Have you ever felt stuck in a conversation, wanting to ask “what” in Korean but not knowing how? Whether you’re traveling, making new Korean friends, or just diving into K-dramas and K-pop, learning how to say what in Korean can help you understand and communicate better. It’s a tiny word, but it opens the door to big conversations.
Korean is a language full of respect, formality, and context. Unlike English, where “what” is just “what,” Korean has several versions based on tone, politeness, and situation. So if you’ve ever wondered how to say what in Korean, this guide will walk you through it with examples, real-life uses, and tips to sound natural — not awkward.
Let’s break it down so you can confidently use this essential word in Korean conversations! 🇰🇷✨
The Most Common Way to Say “What” in Korean: 뭐 (mwo)
The most basic and widely used Korean word for “what” is 뭐 (mwo). It’s casual, simple, and used in everyday conversations.
Use it like this:
- 뭐 해? — What are you doing?
- 이게 뭐야? — What is this?
But be careful! This form is informal and best used with friends, peers, or younger people. Using it with elders or strangers might come across as rude.
❌ Don’t say:
뭐? to someone older unless you’re really close.
✅ Do say:
뭐 해? to a friend your age.
Real-life example: You’re hanging out with your Korean friend and they start laughing at their phone. You ask, “뭐야?” to find out what’s so funny. Perfect use!
Formal and Polite: 무엇 (mueot)
If you want to be more respectful, especially with strangers or elders, 무엇 (mueot) is the better choice. It’s the standard and formal version of “what.”
Examples:
- 무엇을 원하세요? — What would you like?
- 그것은 무엇입니까? — What is that?
You’ll often hear this in business settings, formal conversations, or written Korean.
Pro tip:
In spoken Korean, even this word is often shortened to 뭐 in casual use, but it’s good to know the proper version for interviews, presentations, or meeting your friend’s parents.
What to Say When You Didn’t Hear: “What?” for Clarification
Sometimes you just didn’t hear what someone said. In Korean, saying “what?” needs to be polite or casual based on who you’re talking to.
Casual:
뭐라고? — What did you say? (Informal)
- Polite:
- 뭐라고요? — Excuse me? Or what did you say? (Polite)
Use case:
You’re in a noisy café and your friend says something. You reply, “뭐라고?” to get them to repeat it.
Avoid sounding rude by adding 요 (yo) when needed. That softens your tone and shows good manners.
Asking “What is this?” and “What is that?” in Korean
Asking about objects is a big part of learning a new language. Here’s how to do it in Korean:
- 이게 뭐예요? — What is this?
- 저게 뭐예요? — What is that?
- 그게 뭐예요? — What is that (near you)?
These are polite forms using 뭐예요 (what is it). The word changes depending on distance from the speaker and listener:
- 이 = this (close to you)
- 그 = that (near the other person)
- 저 = that (far from both)
Scenario:
You’re shopping in Seoul and see something unfamiliar. You point and ask, “이게 뭐예요?” The shopkeeper smiles and explains. Success!
What Not to Say: Avoiding Rude Mistakes
Using the wrong version of “what” in Korean can sound harsh or even disrespectful.
Avoid saying:
- “뭐?” with a sharp tone — it sounds angry or annoyed.
- “뭐야?” to elders — this feels dismissive or childish.
Better alternatives:
- 뭐라고요? (polite)
- 무엇입니까? (formal)
When unsure, always lean on the polite versions. Korean culture values respect, especially in speech. A little politeness goes a long way!
Fun Korean Phrases with “What” to Impress Natives
Here are some cute or common expressions that use “what” in Korean:
- 뭐라고?! — What?! (surprised or dramatic tone)
- 뭐지? — What is it? (thinking to yourself)
- 뭐든지 좋아요 — Anything is fine.
These add natural rhythm to your speech and help you sound like a local. Great for texting or chatting casually.
Scenario:
Your Korean friend tells you a wild story, and you shout, “뭐라고?!” They’ll laugh — and know you’re getting good at Korean!
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to say what in Korean opens the door to bigger conversations and cultural understanding. From casual “뭐” to respectful “무엇,” knowing which version to use — and when — helps you connect with people the right way.
So whether you’re watching K-dramas, traveling to Korea, or chatting online, remember: a simple “what” can take you far. Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon, Korean won’t feel so foreign anymore. 화이팅! (You got this!) 💪
