Learning how to say “hold on” in Korean can be essential in various situations, whether you’re trying to maintain a conversation, asking someone to wait, or simply indicating that you need a moment to gather your thoughts. In this guide, we will explore different ways to express “hold on” in Korean, including both formal and informal language. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Hold On” in Korean
When speaking in a formal context or showing respect to someone of higher social status, it is essential to choose appropriate language. Here are a few formal phrases you can use to convey “hold on” politely:
1. 잠시만 기다려주세요 (Jamsiman Gidaryeojuseyo)
This phrase is the most common way to say “hold on” politely in Korean. 잠시만 (jamsiman) translates to “just a moment” or “for a while,” and 기다려주세요 (gidaryeojuseyo) means “please wait.” By combining these two expressions, you create a polite and formal request to someone, indicating that you need them to wait briefly.
Example: 잠시만 기다려주세요. (Jamsiman gidaryeojuseyo.)
Translation: Please hold on for a moment.
Informal Ways to Say “Hold On” in Korean
When speaking to close friends, family members, or people of similar age, you can use more casual language. Here are a few informal phrases commonly used to express “hold on” in Korean:
1. 잠깐만 기다려 (Jamkkanman Gidaryeo)
This phrase is the informal version of 잠시만 기다려주세요 (Jamsiman gidaryeojuseyo) mentioned earlier. 잠깐만 (jamkkanman) translates to “just a moment” or “for a little while,” and 기다려 (gidaryeo) means “wait.” By using 잠깐만 기다려 (jamkkanman gidaryeo), you indicate to your friends or people of a similar age that you need them to wait briefly.
Example: 잠깐만 기다려. (Jamkkanman gidaryeo.)
Translation: Hold on for a moment.
2. 잠시만 (Jamsiman)
Sometimes, using the word 잠깐만 (jamkkanman) can be too lengthy or unnecessary. In such cases, you can shorten it to 잠시만 (jamsiman), meaning “just a moment.” This casual expression is ideal for quick and informal conversations when you want the other person to hold on momentarily.
Example: 잠시만 좀 (Jamsiman jom)
Translation: Just a moment, please.
Additional Tips when Using “Hold On” in Korean
1. Non-Verbal Cues
In addition to using the appropriate phrases, adding non-verbal cues can enhance your communication. When saying “hold on” in person, you can raise one hand with your palm facing forward, signaling the universal gesture for stopping or waiting.
2. Tone and Politeness
The tone of your voice and level of politeness can greatly impact your communication in Korean. Remember to use appropriate honorifics when using formal language. Additionally, a warm and friendly tone can help create a positive interaction, regardless of the formality level.
3. Context Matters
Consider the context in which you need to say “hold on.” Sometimes, it might be more suitable to use alternative phrases that convey a similar meaning, such as “please wait a moment,” “one second, please,” or “just give me a moment.”
Conclusion
Learning how to say “hold on” in Korean is an essential step towards effective communication in various situations. In this guide, we covered both formal and informal ways to express this phrase, focusing on 잠시만 기다려주세요 (Jamsiman Gidaryeojuseyo) for formal contexts and 잠깐만 기다려 (Jamkkanman Gidaryeo) for informal ones. Remember to adjust your tone and consider non-verbal cues to enhance your communication further. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll master the art of saying “hold on” in Korean confidently!
