how to say wait in korean

2 min read 18-01-2025

Knowing how to say "wait" in Korean is crucial for navigating everyday situations in Korea. This comprehensive guide will teach you various ways to express "wait" depending on the context, from polite requests to more casual expressions. We'll cover different levels of formality and provide helpful examples to ensure you're prepared for any situation.

Saying "Wait" in Different Contexts

Korean, like many languages, uses different words for "wait" depending on the level of formality and the situation. Here are some common ways to say "wait" in Korean:

1. 기다리세요 (gidari세요): The Formal "Please Wait"

Pronunciation: gee-da-ri-se-yo
Use: This is the most polite and formal way to ask someone to wait. Use this when speaking to elders, superiors, or strangers. It's the equivalent of saying "Please wait" in English.
Example: 버스가 곧 올 거예요. 잠시 기다리세요 (Beoseuga got ol geoyeyo. Jamsi gidari세요). (The bus will be here soon. Please wait a moment.)

2. 기다려 (gidaryeo): The Informal "Wait"

Pronunciation: gee-da-ryeo
Use: This is an informal way to tell someone to wait. Use this with close friends, family, or people you are very comfortable with. It's similar to saying "Wait" or "Wait up!" in English.
Example: 기다려! 곧 갈게! (Gidaryeo! Got galge!) (Wait! I'll go soon!)

3. 잠깐만요 (jamkkanmanyo): "Just a moment, please"

Pronunciation: jam-kkan-man-yo
Use: This phrase is useful when you need a short wait. It's a polite way to ask someone to hold on for a brief period. It's slightly less formal than gidari세요.
Example: 잠깐만요, 전화 받고 올게요. (Jamkkanmanyo, jeonhwa batgo olgeyo.) (Just a moment, I'll answer the phone and be right back.)

4. 잠시만 (jamsiman): "Just a moment" (More Casual)

Pronunciation: jam-shi-man
Use: This is a shorter, more casual version of jamkkanmanyo. Use it with friends or family.
Example: 잠시만 기다려. (Jamsiman gidaryeo.) (Just a moment, wait.)

Understanding the Nuances: Politeness Levels in Korean

Korean emphasizes politeness levels, known as "honorifics." The examples above illustrate this. Using the wrong level of politeness can be considered rude. Always consider your relationship with the person you're speaking to when choosing which phrase to use.

Beyond the Basics: Expressing Different Types of Waiting

Sometimes, you might need to express why you're asking someone to wait. Here are a few helpful phrases:

조금만 기다려 주세요 (jogeumman gidaryeo juseyo): "Please wait a little bit." (Polite)
잠시만 기다려 주세요 (jamsiman gidaryeo juseyo): "Please wait a moment." (Polite)
얼마나 기다려야 해요? (eormana gidaryeoya haeyo?): "How long do I have to wait?"

Putting it all together: Practice Makes Perfect!

Learning to say "wait" in Korean isn't just about memorizing words. It's about understanding the context and choosing the appropriate level of politeness. Practice using these phrases in different situations, and you'll quickly become comfortable communicating in Korean. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – that's part of the learning process!

Remember to always consider your audience and choose the phrase that best suits the situation. Happy practicing!