Korean · Real conversations
How to respond to “요즘 어때요?” in Korean
A casual opening may invite a quick update rather than a literal explanation of what is above you.
What you might hear
요즘 어때요?yojeum eottaeyo?
What's up?
Choose a reply that fits
별일 없어요. 그쪽은요?byeoril eopseoyo. geujjogeunyo?
Not much. And you?
Keep it casual and return the question.
일하러 가는 중이에요.ilhareo ganeun jungieyo.
I'm heading to work.
Mention what you are doing next.
수업 때문에 바빴어요.sueop ttaemune bappasseoyo.
I've been busy with classes.
Share a short update about your recent activities.
좋은 소식이 있어요.joeun sosigi isseoyo.
I have some good news.
Use when you have news you want to share.
Two short exchanges
A casual encounter
요즘 어때요?yojeum eottaeyo?
What's up?
별일 없어요. 그쪽은요?byeoril eopseoyo. geujjogeunyo?
Not much. And you?
Catching up with a friend
요즘 어떻게 지내요?yojeum eotteoke jinaeyo?
What have you been up to?
일하러 가는 중이에요.ilhareo ganeun jungieyo.
I'm heading to work.
Your turn
Give a short update about being busy with classes.
Reveal a sample reply
수업 때문에 바빴어요.sueop ttaemune bappasseoyo.
I've been busy with classes.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
