기다리고 있어요
gidarigo isseoyo
The English phrase "I am waiting" is translated into Korean as 기다리고 있어요 (gidarigo isseoyo).
This phrase is used to state that you are currently in the process of waiting for someone or something. In Korean, the subject "I" (나/저) is frequently omitted from this phrase when the context makes it clear who is waiting.
Which one should you use?
While 기다리고 있어요 specifically emphasizes the continuous action of being in the middle of waiting, the simpler form 기다려요 can also be used to express the same state in many contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express this in a formal or polite way in professional settings, you can use 기다리고 있습니다. For casual conversation with friends or younger people, you can use the informal form 기다리고 있어.
How do you pronounce it?
gidarigo isseoyo
Did you know?
- In Korean, 기다려 can be used as a command to a dog to 'stay', similar to how an English speaker would say 'wait' during training.
- In Korean, the phrase 기다리고 있어요 can be used to express both the physical act of waiting and the psychological state of 'looking forward to' something.
- In highly formal settings, such as when a subordinate is waiting for a superior, the word 대기 is often used instead of 기다림 to denote a professional 'standby' status.
Examples in context
- 영수씨를 기다리고 있습니다.I am waiting for Mr. Yeongsu.
- 이메일을 기다리고 있어요.I am waiting for an email.
- 친구들을 기다리고 있어.I am waiting for my friends.
- 친구를 기다리고 있어요.chingu-reul gidarigo isseoyo.I am waiting for a friend.
- 여기서 버스를 기다리고 있어요.yeogiseo beoseu-reul gidarigo isseoyo.I am waiting for the bus here.
- 주문을 기다리고 있어요.jumun-eul gidarigo isseoyo.I am waiting for my order.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo calls Seoyeon to ask where she is.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 어디예요?Seoyeon ssi, eodi-yeyo?Seoyeon, where are you?
- 서연 Seo-yeon카페에서 커피를 기다리고 있어요.kape-eseo keopi-reul gidarigo isseoyo.I am waiting for my coffee at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 제가 갈게요.geureom jega galgeyo.Then I will go there.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 천천히 오세요.ne, cheoncheonhi oseyo.Yes, please come slowly.
