🟠 Making Polite Requests in Korean with -주시겠어요 | TOPIK Intermediate
.jpg "Making Polite Requests in Korean with -주시겠어요 | TOPIK Intermediate")
Learn how to make polite requests in Korean using -주시겠어요, perfect for everyday interactions and TOPIK 3–4 preparation.
Learning Goals
- Master polite request expressions using -주시겠어요 for real-life situations.
- Understand cultural nuances of politeness in Korean language.
- Compare -주시겠어요 with other forms like -주세요 and -주시겠습니까.
- Practice with real dialogues and apply in daily interactions or TOPIK exams.
Have you ever wanted to ask something in Korea without sounding too direct? I remember being at a tiny restaurant in Busan, wanting another plate of kimchi. I hesitated—would “주세요” be enough? That’s when I discovered “주시겠어요,” and the owner’s warm smile told me I’d said it just right.
Table of Contents
Key Expressions
- 도와주시겠어요? — Could you help me?
- 설명해 주시겠어요? — Could you explain it to me?
- 잠시 기다려 주시겠어요? — Could you wait a moment?
- 조용히 해 주시겠어요? — Could you be quiet, please?
- 창문을 열어 주시겠어요? — Could you open the window?
- 사진 찍어 주시겠어요? — Could you take a picture for me?
Grammar Tip
-주시겠어요 is a polite way to ask someone to do something for you. It combines:
- Verb stem + -아/어/해 주다 (do something for someone)
- + -시- (honorific marker)
- + 겠어요 (polite future/intention ending)
Usage: Softens requests and adds respect, ideal for formal settings or strangers.
Comparison:
- -주세요: Polite and neutral, common in casual settings.
- -주시겠습니까?: Extremely formal, used in official announcements or customer service.
Want to learn related polite patterns? Check out our guide on Korean polite expressions.
Say What?
Ever seen “주실래요?” in casual chats? It’s like the friendly cousin of “주시겠어요”—less formal, more everyday. I hear it often among friends ordering food together, but if you’re talking to a shop owner or older person, stick with “주시겠어요.”
Teacher’s Tip
I’ve seen students’ faces light up when they try “주시겠어요” for the first time and see how positively Koreans react. The most common mistake? Forgetting the honorific “-시-.” Without it, the sentence can sound abrupt. One of my students once said, “After I added -시-, even the bus driver smiled at me!” Small tweak, big impact.
Quick Tip
If you’re unsure of the politeness level, default to -주시겠어요. It’s always safe, especially with strangers or staff in public places.
Practice Dialogue
At a Restaurant
A: 저기요, 메뉴 좀 주시겠어요?
Excuse me, could you give me the menu?
B: 네, 여기 있습니다.
Yes, here you go.
A: 물도 주시겠어요?
Could you also give me some water?
B: 네, 바로 갖다 드릴게요.
Sure, I’ll bring it right away.
A: 이 메뉴에 고기 들어가나요?
Does this dish contain meat?
B: 아니요, 채식 메뉴예요.
No, it’s vegetarian.
A: 채식 메뉴 두 개 주시겠어요?
Could you give me two vegetarian dishes?
B: 네, 주문 도와드릴게요.
Yes, I’ll help you with the order.
A: 수저도 주시겠어요?
Could you also give me chopsticks?
B: 네, 잠시만요.
Sure, one moment please.
A: 감사합니다.
Thank you.
Pop Quiz
1. Translate: “Please wait a moment.”
Answer
잠시만 기다려 주세요.
2. Fill in the blank: The polite way to say “Could you help me?” is ______?
Answer
도와주시겠어요?
3. True or False: -주시겠어요 is more formal than -주세요.
Answer
True
Did You Know?
Did you know? In Korea, politeness isn’t only about age—it’s also about the context. I’ve heard teenagers use -주시겠어요 with younger kids when volunteering at events, simply because the setting felt formal.
한국에서는 나이보다 상황이 더 중요할 때가 있어요. 행사나 모임에서 예의를 갖추는 분위기라면 누구에게나 정중하게 말하죠.
FAQ
Q: Is -주시겠어요 too formal for daily use?
A: Not at all. It’s polite but used widely in daily life, especially in cafés or shops.
Q: Can I use -주시겠어요 with my friends?
A: You can, but it might sound distant. Friends usually use -줄래? or -줘?
It’s Your Turn
Think about the last time you needed something at a store or restaurant. How would you ask politely in Korean? Write three example sentences in the comments—and try them out next time you visit Korea!
Final Thoughts
Learning polite forms like -주시겠어요 is more than just grammar; it’s about connecting with people. The joy of hearing a warm response after speaking politely is unforgettable—and that’s when you truly feel part of Korean culture.
I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that. Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights!
Practice on Italki
💬 Save this post, share it with friends, and leave a comment about what you want to learn next!
