웃어 주세요
useo juseyo
To say "smile please" in Korean, use 웃어 주세요 (useo juseyo).
This phrase is a request for someone to smile. It is most commonly used by photographers or people directing a group to pose for a photo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 웃다 (to smile) in its connective form 웃어 and the polite auxiliary verb 주세요 (please do/give).
Which one should you use?
While 웃어 주세요 is the polite way to make this request, a photographer might use the more casual 웃어봐 when speaking to children or close friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending -주세요 is the standard polite way to make a request in Korean.
How do you pronounce it?
useo juseyo
Did you know?
- In many professional Korean photo studios, you may hear the command 김치 (kimchi) instead of 'cheese'. Since the word 'kimchi' requires a similar mouth shape, it has become a uniquely Korean way to prompt a smile.
- In Korea, the word 웃다 (to smile) can also mean 'to laugh' out loud. While English speakers distinguish between a quiet smile and a loud laugh, Korean uses this single verb to cover the spectrum of facial expressions involving the mouth.
- Korean has a specific term 미소 for a 'silent smile', which is a noun and cannot be used as a direct command like the verb 웃어 주세요.
Examples in context
- 좀 더 밝은 미소를 지어 주세요.Please give me a brighter smile.
- 사진 찍을게요, 웃어 주세요.sajin jjigeulgeyo, useo juseyo.I'm going to take a photo, smile please.
- 자, 카메라 보고 웃어 주세요!ja, kamera bogo useo juseyo!Now, look at the camera and smile please!
- 모두 다 같이 웃어 주세요.modu da gatchi useo juseyo.Everyone, please smile together.
Example conversation
Minjun is taking a photo of Jieun at a park.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 여기 보세요. 웃어 주세요.Jieun ssi, yeogi boseyo. useo juseyo.Jieun, look here. Smile please.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 이렇게 웃으면 될까요?ne, ireoke useumyeon doelkkayo?Yes, is it okay if I smile like this?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 아주 좋아요. 그대로 계세요.ne, aju joayo. geudaero gyeseyo.Yes, it's great. Stay just like that.
- 지은 Ji-eun찍으셨어요? 정말 기대돼요!jjigeusyeosseoyo? jeongmal gidaedwaeyo!Did you take it? I'm really looking forward to it!
