Significado
Asking about someone's current activity.
Contexto cultural
Asking '뭐 하고 있어요?' is a common way to show affection and interest in someone's life, not just a literal question. In offices, this phrase is a polite 'buffer' before asking for help, showing you respect the other person's time. On KakaoTalk, the slang '머함?' (What doing?) is extremely common among younger generations to save time. If someone asks you this, it's polite to give a brief but real answer rather than just saying 'Nothing'.
The 'Yo' Rule
Always keep the 'yo' at the end unless you are 100% sure you are close enough to the person to use 'banmal'.
Don't be a robot
Avoid saying '무엇을 하고 있습니까?' in casual settings; it sounds like a textbook come to life.
Significado
Asking about someone's current activity.
The 'Yo' Rule
Always keep the 'yo' at the end unless you are 100% sure you are close enough to the person to use 'banmal'.
Don't be a robot
Avoid saying '무엇을 하고 있습니까?' in casual settings; it sounds like a textbook come to life.
Answer with '-고 있어요'
When someone asks you this, mirror their grammar in your answer: '공부하고 있어요', '밥 먹고 있어요'.
The 'Nothing' Trap
Saying '아무것도 안 해요' (I'm doing nothing) can sometimes end a conversation. Try to mention even a small thing like 'just resting'.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence to ask 'What are you doing now?' in a polite way.
지금 뭐 [ ] 있어요?
The progressive form requires the verb stem '하' + the connective '-고'.
Which phrase is most appropriate to use with your grandmother?
할머니, [ ]?
With elders, you must use the honorific form '계세요' instead of '있어요'.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You are texting your best friend to see if they are free.
Close friends use 'banmal' (informal speech).
Complete the dialogue.
A: 지금 뭐 하고 있어요? B: [ ]
The answer should describe a current action using the same '-고 있어요' pattern.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Formality Levels
Banco de exercicios
4 exercicios지금 뭐 [ ] 있어요?
The progressive form requires the verb stem '하' + the connective '-고'.
할머니, [ ]?
With elders, you must use the honorific form '계세요' instead of '있어요'.
You are texting your best friend to see if they are free.
Close friends use 'banmal' (informal speech).
A: 지금 뭐 하고 있어요? B: [ ]
The answer should describe a current action using the same '-고 있어요' pattern.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
14 perguntasNo, it is polite and standard. However, it is not honorific, so don't use it with elders.
Use '[Activity] + 하고 있어요'. For example, '커피 마시고 있어요' (I'm drinking coffee).
'뭐 해요?' is more general (What do you do?), while '뭐 하고 있어요?' is specific to this moment.
It's a bit too casual for a formal email. Use '바쁘신 와중에 실례합니다' (Excuse me while you are busy) instead.
'머' is a cute/lazy way of saying '뭐' in texting.
Only if you have a reason to talk to them, otherwise it might be a bit intrusive.
It's the honorific version of the same phrase, used for people older than you.
No, for that use '무슨 일 하세요?' or '직업이 뭐예요?'.
뭐 하고 있었어요?
Guys often use '뭐 하냐?' or '머함?' with their male friends.
In writing, yes. In speaking, your voice should rise at the end.
Yes, '다들 뭐 하고 있어요?' (What is everyone doing?)
Say '그냥 있어요' (I'm just [existing/staying]).
It's used by older people (like parents or teachers) toward younger people.
Frases relacionadas
뭐 해요?
similarWhat do you do? / What are you doing?
뭐 하시는 중이에요?
specialized formWhat are you in the middle of doing?
바빠요?
similarAre you busy?
뭐 하고 계세요?
builds onWhat are you doing? (Honorific)
자니?
similarAre you sleeping?
