안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)! One of the most essential skills in learning a new language is the ability to ask for help or make requests politely. In Korean, the phrase “아/어/여 주세요” (a/eo/yeo juseyo) is a key tool for doing just that. This simple yet versatile construction is invaluable in a wide range of everyday situations, whether you’re dining at a restaurant, shopping, or in need of assistance.
Understanding how to correctly use “아/어/여 주세요” isn’t just about mastering a grammatical structure; it’s about learning to interact with others in Korean society respectfully and effectively. This phrase reflects the intricacies and politeness of Korean culture, where courteousness and proper etiquette are highly valued.
In this blog post, we will delve into the “아/어/여 주세요” construction, breaking down its grammar, usage, and context. We’ll explore various scenarios where this phrase comes in handy and provide practical examples to help you use it confidently in your conversations. By mastering this expression, you’ll not only enhance your Korean language skills but also demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect in your interactions.
Meaning of 주세요
“주세요” is a polite form of the verb “주다” (juda), which means “to give.” It is formed by combining the verb “주다”, which means “to give,” with the honorific suffix “-세요”, indicating politeness. When attached to another verb stem, it turns the verb into a courteous request. This construction implies that you’re asking someone to do something for you in a respectful manner.
The basic meaning of “주세요” is “please give” or “please do,” depending on the context. It is commonly translated as “please” in English, but its usage extends beyond a simple politeness marker. “주세요” is used when making polite requests for actions, objects, or favours.
Section 1: Asking for objects
NOUN + 주세요
Asking for objects in Korean is a common scenario in daily conversations, and using “주세요” can help you make polite requests for specific items or objects. When using “주세요” to ask for objects, you simply need to combine the noun representing the object you want with “주세요” to form a polite request.
Examples
- 물 주세요. – Please give me water.
- 이 책 주세요. – Please give me this book.
- 메뉴판 주세요. – Please give me the menu.
- 펜 주세요. – Please give me a pen.
Section 2: Making requests
Making requests in Korean is an essential aspect of effective communication, and “주세요” is a versatile expression that helps you make polite requests. It conveys respect and consideration for the other person, ensuring that your requests are received in a positive manner. Once you learn this structure, you will be able to say things like “please help me” or “please do this for me”.
VERB + 주세요
Conjugation
- Take a verb i.e. 가다
- Drop 다 i.e. 가
- Make it into a present tense (가 is already in the present tense)
- Add 주세요 i.e. 가주세요
If you need a recap on how to form present tense verbs, have a look at this post here but the below list gives a summary of the conjugation to a present tense.
- ㅏ+ㅏ= ㅏ (i.e. 자다. 자다 –> 자 + 아요 –> 자아요 –> 자요)
- ㅓ+ㅓ=ㅓ (i.e. 서다. 서다 –> 서 + 어요 –> 서어요 –> 서요)
- ㅗ+ㅏ =ㅘ (i.e. 오다. 오다 –> 오 + 아요 –> 오아요 –>와요)
- ㅜ+ㅓ=ㅝ (i.e. 주다. 주다 –> 주 + 어요 –> 주어요 –> 줘요)
- ㅕ+ㅓ=ㅕ (i.e. 켜다. 켜다–> 켜 + 어요 –> 켜어요 –> 켜요)
- ㅣ+ㅓ=ㅕ (i.e. 가지다. 가지다 –>가지 + 어요 –> 가지어요 –>가져요)
- ㅐ+ㅓ=ㅐ (i.e. 내다. 내다 –> 내 + 어요 –> 내어요 –> 내요)
- ㅔ+ㅓ=ㅔ (i.e. 세다. 세다 –> 세 + 어요 –> 세어요 –> 세요)
Examples
- 오다 –> 와 + 주세요 –> 와주세요 (Please come)
- 보다 –> 봐 + 주세요 –> 봐주세요 (Please look this over)
- 보이다 –> 보이 + 주세요 –> 보여주세요 (Please show me)
- 있다 –> 있어 + 주세요 –> 있어주세요 (Please stay)
- 놀다 –> 놀아 + 주세요 –> 놀아주세요 (Please play with me/please hang out with me)
- 도와주다 –> 도와 + 주세요 –> 도와주세요 (Please help me)
- 하다 –> 해 + 주세요 –> 해주세요 (Please do it for me)
By adding 주세요 to verbs, you are asking someone to do something “for you”.
The verb ending “-세요” is an honorific form used to show politeness and it is always good to be very polite when asking someone for a favour or a request.
You can, however use the basic polite form to ask for requests by converting 주다 to basic present tense i.e. 줘요.
- 가줘요
- 봐줘요
- 도와줘요
- 와줘요
- 있어줘요
- 보여줘요
If you are speaking informally with your friends or someone younger than you, you can simply drop the “요” and it becomes:
- 가줘
- 봐줘
- 도와줘
- 와줘
- 있어줘
- 보여줘
Past tense
To make sentences in the past tense, simply convert the verb 주다 to a past tense.
- 수연은 같이 가줬어요. – Suyeon went together with me.
- 현우가 어제 그 사진 보여웠어요. – Hyeonwoo showed me that picture yesterday.
- 네. 그 년은 많이 도와줬어요. – Yes. She helped me a lot.
Future tense
Again, to make sentences in the future tense, just convert the verb 주다 to a future tense.
- 내일 보여줄 거예요? – Will you show it to me tomorrow?
