How to say "Please" in Korean

Meaning

A polite way to make a request or ask for a favor.

Usage

Used in most casual-to-polite situations to soften a request. Often added at the end of a sentence. Can be combined with '주세요' (juseyo) for stronger politeness, e.g., '도와주세요, 부탁해요' (Dowa-juseyo, butakhaeyo).

Example sentences

• Please pass me the salt.

  소금 좀 부탁해요.

• Please help me with this.

  이거 도와주세요, 부탁해요.

Related expressions

• 주세요juseyo— A polite request meaning 'please give me' or 'please do', often used with verbs.

  More direct than 부탁해요 but still polite. Often used for actions or objects, e.g., '물 주세요' (mul juseyo, 'Please give me water').

• 주십시오jusipsio— A formal and respectful way to say 'please', often used in service or official contexts.

  More formal than 주세요. Example: '기다려 주십시오' (gidaeryeo jusipsio, 'Please wait').