In Korean, knowing how to say “wait” can be incredibly useful in various situations. Whether you are requesting someone’s patience or simply need to ask someone to hold on for a moment, understanding the appropriate terms for “wait” is essential. This guide will explore formal and informal ways to express the concept of “wait” in Korean, along with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Wait”
When it comes to formal situations or showing respect to someone, the following expressions can be used to convey the idea of “wait” in Korean.
“기다려 주세요.” – Gidaeryeo juseyo.
Please wait.
This phrase is the most common and versatile way to say “wait” formally in Korean. It combines the verb “기다리다” (gida-rida) meaning “to wait” with the polite request marker “주세요” (juseyo).
” 잠시만 기다려 주세요.” – Jamsiman gidaeryeo juseyo.
Please wait for a moment.
If you want to specifically indicate a short period of time, adding “잠시만” (jamsiman), which means “for a moment,” is a polite way to ask the person to wait briefly.
“잠시만 대기해 주세요.” – Jamsiman daegihae juseyo.
Please wait for a moment.
Using “대기하다” (daegi-hada) instead of “기다리다” (gida-rida) in the previous phrase is another form of politely asking someone to wait, emphasizing the concept of “to be in standby” or “to wait for a moment.”
Informal Ways to Say “Wait”
In informal situations or when talking to close friends, co-workers, or peers, you can use these expressions to convey the concept of “wait” in Korean.
“잠깐만 기다려.” – Jamkkanman gidaeryeo.
Wait for a moment.
The word “잠깐만” (jamkkanman) means “for a moment” and using it in a sentence with the verb “기다리다” (gida-rida) creates a casual way to ask someone to wait. This form is commonly used among friends or people of similar age.
“조금만 기다려.” – Jogeumman gidaeryeo.
Wait a little.
When you want to express the idea of waiting for a short period of time informally, the phrase “조금만” (jogeumman), meaning “a little,” can be used before the verb “기다리다” (gida-rida) to ask someone to wait informally.
Regional Variations
While Korean is primarily spoken in South Korea and North Korea, there can be variations in regional dialects. However, for the word “wait,” the expressions mentioned above are commonly understood and used throughout the Korean peninsula. So, no additional regional variations are necessary for this particular keyword.
Tips for Using “Wait” in Korean
To ensure you are using the expressions for “wait” appropriately in Korean, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- When asking someone to wait, it is generally considered polite to include the honorific marker “주세요” (juseyo) at the end of the sentence.
- If you are in a formal setting, it is recommended to use the formal expressions mentioned earlier.
- When using the casual expressions, ensure the level of intimacy and familiarity with the person you are speaking to is appropriate.
- Non-verbal cues like hand gestures or raising one hand with the palm facing outward can also accompany your verbal request to wait.
Examples
To better illustrate the usage of “wait” in Korean, here are a few examples incorporating the different expressions we discussed earlier:
Formal: “기다려 주세요.” – Gidaeryeo juseyo.
Please wait.
Formal: “잠시만 기다려 주세요.” – Jamsiman gidaeryeo juseyo.
Please wait for a moment.
Formal: “잠시만 대기해 주세요.” – Jamsiman daegihae juseyo.
Please wait for a moment.
Informal: “잠깐만 기다려.” – Jamkkanman gidaeryeo.
Wait for a moment.
Informal: “조금만 기다려.” – Jogeumman gidaeryeo.
Wait a little.
Conclusion
Knowing how to ask someone to “wait” in Korean is an essential skill to have for effective communication. By incorporating the formal and informal expressions mentioned in this guide, you will be equipped to politely request someone’s patience or indicate a short period of waiting. Remember to adjust the level of formality based on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing. So, go ahead and confidently use these phrases in your Korean conversations!
