Korean language is a fascinating and rich language spoken by millions of people around the world. If you find yourself wanting to ask “What should we do?” in Korean, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover the formal and informal ways to express this question, provide regional variations if necessary, and offer plenty of tips and examples to help you along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “What Should We Do?”
When speaking in a formal or polite setting, such as in business meetings or with someone you hold respect for, you would typically use the phrase, “What should we do?” as follows:
“무엇을 해야 할까요?” (mueoseul haeya halkka-yo?)
Tips and Examples for Formal Use
- Use polite language: when addressing someone in a formal context, it is important to use honorific language to show respect. Avoid casual or informal speech forms.
Example: “존댓말을 사용해야 합니다.” (jondaetmal-eul sayonghaeya hamnida.) – “You should use formal speech.”
Use appropriate honorifics: Depending on the situation, you might need to add honorifics when referring to others or using pronouns.
Example: “대통령께서 무엇을 하라고 말씀하셨습니까?” (daetongnyeong-ggeseo mueoseul halago malsseumhasyeossseumnikka?) – “What did the President say we should do?”
Use formal sentence endings: In formal situations, it is essential to use the appropriate sentence endings to maintain politeness.
Example: “무엇을 해야 할까요?” (mueoseul haeya halkka-yo?) – “What should we do?”
Informal Way to Say “What Should We Do?”
In more casual or informal situations, such as conversations with friends or family, it is common to use the following phrase to ask “What should we do?”:
“뭐할까?” (mwohalkka?)
Tips and Examples for Informal Use
- Use casual language: when interacting with friends or family, it is acceptable to use less formal language and tone.
Example: “오늘 저녁에 뭐할까?” (oneul jeonyeog-e mwohalkka?) – “What should we do tonight?”
Use familiar sentence endings: In informal settings, you can drop the formal sentence endings and instead use familiar forms.
Example: “뭐 해?” (mwo hae?) – “What should we do?”
Adapt to regional variations: Korean language has mild regional variations in terms of vocabulary, accent, and expressions. Some regions might have unique ways of saying “What should we do?” informally, so keep an ear out for local dialects if you are in specific regions.
Example: In the Busan dialect, “What should we do?” is sometimes expressed as “뭐할라?” (mwohallah?) or “무엇을 할겨?” (mueoseul halgye?)
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or help: If you’re unsure about the appropriate way to ask “What should we do?” in a certain situation, people are usually understanding and willing to guide you. Don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.
Now armed with the formal and informal ways to ask “What should we do?” in Korean, you can confidently navigate various social situations and have engaging conversations. Remember to adapt your language and tone depending on whom you are speaking with and the context of the situation. Happy learning and practicing!
