하다” (hada) means “to do,” and “계시다” (gyesida) is the formal polite verb ending. You can use this phrase when addressing someone older or of higher status.
예문 (Example): 선생님, 무엇을 하고 계세요? (Seonsaengnim, mueoseul hago gyeseyo?)
Translation: Teacher, what are you doing?
2. 지금 무슨 일을 하시고 있으세요? (Jigeum museun ireul hasigo isseuseyo?)
This phrase is another formal and polite way to ask “What are you doing right now?” Here, “지금” (jigeum) means “now” and “무슨 일을” (museun ireul) translates to “what work” or “what task.”
예문 (Example): 선생님, 지금 무슨 일을 하시고 있으세요? (Seonsaengnim, jigeum museun ireul hasigo isseuseyo?)
Translation: Teacher, what work are you doing right now?
Informal Ways to Ask “What are you doing?” in Korean
In informal situations, such as when speaking to friends, family, or peers, you can use more casual language to ask “What are you doing?” Here are a couple of phrases you can use:
1. 뭐해? (Mwohae?)
In casual Korean, “뭐해?” is a commonly used phrase to ask “What are you doing?” or “What’s up?” This phrase is a shortened form of “무엇을 해?” (museoseul hae?), where “해” (hae) is the casual form of “하다” (hada).
예문 (Example): 친구야, 뭐해? (Chinguya, mwohae?)
Translation: Hey, friend, what are you doing?
2. 지금 뭐 하고 있어? (Jigeum mwo hago isseo?)
This phrase is another informal way to ask “What are you doing right now?” or “What are you up to?” “지금” (jigeum) remains the same, and “뭐 하고” (mwo hago) means “what are you doing.”
예문 (Example): 형아, 지금 뭐 하고 있어? (Hyeonga, jigeum mwo hago isseo?)
Translation: Hey, bro, what are you doing right now?
Tips for Practicing and Understanding
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways to ask “What are you doing?” in Korean, it’s important to practice and understand some additional tips to improve your conversational skills:
1. Context Matters
Always consider the context of your conversation. Depending on the situation, you may need to adjust the formality of your question. If in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of being more formal.
2. Pay Attention to Verb Endings
The verb endings in Korean indicate the level of formality and politeness. Using the appropriate verb endings is crucial when addressing someone older or of higher status. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these verb endings to engage in more respectful conversations.
3. Consider Regional Variations
Korean language can have regional variations, which may change certain phrases or the way you express them. However, the phrases we’ve highlighted in this guide are widely understood and can be used across different regions in Korea.
4. Practice Conversation
The best way to improve your Korean language skills is through practice. Engage in conversations with native speakers or language exchange partners to get more comfortable with asking “What are you doing?” and other questions. The more you practice, the better you’ll become.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide on how to ask “What are you doing?” in Korean! You’ve learned formal and informal ways to ask the question and gained valuable tips for engaging in conversations. Remember to adjust the level of formality based on the situation and practice as much as possible to enhance your language skills. Keep up the great work, and best of luck on your Korean language learning journey!
