방해하지 마세요
banghaehaji maseyo
The English phrase "do not disturb" is translated into Korean as 방해하지 마세요 (banghaehaji maseyo).
Meaning: do not disturb (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 방해하다 (to disturb/interfere) and the negation pattern -지 마세요 (please do not).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
방해하지 마세요 is a formal way to say "do not disturb". For a highly formal version used in official announcements or very strict professional settings, use 방해하지 마십시오. In an informal context, you can use 방해하지 마, which is the casual, non-polite version used with friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 방해하다 (to disturb) is conjugated into the negative imperative form using the suffix -지 마세요.
How do you pronounce it?
banghaehaji maseyo
Did you know?
- In written public notices, such as 'Do Not Disturb' signs in hotels, you will often see the more formal 취침 중 which means 'during sleep' rather than a command to not disturb.
- The word 방해 is derived from Hanja, where 방 means 'prevent' and 해 means 'harm'. This implies that 'disturbing' someone is historically viewed as causing a form of harm or obstruction to their progress.
- If you were to use the casual version 방해하지 마 with a stranger or a superior, it would not just be 'informal', it would be considered a direct confrontation or a rude command.
Examples in context
- 방해하지 마세요. 저는 현재 중요한 업무에 집중하고 있습니다.Please do not disturb. I'm currently focusing on an important task.
- 방해하지 마. 좀 쉬고 싶은데…Do not disturb. I just want to relax…
- 지금은 공부 중이니 방해하지 마세요.jigeumeun gongbu jung-ini banghae-haji maseyo.I am studying now, so please do not disturb me.
- 회의 중이니까 방해하지 마세요.hoeui jung-inikka banghae-haji maseyo.I am in a meeting, so please do not disturb.
- 잠을 자고 있으니 방해하지 마세요.jameul jago isseuni banghae-haji maseyo.I am sleeping, so please do not disturb.
Example conversation
Dohyun is concentrating on a task at home.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨, 지금은 방해하지 마세요.Seoyeon ssi, jigeumeun banghaehaji maseyo.Seoyeon, please do not disturb me right now.
- 서연 Seo-yeon미안해요, 도현 씨. 무슨 일이에요?mianhaeyo, Dohyun ssi. museun irieyo?I'm sorry, Dohyun. What is going on?
- 도현 Do-hyeon중요한 보고서를 쓰고 있어요.jungyohan bogoseoreul sseugo isseoyo.I am writing an important report.
- 서연 Seo-yeon알겠어요. 나중에 올게요.algesseoyo. najunge olgeyo.I understand. I will come back later.
