잠시만요
jamsimanyo
In Korean, "one moment" is expressed as 잠시만요 (jamsimanyo).
Stop. Wait.
Meaning: Stop, wait (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 잠시 (a moment), 만 (only) and the polite particle 요 (yo).
Which one should you use?
While 잠시만요 is a standard polite way to say "one moment", 잠깐만 is a more casual, blunt way to say "one moment" used to mean "wait a sec". Additionally, 조금만 기다려 can be used to literally mean "Wait for a little".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
잠시만요 is a common and polite way to say "one moment" in formal situations, making it suitable for use with strangers or in service settings. In contrast, 잠깐만 is a casual way to say "one moment" used among friends or people younger than you, while 조금만 기다려 is also an informal phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 요 to the end of 잠시만 makes the request polite. Omitting it makes it informal.
How do you pronounce it?
jamsimanyo
Did you know?
- In crowded areas like the subway, people often shout 잠시만요 not to ask for a moment of time, but to politely say 'excuse me' while moving through a crowd.
- A common mistake for learners is using the casual 잠깐만 with a boss or teacher, which can come across as if you are dismissively telling them to 'hold on' or 'shut up'.
- When spoken quickly in casual conversation, 잠깐만 is often shortened even further to 잠깐 or 잠만, especially in text messaging among youth.
Examples in context
- 잠시만요, 말씀 좀 드릴게요One moment, I have something to say.
- 잠시만요, 문 좀 열어 주세요.jamsimanyo, mun jom yeoreo juseyo.One moment, please open the door.
- 잠시만요, 길 좀 비켜 주세요.jamsimanyo, gil jom bikyeo juseyo.One moment, please clear the way.
- 잠시만요, 제가 확인할게요.jamsimanyo, jega hwaginhaelgeyo.One moment, I will check.
Example conversation
In a busy cafe, Subin is trying to find her wallet.
- 수빈 Su-bin잠시만요, 지갑을 좀 찾아야 해요.jamsimanyo, jigabeul jom chajaya haeyo.One moment, I have to find my wallet.
- 도현 Do-hyeon천천히 찾으셔도 괜찮아요, 수빈 씨.cheoncheonhi chajeusyeodo gwaenchanayo, Subin ssi.It is okay to take your time, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 여기 있어요!Dohyeon ssi, yeogi isseoyo!Dohyeon, here it is!
- 도현 Do-hyeon다행이네요, 이제 주문할까요?dahaeng-ineyo, ije jumun-halkkayo?That is a relief, shall we order now?
