Korean expressions · Guide
How to Make Polite Requests in Korean: 주세요 and 주시겠어요
Use a verb plus -아/어 주세요 to ask someone to do a specific action.
For a larger favor or a request to a stranger, -아/어 주시겠어요? asks about the other person's willingness and leaves the choice more explicit.
Adapted for English-speaking Korean learners · Beginner
해 주세요 asks for a specific action
Asking for an object and asking for an action use different shapes.
Noun + 주세요. 물 주세요 and 영수증 주세요 ask to be given water or a receipt.
Verb + -아/어 주세요. 열어 주세요 and 기다려 주세요 ask someone to open something or wait.
Match the form to the favor and the relationship
A longer sentence is not automatically better. 주세요 is enough for many short, familiar service or classroom requests.
-아/어 주세요. Natural for short, clear requests in a cafe, shop, classroom, or familiar workplace setting.
-아/어 주시겠어요?. Useful when asking a stranger or requesting a favor that takes more time or effort.
실례지만 / 죄송한데요. These can open a request for a stranger's time. They are not required before every small request.
Choose a sentence for the situation
창문 좀 열어 주세요.A direct but polite request for a small everyday action.
Classroom · office사진 한 장만 찍어 주시겠어요?You ask a stranger whether they would be willing to take a photo.
Street · travel확인하신 후에 알려 주세요.In work messages, add a date or deadline when one matters so the request stays clear.
Work · emailAttach -아/어 주세요 to the verb
The vowel choice follows the same basic direction as the -아/어요 form.
-아/어 주다 + -(으)세요
-아 주세요
-어 주세요
해 주세요
05 · Context
Politeness does not come from one ending alone
The same 주세요 can sound different depending on the size of the favor, the relationship, voice, and expression.
좀 or 실례지만 may help, but a clear request and genuine room to refuse matter more than stacking softeners.
Keep one distinction
Use -아/어 주세요 for a short, familiar request and -아/어 주시겠어요? when you want to ask more explicitly about willingness.
Practice & questions
Try a sentence with an expression from this lesson, or ask about anything you are still unsure of.
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