What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 여기 (here), 앉다 (to sit) and the grammar pattern -아/어도 되다 (to be okay even if or to be allowed to).
Which one should you use?
While 여기 앉아도 돼요? is the standard polite form, you can use 여기에 앉아도 되겠습니까? to be much more formal or 여기에 앉아도 돼? to be informal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
여기 앉아도 돼요? is a polite way to ask a stranger or someone you are not close with for permission. For a much more formal request appropriate for very professional settings or when addressing someone of much higher status, use 여기에 앉아도 되겠습니까? The informal version, 여기에 앉아도 돼?, is used only with close friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending -요 in 여기 앉아도 돼요? makes the expression polite.
How do you pronounce it?
yeogi anjManagedo dwaeyo?
When do people say it?
If you ask this question and someone wishes to give you permission, a common polite response is 네, 앉으세요 (Yes, please sit). If someone wishes to politely decline, they may say 아니요, 여기 자리 있어요 (No, there is a seat [someone else] is using here).
Did you know?
- In highly traditional or formal settings, you might avoid the word 앉다 (to sit) entirely and use an honorific substitute to avoid sounding too direct when asking a superior.
- While 여기 앉아도 돼요? asks for permission, a common non-verbal accompaniment is a slight nod of the head or a small bow to show respect to the person you are asking.
- The word 여기 (here) has a history dating back to the 15th century, appearing in the Middle Korean text Seokbo sangjeol as 이ᅌᅥ긔.
Examples in context
- 예를 들어, 나이 든 분이 낯선 장소에서 앉아 계시면, "여기에 앉아도 되겠습니까?"라고 물어보세요.For example, if an older person is sitting in an unfamiliar place, ask politely, "여기에 앉아도 되겠습니까?"
- 친한 친구들과 함께 놀러 갔을 때, "여기에 앉아도 돼?"라고 친구에게 물어보세요.When you go out with close friends, ask them casually, "여기에 앉아도 돼?"
- 여기 앉아도 돼요?yeogi anjado dwaeyo?Can I sit here?
- 빈 자리인데 여기 앉아도 돼요?bin jarinde yeogi anjado dwaeyo?The seat is empty, can I sit here?
- 실례지만 여기 앉아도 돼요?sillyejiman yeogi anjado dwaeyo?Excuse me, but can I sit here?
Example conversation
Jihoon is looking for a seat in a crowded cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저기요, 여기 앉아도 돼요?jeogiyo, yeogi anjado dwaeyo?Excuse me, can I sit here?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 앉으셔도 돼요.ne, anjeusyeodo dwaeyo.Yes, you may sit.
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다.gamsahamnida.Thank you.
- 민지 Min-ji아니에요.anieyo.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 여기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
