먼저 하세요
meonjeo haseyo
To say "go ahead" in Korean, use 먼저 하세요 (meonjeo haseyo).
This phrase is used when yielding a turn, such as letting someone speak first or pass through a door first.
Meaning: (''imperative'') grant permission (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 먼저 (first) and 하세요 (please do).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The highly formal version 먼저 하십시오 is used in professional or very respectful settings. The informal version 먼저 해 is used with friends or people younger than you. The informal way to say 'go ahead' is 맘대로 해, which means "Do as you please."
How do you pronounce it?
meonjeo haseyo
Did you know?
- While 먼저 하세요 is a polite way to say 'go ahead', using the informal 맘대로 해 to mean 'do as you please' can often sound dismissive or even angry, like saying 'do whatever you want' in a fight.
- Using 먼저 하세요 during a conversation is a key part of 'nunchi', the Korean art of sensing others' moods to maintain social harmony.
- When eating, saying 먼저 드세요 instead of 하세요 is the standard way to tell an elder to start their meal before you do.
Examples in context
- 앞으로 나아가 주세요.Please go forward.
- 맘대로 해.Do as you please.
- 먼저 하세요.meon-jeo ha-se-yo.Go ahead.
- 말씀 먼저 하세요.mal-sseum meon-jeo ha-se-yo.Go ahead and speak first.
- 식사 먼저 하세요.sik-sa meon-jeo ha-se-yo.Go ahead and eat first.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are standing in front of an elevator.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo먼저 타세요.meonjeo taseyo.Please go ahead and get in.
- 수빈 Su-bin아니에요, 현우 씨가 먼저 하세요.anieyo, hyeon-u ssiga meonjeo haseyo.No, Hyunwoo, you go ahead.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 괜찮아요.jeongmal gwaenchannayo.I am really okay.
- 수빈 Su-bin감사합니다.gamsahamnida.Thank you.
