부탁드립니다
The Korean phrase for "please (formal)" is 부탁드립니다.
부탁드립니다 is used when asking for a favor or requesting a specific action in professional or formal settings, such as when communicating in business emails or speaking to a superior.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 부탁, meaning a request or favor and 드립니다, which is the humble form of the verb "to give".
Which one should you use?
While 부탁드립니다 is highly formal and humble, the phrase 부탁해요 is a standard polite form used in everyday social situations with people you are not extremely close to.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb in 부탁드립니다 is in the formal polite style (하십시오체), which is the highest level of politeness in Korean.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'please' for almost any request, 부탁드립니다 is reserved for favors. If you are asking for a glass of water or a menu, using this phrase would sound strangely heavy.
- The word 부탁 originates from Hanja (Chinese characters) and carries a connotation of 'entrusting' something to another person, rather than simply requesting a service.
- In Korean business culture, 부탁드립니다 is often used at the end of emails even when no specific favor is being asked, acting more as a formal closing similar to 'Sincerely' or 'Thank you in advance'.
Examples in context
- 가르쳐주세요Please teach me.
- 앉아주세요Please sit down.
- 도와주세요Please help me.
- 기다려주세요Please wait.
- 도움을 부탁드립니다.doumeul butakdeurimnida.I ask for your help.
- 확인 부탁드립니다.hwagin butakdeurimnida.Please check this.
Example conversation
A professional office setting where a colleague is asking for assistance.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 이 서류 확인 부탁드립니다.Subin ssi, i seoryu hwagin butakdeurimnida.Subin, please check these documents.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 민준 씨. 지금 바로 할게요.Ne, Minjun ssi. jigeum baro halgeyo.Yes, Minjun. I will do it right away.
- 민준 Min-jun감사합니다. 부탁드립니다.Gamsahamnida. butakdeurimnida.Thank you. I am counting on you.
- 수빈 Su-bin아니에요. 조금만 기다려 주세요.Anieyo. jogeumman gidaryeo juseyo.No problem. Please wait just a moment.
