What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 돕다 (to help), 드리다 (the humble form of 'to give') and -ㄹ게요 (a grammatical ending expressing a promise or intention). Literally, it means "I will (humbly) help you".
Which one should you use?
While 도와드릴게요 is a standard polite way to offer help, you can use the informal 도와줄게 when speaking to close friends or people younger than you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
도와드릴게요 is a polite form suitable for use with strangers, customers or people older than you. For a more formal tone, you can use 도움을 드릴 수 있습니다. Conversely, the informal version 도와줄까? or 내가 도와줄게. is used in casual settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
Changing the ending to -ㄹ까요? In the form 도와드릴까요? turns the statement into a polite question, which can sound even more considerate when offering help.
How do you pronounce it?
dowadeurilgeyo
Did you know?
- While offering help is kind, Koreans use the word 오지랖 to describe someone who offers help like 도와줄게 too frequently or without being asked, essentially labeling them as a 'meddler'.
- In Korean, the act of helping is conceptually framed as 'giving' a gift, which is why the humble verb 드리다 used in 도와드릴게요 is the same one used when presenting a physical gift to a superior.
- The phrase 도와드릴까요? is often preferred over 도와드릴게요 because the question format provides the recipient with the psychological 'space' to decline the offer without feeling pressured.
Examples in context
- 제가 도와드릴게요.jega dowadeurilgeyo.I will help you.
- 짐 옮기는 거 도와드릴게요.jim omgineun geo dowadeurilgeyo.I will help you move your luggage.
- 계산하는 거 도와드릴게요.gyesanhaneun geo dowadeurilgeyo.I will help you with the calculation.
Example conversation
Ji-eun sees Min-jun struggling with heavy shopping bags at the station.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 제가 도와드릴게요.Minjun ssi, jega dowadeurilgeyo.Min-jun, I will help you.
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 감사합니다, 지은 씨.Jeongmalyo? Gamsahamnida, Jieun ssi.Really? Thank you, Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 가방은 너무 무거워 보여요.I gabangeun neomu mugeowo boyeoyo.This bag looks very heavy.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 조금 도와주시면 감사하겠습니다.Ne, jogeum dowajusimyeon gamsahagessseumnida.Yes, I would appreciate it if you could help a little.
