Easy Korean - Level 6, Unit 1: How about...? (-는 어때요?)

In this unit, we will learn how to suggest an action or ask for someone's opinion on doing something by saying "How about -ing?" or "What about -ing?"

The Structure: -는 거 어때요?

We already know that 어때요? means "How is it?" or "What do you think?" To ask "How about [Action]?", you must turn the verb into a noun phrase using -는 거 (the act of doing), and then add 어때요?.

Verb Stem + -는 거 어때요?

• 가다 (to go) -> 가 + 는 거 어때요? = 가는 거 어때요? (How about going?)
• 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹 + 는 거 어때요? = 먹는 거 어때요? (How about eating?)
• 만나다 (to meet) -> 만나 + 는 거 어때요? = 만나는 거 어때요? (How about meeting?)

Note: If the verb stem ends in ㄹ (like 만들다), the ㄹ drops! -> 만드는 거 어때요?

With Nouns: Noun + 어때요?

If you are just suggesting a noun (like a place, food, or time), you don't need -는 거. You can just attach 어때요? directly after the noun (or add 은/는 to the noun).

• 내일 (tomorrow) -> 내일 어때요? (How about tomorrow?)
• 이거 (this) -> 이거 어때요? (What about this one?)
• 커피 (coffee) -> 커피는 어때요? (How about coffee?)

Example Sentences

1. A: 오늘 점심 뭐 먹을까요? (What shall we eat for lunch today?) B: 피자 먹는 거 어때요? (How about eating pizza?)

2. 이번 주말에 영화 보는 거 어때요? (How about watching a movie this weekend?)

3. 택시를 타는 거 어때요? (How about taking a taxi?)

4. A: 오늘 만날까요? (Shall we meet today?) B: 오늘은 바빠요. 내일 만나는 거 어때요? (I'm busy today. How about meeting tomorrow?)