How to say "Bitte" in Korean

In Korean, politeness is deeply tied to hierarchy, age, and social status. The word 주세요 (juseyo) is the most common way to say "please," but its usage depends heavily on who you're speaking to. Unlike German Bitte, which can sound neutral or even commanding, 주세요 is inherently polite and deferential, making it suitable for most situations—except when addressing someone much younger or of lower status, where a softer tone or casual forms may be preferred. Always pair it with appropriate honorifics (like -요 or -시- endings) to match the listener's status.

1. For general polite requests (to strangers, elders, or those of higher status) Use 주세요 with the polite ending -요 to sound respectful. This is the safest default for beginners.

   • 주세요 좀 주세요. "Please give me this."
   • 도와주세요. "Please help me."

2. For softer, more humble requests (to seniors or in service settings) Add -주시겠어요 to 주세요 to make the request even more polite and humble. This is common in shops, restaurants, or when asking a favor from someone older.

   • 이거 주시겠어요? "Could you please give me this?"
   • 어디인지 알려주시겠어요? "Could you please tell me where it is?"

3. For casual or familiar requests (to friends, younger people, or children) Drop the -요 ending and use 주세요 alone for a slightly softer but still polite tone. Avoid this with strangers or elders.

   • 물 주세요. "Please give me water."
   • 문 닫아 주세요. "Please close the door."

4. For urgent or direct requests (rare, but used in emergencies or to subordinates) Use 주세요 without any endings for a blunt but still somewhat polite tone. This is uncommon in daily life and can sound impolite if overused.

   • 빨리 주세요! "Give it to me quickly!"
   • 그거 주세요. "Give me that."

👉 Most useful for daily life: Start by memorizing 주세요 with the -요 ending (주세요). It’s universally polite, easy to remember, and works in 80% of situations—shops, restaurants, and with strangers or elders. Pair it with gestures or context to soften the request further.