Understanding how to express “what” in Korean is crucial for forming questions, expressing uncertainty, and constructing complex sentences. This article provides a detailed exploration of the various ways to say “what” in Korean, covering different grammatical structures, usage rules, and common mistakes.
Whether you are a beginner just starting your Korean language journey or an advanced learner looking to refine your skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use “what” in Korean.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “What” in Korean
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “What”
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “What” in Korean
The concept of “what” in Korean is multifaceted, represented by several words that vary based on context and grammatical function. The primary translations include 뭐 (mwo), 무엇 (muot), 어떤 (eotteon), and 무슨 (museun). These words serve as interrogative pronouns and adjectives, used to inquire about things, choices, or types. The choice of which word to use depends on the specific nuance you want to convey and the grammatical structure of the sentence.
뭐 (mwo) is the shortened, informal version of 무엇 (muot). It is commonly used in spoken Korean and casual settings. 무엇 (muot) is the more formal and complete form, often found in written Korean or polite speech. 어떤 (eotteon) translates to “which” or “what kind of” and is used before nouns to specify a particular type or option. 무슨 (museun) also means “what kind of” but is used in slightly different contexts, often to express surprise or ask for an explanation.
Structural Breakdown
The placement and grammatical role of “what” in Korean sentences are crucial for proper usage. Each form of “what” interacts differently with particles and verbs, affecting the overall meaning and grammatical correctness of the sentence.
Understanding these structural elements is essential for constructing accurate and natural-sounding Korean sentences.
뭐 (mwo) and 무엇 (muot) typically function as the object or subject of a sentence. They are often followed by particles like -을/를 (eul/reul) for the object marker or -이/가 (i/ga) for the subject marker. When used with the verb “to be” (이다), they can also take the particle -이에요/예요 (ieyo/yeyo) in informal settings or -입니다/입니까 (imnida/imnikka) in formal settings.
어떤 (eotteon) and 무슨 (museun) always precede a noun, acting as adjectives that modify the noun. The structure is generally 어떤/무슨 + noun. These forms do not take particles themselves but influence the particles used with the noun they modify. For example, 어떤 책 (eotteon chaek) means “which book” or “what kind of book.”
Types and Categories of “What”
뭐 (Mwo)
뭐 (mwo) is the informal contraction of 무엇 (muot). It’s the most common way to ask “what” in everyday conversation. It’s versatile and can be used in various contexts, but it’s generally avoided in formal situations.
Usage: Informal questions, casual conversations, quick inquiries.
무엇 (Muot)
무엇 (muot) is the formal and complete form of “what.” It’s used in written Korean, formal speech, and when you want to be polite or respectful. It carries a more neutral and sometimes slightly more emphasized tone compared to 뭐 (mwo).
Usage: Formal settings, written Korean, polite speech, official announcements.
어떤 (Eotteon)
어떤 (eotteon) translates to “which” or “what kind of.” It’s used to inquire about the type or nature of something, often implying a selection from a range of possibilities. It always precedes a noun.
Usage: Asking about types, qualities, or specific selections from a group.
무슨 (Museun)
무슨 (museun) also means “what kind of” or “what” but carries a slightly different nuance than 어떤 (eotteon). It’s often used to express surprise, ask for an explanation, or inquire about the reason behind something. It also always precedes a noun.
Usage: Expressing surprise, asking for explanations, inquiring about reasons, often in situations where something is unexpected or unusual.
Examples
뭐 (Mwo) Examples
The following table provides examples of how to use 뭐 (mwo) in different sentence structures. Notice the informal tone and the use of particles to indicate the grammatical role of “what” in each sentence.
