Korean grammar - The thing being done - 는 것이에요 |
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Pattern: Verb stem + 는 것이에요 A colloquial but very common way to state or ask what someone is doing is to use the adjective form of a verb combined with the clause 것이에요. -- The verb is converted to an adjective by adding 는 to the verb stem. -- This adjective is followed by 것 which means 'thing'. -- And verb 이다 (to be) ends the phrase in the form 예요 (or the informal form 야). In this pattern 것 is always abbreviated to 거 so 것이에요 ⇒ 거예요. So for example 일하다 (to work) ⇒ 일하는 거예요 which literally means 'Is a work (adjective) thing.' But the actual meaning is '(I) am working.' This pattern puts a very strong emphasise on the verb - that is what is being done. Or what is going on. Or what the situation is. And in its question form, it can reflect surprise when confirming of a fact. All that said, this form can sound overly dramatic or poetic. It can sound like you are saying 'So the situation is that…" |
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뭐 하는 거예요?
What are (you) doing?
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공부하는 거예요.
(I) am studying.
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운동 하는 거예요?
Are (you) exercising? |
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책을 쓰는 거예요.
(I) am writing a book. |
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우리 어디 가는 거예요?
Where are we going? |
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그건 질문하는 거야?
Is that what you're asking?
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소영이가 그 오빠랑 사귀는 거야!
Soyoung is dating that (older) guy!
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내일 시험이 있어서 공부하는 거야.
I have an exam tomorrow, so I'm studying.
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벌써 자는 거야?
Are (you) already sleeping?
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우리 오늘 만나는 거예요?
Are we meeting today?
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저녁을 요리하는 거야?
Are you cooking dinner?
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그는 여기서 자는 거예요?
Is he sleeping here?
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Or 'What is it that you are going?'