What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is formed by combining 그만, which means "stop", "enough" or "cease" when used as an adverb, with the verb 하다 (to do) and the polite ending -세요 (please do).
Which one should you use?
While 그만하세요 is a polite request, the casual version 그만해 is used with friends or people younger than you. If you want to tell someone to quit a habit or a job more decisively or firmly, use 그만두세요. Additionally, 멈춰 주세요. is used specifically to mean "please stop (moving/doing something)".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term 그만하세요 is a polite way to request that someone stop. For more formal or firm situations involving quitting a habit or a job, use 그만두세요. In casual settings with friends, you can use the informal 그만해.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 그만하세요 is constructed by adding the polite suffix -세요 to the verb 하다 (to do) which follows the adverb 그만 (stop).
How do you pronounce it?
geumanhaseyo
Did you know?
- When using the polite 그만하세요, you are technically asking the person to 'do the enough'. Because 그만 carries the sense of 'enough' or 'sufficient', the phrase carries a built-in suggestion that the person has exceeded an appropriate limit.
- In Korean, the nuance of 'stop it' can change from a request to a command depending on the speed of your delivery. A soft, elongated 그만하세요 sounds like a plea, whereas a short, sharp 그만해! can sound like a sudden shout of anger.
- In Korean dramas, you will often hear characters shout 그만해! while waving their hand in a cutting motion to signal a sudden end to a conflict.
Examples in context
- 형님, 고통 받고 있는데 그만 좀 해 주십시오.Brother, I'm in pain, please stop it.
- 그만하세요, 제발.Stop it, please.
- 그만하세요, 너무 시끄러워요.geuman-haseyo, neomu sikkeureowoyo.Stop it, please, it's too noisy.
- 농담이 심해요. 그만하세요.nongdami simhaeyo. geuman-haseyo.The joke is too much. Stop it, please.
- 장난이 지나치네요. 그만하세요.jangnani jinachineyo. geuman-haseyo.The prank is going too far. Stop it, please.
Example conversation
A woman is teasing her male friend repeatedly in a cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 제 옷 좀 그만 만지세요.Seoyeon ssi, je ot jom geuman manjisseyo.Seoyeon, please stop touching my clothes.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그냥 재미있어서 그래요.geunyang jaemi-isseoseo geuraeyo.I'm just doing it because it's fun.
- 지훈 Ji-hun진짜로 그만하세요, 불편해요.jinjjaro geuman-haseyo, bulpyeonhaeyo.Really, stop it, please, it is uncomfortable.
- 서연 Seo-yeon미안해요, 알겠어요.mianhaeyo, algesseoyo.I'm sorry, I understand.
