What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 뭐, which means "what" and 해, which is the informal conjugation of the verb 하다, meaning "to do".
Which one should you use?
While 뭐해? is the default casual form, other variations exist depending on the level of politeness. 뭐 하고 있어? and 지금 뭐 해? are also used to ask "What are you doing?" in an informal, friendly manner. For more formal or polite contexts, you might use 지금 무슨 일을 하고 계세요? or 지금 뭐하시고 계세요? to ask "What are you doing right now?" respectfully.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For someone you are not close with or someone older than you, use the polite form 뭐 해요? by adding the particle 요 to the end. To show even more respect to elders or people of higher social status, use the honorific form 뭐 하세요? or the highly respectful 지금 무슨 일을 하고 계세요? and 지금 뭐하시고 계세요?
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to those who deserve more respect, you can adjust the level of formality by using the polite particle 요 or honorific verb structures.
How do you pronounce it?
mwohae?
Did you know?
- In digital slang, 뭐해? is often shortened further to just 뭐해 without the question mark or even just ㅁㅎ in fast-paced text messaging.
- The verb 하다 in 뭐해? is one of the most versatile words in Korean, as it can be attached to almost any noun to turn that noun into a verb.
- In some romantic contexts, repeatedly sending 뭐해? to a partner is seen as a way of saying 'I miss you' or 'I am thinking of you'.
Examples in context
- 지금 뭐해?jigeum mwohae?What are you doing right now?
- 집에서 뭐해?jib-eseo mwohae?What are you doing at home?
- 너 지금 뭐해?neo jigeum mwohae?What are you doing now?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo calls Jieun on the phone to check on her.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은아, 뭐해?Jieun-a, mwohae?Jieun, what are you doing?
- 지은 Ji-eun그냥 영화 보고 있어.geunyang yeonghwa bogo isseo.I'm just watching a movie.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo나도 영화 보고 싶다.nado yeonghwa bogo sipda.I want to watch a movie too.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우도 같이 볼래?Hyunwoo-do gatchi bollae?Do you want to watch it with me, Hyunwoo?