| Korean | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?) | What are you doing? |
| 뭐 먹을래? (Mwo meogeullae?) | What do you want to eat? |
| 이거 뭐 이야? (Igeo mwo iya?) | What is this? (informal) |
| 뭐라고? (Mworago?) | What did you say? |
| 뭐 필요해? (Mwo pillyohae?) | What do you need? |
| 뭐 봤어? (Mwo bwasseo?) | What did you see? |
| 뭐 살 거야? (Mwo sal geoya?) | What are you going to buy? |
| 뭐 문제 있어? (Mwo munje isseo?) | What’s the problem? |
| 뭐 마실래? (Mwo masillae?) | What do you want to drink? |
| 뭐 하고 싶어? (Mwo hago sipeo?) | What do you want to do? |
| 저기, 뭐 좀 물어볼게요. (Jeogi, mwo jom mureobolgeyo.) | Excuse me, can I ask you something? |
| 오늘 뭐 할 거야? (Oneul mwo hal geoya?) | What are you going to do today? |
| 어제 뭐 했어? (Eoje mwo haesseo?) | What did you do yesterday? |
| 지금 뭐 생각해? (Jigeum mwo saenggakae?) | What are you thinking about now? |
| 여기 뭐 있어? (Yeogi mwo isseo?) | What’s here? |
| 뭐 가지고 왔어? (Mwo gajigo wasseo?) | What did you bring? |
| 뭐 만들고 있어? (Mwo mandeulgo isseo?) | What are you making? |
| 뭐 보고 웃어? (Mwo bogo useo?) | What are you laughing at? |
| 뭐 듣고 있어? (Mwo deutgo isseo?) | What are you listening to? |
| 뭐 쓰고 있어? (Mwo sseugo isseo?) | What are you writing? |
| 뭐 읽고 있어? (Mwo ilkgo isseo?) | What are you reading? |
| 뭐 배우고 있어? (Mwo baeugo isseo?) | What are you learning? |
| 뭐 연습하고 있어? (Mwo yeonseupago isseo?) | What are you practicing? |
| 뭐 요리하고 있어? (Mwo yorihago isseo?) | What are you cooking? |
| 뭐 도와줄까? (Mwo dowajulgga?) | What can I help you with? |
| 뭐 가르쳐줄까? (Mwo gareuchyeojulgga?) | What can I teach you? |
| 뭐 추천해줄까? (Mwo chucheonhaejulgga?) | What can I recommend? |
무엇 (Muot) Examples
The following table demonstrates the use of 무엇 (muot) in more formal or written contexts. Notice the slightly more polite and emphatic tone compared to 뭐 (mwo). The examples include scenarios where you would use this form in official settings or when addressing someone respectfully.
| Korean | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 무엇을 도와드릴까요? (Mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?) | What can I help you with? (formal) |
| 이것은 무엇입니까? (Igeoseun mueosimnikka?) | What is this? (formal) |
| 무엇을 원하십니까? (Mueoseul wonhasimnikka?) | What do you want? (formal) |
| 무엇을 드릴까요? (Mueoseul deurilkkayo?) | What can I get for you? (formal) |
| 무엇 때문에 오셨습니까? (Mueot ttaemune osyeotseumnikka?) | What brings you here? (formal) |
| 무엇을 생각하고 계십니까? (Mueoseul saenggakhago gyesimnikka?) | What are you thinking about? (formal) |
| 무엇을 배우고 싶으십니까? (Mueoseul baeugo sipeusimnikka?) | What do you want to learn? (formal) |
| 무엇을 찾고 계십니까? (Mueoseul chatgo gyesimnikka?) | What are you looking for? (formal) |
| 무엇이 문제입니까? (Mueosi munjemnikka?) | What is the problem? (formal) |
| 무엇이 필요하십니까? (Mueosi pillyohasmnikka?) | What do you need? (formal) |
| 무엇을 준비해야 합니까? (Mueoseul junbihaeya hamnikka?) | What should I prepare? (formal) |
| 무엇을 해야 할까요? (Mueoseul haeya halkkayo?) | What should I do? (formal) |
| 무엇을 먹고 싶습니까? (Mueoseul meokgo sipeumnikka?) | What do you want to eat? (formal) |
| 무엇을 마시고 싶습니까? (Mueoseul masigo sipeumnikka?) | What do you want to drink? (formal) |
| 무엇을 보고 있습니까? (Mueoseul bogo isseumnikka?) | What are you looking at? (formal) |
| 무엇을 듣고 있습니까? (Mueoseul deutgo isseumnikka?) | What are you listening to? (formal) |
| 무엇을 쓰고 있습니까? (Mueoseul sseugo isseumnikka?) | What are you writing? (formal) |
| 무엇을 읽고 있습니까? (Mueoseul ilkgo isseumnikka?) | What are you reading? (formal) |
| 무엇을 만들고 있습니까? (Mueoseul mandeulgo isseumnikka?) | What are you making? (formal) |
| 무엇을 가르쳐 드릴까요? (Mueoseul gareuchyeo deurilkkayo?) | What can I teach you? (formal) |
| 무엇을 추천해 드릴까요? (Mueoseul chucheonhae deurilkkayo?) | What can I recommend? (formal) |
| 무엇을 도와드릴 수 있을까요? (Mueoseul dowadeuril su isseulkkayo?) | What can I help you with? (formal, more polite) |
| 무엇을 주문하시겠습니까? (Mueoseul jumunhasigesseumnikka?) | What would you like to order? (formal) |
| 무엇을 드릴 말씀이 있으십니까? (Mueoseul deuril malsseumi isseusimnikka?) | What do you have to say? (formal) |
어떤 (Eotteon) Examples
This table provides examples of how 어떤 (eotteon) is used to ask about the type or kind of something. Remember that 어떤 (eotteon) always precedes a noun and helps to specify which type or category is being inquired about.
