What Are You Doing In Korean? Informal Guide

Hey guys! Learning a new language is always a fun adventure, and Korean is no exception. One of the first phrases you'll probably want to learn is how to ask someone, "What are you doing?" in Korean. In this article, we’ll dive into the informal way to ask this question, because let's face it, you'll likely be using it with friends, family, or people you're close to. So, let's get started and make sure you sound natural and confident when chatting with your Korean-speaking buddies!

The Basic Informal Phrase: 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?)

Alright, let’s get straight to the point. The most common and basic informal way to ask "What are you doing?" in Korean is 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?). Let's break it down:

• 뭐 (Mwo) means "what."
• 해 (Hae) comes from the verb 하다 (hada), which means "to do." Hae is the informal present tense form of 하다.

So, when you put it together, 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?) literally translates to "What do?" but in context, it means "What are you doing?" or even just "What's up?"

How to Pronounce 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?)

Pronunciation is key to sounding natural. Here’s a quick guide:

• 뭐 (Mwo): Pronounced like "mwoh," with a slight emphasis on the "o." Think of it as similar to the "mwuh" sound.
• 해 (Hae): Pronounced like "hay" as in, "Hey!" but slightly shorter.

Put them together, and you get "Mwo Hay?" Practice saying it a few times. Try saying it out loud right now! Getting the pronunciation down will make a huge difference in how well you're understood.

When to Use 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?)

This phrase is super versatile and perfect for everyday situations. You can use it when:

• Texting a friend: Imagine you're texting your Korean friend and want to know what they're up to. Just shoot them a quick "뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?)"
• Greeting someone casually: If you bump into a friend, you can use it as a quick and friendly greeting.
• Starting a conversation: It’s a great way to kick off a casual chat.

Remember, this is informal, so use it with people you're close to or those who are younger than you. Using it with someone older or in a formal setting might come across as rude, so always consider your audience!

Example Scenarios

Let’s look at a few example scenarios to give you a better idea of how to use 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?)

1. Texting a friend:
   • You: 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?)
   • Friend: 그냥 넷플릭스 봐. (Geunyang Netflix bwa.) - Just watching Netflix.
2. Meeting a friend unexpectedly:
   • You: 어, 안녕! 뭐 해? (Eo, annyeong! Mwo Hae?) - Oh, hi! What are you doing?
   • Friend: 그냥 잠깐 나왔어. (Geunyang jamkkan nawatseo.) - Just came out for a bit.
3. Starting a phone call:
   • You: 야, 뭐 해? (Ya, mwo hae?) - Hey, what are you doing?
   • Friend: 숙제하고 있어. (Sukje hago isseo.) - I’m doing homework.

These examples should give you a good sense of how to naturally incorporate 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?) into your conversations.

Diving Deeper: Variations and Related Phrases

Now that you've mastered the basic phrase, let's explore some variations and related phrases that can add more flavor to your Korean conversations. These will help you understand and respond in different contexts.

Adding Urgency: 지금 뭐 해? (Jigeum Mwo Hae?)

If you want to emphasize that you're asking what someone is doing right now, you can add 지금 (jigeum), which means "now." So, 지금 뭐 해? (Jigeum Mwo Hae?) translates to "What are you doing now?"

• Example:
  • You: 지금 뭐 해? (Jigeum Mwo Hae?)
  • Friend: 운전하고 있어. (Unjeonhago isseo.) - I'm driving.

Expressing Concern: 뭐 하고 있어? (Mwo Hago Isseo?)

Another common variation is 뭐 하고 있어? (Mwo Hago Isseo?). This phrase is also informal but adds a bit more detail. Let's break it down:

• 뭐 (Mwo) - What
• 하고 (Hago) - Doing (from 하다 - hada, to do)
• 있어 (Isseo) - Is (present progressive tense)

So, 뭐 하고 있어? (Mwo Hago Isseo?) literally means "What are (you) doing?" It's very similar to 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?) but can sometimes imply a bit more concern or interest in the person's current activity. This is another really common phrase you'll hear all the time.

Asking About Plans: 뭐 할 거야? (Mwo Hal Geoya?)

If you want to know what someone will be doing, you can use 뭐 할 거야? (Mwo Hal Geoya?). This translates to "What will you do?" or "What are you going to do?"

• 뭐 (Mwo) - What
• 할 (Hal) - Will do (future tense of 하다 - hada, to do)
• 거야 (Geoya) - Going to be

This phrase is perfect for making plans or just inquiring about someone's future activities.

• Example:
  • You: 오늘 뭐 할 거야? (Oneul mwo hal geoya?) - What are you going to do today?
  • Friend: 영화 보러 갈 거야. (Yeonghwa boreo gal geoya.) - I'm going to see a movie.

Replying to “뭐 해?” (Mwo Hae?)

Knowing how to ask the question is only half the battle. You also need to know how to respond! Here are a few common replies:

• 그냥 있어. (Geunyang isseo.) - Just chilling.
• 아무것도 안 해. (Amugeotdo an hae.) - Not doing anything.
• [Activity] 하고 있어. ([Activity] hago isseo.) - I'm doing [activity]. (e.g., 숙제하고 있어 - Sukje hago isseo - I'm doing homework.)
• [Place]에 있어. ([Place]e isseo.) - I'm at [place]. (e.g., 집에 있어 - Jibe isseo - I'm at home.)

Cultural Nuances and Tips

Language is always intertwined with culture, so here are a few cultural nuances and tips to keep in mind when using these phrases in Korean:

Respect and Formality

As mentioned earlier, using informal language with people older than you or in formal situations can be seen as disrespectful. Always be mindful of your audience and adjust your language accordingly. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of formality.

Nonverbal Communication

In Korean culture, nonverbal communication is just as important as verbal communication. Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. A smile and friendly demeanor can go a long way in making your conversations more pleasant.

Building Relationships

Asking "What are you doing?" is often a way to show interest and build relationships. Koreans value connection and showing that you care about what someone is doing can strengthen your bond with them.

Context Matters

The context of the conversation can also affect how your question is perceived. For example, asking "What are you doing?" when someone looks busy might be seen as intrusive. Pay attention to the situation and use your best judgment.

Practice Makes Perfect

Okay, guys, you've learned the basics, some variations, and even some cultural tips. Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice!

Real-Life Conversations

The best way to improve your Korean is to use it in real-life conversations. Find opportunities to chat with Korean speakers, whether it's through language exchange partners, online forums, or even visiting a Korean restaurant and striking up a conversation with the staff.

Language Exchange Apps

There are many language exchange apps available that can connect you with native Korean speakers. Some popular apps include HelloTalk, Tandem, and Speaky. These apps allow you to chat with people from all over the world and practice your language skills in a supportive environment.

Korean Dramas and Movies

Watching Korean dramas and movies can be a fun and effective way to improve your listening comprehension and learn new vocabulary. Pay attention to how the characters use these phrases in different contexts and try to mimic their pronunciation.

Keep a Language Journal

Keeping a language journal can help you track your progress and reinforce what you've learned. Write down new phrases, grammar rules, and cultural insights. You can also use your journal to practice writing dialogues and scenarios using the phrases you've learned.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! You're now equipped with the knowledge to ask "What are you doing?" in Korean informally. Remember to use 뭐 해? (Mwo Hae?) with your friends and peers, and don't forget to practice your pronunciation. Keep exploring variations like 지금 뭐 해? (Jigeum Mwo Hae?) and 뭐 하고 있어? (Mwo Hago Isseo?) to add depth to your conversations. And most importantly, immerse yourself in the language and culture to truly master Korean. Happy learning, and have fun chatting with your Korean friends!