제발
jebal[ˈt͡ɕe̞(ː)ba̠ɭ]
제발 (jebal) is the Korean word for "please" when used to express a desperate or earnest plea.
제발 is an adverb used to express a desperate or earnest plea when asking for something.
Which one should you use?
While 제발 expresses an emotional or desperate plea, the phrase 부탁해요 (butak-haeyo) is the standard, polite way to say "I have a favor to ask" or "Please do this for me".
How do you pronounce it?
jebal
Did you know?
- When someone is complaining about a persistent annoyance, they might shout 제발! alone, which functions more like 'Give me a break!' or 'Enough already!' than a request.
- While it translates to 'please', using 제발 with a superior or teacher can actually sound rude or overly emotional, as it sounds like you are begging or losing control.
- In Korean dramas and films, 제발 is often accompanied by the 'begging' gesture of clasping both hands together or clutching the other person's sleeve to emphasize the desperation.
Examples in context
- 제발 도와주세요.Please help me.
- 제발 우리 팀을 응원해주세요!Please support our team, please!
- 제발 한 번만 도와줘.jebal han beonman dowajwo.Please, help me just this once.
- 제발 그만 좀 해.jebal geuman jom hae.Please, just stop it.
- 제발 비밀을 지켜줘.jebal bimireul jikyeojwo.Please, keep the secret.
Example conversation
Subin is asking Jihun to return her favorite book.
- 수빈 Su-bin내 책 제발 돌려줘.nae chaek jebal dollyeojwo.Please, give me back my book.
- 지훈 Ji-hun알았어, 돌려줄게.arasseo, dollyeojulge.Okay, I'll give it back.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말이지? 약속해.jeongmariji? yaksokhae.Really? Promise me.
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 수빈아. 약속할게.eung, subin-a. yaksokhalge.Yes, Subin. I promise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 제발, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