| Korean | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 어떤 영화를 좋아하세요? (Eotteon yeonghwareul joahaseyo?) | What kind of movies do you like? / Which movies do you like? |
| 어떤 음식을 먹고 싶어요? (Eotteon eumsigeul meokgo sipeoyo?) | What kind of food do you want to eat? / Which food do you want to eat? |
| 어떤 음악을 들어요? (Eotteon eumageul deureoyo?) | What kind of music do you listen to? / Which music do you listen to? |
| 어떤 책을 읽고 있어요? (Eotteon chaegeul ilkgo isseoyo?) | What kind of book are you reading? / Which book are you reading? |
| 어떤 운동을 해요? (Eotteon undongeul haeyo?) | What kind of exercise do you do? / Which exercise do you do? |
| 어떤 색깔을 좋아해요? (Eotteon saekkkareul joahaeyo?) | What color do you like? / Which color do you like? |
| 어떤 차를 가지고 싶어요? (Eotteon chareul gajigo sipeoyo?) | What kind of car do you want to have? / Which car do you want to have? |
| 어떤 옷을 입을 거예요? (Eotteon oseul ibeul geoyeyo?) | What kind of clothes are you going to wear? / Which clothes are you going to wear? |
| 어떤 나라에 가고 싶어요? (Eotteon narae gago sipeoyo?) | What country do you want to go to? / Which country do you want to go to? |
| 어떤 질문이 있어요? (Eotteon jilmuni isseoyo?) | What questions do you have? / Which questions do you have? |
| 어떤 문제가 있어요? (Eotteon munjega isseoyo?) | What kind of problem do you have? / Which problem do you have? |
| 어떤 도움이 필요하세요? (Eotteon doumi piryohaseyo?) | What kind of help do you need? / Which help do you need? |
| 어떤 계획이 있어요? (Eotteon gyehoegi isseoyo?) | What kind of plan do you have? / Which plan do you have? |
| 어떤 경험이 있어요? (Eotteon gyeongeumi isseoyo?) | What kind of experience do you have? / Which experience do you have? |
| 어떤 취미가 있어요? (Eotteon chwimiga isseoyo?) | What kind of hobbies do you have? / Which hobbies do you have? |
| 어떤 종류의 커피를 좋아하세요? (Eotteon jongnyuui keopireul joahaseyo?) | What kind of coffee do you like? |
| 어떤 스타일의 옷을 선호하세요? (Eotteon seutairui oseul seonhohaseyo?) | What style of clothing do you prefer? |
| 어떤 종류의 영화를 보고 싶으세요? (Eotteon jongnyuui yeonghwareul bogo sipeuseyo?) | What kind of movie do you want to watch? |
| 어떤 종류의 음악을 듣는 것을 좋아하세요? (Eotteon jongnyuui eumageul deutneun geoseul joahaseyo?) | What kind of music do you like to listen to? |
| 어떤 종류의 책을 읽는 것을 즐기세요? (Eotteon jongnyuui chaegeul ilneun geoseul jeulgiseyo?) | What kind of books do you enjoy reading? |
무슨 (Museun) Examples
The following table provides examples of how to use 무슨 (museun). Notice that 무슨 (museun) often implies surprise, seeks an explanation, or asks about the reason behind something. Like 어떤 (eotteon), it always precedes a noun.
