What Are You Doing Today In Korean? Learn Now!

Hey guys! Ever found yourself wanting to strike up a conversation with a Korean-speaking friend or maybe someone you just met and needed a simple icebreaker? Asking “What are you doing today?” is a super common and friendly way to start. In this article, we're diving deep into the various ways you can ask this question in Korean, from the super polite to the casual and everything in between. Trust me, knowing these phrases will seriously level up your Korean conversation skills! Let's get started and make sure you're not just saying the words but understanding the cultural nuances behind them. This way, you’ll sound natural and show respect, which is always a big win in Korean culture. So, buckle up, and let’s get this Korean conversation rolling!

Basic Ways to Ask "What Are You Doing Today?"

Okay, let's kick things off with the foundational phrases you'll need. These are your go-to options for most situations, whether you're talking to someone you've just met or a friend. Mastering these will give you a solid base to build upon.

1. 뭐 하세요? (Mwo haseyo?)

뭐 하세요? (Mwo haseyo?) is probably one of the first phrases you'll learn when studying Korean, and for good reason! It’s versatile and polite, making it suitable for a wide range of situations. Let’s break it down:

• 뭐 (Mwo): This means "what."
• 하세요 (Haseyo): This comes from the verb 하다 (hada), which means "to do," conjugated into a polite form. The -세요 (-seyo) ending is a common way to make verbs polite.

So, when you put it all together, 뭐 하세요? (Mwo haseyo?) literally translates to "What are you doing?" but it carries a polite tone, making it perfect for asking someone you don't know well or someone older than you.

Example:

You bump into a colleague at the coffee shop.

You: "안녕하세요! 뭐 하세요? (Annyeonghaseyo! Mwo haseyo?)" - "Hello! What are you doing?"

2. 오늘 뭐 하세요? (Oneul mwo haseyo?)

To be even more specific, you might want to include the word 오늘 (oneul), which means "today." So, 오늘 뭐 하세요? (Oneul mwo haseyo?) translates to "What are you doing today?" This is especially useful when you want to know about their plans for the day specifically.

• 오늘 (Oneul): "Today"
• 뭐 (Mwo): "What"
• 하세요 (Haseyo): "Are you doing?" (polite form)

Using 오늘 (oneul) clarifies that you're interested in their current day's activities, making it a very practical phrase to have in your Korean toolkit.

Example:

You're planning to meet up with a new acquaintance.

You: "오늘 뭐 하세요? 시간 괜찮으시면 같이 점심 먹을까요? (Oneul mwo haseyo? Sigan gwaenchanheushimyeon gachi jeomsim meogeulkkayo?)" - "What are you doing today? If you have time, would you like to have lunch together?"

3. 뭐 하고 있어요? (Mwo hago isseoyo?)

Another common way to ask what someone is doing is 뭐 하고 있어요? (Mwo hago isseoyo?). This phrase is similar to 뭐 하세요? (Mwo haseyo?) but implies that you're asking about what they're doing right now at this very moment. The grammar might seem a bit tricky at first, but let’s break it down:

• 뭐 (Mwo): Again, this means "what."
• 하고 (Hago): This is from the verb 하다 (hada), meaning "to do."
• 있어요 (Isseoyo): This comes from the verb 있다 (itda), which means "to be" or "to exist." In this context, it indicates an ongoing action.

Together, 뭐 하고 있어요? (Mwo hago isseoyo?) translates to "What are you doing?" but with an emphasis on the present action. It's like asking, "What are you up to right now?"

Example:

You text a friend and want to know what they're currently doing.

You: "뭐 하고 있어요? (Mwo hago isseoyo?)" - "What are you doing?"

Casual Ways to Ask "What Are You Doing Today?"

When you're talking to close friends, family, or people younger than you, you can use more casual language. This helps create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Let’s look at some common casual phrases.

1. 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?)

This is the casual version of 뭐 하세요? (Mwo haseyo?). You drop the polite -세요 (-seyo) ending, making it suitable for close relationships. Using 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?) with someone you're not close to could be seen as impolite, so make sure you're using it with the right people!

• 뭐 (Mwo): "What"
• 해 (Hae): "Do" (casual form)

뭐 해? (Mwo hae?) directly translates to "What are you doing?" in a casual, informal way.

Example:

You call your best friend.

You: "야, 뭐 해? (Ya, mwo hae?)" - "Hey, what are you doing?"

2. 오늘 뭐 해? (Oneul mwo hae?)

Similar to the polite form, you can add 오늘 (oneul) to make it clear you're asking about today's plans. 오늘 뭐 해? (Oneul mwo hae?) means "What are you doing today?" in a casual way.

• 오늘 (Oneul): "Today"
• 뭐 (Mwo): "What"
• 해 (Hae): "Do" (casual form)

This is perfect for making plans with friends without being too formal.

Example:

You text a friend to see if they're free.

You: "오늘 뭐 해? 같이 영화 볼래? (Oneul mwo hae? Gachi yeonghwa bollae?)" - "What are you doing today? Do you want to watch a movie together?"

3. 뭐 하고 있어? (Mwo hago isseo?)

This is the casual version of 뭐 하고 있어요? (Mwo hago isseoyo?). Again, you drop the polite ending to make it informal. 뭐 하고 있어? (Mwo hago isseo?) is used to ask what someone is doing right now in a casual setting.

