I’m Working in Korean

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How To Say I’m Working in Korean

일하고 있어요

[ilhago isseoyo]
I’m working

Basic form : 일하다
반말(informal non-honorific) form : 일하고 있어
Negative form with 해요 speech style : 일 안하고 있어요

To say ‘be working’, Use ‘일하다’ which means ‘to work’ and ‘고 있다’ conjugation which means ‘be v+ing’ (present progressive). -고 있다 is conjugated to a verb to makes a meaning of ongoing action like ‘I’m studying’, ‘I’m working’.

일 can mean soooo many things. With this phrase, 일 literally means ‘work or labor’. if you say ‘일 + 하다(do)’, it means only ’do a labor / chores’

Using The Present Tense

You can also use the present tense instead of the present progressive tense since Korean grammar uses the present tense to describe ongoing actions. It’s more casual and very often used in a casual conversation.

일해요
I work / I’m working

How To Use

A: 일하고 있어요
I’m working
B: 그럼 나중에 문자할게요
Then I’ll text you later

A: 지금 뭐해요? 바빠요?
What are you doing? Are you busy?
B: 지금 일하고 있어요
I’m working now

A: 아 일하기 싫어요
Ahh I don’t want to work
B: 사장님 머리를 드럼처럼 두드리세요
Beat your boss’ head like a drum
A: 왜요?
Why?
B: 짤리면 일 안해도 되잖아요 ㅋㅋㅋ
if you get fired, you won’t need to work lol