Korean Job Discussion Forums

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

A student asked me what the difference is between

What about x?

How about x?

I think this is a great question, but I couldn't come up with a good general explanation on the spot. I gave him some case-by-case examples but that was obviously not very helpful. The rest of the class was confused as well, so I promised them I'd give it a think all week and come back with a great answer. Which is also great because I'm starting a new policy of noting every question and handing out sheets with nice answers in the next class.

So anyway, if any of youse guys could help me out that would be awesome.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

These questions only make sense if there is a prior context, and it is not the first question being asked. For example:

A: Say, would you like to go to the zoo this weekend?
B: Nah, I hate the smell of lion poo?
A: What about (going to) an art museum?
B: Sorry, canvas gives me hives.
A: How about a strip club?
B: Sounds good!

What does NOT make sense is....

A: How about the zoo?
B: Uhhh.... what about it?

OR

A: What about a strip club?
B: Ummmmm... What about them?

Nine times out of ten, when the first question a student asks is "What about X?" or "How about X?", what they should be asking is "What do you think about X?" or "How do you feel about X?"

I hope that answers your question.

out of context · Joined: 08 Jan 2006 Location: Daejeon

I agree that it's important to emphasize the need for prior context. I keep hearing context-free examples, where it's clear that learners have been taught that "How about" = 어때. For example, "How about Korea?"

With regard to the difference between the two, it seems to me that we generally use "What about" to remind the other person of something that (s)he already has (or should have) thought of, and "How about" to present a suggestion that possibly has not occurred to the other person.

"We should invite Mary and Larry to the party."
"What about Harry?" (I presume you know Harry's going to want to go.)
"How about Harry?" (I presume you haven't thought about Harry.)

Nok Yong · Joined: 05 May 2006

Son Deureo! wrote:

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

Same thing.

VanIslander · Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 2:13 pm Post subject:

there ARE contexts in which the two are used differently, and contexts in which they are used the same

the differences are small, unnecessary for all but the most advanced classes, even then...

so treat them as THE SAME

and show by example how to use them and not use them, a la Son Deureo!

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

Thanks all, this was very helpful.