What does it mean word for word?
여기 있어 is composed of 여기, which means 'here' and 있어, which means 'stay', 'be' or 'exist'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the level of politeness and the duration of the stay. 여기에 계세요 is a formal version of the phrase, whereas 여기에 머무르세요 is also formal but implies a longer duration of staying compared to 여기에 계세요.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is used when talking to friends, people of the same age, younger people or children. For formal situations, you should use 여기에 계세요, which is appropriate when speaking to elder family members, colleagues or superiors or 여기에 머무르세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the imperative suffix '-어라' to the verb to create 여기 있어라, you create a stronger and more direct command. This form is often used by elders to children or found in literature.
How do you pronounce it?
yeogi isseo
Did you know?
- The verb 있다 is unique because it can function as both a verb and an adjective depending on whether it describes a state of existence or the action of staying.
- In Korea, telling a dog to 'stay' uses the same root 있어 as when talking to a human, though it is delivered as a short, sharp command.
- The word 여기 can be used as a pronoun to refer to the speaker's current location, but in certain contexts, it can also refer to a specific point in a conversation or a line of text.
Examples in context
- 회의가 시작하기 전에 여기에 계세요.(Please) stay here before the meeting starts.
- 손님들은 여기에 머무르세요.The guests, please stay here.
- 여기에 있어, 나 좀 기다려 줄래?Stay here, can you wait for me a bit?
- 잠시만 여기 있어.jamsiman yeogi isseo.Stay here for a moment.
- 도망가지 말고 여기 있어.domanggaji malgo yeogi isseo.Don't run away, stay here.
- 나 올 때까지 여기 있어.na ol ttaekkaji yeogi isseo.Stay here until I come back.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is going to buy some water while Jieun waits.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo물 좀 사 올게. 지은아, 여기 있어.mul jom sa olge. jieuna, yeogi isseo.I'll go buy some water. Jieun, stay here.
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 알았어. 빨리 와.eung, arasseo. ppalli wa.Okay, I got it. Come back quickly.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo금방 올게.geumbang olge.I'll be right back.
- 지은 Ji-eun여기서 기다릴게.yeogiseo gidarilge.I'll wait here.
