What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 대답하다 (to answer) and the auxiliary verb 줘 (to give/do for someone), which softens the command into a request, literally meaning "answer (me) please".
Which one should you use?
While 대답해 줘 is a standard request, using 대답해 turns the phrase into a direct command. You may also use 대답 좀 해 to add a slight sense of urgency to your request.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 대답해 줘 is informal and used in casual settings with friends or people younger than you. For a polite request suitable for strangers or superiors, use 대답해 주세요. If you need an even more formal and respectful way to say "answer me", use 대답해 주십시오.
How does it change in a sentence?
Dropping the 줘 from the end of the phrase makes it a direct command, which can sound blunt or even rude depending on your tone.
How do you pronounce it?
daedaphae jwo
Did you know?
- The word for 'answer' in a mathematical sense, like 'the answer to 1 plus 1', is actually 답 (dap) rather than 대답. Using 대답 for a math problem would sound like you are asking the numbers to have a conversation.
- In Korean culture, if someone is ignoring you, saying 대답해 줘 can be seen as aggressive. Often, people prefer to use a non-verbal cue like a light touch on the shoulder or a subtle cough to prompt an answer first.
- If you are asking for an answer in a professional setting, you might use the word 회신 (reply/response) instead of 대답. While 대답 is for spoken words, 회신 is specifically used for formal written correspondence like emails.
Examples in context
- 저에게 대답해 주세요.Please answer me.
- 내게 대답해.Answer me.
- 내게 대답 좀 해.Answer me, please.
- 제 질문에 대답해 줘.Je jilmun-e daedaphae jwo.Answer my question.
- 빨리 대답해 줘.Ppalli daedaphae jwo.Answer me quickly.
Example conversation
Dohyeon is calling Minji, but she is not responding to his text.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지야, 제발 내 말에 대답해 줘.Minji-ya, jebal nae mare daedaphae jwo.Minji, please answer me.
- 민지 Min-ji미안해, 도현아. 지금 전화 못 받아.Mianhae, Dohyeon-ah. Jigeum jeonhwa mot bada.Sorry, Dohyeon. I can't take the call right now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon무슨 일 있어? 대답해 줘.Museun il isseo? Daedaphae jwo.Is something wrong? Answer me.
- 민지 Min-ji나중에 다시 연락할게.Najunge dasi yeollak-halge.I will contact you again later.
