Basic Korean Conversation 24: Asking and Confirming Activities
Basic Korean Conversation - Dialogue 24
A: 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?)
B: 공부해요. (Gongbuhaeyo.)
A: 어디에서 해요? (Eodieseo haeyo?)
B: 집에서 해요. (Jibeseo haeyo.)
Breakdown of the Dialogue
1. 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?)
- Meaning: This phrase means "What are you doing?" It's a common way to ask someone about their current activity.
- Usage: Use this question when you want to know what someone is currently doing.
- Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "mwo hae-yo?" The word "뭐" (mwo) means "what," and "해요" (haeyo) means "are doing."
2. 공부해요. (Gongbuhaeyo.)
- Meaning: This phrase means "I'm studying." It describes the activity of studying.
- Usage: Use this phrase to tell someone that you are studying.
- Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "gong-bu-hae-yo." The word "공부" (gongbu) means "study," and "해요" (haeyo) means "am doing."
3. 어디에서 해요? (Eodieseo haeyo?)
- Meaning: This phrase means "Where are you doing it?" It's a way to ask for the location of the activity.
- Usage: Use this question when you want to know where someone is doing something.
- Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "eo-di-e-seo hae-yo?" The word "어디에서" (eodieseo) means "where," and "해요" (haeyo) means "are doing."
4. 집에서 해요. (Jibeseo haeyo.)
- Meaning: This phrase means "I'm doing it at home." It indicates the location of the activity.
- Usage: Use this phrase to tell someone that you are doing something at home.
- Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "ji-be-seo hae-yo." The word "집에서" (jibeseo) means "at home," and "해요" (haeyo) means "am doing."
Vocabulary and Expressions
- 뭐 (Mwo): What
- Example: "뭐 먹어요?" (What are you eating?).
- 해요 (Haeyo): Are doing / Am doing
- Example: "운동해요" (I'm exercising).
- 공부 (Gongbu): Study
- Example: "한국어 공부" (Korean study).
- 어디에서 (Eodieseo): Where
- Example: "어디에서 만나요?" (Where shall we meet?).
- 집에서 (Jibeseo): At home
- Example: "집에서 쉬어요" (I rest at home).
Additional Examples
- Discussing Different Activities:
- A: 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?) - What are you doing?
- B: 운동해요. (Undonghaeyo.) - I'm exercising.
- A: 어디에서 해요? (Eodieseo haeyo?) - Where are you doing it?
- B: 공원에서 해요. (Gongwoneseo haeyo.) - I'm doing it at the park.
- Talking About Activities Informally:
- A: 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?) - What are you doing? (informal)
- B: 공부해. (Gongbuhae.) - I'm studying. (informal)
- A: 어디에서 해? (Eodieseo hae?) - Where are you doing it? (informal)
- B: 집에서 해. (Jibeseo hae.) - I'm doing it at home. (informal)
When to Use These Phrases
- Formal Settings: Use these phrases in formal settings like professional environments, when meeting new people, or when talking to someone older or of higher status.
- Informal Settings: The informal versions can be used with friends, peers, or younger people in casual settings.
Things to Be Careful About
- Formality: Ensure you use the correct level of formality based on the situation. Using informal speech in a formal setting can be seen as disrespectful.
- Pronunciation: Pronounce each syllable clearly. Mispronouncing key phrases can lead to misunderstandings or seem impolite.
- Specific Activities: Be specific about the activity you are doing to avoid confusion.
Pronunciation Tips
- 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?): Break it down into syllables – "mwo hae-yo?" The "뭐" (mwo) should be pronounced clearly.
- 공부해요. (Gongbuhaeyo.): Say it as "gong-bu-hae-yo." Ensure to pronounce the "공부" part smoothly.
- 어디에서 해요? (Eodieseo haeyo?): Pronounce it as "eo-di-e-seo hae-yo?" The "어디에서" (eodieseo) should be pronounced with emphasis.
- 집에서 해요. (Jibeseo haeyo.): Say it as "ji-be-seo hae-yo." The "집에서" (jibeseo) should be pronounced clearly, sounding like "ji-be-seo."
By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can comfortably discuss and confirm activities, enhancing your communication skills and cultural understanding in Korean-speaking environments. Happy learning!