| Korean | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 무슨 일이야? (Museun iriya?) | What’s the matter? / What’s going on? |
| 무슨 생각해? (Museun saenggakae?) | What are you thinking about? (often implying surprise or concern) |
| 무슨 말을 하는 거야? (Museun mareul haneun geoya?) | What are you talking about? |
| 무슨 소리야? (Museun soriya?) | What sound is that? / What are you talking about? (in disbelief) |
| 무슨 꿈을 꿨어? (Museun kkumeul kkwosseo?) | What dream did you have? |
| 무슨 날이야 오늘? (Museun nariya oneul?) | What day is it today? / What’s special about today? |
| 무슨 영화를 볼 거야? (Museun yeonghwareul bol geoya?) | What movie are you going to watch? (can imply a reason) |
| 무슨 걱정 있어? (Museun geokjeong isseo?) | What worries do you have? |
| 무슨 비밀이 있어? (Museun bimiri isseo?) | What secrets do you have? |
| 무슨 이유로? (Museun iyuro?) | For what reason? |
| 무슨 옷을 입을까? (Museun oseul ibeulkka?) | What clothes should I wear? (implying indecision) |
| 무슨 음식을 만들까? (Museun eumsigeul mandeulkka?) | What food should I make? (implying indecision) |
| 무슨 계획이 있어? (Museun gyehoegi isseo?) | What plans do you have? (often implies curiosity) |
| 무슨 일이 있었어? (Museun iri isseosseo?) | What happened? |
| 무슨 생각을 하고 있어? (Museun saenggageul hago isseo?) | What are you thinking about? (emphasizing the thought process) |
| 무슨 말을 그렇게 해? (Museun mareul geureoke hae?) | Why are you saying such things? |
| 무슨 소리를 내는 거야? (Museun sorireul naeneun geoya?) | What sound are you making? |
| 무슨 꿈을 그렇게 생생하게 꿨어? (Museun kkumeul geureoke saengsaenghage kkwosseo?) | What dream did you have that was so vivid? |
| 무슨 특별한 날이야? (Museun teukbyeolhan nariya?) | What special day is it? |
| 무슨 영화를 그렇게 재미있게 봤어? (Museun yeonghwareul geureoke jaemiitge bwasseo?) | What movie did you watch that was so interesting? |
Usage Rules
Understanding the specific usage rules for each form of “what” is crucial for accurate and natural communication in Korean. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
- 뭐 (mwo) vs. 무엇 (muot): Use 뭐 (mwo) in informal, casual settings and 무엇 (muot) in formal situations or written Korean.
- 어떤 (eotteon): Always precedes a noun and is used to ask about the type or kind of something. It is important to remember that 어떤 (eotteon) is used when there is a possibility of selection or when asking for more details about a specific thing.
- 무슨 (museun): Also precedes a noun but is used to express surprise, ask for an explanation, or inquire about the reason behind something. 무슨 (museun) is often used when something unexpected has happened or when the speaker is seeking clarification.
- Particles: Pay attention to the correct particles to use with 뭐 (mwo) and 무엇 (muot). The particles will change depending on whether the word is used as the subject, object, or complement in the sentence.
