사진 찍어도 될까요?
sajin jjigeodo doelkkayo?
The English phrase "can we take a picture?" is translated into Korean as 사진 찍어도 될까요? (sajin jjigeodo doelkkayo?)
This phrase is a polite request used to ask for permission to take a photograph. It is the standard way to ask a stranger or a staff member for permission to take a photo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built around the word 사진, which means "picture".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can adjust the level of politeness by changing the ending. Replacing the formal 될까요? with 돼요? makes the request slightly less formal but still polite. Using 돼? instead of 될까요? or 돼요? makes the phrase casual and suitable only for friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
sajin jjigeodo doelkkayo?
When do people say it?
If you ask for permission and someone grants it, a common polite response is 네, 찍으셔도 돼요 (Yes, you may take it). If the request is denied, someone might say 안 돼요 to indicate that it is not allowed.
Did you know?
- The verb used in this phrase 찍다 is the same word used for 'stamping' a document or 'printing' a pattern on fabric.
- While 'picture' is 사진, if you are specifically asking to take a photo of a person, you might see the term 인생샷 used in casual conversation. It literally translates to 'life shot' and refers to the best photo of one's life.
- When asking a stranger to take a photo of you, it is polite to offer your phone or camera to them rather than just pointing and asking. This physical gesture of handing over the device shows trust and clarity in your request.
Examples in context
- 여기서 사진 찍어도 될까요?yeogiseo sajin jjigeodo doelkkayo?Can we take a picture here?
- 관광객인데 사진 찍어도 될까요?gwangwanggaeginde sajin jjigeodo doelkkayo?We are tourists, can we take a picture?
- 두 명이서 사진 찍어도 될까요?dumyeongiseo sajin jjigeodo doelkkayo?Can the two of us take a picture?
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyeonu are visiting a beautiful garden.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 여기서 사진 찍어도 될까요?Hyeonu ssi, yeogiseo sajin jjigeodo doelkkayo?Hyeonu, can we take a picture here?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 당연하죠. 정말 예쁘네요!ne, dang-yeonhajyo. jeongmal yeppeuneyo!Yes, of course. It's really beautiful!
- 서연 Seo-yeon준비됐어요? 하나, 둘, 셋!junbidwaesseoyo? hana, dul, set!Are you ready? One, two, three!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요, 아주 잘 나왔어요.joayo, aju jal nawasseoyo.Great, it came out very well.
