Saying What Are You Doing Today? In Korean

Nov 13, 2025 by Faj Lennon 45 views

Hey everyone! Learning a new language can be super exciting, and Korean is no exception. One of the first things you might want to know is how to ask someone, "What are you doing today?" It’s a super useful phrase for making plans or just chatting with friends. So, let’s dive into the different ways you can say this in Korean, depending on who you’re talking to and the level of politeness you want to use.

Basic Ways to Ask

Okay, so when you want to ask, "What are you doing today?" in Korean, you've got a few options. The most straightforward way is to use the phrase "오늘 뭐 해요? (Oneul mwo haeyo?)". Let’s break it down:

오늘 (Oneul): This means "today."
뭐 (Mwo): This means "what."
해요 (Haeyo): This means "doing" or "do." It's the present tense form of the verb "하다 (hada)," which means "to do."

So, putting it all together, "오늘 뭐 해요? (Oneul mwo haeyo?)" translates directly to "What are you doing today?" This is a commonly used phrase and is generally considered polite enough for everyday conversations with people you're not super close to, like classmates, colleagues, or new acquaintances. It's a great starting point for most situations, and you'll hear it a lot in Korean dramas and daily life. Remember to pronounce it correctly; pronunciation is key to being understood and sounding natural. When you're practicing, try to mimic the way native speakers say it. You can find plenty of examples online to help you get the hang of it. Also, keep in mind that context matters. Depending on the situation, your tone and body language can also affect how your question is received. So, try to be mindful of the overall interaction and adjust your approach accordingly.

Another way to ask is "오늘 뭐 하세요? (Oneul mwo haseyo?)". This is a slightly more polite version. The difference lies in the verb ending. "하세요 (haseyo)" is a more honorific form of "해요 (haeyo)." You'd use this when speaking to someone older than you or someone you want to show extra respect to. For example, if you're talking to your boss, a teacher, or an elderly person, using "하세요 (haseyo)" is the way to go. It shows that you're being considerate and respectful, which is highly valued in Korean culture. This small change in verb ending can make a big difference in how your question is perceived, so it's worth remembering. In summary, "오늘 뭐 하세요? (Oneul mwo haseyo?)" is the polite way to ask, “What are you doing today?” Practice both phrases so you’re ready for any situation.

More Formal Ways

If you need to be even more formal, like when speaking in a professional setting or to someone of significantly higher status, you might use "오늘 무엇을 하십니까? (Oneul mueoseul hashimnikka?)". This is the most polite and formal way to ask the question. Let’s break it down:

오늘 (Oneul): Still means "today."
무엇을 (Mueoseul): This is a more formal way of saying "what" compared to "뭐 (mwo)."
하십니까 (Hashimnikka): This is the most formal way of saying "doing" or "do." It's the honorific form used in very polite speech.

So, "오늘 무엇을 하십니까? (Oneul mueoseul hashimnikka?)" is the super polite way to ask, "What are you doing today?" It’s the kind of language you might use in a business meeting or when addressing someone with high authority. Using this level of formality shows a great deal of respect and deference. It's not something you'd use with friends or casual acquaintances, as it might sound a bit stiff. However, in the right context, it's the perfect way to demonstrate your respect. This phrase is essential for those who want to navigate formal situations in Korea with grace and professionalism. Remember, the key is to match your language to the situation to ensure you communicate effectively and appropriately.

Informal Ways

Now, let's get to the casual stuff! If you’re talking to close friends or someone younger than you, you can use a more informal way to ask, "What are you doing today?" The most common informal version is "오늘 뭐 해? (Oneul mwo hae?)".

오늘 (Oneul): You know this one – it means "today."
뭐 (Mwo): Still means "what."
해 (Hae): This is the informal version of "해요 (haeyo)." It's used when speaking casually with close friends or family.

So, "오늘 뭐 해? (Oneul mwo hae?)" translates to "What are you doing today?" in a casual, friendly way. This is perfect for texting your buddies, chatting with your siblings, or talking to anyone you're close to. Using informal language helps create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It shows that you're comfortable and that you see them as equals. Just be sure to use this form only with people you're close to, as using it with someone you don't know well could be seen as rude or disrespectful. In short, "오늘 뭐 해? (Oneul mwo hae?)" is your go-to phrase for casual conversations. Practice saying it naturally, and you'll sound like a native in no time. This informal version is super common among friends, so you'll hear it a lot in casual settings. It's a great way to keep your conversations light and easygoing.

