[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 47: Talking about Plans

Introduction to Korean Conversation: Talking About Plans

Discussing plans is an integral part of daily communication. Whether you’re making arrangements with friends, discussing schedules, or planning activities, knowing how to talk about plans in Korean is essential. A common way to ask someone about their plans is "뭐 해요?" (Mwo haeyo?), which means "What are you doing?" or "What are you going to do?" This phrase is straightforward and can be used in various contexts.

 

In this blog post, we will explore a basic dialogue that revolves around talking about plans. We will break down each phrase, explain its meaning, and provide additional examples to help you understand the context and usage. Additionally, we will delve into the nuances of formality in Korean, ensuring you can appropriately adjust your language based on the person you are speaking to. Pronunciation tips will also be provided to help you sound more natural and confident.

 

Being able to discuss plans in Korean not only enhances your conversational skills but also helps you engage more deeply with Korean speakers, making your interactions more meaningful. Let’s dive into the specifics of talking about plans in Korean, equipping you with the skills to communicate more effectively.

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Korean Basic Conversation - Dialogue 47 [Talking about Plans] 

 

A: 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?)

B: 친구 만나러 가요. (Chingu mannareo gayo.)

A: 어디에서 만나요? (Eodieseo mannayo?)

B: 카페에서 만나요. (Kapeeseo mannayo.)

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Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "What are you doing?" or "What are you going to do?"
• Usage: Use this phrase to inquire about someone’s current or future plans.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "mwo hae-yo?" The word "뭐" (mwo) means "what," and "해요" (haeyo) means "are doing."

2. 친구 만나러 가요. (Chingu mannareo gayo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "I’m going to meet a friend."
• Usage: Use this phrase to indicate that you are going to meet a friend.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "chin-gu man-na-reo ga-yo." The word "친구" (chingu) means "friend," "만나러" (mannareo) means "to meet," and "가요" (gayo) means "going."

3. 어디에서 만나요? (Eodieseo mannayo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "Where are you meeting?"
• Usage: Use this phrase to ask about the meeting location.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "eo-di-e-seo man-na-yo?" The word "어디에서" (eodieseo) means "where," and "만나요" (mannayo) means "meeting."

4. 카페에서 만나요. (Kapeeseo mannayo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "We are meeting at a café."
• Usage: Use this phrase to indicate the location of the meeting.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "ka-pe-e-seo man-na-yo." The word "카페" (kape) means "café," and "에서" (eseo) means "at."

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Basic Korean Vocabulary and Expressions

• 뭐 (Mwo): What
  • Example: "뭐 먹어요?" (What are you eating?)
• 친구 (Chingu): Friend
  • Example: "친구와 함께" (With a friend).
• 만나다 (Mannada): To meet
  • Example: "친구를 만나요" (Meeting a friend).
• 어디 (Eodi): Where
  • Example: "어디 가요?" (Where are you going?)
• 카페 (Kape): Café
  • Example: "카페에서 커피를 마셔요" (Drinking coffee at the café).
• 가다 (Gada): To go
  • Example: "학교에 가요" (Going to school).

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Basic Korean Conversation - Additional Examples

• Discussing Weekend Plans:
  • A: 주말에 뭐 해요? (Jumare mwo haeyo?) - What are you doing on the weekend?
  • B: 가족과 시간 보내요. (Gajokgwa sigan bonaeyo.) - Spending time with family.
• Talking About Evening Plans:
  • A: 오늘 저녁에 뭐 해요? (Oneul jeonyeoge mwo haeyo?) - What are you doing this evening?
  • B: 영화 보러 가요. (Yeonghwa boreo gayo.) - Going to watch a movie.

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When to Use These Phrases

• Formal Settings: Use these phrases in formal settings like professional environments, when discussing plans with someone older or of higher status, or when trying to be polite.
• Informal Settings: The informal versions can be used with friends, peers, or younger people in casual settings.

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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.
• Context: Be mindful of the context when discussing plans to ensure your conversation is appropriate and well-received.

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Pronunciation Tips

• 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?): Break it down into syllables – "mwo hae-yo?" The "해요" (haeyo) part should be pronounced clearly.
• 친구 만나러 가요. (Chingu mannareo gayo.): Say it as "chin-gu man-na-reo ga-yo." Ensure to pronounce "만나러" part smoothly.
• 어디에서 만나요? (Eodieseo mannayo?): Pronounce it as "eo-di-e-seo man-na-yo?" The "만나요" (mannayo) should be pronounced with emphasis.
• 카페에서 만나요. (Kapeeseo mannayo.): Say it as "ka-pe-e-seo man-na-yo." The "카페" (kape) should be pronounced clearly, sounding like "ka-pe."

By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can comfortably talk about plans and engage in more meaningful conversations with Korean speakers, enhancing your communication skills and cultural understanding. Happy learning!