Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “please” in Korean! Politeness is an essential aspect of Korean culture, and using the appropriate form of “please” can go a long way in showing respect and building positive relationships. In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways of saying “please” in Korean, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Please” in Korean
When speaking in formal settings or with individuals older or in higher positions, it is important to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are three commonly used formal ways to say “please” in Korean:
- Please – 주세요 (ju-se-yo)
The most common and versatile way to say “please” in Korean is by using the phrase “주세요.” It can be used in various contexts, such as asking for a favor or requesting something. For example:
물 좀 주세요. (Mul jom ju-se-yo.) – Please give me some water.
도와주세요. (Do-wa-ju-se-yo.) – Please help me.
Could you please – 부탁드립니다 (bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da)
When you want to make a more formal and polite request, you can use the phrase “부탁드립니다.” This phrase conveys a higher level of respect and is often used in professional or formal situations. For example:
사진을 찍어 주실 수 있을까요? 부탁드립니다. (Sa-jin-eul jjik-eo ju-shil su iss-eul-kka-yo? Bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.) – Could you please take a photo for me?
다음 주에 보고서를 제출해 주실 수 있을까요? 부탁드립니다. (Da-eum ju-e bo-go-seo-rul je-chul-hae ju-shil su iss-eul-kka-yo? Bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.) – Could you please submit the report next week?
If you could – 가능하시다면 (ga-neung-ha-si-da-myeon)
Using the phrase “가능하시다면” allows you to express a polite request with a sense of humility. It implies that you understand the person may have other obligations or the request might be difficult to fulfill. Here are a few examples:
오늘 저녁에 시간이 되신다면, 저랑 식사해 주실 수 있을까요? (O-neul jeo-nyeok-e si-gan-i doe-sin-da-myeon, jeo-rang sik-sa-hae ju-shil su iss-eul-kka-yo?) – If you have time this evening, could you have a meal with me?
가능하시다면 제안서를 다시 작성해 주실 수 있을까요? (Ga-neung-ha-si-da-myeon je-an-seo-reul da-si jak-seong-hae ju-shil su iss-eul-kka-yo?) – If you could, would you please rewrite the proposal?
Informal Ways to Say “Please” in Korean
In casual and informal contexts, such as conversations with friends or peers, the usage of “please” can vary. Here are a few common informal ways to say “please” in Korean:
- Please – 제발 (je-bal)
The word “제발” is commonly used among friends or close acquaintances to make informal requests. It can express both a polite plea and a sense of desperation, depending on the situation. For example:
제발 도와 줘. (Je-bal do-wa jwo.) – Please help me.
제발 조용히 해 줘. (Je-bal jo-yong-hi hae jwo.) – Please be quiet.
If you could – 좀 (jom)
When asking for a favor or requesting something in an informal manner, adding “좀” to your sentence can convey a sense of politeness without being overly formal. Examples include:
음식 좀 줄래? (Eum-shik jom jul-lae?) – Could you please give me some food?
좀 도와 줄래? (Jom do-wa jul-lae?) – Could you please help me?
Regional Variations
While formal and informal ways of saying “please” are relatively consistent throughout Korea, there can be subtle regional variations. These variations might include differences in pronunciation or the use of local dialect. However, these variations are minor and do not significantly impact understanding. It’s essential to note that using the standard formal or informal expressions will be understood and appropriate in any region of Korea.
That’s it for our comprehensive guide on how to say “please” in Korean! We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the various ways to express politeness and make requests in Korean. Remember, showing respect and using the appropriate form of “please” can greatly enhance your communication with Korean speakers. Happy learning!
