Learning how to say “do it” in Korean is a fundamental step to grasp the language. Whether you’re planning to visit South Korea, communicate with Korean friends, or dive into Korean culture, understanding how to express “do it” formally and informally is essential. In this guide, we will explore various ways to convey this phrase and provide helpful tips, examples, and insights. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Do it” in Korean
When speaking formally or in polite situations, Koreans often use specific phrases to convey “do it.” Here are a few examples:
- 해주세요 (Haejuseyo): This phrase is commonly used when requesting someone to “do it” politely. It is suitable for various situations and can be used with people you are not familiar with or in professional settings. For instance, if you need someone to complete a task, you can say: “이것을 해주세요” (Igeoseul haejuseyo), meaning “Please do this.”
- 해 드릴까요 (Hae deurilkkayo): This phrase demonstrates politeness as well, but it indicates that you will kindly do the task for someone else. It is particularly useful when offering assistance or being in a service-oriented role. For example, if someone asks for help, you can say: “해 드릴까요?” (Hae deurilkkayo?), meaning “Shall I do it for you?”
- 해주세요 드릴까요 (Haejuseyo deurilkkayo): This expression is a combination of the two previous phrases. It is an even more polite way of asking someone to “do it” for you. For instance, if you want to request a favor, you can say: “이것 좀 해주세요 드릴까요?” (Igeot jom haejuseyo deurilkkayo?), meaning “Could you kindly do this for me?”
Informal Ways to Say “Do it” in Korean
In informal situations or when talking with close friends or family, Koreans often use different phrases to express “do it.” Let’s explore some of these informal expressions:
- 해줘 (Haejwo): This casual phrase is commonly used among friends or close acquaintances when requesting them to “do it” for you. For example, if you want your friend to complete a task, you can say: “이거 좀 해줘” (Igeo jom haejwo), meaning “Do this for me, please.”
- 해봐 (Haebwa): This informal phrase is often used in a friendly manner when asking someone to “give it a try” or “do it” as a suggestion. It shows a sense of familiarity and implies the person is capable of completing the task. For instance, if you want to ask your sibling to try something, you can say: “이거 좀 해봐” (Igeo jom haebwa), meaning “Give this a try.”
- 해 (Hae): When speaking casually, Koreans often drop the honorific endings. Therefore, you can simply use “해” to mean “do it.” However, note that this should only be used with close friends or family members in a casual context. For example, if you want your sibling to do a favor, you can say: “이거 좀 해” (Igeo jom hae).
Tips and Examples:
Here are some additional tips and examples that will assist you in using these phrases naturally:
Tone and Context:
The tone and context play a significant role in selecting the appropriate phrase. Understanding the level of formality required, the relationship between speaker and listener, and the situation itself will help you choose the most appropriate expression.
Adding Politeness:
To make the phrases even more polite, you can add polite particles such as “요” (yo) or “까요” (kkayo) at the end. This adds politeness while demonstrating respect towards the listener. For instance, “해주세요” becomes “해주세요요” (Haejuseyo yo).
Verb Tenses:
Depending on the context, you may need to adjust the verb tense. For instance, “do it now” would be expressed as “지금 해주세요” (Jigeum haejuseyo) in formal speech and “지금 해봐” (Jigeum haebwa) in informal speech.
Adding Emphasis:
If you want to emphasize the urgency of the task, you can add the word “지금” (jigeum), meaning “now,” at the beginning of the sentence. This adds immediacy to the request.
Useful Vocabulary:
While the phrase “do it” is straightforward, incorporating relevant vocabulary into your sentences will enhance your communication skills. Here are some useful verbs you can substitute for “do” to increase your vocabulary:
- 공부하다 (Gongbuhada) – to study
- 요리하다 (Yorihada) – to cook
- 청소하다 (Cheongsodada) – to clean
- 도와주다 (Dowajuda) – to help
- 수리하다 (Surihada) – to repair
By replacing “do” with these verbs, you can create more specific requests tailored to the situation.
Example 1:
Formal: “학교 숙제 좀 해주세요” (Hakgyo sukjeh jom haejuseyo)
-> Translation: “Please do my school homework.”Example 2:
Informal: “운동을 좀 해봐” (Undongeul jom haebwa)
-> Translation: “Give exercising a try.”Example 3:
Casual: “이거 사주지마, 직접 해” (Igeo sajujima, jikjeop hae)
-> Translation: “Don’t buy this, do it yourself.”
Conclusion
Mastering the phrase “do it” in Korean is an essential step towards becoming proficient in the language. By understanding the formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, along with tips, examples, and relevant vocabulary, you are now equipped to communicate effectively in various situations. Remember to consider the appropriate level of politeness, adjust verb tenses, and use context-specific vocabulary to enhance your conversations. Keep practicing, and you’ll be confidently saying “do it” in Korean in no time!
