How to say "Por favor" in Korean

In Korean culture, politeness and respect are deeply tied to hierarchy, age, and social status. The way you say please depends entirely on who you're speaking to. Using the wrong level of formality can sound rude or overly casual, so always observe how others address you first. When in doubt, default to the most formal option until you understand the relationship better.

1. For formal situations or strangers (highest politeness) Use 부탁드립니다 (butakdeurimnida) when making a polite request to someone older, in a position of authority, or a stranger. It’s the most respectful way to say please and is commonly used in service settings, customer service, or when asking for help from someone you don’t know.

   • 커피 한 잔 부탁드립니다.
     "One cup of coffee, please."
   • 도와주시겠어요? 부탁드립니다.
     "Could you help me? Please."

2. For casual but polite requests (to acquaintances or younger people) Use 주세요 (juseyo) when asking for something from someone you’re comfortable with, like a coworker, classmate, or a younger person. It’s polite but less formal than 부탁드립니다 and is the go-to phrase for most everyday requests.

   • 물 좀 주세요.
     "Please give me some water."
   • 이거 읽어 주세요.
     "Please read this."

3. For softening a request (very casual, to friends or close peers) Use 좀 (jom) when you want to sound gentle or casual with friends, siblings, or people close to you. It’s often added to the end of a sentence to soften the tone, similar to just or a little in English.

   • 조금만 기다려 줘. 좀.
     "Just wait a little. Please."
   • 이거 봐 줘. 좀.
     "Look at this. Please."

4. For desperate or urgent requests (stronger tone, use sparingly) Use 제발 (jebal) when you’re pleading or in a situation where you’re desperate. It’s the most intense way to say please and should only be used in emergencies or with people you’re extremely close to, like family or very good friends. Overusing it can sound dramatic or insincere.

   • 제발 도와줘!
     "Please help me!"
   • 제발 제 말 좀 들어 봐!
     "Please just listen to me!"

👉 Most useful for daily life: Start by memorizing 주세요 (juseyo). It’s the most versatile polite phrase for everyday interactions, whether you're ordering food, asking for directions, or requesting help from someone slightly older or in a neutral position. Use 부탁드립니다 (butakdeurimnida) only when you're unsure or in a formal setting.