In this article, we will take a look at how Koreans express “please” and “thank you,” and how sincerity and politeness are conveyed with the tone and body language. I will go over five main points to keep in mind.
1. Korean requests do not need a word-for-word equivalent of “please”
The word 제발 [jebal] literally translates as “please,” but it is not used in the same manner as the English “please.” The word is used when begging or pleading with someone in a desperate situation. For ordinary requests, Korean often uses polite endings and expressions such as 주세요 instead of 제발.
English “please” has several functions, so its best Korean equivalent depends on the request and the relationship between the speakers.
Polite request endings and tone both matter. Casual requests can also be courteous within a relationship where casual speech is appropriate; politeness is not determined by one word alone. Here are some examples using the polite form:
| Korean phrase | Romanization | Literal translation | Actual meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 들어오세요 | deureooseyo | Come in. | Please come in. |
| 어서 오세요 | eoseo oseyo | Come quickly. | Welcome. |
| 수고하세요 | sugohaseyo | Work hard. | Please continue your good work. |
| 말씀하세요 | malsseumhaseyo | Do speak. | Please tell me what I can help you with. |
| 계속하세요 | gyesokaseyo | Do continue. | Please continue. |
| 여기 계세요 | yeogi gyeseyo | Stay here. | Please stay here. |
The above are examples of when you are asking someone to do something in general. When you are requesting someone to do something for you, then you would use the phrase “주세요.” It literally translates as “give me,” but it implies “please give me.”
The phrase used with a noun indicates, “please give me (noun).” But if you add another action verb before it, it would mean “please do (verb) for me.”
Here are some examples of both:
| Korean phrase | Romanization | Literal translation | Actual meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 물 좀 주세요 | mul jom juseyo | Give me some water. | Please give me some water. |
| 김치 좀 더 주세요 | gimchi jom deo juseyo | Give me some more kimchi. | Please give me some more kimchi. |
| 불고기 일 인분 주세요 | bulgogi il inbun juseyo | Give me one order of bulgogi. | Please give me one order of bulgogi. |
| 알려 주세요 | allyeo juseyo | Let me know. | Please let me know. |
| 말해주세요 | malhae juseyo | Tell me. | Please tell me. |
| 책을 읽어 주세요 | chaegeul ilgeo juseyo | Read me a book. | Please read me a book. |
| 사랑해 주세요 | saranghae juseyo | Love me. | Please love me. |
Use an appropriate request form and a considerate tone together. 수고하세요 is a conventional expression addressed to someone continuing to work, but it can sound inappropriate toward a superior or an elder; it is not a universal polite farewell.
2. Two common formal polite ways to say “thank you”
Saying “thank you” in Korean is straightforward and used very much like the English version of “Thank you.” Two common formal polite forms are 감사합니다 and 고맙습니다. They overlap in many situations, though speakers may prefer one depending on context:
|
감사합니다 |
gamsahamnida |
|
고맙습니다 |
gomapseumnida |
3. Use body language when saying “thank you” in Korean!
A slight bow or nod often accompanies thanks, especially in formal interactions. Whether to bow and how deeply depend on the setting, relationship, and situation; a bow is not required every time you say thank you.
The illustration below is a playful simplification, not a rule prescribing bow angles by rank:
The positions show a range from standing upright to bowing more deeply. Do not use them as fixed instructions for greeting a friend, boss, or public official.
Get the idea?
Explained: the Korean custom of bowing to show respect
Bowing or nodding can also accompany greetings and farewells. Follow the context rather than applying one gesture to every greeting.
The meaning of a gesture depends on its cultural and social context.
In Korea, a small bow can simply express courtesy or respect. It need not imply humiliation or submission.
Most Koreans have lived with this custom all their lives so it is almost a second nature to them. However, it may feel very awkward for someone like yourself who is new to the custom to learn to bow while speaking to people.
If you’re thanking a friend or someone close to you, you can use more casual forms of Korean speech.
|
고마워 |
gomawo |
|
고마워요 |
gomawoyo |
If you are using the casual form of speech with them, the first one is appropriate; and if you are using the polite form of speech with them, the second one is more appropriate.
As far as the accompanying bow, just a slight nod of the head or an obvious facial expression would be sufficient. A gesture is optional in many casual interactions.
Just remember that body language is, after all, another form of language. And it is an intricate and important part of communicating in Korean. Don’t worry too much, though, because Koreans are very understanding with foreigners making cultural faux pas!
4. What is the proper reply when someone thanks you in Korean?
In English, there are many different ways to reply when being thanked, such as:
You’re welcome. No problem. Any time. Sure thing. My pleasure.
The Korean language also has several ways to reply:
| Korean phrase | Revised Romanization | Meaning and use |
|---|---|---|
| 천만에요 | cheonmaneyo | You’re welcome. Often taught in textbooks; less common than 아니에요 in everyday replies. |
| 별말씀을요 | byeolmalsseumeullyo | Don’t mention it. A polite, modest response; 별 here does not mean “star.” |
| 아니에요 | anieyo | Not at all. / No need to thank me. |
| 아닙니다 | animnida | Not at all. Formal polite equivalent of 아니에요. |
5. 네 and 아니에요 can acknowledge thanks
Many times in practical situations, you will hear a simple “yes” or “no” in reply to a “thank you.”
If you reply with a “yes,” it would imply that you accept their thanks; and if you reply with a “no,” it would mean that there is no need to say thanks. You can, of course, use any of the above phrases, but choose a complete, natural expression such as 네 or 아니에요 rather than mechanically translating an English “yes” or “no.”
Below is an example of a parting conversation between a store clerk and a customer:
(After the transaction is complete.)
| What is spoken (with body language) |
Translation | What is implied | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer | 감사합니다 (with a slight bow) |
Thank you. | Thanking the clerk. |
| Clerk | 네… 안녕히 가세요. (with a slight bow) |
Yes… Good-bye. (means go in peace) |
Acknowledging the thanks and wishing the customer well as they depart. |
| Customer | 네… 수고하세요. (with a slight bow) |
Yes… Take care as you continue working. (A conventional farewell; see the usage note above.) |
Acknowledging the well wishes and encouraging the clerk to keep up the good work. |
You should notice the implied messages that are polite and well-meaning.
Conclusion
When speaking Korean, how and to whom you say things are just as important as what you say.
For requests, choose an appropriate ending such as 주세요 and a considerate tone. When thanking someone, use a speech level and gesture that fit the relationship and setting.
For more Korean vocabulary, check out Basic Korean Phrases for Travelers and Beginners.
As always, feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or suggestions!
REVIEW AND REPEAT DAILY, AND YOU WILL SEE PROGRESS… 화이팅!!