What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb 빨리 (quickly) and the informal verb 와 (come).
Which one should you use?
While 빨리 와 is a common way to express this, you can use 빨리 오세요 to be more polite or 신속히 오세요 to emphasize promptness in formal or professional settings. For a more direct and forceful command, such as an elder speaking to a child or between very close friends, you might use 빨리 와라.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 빨리 와 is informal and should only be used among friends, people in a close relationship or people younger than you. To add respect to an informal phrase, you can add 요 to the end, such as in 빨리 와요, which is slightly more polite than 빨리 와. When speaking to a stranger, someone older or someone in a higher social position, use the polite form 빨리 오세요.
How do you pronounce it?
ppalli wa
Did you know?
- In South Korea, the 'Ppalli-ppalli' (hurry-hurry) culture is a well-known social phenomenon. This cultural emphasis on speed means that using phrases like 빨리 와 is not just a request, but often reflects a national pace of life.
- The modern word 빨리 originates from the Middle Korean word ᄲᆞᆯ리〮, which was recorded as early as 1447 in the Seokbo sangjeol.
- In some contexts, 빨리 can be used to describe not just physical speed, but also a desire for a situation to resolve quickly, such as wanting a new season or event to arrive.
Examples in context
- 빨리 와봐!Come quickly and take a look!
- 여기 빨리 와주세요Please come here quickly.
- 빨리 와!Come fast!
- 집에 빨리 와.jib-e ppal-li wa.Come home fast.
- 학교에 빨리 와.hak-gyo-e ppal-li wa.Come to school fast.
- 여기로 빨리 와!yeo-gi-ro ppal-li wa!Come here fast!
Example conversation
Ji-eun is waiting for Hyun-woo at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우야, 빨리 와.Hyeon-u-ya, ppal-li wa.Hyun-woo, come fast.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지금 가고 있어.ji-geum ga-go is-seo.I'm going now.
- 지은 Ji-eun늦으면 안 돼.neu-jeum-yeon an dwae.You shouldn't be late.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo금방 도착해.geum-bang do-chak-hae.I'll arrive soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 빨리, 와, CC BY-SA 4.0.
