What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 잘 (well), 부탁 (request/favor) and 드립니다 (a humble form of 'to give'). Literally, it means 'I request your favor well'.
Which one should you use?
The forms vary based on the level of politeness required. 잘 부탁드립니다 is the most formal version. 잘 부탁드려요 is a polite, standard version that is less stiff than the formal version. 잘 부탁해요 is an informal version. Among very close friends or siblings, the phrase can be simplified to 부탁해 by omitting the word 잘.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
잘 부탁드립니다 is highly formal and polite, making it suitable for business settings, meeting elders or addressing someone higher in status. When you want to be polite but less formal, use 잘 부탁드려요. Use 잘 부탁해요 or 잘 부탁해 in informal situations with friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The formal way to say 'Please take care of me' is 저를 잘 부탁드립니다.
How do you pronounce it?
jal butakdeurimnida
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'take care' to mean 'be safe', saying 잘 부탁드립니다 to a friend leaving on a trip would sound strange. In Korean, this phrase is strictly about requesting a favor or good treatment within a relationship.
- In a professional setting, a junior employee will often pair 잘 부탁드립니다 with a deep bow to visually reinforce their humility and lower status.
- The phrase 잘 부탁드립니다 is often used as a social ritual even when the speaker has no actual favor to ask of the other person.
Examples in context
- 잘 부탁드립니다.jal butakdeurimnida.Please take care of me.
- 오늘부터 잘 부탁드립니다.oneulbuteo jal butakdeurimnida.Please take care of me starting from today.
- 앞으로 잘 부탁드립니다.apeuro jal butakdeurimnida.Please take care of me in the future.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo introduces himself to his new colleague Subin at the office.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo안녕하세요, 현우입니다. 잘 부탁드립니다.annyeonghaseyo, hyunuimnida. jal butakdeurimnida.Hello, I am Hyunwoo. Please take care of me.
- 수빈 Su-bin반가워요, 현우 씨. 저도 잘 부탁드려요.bangawoyo, hyunu ssi. jeodo jal butakdeuryeoyo.Nice to meet you, Hyunwoo. Please take care of me too.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨와 함께 일하게 되어 기쁩니다.subin ssiwa hamkke ilhage doe-eo gippeumnida.I am happy to work with you, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 같이 열심히 해 봐요.ne, gachi yeolsimhi hae bwayo.Yes, let's work hard together.
