🟢 Asking for Favors Politely (Expanded) — Beginner Level(TOPIK 1–2)

Learn expanded Korean request patterns for daily life and travel, with polite expressions, cultural etiquette, and real-life dialogues. Perfect for beginners (TOPIK 1–2).

🎯 Learning Goal

Use natural, polite request patterns in everyday and travel situations.
Memorize high-frequency expressions with Romanization and English.
Apply cultural etiquette to increase success when asking for help.

Key Phrases for Polite Requests

Korean	Romanization	English
사진 좀 찍어 주시겠어요?	Sajin jom jjigeo jusigesseoyo?	Could you please take a photo for me?
길 좀 알려 주실래요?	Gil jom allyeo jusillaeyo?	Would you tell me the way?
잠시만 기다려 주시겠어요?	Jamsiman gidaryeo jusigesseoyo?	Could you wait just a moment?
문 좀 열어 주실래요?	Mun jom yeoreo jusillaeyo?	Would you open the door, please?
자리 좀 바꿔 주시겠어요?	Jari jom bakkwo jusigesseoyo?	Could you switch seats with me?
이거 설명해 주시겠어요?	Igeo seolmyeonghae jusigesseoyo?	Could you explain this?
조금만 천천히 말해 주실래요?	Jogumman cheoncheonhi malhae jusillaeyo?	Could you speak a bit more slowly?
이걸 옮기는 걸 도와주실 수 있어요?	Igeol omgineun geol dowajusil su isseoyo?	Can you help move this?
창문을 닫아 주시겠어요?	Changmun-eul dada jusigesseoyo?	Could you close the window?
계산서 좀 주시겠어요?	Gyesanseo jom jusigesseoyo?	Could I get the bill, please?

🙋 Practice Dialogue

Role	Korean	Romanization	English
A	저기요, 사진 좀 찍어 주시겠어요?	Jeogiyo, sajin jom jjigeo jusigesseoyo?	Excuse me, could you take a photo for me?
B	네, 물론이죠. 어떻게 찍어 드릴까요?	Ne, mullonijyo. Eotteoke jjigeo deurilkkayo?	Sure—how would you like it?
A	배경이 나오게 부탁드려요.	Baegyeongi naoge butak deuryeoyo.	Please include the background.
B	알겠습니다. 준비되셨죠? 하나, 둘, 셋!	Algetsseumnida. Junbi doesyeotjyo? Hana, dul, set!	Got it—ready? One, two, three!
A	정말 감사합니다!	Jeongmal gamsahamnida!	Thank you so much!

👩‍🏫 Teacher’s Tips

정중한 요청의 핵심은 어미 선택과 완곡어(좀/혹시) 사용입니다. “-주시겠어요?”는 공식적·낯선 상황에, “-주실래요?”는 부드럽고 친근한 뉘앙스에 적합합니다. “좀/혹시”를 붙이면 톤이 한 단계 더 공손해집니다.

Choosing the right ending and using softeners (“jom/hosi”) are key. “-jusigesseoyo?” works best in formal/stranger contexts, while “-jusillaeyo?” sounds gentler for acquaintances. Adding “jom/hosi (perhaps)” softens the tone further.

🌀 Say What?

“저기요” is a polite attention-getter before a request—similar to “Excuse me.” Pair it with eye contact and a brief smile for best results.

📌 Did You Know?

Korea’s convenience stores are famously 24/7 and offer microwaves, hot water, and seating. Many travelers treat them as quick cafés—great for late-night snacks or simple meals.

📝 It’s Your Turn

Create 3 mini-requests using 좀 + “-주시겠어요?” (e.g., 지도 좀 보여 주시겠어요?).
Rewrite one request in two tones: “-주세요” ↔ “-주시겠어요?” and record the difference.
Role-play three travel tasks: photo, directions, slower speaking. Time yourself under 60 seconds each.

👋 Take a Lesson with Me!

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💬 Stay Connected

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📢 Coming Next

Up next: Singapore → Korea: Essential Travel Tips — must-know phrases, transit hacks, and money-saving advice for a smooth first trip.

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