Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “please” in Korean! Politeness is highly valued in Korean culture, and understanding the correct way to use different forms of “please” is essential for effective communication. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “please” in Korean, providing you with useful tips, examples, and even touch upon some regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Please in Korean
In formal situations, it’s crucial to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are some standard ways to say “please” in Korean formally:
1. “주세요.” (juseyo)
This is the most common and versatile way to say “please” in Korean. When used formally, “주세요” is typically added after a verb stem or noun. For example:
물 주세요. (Mul juseyo.) – Please give me water.
앉아 주세요. (Anj-a juseyo.) – Please sit down.
2. “부탁드립니다.” (butakdeurimnida)
“부탁드립니다” is a more formal expression of “please” in Korean. It is commonly used in formal speeches, written correspondence, or when showing utmost respect to someone. For example:
도와주세요. 부탁드립니다. (Dowajuseyo. Butakdeurimnida.) – Please help me. I kindly request.
저희에게 기회를 주세요. 부탁드립니다. (Jeohui-ege gihoereul juseyo. Butakdeurimnida.) – Please give us an opportunity. We kindly request.
Informal Ways to Say Please in Korean
When speaking or interacting casually among friends, family, or acquaintances of similar age and status, a different form of “please” is used. Let’s explore some informal ways:
1. ” ~ 해 줘” (~ hae jwo)
In informal settings, it is common to attach “~ 해 줘” to verb stems to convey the meaning of “please” in Korean. It is used among peers and those of similar social standing. For example:
물 좀 주세요. (Mul jom juseyo.) – Please give me some water.
앉아 줘. (Anja jwo.) – Please sit down.
2. ” ~ 좀 해줘” (~ jom haejwo)
This form is similar to the previous one but carries a slightly stronger request. It is often used when seeking a favor or assistance from someone familiar. Examples include:
도와줘. 좀 부탁해. (Dowajwo. Jom butakhae.) – Please help me out. I need a favor.
공유 좀 해줘. (Gong-yu jom haejwo.) – Please share it with me.
Additional Tips and Examples
1. Adding Polite Endings
To demonstrate heightened politeness, you can add the honorific suffix “~시” (~shi) to verbs in formal speech. For example:
가다 → 가세요. (Gada → Gaseyo.) – Please go.
사주세요. (Sajuseyo.) – Please buy.
2. Using Honorific Titles
In more formal situations, it is appropriate to use honorific titles to address people respectfully while saying “please” in Korean. Examples include:
선생님, 도와주세요. (Seonsaengnim, dowajuseyo.) – Teacher, please help me.
회장님, 앉아 주세요. (Hwaejangnim, anj-a juseyo.) – Chairman/Chairwoman, please take a seat.
3. Regional Variations
While Korean is mainly standardized across the country, regional variations in dialect exist. However, when it comes to using “please,” the same basic phrases are understood throughout Korea. The examples provided in this guide correspond to the standard Korean language used nationwide.
Now armed with these polite expressions, you can navigate formal and informal situations with ease while showing respect and courtesy in the Korean language!
