What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 영어 (English) followed by the particle -로, which indicates the medium or tool being used (translating to "in" or "using") and the verb phrase meaning "to do" combined with a polite request ending.
Which one should you use?
영어로 해 주세요 is also a formal way to say it. If you are speaking to close friends or someone younger than you, you would use the informal version 영어로 해 줘.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
영어로 해주세요 is a polite form suitable for use with strangers, service staff or in formal settings. For a casual or informal setting with close friends or people younger than you, use 영어로 해줘.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase follows a structure where the noun 영어 is followed by the particle -로 (in/using/by means of), followed by the verb for "to do" and a request ending.
How do you pronounce it?
yeongeoro haejuseyo
Did you know?
- While 영어로 해주세요 is polite, a person might feel an instinctive need to bow slightly while saying it to ensure the request is perceived as a humble plea rather than a demand.
- The word 영어 is a loan-translation from the Chinese word 'yīngyǔ'. Because of this, Korean uses similar roots for other languages, such as 중국어 for Chinese and 일본어 for Japanese.
- The phrase uses the verb 하다 (to do), but in this context, it functions as 'to speak' or 'to express'. Koreans often use 'do' to describe performing an action involving a specific language.
Examples in context
- 영어로 해주세요.yeong-eo-ro hae-ju-se-yo.English, please.
- 죄송하지만 영어로 해주세요.joe-song-ha-ji-man yeong-eo-ro hae-ju-se-yo.I'm sorry, but English, please.
- 메뉴판을 영어로 해주세요.me-nyu-pan-eul yeong-eo-ro hae-ju-se-yo.Please make the menu in English.
Example conversation
Dohyun is asking for help at a tourist information center.
- 도현 Do-hyeon안녕하세요, 길을 찾고 있어요.An-nyeong-ha-se-yo, gil-eul chat-go it-eo-yo.Hello, I am looking for the way.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 어디로 가시나요?Ne, eo-di-ro ga-si-na-yo?Yes, where are you going?
- 도현 Do-hyeon죄송합니다. 영어로 해주세요.Joe-song-ham-ni-da. Yeong-eo-ro hae-ju-se-yo.I'm sorry. English, please.
- 서연 Seo-yeon아, 네. 제가 도와드릴게요.A, ne. Je-ga do-wa-deu-ril-ge-yo.Oh, yes. I will help you.