- 주말에 도와 줄 거예요? – Will you help me on the weekend?
- 이거 해줄 거예요? – Will you do it for me?
If you want to talk about yourself, i.e. I will do something for you, it is more natural to use the ㄹ게요 form. PLEASE NOTE that when you are asking someone else to do it for you, ㄹ게요 cannot be used. (The above 3 examples in the future tense cannot be changed to the ㄹ게요 form) as ㄹ게요 is only used in the first person. More on this in this post.
- 내일 도와줄게요. – I will help you tomorrow.
- 해줄게요. – I will do it for you.
Example sentences
- 사진 찍어주세요. – Please take a picture for me.
- 돈을 빌려주세요. – Please lend me money.
- 예약을 확인해주세요. – Please check the reservation for me.
- 이메일 보내주세요. – Please send me an email.
- 지도를 보여주세요. – Please show me the map.
Section 3: Common situations for using 아/어/여 주세요
The phrase “아/어/여 주세요” is incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of everyday situations in Korea. Its polite form makes it ideal for respectful interactions in various contexts. Let’s explore some common scenarios where this phrase is particularly useful:
In Restaurants and Cafés:
- When ordering food or drinks, or asking for an item like water or utensils.
- Example: “물 좀 더 주세요.” (Mul jom deo juseyo.) – “Please give me more water.”
- Example: “김치 더 주세요.” (Kimchi deo juseyo.) – “Please give me some kimchi.”
While Shopping:
- Asking for a specific item or size when shopping for clothes, groceries, or other goods.
- Example: “이 셔츠 주세요.” (I syeocheu juseyo.) – “Please give me this shirt.”
- Example: “이거 포장해 주세요.” (Igeo pojanghae juseyo.) – “Please wrap this up.”
In Taxis or Public Transportation:
- Requesting a driver to take you to a destination or stop at a particular location.
- Example: “역 근처에 멈춰 주세요.” (Yeok geuncheoeseo meomchwo juseyo.) – “Please stop near the station.”
At Work or School:
- Making requests to colleagues, classmates, or superiors in a professional or academic setting.
- Example: “이 문서 복사해 주세요.” (I munseo boksa hae juseyo.) – “Please photocopy this document.”
- Example: “이 문제 설명해 주세요.” (I munje seolmyeonghae juseyo.) – “Please explain this problem.”
By familiarizing yourself with these common uses of “아/어/여 주세요,” you’ll be better equipped to handle a variety of daily interactions in Korea politely and efficiently.
Section 4: Additional phrases
While “아/어/여 주세요” is a fundamental phrase for making polite requests in Korean, there are couple other expressions that can be equally useful when asking for help or assistance. Familiarizing yourself with these additional phrases can enhance your communication skills, especially in situations where you need support or guidance. Let’s explore some of these phrases:
도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – Please help me
- A direct and polite way to ask for help in general situations.
- Example: “이거 좀 도와주세요.” (I-geo jom dowajuseyo.) – “Please help me with this a bit.”
알려주세요 (Allyeojuseyo) – Please tell me/inform me
- Used when asking someone to provide information or explain something.
- Example: “버스 시간표 알려주세요.” (Beoseu sigantpyo allyeojuseyo.) – “Please tell me the bus schedule.”
By incorporating these additional phrases into your conversations, you can ask for help in a variety of contexts more effectively and politely, thus navigating through different situations with greater ease.
Activity 1
Fill in the blanks.
- 번호를 ________. – Please let me know your phone number.
- 버스 정류장을 _______. – Please let me know the bus stop.
- 저를 ________. – Please wait for me.
- 사과를 _________. – Please buy apples for me.
- 문을 _______. – Please open the door for me.
Activity 1 Answers
- 번호를 알려주세요. – Please let me know your phone number.
- 버스 정류장을 알려주세요. – Please let me know the bus stop.
- 저를 기다려주세요. – Please wait for me.
- 사과를 사주세요. – Please buy apples for me.
- 문을 열어주세요. – Please open the door for me.
Conclusion
Navigating through different situations in Korea, especially as a learner of the language, can be a rewarding yet challenging journey. Familiarizing yourself with key phrases like “아/어/여 주세요” and other expressions for asking for help is not just about language proficiency; it’s about building bridges of communication and understanding. These phrases reflect the politeness and respect that are deeply rooted in Korean culture, and using them appropriately can significantly enhance your interactions and experiences.
Whether you’re dining out, shopping, seeking directions, or needing assistance in any other scenario, these phrases are your go-to tools for polite and effective communication. They demonstrate your cultural awareness and respect for the language’s nuances, making your time in Korea, or any interaction with Korean speakers, more enriching and respectful.
As you continue your journey in learning Korean, remember that every phrase you learn opens up new avenues for connection and cultural insight. Practice these phrases in real-life situations, and don’t hesitate to explore additional expressions that can help you navigate various aspects of Korean society.
We’d Love to Hear from You:
- Have you had an opportunity to use these phrases in real-life situations? How was your experience?
- Are there any other phrases or expressions in Korean that you find particularly useful or challenging?
- Do you have any tips or stories to share about your experiences in using Korean to ask for help or make requests?
Your insights and experiences are incredibly valuable, not just to us but to fellow learners as well. Please share your thoughts, questions, or stories in the comments below. Let’s continue to learn, share, and grow together in our Korean language journey.
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) for reading, and as always, 화이팅 (Hwaiting) on your path to mastering the Korean language!