• 뭐 (Mwo): "What"
• 하고 (Hago): "Doing"
• 있어 (Isseo): "Is" (casual form)

Example:

You're texting your younger sibling.

You: "뭐 하고 있어? 숙제 다 했어? (Mwo hago isseo? Sukje da haesseo?)" - "What are you doing? Did you finish your homework?"

More Natural and Contextual Ways to Ask

Sometimes, the direct translation of “What are you doing today?” might not be the most natural way to ask. Here are some contextual phrases that can be more appropriate depending on the situation.

1. 오늘 뭐 특별한 일 있어요? (Oneul mwo teukbyeolhan il isseoyo?)

This phrase translates to "Do you have anything special planned for today?" It’s a great way to gauge if someone has any specific commitments or activities lined up. The phrase is polite and thoughtful, making it suitable for acquaintances or colleagues.

• 오늘 (Oneul): "Today"
• 뭐 (Mwo): "What"
• 특별한 (Teukbyeolhan): "Special"
• 일 (Il): "Thing" or "Matter"
• 있어요? (Isseoyo?): "Do you have?" (polite form)

Example:

You want to invite a coworker to an event but want to make sure they're free.

You: "오늘 뭐 특별한 일 있어요? 같이 저녁 먹으러 갈래요? (Oneul mwo teukbyeolhan il isseoyo? Gachi jeonyeok meogeureo gallaeyo?)" - "Do you have anything special planned for today? Would you like to go to dinner together?"

2. 오늘 계획 있어요? (Oneul gyehoek isseoyo?)

This question means "Do you have any plans for today?" It's straightforward and polite, making it perfect for checking someone's availability without being too intrusive. This phrase is versatile and works well in both casual and semi-formal settings.

• 오늘 (Oneul): "Today"
• 계획 (Gyehoek): "Plan"
• 있어요? (Isseoyo?): "Do you have?" (polite form)

Example:

You want to see if a friend is free to hang out.

You: "오늘 계획 있어요? (Oneul gyehoek isseoyo?)" - "Do you have any plans for today?"

3. 뭐 재미있는 일 하고 있어요? (Mwo jaemiinneun il hago isseoyo?)

This phrase translates to "Are you doing anything fun?" It's a playful and engaging way to ask what someone is up to, suggesting that you're interested in their enjoyable activities. This is best used with friends or people you know well.

• 뭐 (Mwo): "What"
• 재미있는 (Jaemiinneun): "Fun" or "Interesting"
• 일 (Il): "Thing" or "Work"
• 하고 있어요? (Hago isseoyo?): "Are you doing?" (polite form)

Example:

You're chatting with a friend and want to know if they're having a good time.

You: "뭐 재미있는 일 하고 있어요? (Mwo jaemiinneun il hago isseoyo?)" - "Are you doing anything fun?"

4. 시간 괜찮으세요? (Sigan gwaenchanheuseyo?)

While not a direct translation, asking "Do you have some time?" can lead to finding out what they're doing. If they're free, it opens the door to making plans or just chatting. This is a polite and indirect way to approach the topic.

• 시간 (Sigan): "Time"
• 괜찮으세요? (Gwaenchanheuseyo?): "Are you okay?" or "Do you have...?" (polite form)

Example:

You need to ask a colleague for help but want to be considerate of their schedule.

You: "시간 괜찮으세요? 잠깐 도와주실 수 있을까요? (Sigan gwaenchanheuseyo? Jamkkan dowajushil su isseulkkayo?)" - "Do you have some time? Could you help me for a moment?"

Cultural Tips for Asking in Korean

Understanding the cultural context is just as important as knowing the right phrases. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when asking someone what they're doing in Korean.

1. Politeness Matters

Korean culture places a high value on politeness and respect, especially towards elders or people you don't know well. Always use polite forms (like -세요) when speaking to someone older than you, someone in a higher position, or someone you've just met. Using casual language in these situations can be seen as disrespectful.

2. Consider the Relationship

The level of formality you use should match your relationship with the person. With close friends and family, casual language is fine and even preferred. However, with acquaintances, coworkers, or strangers, it's best to stick to polite forms.

3. Be Mindful of Context

Pay attention to the situation. If someone looks busy or stressed, it might not be the best time to ask what they're doing. Similarly, consider the setting – a formal business meeting calls for more formal language than a casual coffee date.

4. Indirectness

Sometimes, Koreans prefer indirectness over directness. Instead of directly asking "What are you doing today?" you might ask if they have any plans or if they're busy. This shows consideration for their time and avoids putting them on the spot.

5. Body Language

Non-verbal cues are important too. Maintain eye contact, smile, and use appropriate gestures to show respect and friendliness. Avoid slouching or appearing disinterested, as this can send the wrong message.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! You're now equipped with multiple ways to ask "What are you doing today?" in Korean, ranging from formal to casual and everything in between. Remember, the key is to practice these phrases and understand the cultural nuances behind them. Whether you’re chatting with friends, making plans, or just striking up a conversation, these phrases will help you connect with Korean speakers on a more personal level. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don't be afraid to make mistakes – that's how you learn! Now go out there and start some awesome Korean conversations!