Adding Context and Nuance

To make your question even more natural, you can add some context. For example, if you know the person has a specific task or event planned, you can tailor your question accordingly. Let’s explore some scenarios.

If you know they have a test, you might ask, "오늘 시험 잘 봐? (Oneul siheom jal bwa?)" which means "Are you taking the test well today?" It shows you’re aware of their situation and care about their performance. Breaking it down:

오늘 (Oneul): Today
시험 (Siheom): Test
잘 (Jal): Well
봐 (Bwa): See/Take (in this context)

Or, if you know they have a meeting, you could say, "오늘 회의 있어? (Oneul hwieui isseo?)" meaning, "Do you have a meeting today?" This is a simple and direct way to ask about their schedule. Let's break it down:

오늘 (Oneul): Today
회의 (Hwieui): Meeting
있어 (Isseo): Have

Another useful variation is "오늘 특별한 일 있어? (Oneul teukbyeolhan il isseo?)", which means, "Do you have anything special today?" This is perfect for when you want to know if they have any significant plans without being too specific. It gives them the opportunity to share if they want to. Breaking it down:

오늘 (Oneul): Today
특별한 (Teukbyeolhan): Special
일 (Il): Thing/Work/Event
있어 (Isseo): Have

By adding these contextual elements, you show genuine interest and make the conversation more engaging. It also demonstrates a higher level of Korean proficiency. Remember, communication is not just about the words you use, but also about understanding the context and showing empathy.

Common Responses

Okay, you've asked, "What are you doing today?" Now, let's look at some common responses you might hear. This will help you understand what people are saying back to you and keep the conversation flowing.

"아무것도 안 해요 (Amugeotdo an haeyo)": This means "I'm not doing anything." It’s a common response when someone has no specific plans. 아무것도 (Amugeotdo) means “nothing,” and 안 해요 (an haeyo) means “not doing.”
"그냥 쉬고 있어요 (Geunyang swigo isseoyo)": This means "I'm just relaxing." 그냥 (Geunyang) means “just,” 쉬고 (swigo) means “resting,” and 있어요 (isseoyo) means “am.”
"공부하고 있어요 (Gongbuhago isseoyo)": This means "I'm studying." 공부하고 (Gongbuhago) means “studying,” and 있어요 (isseoyo) means “am.”
"친구 만나러 가요 (Chingu mannareo gayo)": This means "I'm going to meet a friend." 친구 (Chingu) means “friend,” 만나러 (mannareo) means “to meet,” and 가요 (gayo) means “going.”
"일하고 있어요 (Ilhago isseoyo)": This means "I'm working." 일하고 (Ilhago) means “working,” and 있어요 (isseoyo) means “am.”

Knowing these common responses will help you understand and engage in the conversation more effectively. It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with frequently used phrases so you can respond appropriately and keep the conversation going smoothly. Pay attention to the context and tone of the response to better understand the person's situation and intentions.

Tips for Sounding Natural

To really nail it and sound natural when asking, "What are you doing today?" here are a few tips:

Listen to native speakers: The best way to improve your pronunciation and intonation is to listen to how native Korean speakers say the phrase. Watch Korean dramas, movies, and YouTube videos, and pay attention to how they pronounce the words and how they emphasize different parts of the sentence.
Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the phrase. Say it out loud, record yourself, and compare your pronunciation to that of native speakers. You can also practice with a language partner or tutor.
Pay attention to context: As we discussed earlier, the level of politeness you use should depend on the context and your relationship with the person you're talking to. Be mindful of your surroundings and adjust your language accordingly.
Use natural intonation: Korean has its own unique intonation patterns, which can be different from English. Try to mimic the intonation of native speakers to sound more natural. This includes varying your pitch and emphasizing certain words.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language. Don't let the fear of making mistakes hold you back from practicing and improving. The more you practice, the fewer mistakes you'll make.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to sounding like a natural when asking, "What are you doing today?" in Korean. Keep practicing and don't be afraid to put yourself out there!

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Now you know several ways to ask, "What are you doing today?" in Korean, from the super formal to the totally casual. Remember to choose the right phrase based on who you're talking to. Whether it's "오늘 뭐 해요? (Oneul mwo haeyo?)," "오늘 뭐 하세요? (Oneul mwo haseyo?)," "오늘 무엇을 하십니까? (Oneul mueoseul hashimnikka?)," or "오늘 뭐 해? (Oneul mwo hae?)," you're now equipped to make plans and chat with your Korean-speaking friends. Keep practicing, and you’ll be fluent in no time! Hwaiting! (화이팅!)