도움이 필요해요
doumi piryohaeyo
The English phrase "I need your help" can be said in Korean as 도움이 필요해요 (doumi piryohaeyo).
This phrase is used to state the fact that you require assistance with something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 도움 (help), the subject marker 이 and 필요해요 (need).
Which one should you use?
While 도움이 필요해요 is a statement of your need, the phrase 도와주세요 is used when making a direct request for someone to perform an action to help you.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the polite form 도움이 필요해요, the ending -요 is used to maintain politeness. To transition to an informal style for use with close friends or younger individuals, you can drop the -요 to say 도움이 필요해.
How do you pronounce it?
doumi piryohaeyo
Did you know?
- If you are in a desperate emergency, you might shout 살려주세요 (save me) instead of 도움이 필요해요, as the latter can sound too calm or formal for a life-threatening situation.
- Korean culture emphasizes 'nunchi' or the art of sensing others' needs. Often, people will offer 'help' before the other person even has a chance to say 도움이 필요해요.
- The verb 필요하다 (to need) actually functions more like an adjective in Korean grammar, which is why it takes the subject marker 이 instead of an object marker.
Examples in context
- 선생님, 도움이 필요합니다.Teacher, I need your help.
- 형아, 도와줄래?Hey, can you help me, bro?
- 영희 씨, 도와주세요.Yeonghui, could you please help me?
- 지금 도움이 필요해요.jigeum doumi piryohaeyo.I need help right now.
- 짐 옮기는 데 도움이 필요해요.jim omgineun de doumi piryohaeyo.I need help moving these boxes.
- 정말 도움이 필요해요.jeongmal doumi piryohaeyo.I really need help.
Example conversation
Minji is struggling with heavy grocery bags in the hallway.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 도움이 필요해요.Dohyeon ssi, doumi piryohaeyo.Dohyeon, I need your help.
- 도현 Do-hyeon무슨 일이에요, 민지 씨?Museun irieyo, Minji ssi?What is the matter, Minji?
- 민지 Min-ji짐이 너무 무거워요.Jimi neomu mugeowoyo.The bags are too heavy.
- 도현 Do-hyeon제가 들어 드릴게요.Jega deureo deurilgeyo.I will carry them for you.
