Are you interested in learning how to say ‘please’ in Korean? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will explore various ways to express politeness and make requests in the Korean language.
Whether you find yourself in a formal or informal situation, there’s a phrase for every occasion. Need to ask for a favor or request assistance? We’ve got you covered.
Want to make a polite offer or ask for permission? We’ll show you how. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with a range of useful expressions to navigate social interactions in Korean with ease.
So, let’s dive in and discover the different ways to say ‘please’ in Korean!
Formal Situations: Juseyo (주세요)
In more formal situations, Koreans often use ‘juseyo’ (주세요) to politely ask for something. This phrase is used when making requests or asking for favors.
It can be used in various contexts, such as ordering food at a restaurant or requesting assistance from someone.
‘Juseyo’ is a versatile and polite way to say please in Korean, showing respect and consideration towards others.
Informal Situations: Budi (부디)
When you’re in a casual setting, don’t forget to use the contraction ‘budi’ to politely ask for something. Budi is commonly used among friends or acquaintances and it has a softer tone compared to other forms of politeness.
It is often used when you want someone to do something for you or when you are making a request. Remember to use budi when you want to show politeness in informal situations.
Polite Requests: Sseuseyo (쓰세요)
Imagine yourself in a lively Korean restaurant, surrounded by the aroma of delicious dishes. You glance at the menu, and with a friendly smile, you say, ‘Sseuseyo!’ to politely request the mouthwatering dish that caught your eye.
Sseuseyo is a polite way to ask someone to do something for you. In this case, you are asking the waiter or waitress to please bring you the dish you desire. It’s a simple yet effective way to make a polite request in Korean.
Casual Requests: Haejwo (해줘)
Casual requests can be made using the contraction ‘haejwo’ in Korean, allowing for a more relaxed and informal tone when asking someone to do something for you.
It is commonly used among friends, family members, or people of similar age.
Simply add ‘haejwo’ to the stem of the verb to form a casual request.
For example, ‘자 가’ (ja ga) means ‘Please go’ and ‘먹 어’ (meok eo) means ‘Please eat.’
Asking for a Favor: Jjigeumcheoreomhaejuseyo (지금처럼 해주세요)
Help me out like you did before. If you need a favor, you can ask for it by saying ‘Jjigeumcheoreomhaejuseyo’ in Korean.
This phrase is used to politely request someone to do something for you, just like the previous subtopic we discussed. It’s a great way to show respect and ask for assistance.
Remember to use this phrase when you need someone’s help and want to be polite about it.
Showing Gratitude: Gamsahamnida (감사합니다)
Thank you so much for your help; I’m truly grateful.
When expressing gratitude in Korean, the phrase ‘Gamsahamnida’ is commonly used. It’s a polite way to show appreciation for someone’s assistance or kindness.
This phrase can be used in various situations, such as receiving a favor, a gift, or even a compliment.
Remember to use a respectful tone and a slight bow when saying ‘Gamsahamnida’ to show sincerity.
Making a Polite Offer: Deureojuseyo (들어주세요)
One way to convey politeness when making an offer in Korean is by using the phrase ‘Deureojuseyo,’ which can be translated as ‘Please give me.’
This phrase is commonly used when asking someone to pass or hand over something. By using ‘Deureojuseyo,’ you are showing respect and consideration towards the other person.
It is important to use this phrase appropriately in various situations, such as when requesting items or asking for assistance.
Requesting Assistance: Ttadajuseyo (따라주세요)
If you ever find yourself in need of a helping hand, simply say, "Could you please show me how to do it?" using the Korean phrase "Ttadajuseyo."
It is a polite way to request assistance.
The word "Ttada" means "to follow" and "juseyo" is a formal way to say "please."
By using this phrase, you are politely asking someone to guide you or teach you how to do something.
Asking for Permission: Jugobuseyo (주고부세요)
When you want to ask for permission in Korean, remember to use the phrase ‘Jugobuseyo.’ This polite and respectful phrase is commonly used in various situations. You can use it to ask for permission to enter, borrow, or use something. By using ‘Jugobuseyo,’ you show your consideration for the other person’s authority and maintain a courteous atmosphere. It is a simple yet effective way to ask for permission in Korean.
Expressing Politeness: Jalmoshimnida (잘못심니다)
Expressing politeness in Korean becomes much easier with the contraction ‘jalmoshimnida.’ It adds a touch of respect and formality to your language.
This phrase is commonly used when apologizing or admitting a mistake. For example, if you accidentally bump into someone, you can say ‘Jalmoshimnida’ to apologize. It shows that you are taking responsibility for your actions and acknowledging the other person’s feelings.
Remember to use this phrase to maintain politeness in your Korean conversations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing different ways to say ‘please’ in Korean is essential for effective communication in various situations.
Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, there are specific words and phrases that convey politeness and respect.
From making requests to asking for permission or offering assistance, using the appropriate expressions can greatly enhance your interactions with Korean speakers.
So remember to practice and incorporate these phrases into your Korean language skills to show your politeness and understanding of Korean culture.
