잠시만요
jamsimanyo
In Korean, "one moment please" is 잠시만요 (jamsimanyo).
잠시만요 is a polite and standard way to request that someone wait for a short period. It is also frequently used in crowded places, such as subways, as a way to say "excuse me" when you are trying to pass through a crowd.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 잠시 meaning "a moment" or "a short while", 만 meaning "only" and the polite particle 요.
Which one should you use?
The word 잠시만 on its own simply means "one moment" or "a short while".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
잠시만요 is a polite form suitable for use with strangers or in service settings. For a more formal version, you can use 잠시만 기다려 주세요. Conversely, 잠시만 기다려 is an informal way to say "one moment please" and using just 잠시만 (without the 요) is also informal and should only be used with people younger than you or close friends.
How do you pronounce it?
jamsimanyo
Did you know?
- In casual speech, friends often shorten 잠시만 to 잠만 in text messages or fast conversation to save time.
- When using 잠시만요 to pass someone in a crowd, it is common to accompany the phrase with a slight bow of the head to soften the intrusion.
- The particle 만 in 잠시만요 acts as a psychological buffer. By specifying 'only' a moment, you are subtly minimizing the inconvenience you are asking of the listener.
Examples in context
- 잠시만요, 길 좀 비켜 주세요.jam-si-man-yo, gil jom bi-kyeo ju-se-yo.One moment please, please let me through.
- 잠시만요, 전화 좀 받을게요.jam-si-man-yo, jeon-hwa jom ba-deul-ge-yo.One moment please, I need to take this call.
- 잠시만요, 확인해 볼게요.jam-si-man-yo, hwa-gin-hae bol-ge-yo.One moment please, let me check.
Example conversation
In a busy cafe, Minji is looking for her wallet.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 잠시만요.hyeon-u ssi, jam-si-man-yo.Hyunwoo, one moment please.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo무슨 일이에요, 민지 씨?mu-seun il-i-e-yo, min-ji ssi?What is it, Minji?
- 민지 Min-ji지갑을 좀 찾아야 해요.ji-gap-eul jom cha-ja-ya hae-yo.I need to find my wallet.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo천천히 찾아보세요.cheon-cheon-hi cha-ja-bo-se-yo.Take your time looking for it.
