따라오세요
ttaraoseyo
In Korean, "please follow me" is said as 따라오세요 (ttaraoseyo).
This phrase is a polite request for someone to walk behind you to a specific destination, following your movement or path. It is commonly used by staff in restaurants, hotels or hospitals to lead a customer to a seat or a room. You can also include the term 씨 with a person's name in a request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 따라오세요 is a combination of 따라 (following/according to) and 오세요 (please come).
Which one should you use?
While 따라오세요 means 'please follow me', it specifically implies following the speaker's movement or path.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 따라오십시오 is a more formal version of 따라오세요 used in highly professional or military settings. The form 따라와 is the casual, non-polite version used with close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
ttaraoseyo
Did you know?
- In a professional setting, a staff member might gesture with their whole hand open and palm up while saying 따라오세요. Pointing with a single finger is often considered impolite when directing a guest.
- The root 따라 is also used in the word 따라하다, which means 'to mimic' or 'to copy'. This connects the physical act of following someone to the act of imitating their behavior.
- While 따라오세요 means 'please follow me', the verb 오다 actually means 'to come'. In Korean, you use 'come' instead of 'go' because you are inviting the person to join your current location or space.
Examples in context
- 이쪽으로 따라오세요.icheogeuro ttaraoseyo.Please follow me this way.
- 식당으로 따라오세요.sikdang-euro ttaraoseyo.Please follow me to the restaurant.
- 제 뒤를 따라오세요.je dwireul ttaraoseyo.Please follow behind me.
Example conversation
Dohyun is leading Seoyeon to a meeting room in an office.
- 도현 Do-hyeon회의실은 이쪽입니다. 따라오세요.hoeuisireun ijjogimnida. ttaraoseyo.The meeting room is this way. Please follow me.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Yes, I understand.
- 도현 Do-hyeon거의 다 왔습니다.geoui da watseumnida.We are almost there.
- 서연 Seo-yeon감사합니다, 도현 씨.gamsahamnida, Dohyun ssi.Thank you, Dohyun.