Common Mistakes
Many learners make common mistakes when using “what” in Korean. Here are some examples of frequent errors and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 뭐 영화 좋아해요? (Mwo yeonghwa joahaeyo?) | 어떤 영화 좋아해요? (Eotteon yeonghwa joahaeyo?) | 어떤 (eotteon) is needed to ask “what kind of movie.” |
| 무슨 해? (Museun hae?) | 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?) | 뭐 (mwo) is the correct way to ask “What are you doing?” in informal speech. 무슨 (museun) requires a noun after it. |
| 무엇 일이야? (Mueot iriya?) | 무슨 일이야? (Museun iriya?) | 무슨 (museun) is the correct way to ask “What’s the matter?” |
| 어떤 해? (Eotteon hae?) | 뭐 해? (Mwo hae?) | 어떤 (eotteon) needs a noun after it, and it is not suitable for asking “What are you doing?”. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “what” in Korean with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “what” (뭐, 무엇, 어떤, 무슨).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ___ 먹고 싶어? | 뭐 (Mwo) |
| 2. ___ 종류의 음악을 좋아하세요? | 어떤 (Eotteon) |
| 3. ___ 일이야? 왜 그렇게 슬퍼 보여? | 무슨 (Museun) |
| 4. 이것은 ___입니까? | 무엇 (Muot) |
| 5. ___ 책을 읽고 있어? | 뭐 (Mwo) / 어떤 (Eotteon) |
| 6. ___ 도움이 필요하세요? | 어떤 (Eotteon) |
| 7. ___ 생각해? 말해봐. | 무슨 (Museun) |
| 8. ___ 운동을 즐겨 하세요? | 어떤 (Eotteon) |
| 9. 오늘 ___ 할 거야? | 뭐 (Mwo) |
| 10. ___ 문제라도 있어? | 무슨 (Museun) |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of using “what” in more complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions is essential. This includes recognizing the subtle differences between 어떤 (eotteon) and 무슨 (museun) in various contexts and mastering the use of “what” in indirect questions.
Additionally, exploring how “what” is used in proverbs and common expressions can further enhance your understanding of Korean culture and language. For instance, learning expressions like “무슨 꿍꿍이야?” (Museun kkungkkungiya? – What are you plotting?) can add depth to your conversational skills.
FAQ
- What is the difference between 뭐 (mwo) and 무엇 (muot)?
뭐 (mwo) is the informal, shortened version of 무엇 (muot). Use 뭐 (mwo) in casual conversations and 무엇 (muot) in formal settings or written Korean.
- When should I use 어떤 (eotteon)?
Use 어떤 (eotteon) before a noun to ask about the type or kind of something. It implies a selection from a range of possibilities. For example, “어떤 영화를 좋아하세요?” (Eotteon yeonghwareul joahaseyo?) – What kind of movies do you like?
- When should I use 무슨 (museun)?
Use 무슨 (museun) before a noun to express surprise, ask for an explanation, or inquire about the reason behind something. For example, “무슨 일이야?” (Museun iriya?) – What’s the matter?
- Can I use 뭐 (mwo) in formal situations?
It’s generally best to avoid using 뭐 (mwo) in formal situations. Instead, use the more polite form, 무엇 (muot).
- How do I know which particle to use with 뭐 (mwo) or 무엇 (muot)?
The particle depends on the grammatical role of “what” in the sentence. Use -을/를 (eul/reul) for the object marker, -이/가 (i/ga) for the subject marker, and -이에요/예요 (ieyo/yeyo) or -입니다/입니까 (imnida/imnikka) with the verb “to be” (이다).
- Is there a difference in meaning between “어떤 책” and “무슨 책”?
Yes, while both translate to “what book,” 어떤 책 (eotteon chaek) asks about the type or kind of book you prefer or are reading. 무슨 책 (museun chaek) often implies surprise or curiosity about the book. For example, if someone is engrossed in a book, you might ask “무슨 책을 그렇게 재미있게 봐?” (Museun chaegeul geureoke jaemiitge bwa?) – What book are you reading that’s so interesting?
- How can I improve my understanding of when to use each form of “what”?
Practice is key! Listen to Korean conversations, watch Korean dramas and movies, and pay attention to how native speakers use 뭐 (mwo), 무엇 (muot), 어떤 (eotteon), and 무슨 (museun) in different contexts. Try to use these forms in your own conversations and writing.
- Are there any common idioms that use “what” in Korean?
Yes, there are many idioms that use “what” in Korean. One example is “무슨 꿍꿍이야?” (Museun kkungkkungiya?), which means “What are you plotting?” or “What are you up to?”. Learning these idioms can add depth to your language skills and help you understand Korean culture better.
Conclusion
Mastering the different ways to express “what” in Korean is a significant step towards fluency. By understanding the nuances between 뭐 (mwo), 무엇 (muot), 어떤 (eotteon), and 무슨 (museun), you can communicate more accurately and naturally in various contexts. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to native speakers, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process.
Continue to explore the complexities of Korean grammar and vocabulary, and you’ll find yourself becoming more confident and proficient in the language. Keep practicing with the examples and exercises provided, and always seek opportunities to immerse yourself in the Korean language and culture.
Happy learning!