또 오세요
tto oseyo
In Korean, "please come again" is 또 오세요 (tto oseyo).
This phrase is a standard customer service expression used by shopkeepers, restaurant staff or cafe employees when a customer is leaving to thank them and invite them to return.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 또 (again) and 오세요 (the honorific imperative form of to come).
Which one should you use?
While 또 오세요 is the standard polite version, 다시 오십시오 is a formal way to say "please come again". Another formal option is 또 방문해 주세요, which is slightly more inviting and friendly. For strictly professional or highly formal business settings, you may use 또 오십시오. In contrast, 다시 와 is an informal way to say "please come again".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 또 오십시오 is a more formal version of 또 오세요 used in highly professional or strictly formal business settings.
How do you pronounce it?
tto oseyo
Did you know?
- While 또 오세요 is used by staff, a customer would never say this to the owner when leaving. Doing so would be a social faux pas because the invitation to return is a gesture of hospitality from the host to the guest.
- The word 또 has been recorded in Korean literature since at least 1447 in the poem Yongbi eocheon'ga, meaning the core of this modern service phrase has ancient roots.
- If you used 또 오세요 to a superior or an elder in a non-business setting, it could sound oddly commanding. This is because the honorific imperative is intended for a host-guest relationship rather than a junior-senior one.
Examples in context
- 오늘 같이 놀아서 즐거웠어. 다시 와!It was fun hanging out today. Please come again!
- 다음에 또 오세요.daeume tto oseyo.Please come again next time.
- 맛있게 드셨다면 또 오세요.masitge deosyeotdamyeon tto oseyo.If you enjoyed your meal, please come again.
Example conversation
A customer is leaving a small cafe after finishing a drink.
- 서연 Seo-yeon결제 도와드릴까요?gyeolje dowadeurilkkayo?Can I help you with the payment?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 여기 있습니다.ne, yeogi isseumnida.Yes, here it is.
- 서연 Seo-yeon감사합니다. 또 오세요!gamsahamnida. tto oseyo!Thank you. Please come again!
- 민준 Min-jun네, 다음에 또 올게요.ne, daeume tto olgeyo.Yes, I will come again next time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 또, CC BY-SA 4.0.
