주시겠어요
jusigesseoyo
The English phrase "may I have" is translated into Korean as 주시겠어요 (jusigesseoyo).
This phrase is a polite way to ask someone to give you something. While the English version focuses on the speaker's permission to have an item, the Korean phrase focuses on the listener's willingness to provide it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the verb 주다 (to give), the honorific suffix –시– and the polite ending –겠어요 (would/will), which translates literally to "would you please give (to me)".
Which one should you use?
The form 주시겠어요? is a polite request, whereas the form 줘요 is a much more direct and less formal way to say "give me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
주시겠어요? is a polite form suitable for use with strangers, service staff or people older than you.
How do you pronounce it?
jusigesseoyo
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific version of the verb 'to give' called 드리다 which you must use if you are giving something to a person of higher status. You cannot use the root of 주시겠어요 when you are the one providing the item to a superior.
- In Korea, you rarely use 주시겠어요 while looking someone directly in the eyes. It is common to slightly tilt your head or lower your gaze to show modesty and respect when making a request.
- The grammar within 주시겠어요 is so polite that using it toward a much younger child or a pet might actually come across as sarcastic or strangely formal.
Examples in context
- 너무 배고파요. 물 좀 주세요!I'm so hungry. Please give me some water!
- 이 사과 좀 먹어도 괜찮아요?Is it okay if I have this apple?
- 메뉴 좀 주시겠어요?menyu jom jusigesseoyo?May I have the menu, please?
- 물 한 잔 주시겠어요?mul han jan jusigesseoyo?May I have a glass of water?
- 영수증 좀 주시겠어요?yeongsujeung jom jusigesseoyo?May I have the receipt, please?
Example conversation
At a quiet cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun커피 한 잔 주시겠어요?keopi han jan jusigesseoyo?May I have a cup of coffee?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 금방 드릴게요.ne, geumbang deurilgeyo.Yes, I will give it to you shortly.
- 지훈 Ji-hun설탕도 좀 주시겠어요?seoltangdo jom jusigesseoyo?May I also have some sugar?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 여기 있어요.ne, yeogi isseoyo.Yes, here it is.
