부탁하다
부탁하다 in 30 Sekunden
- 부탁하다 is the essential Korean verb for asking favors, ranging from casual help to formal professional requests.
- It differs from 'ask' (물어보다) because it focuses on actions/favors rather than information or questions.
- In formal settings, the humble form '부탁드리다' is mandatory to show respect to superiors or strangers.
- Grammatically, the person asked takes 에게/한테, and the favor takes the object particle 을/를.
The Korean verb 부탁하다 (butakhada) is a fundamental pillar of social interaction in Korea, serving as the primary way to ask for a favor, assistance, or a service. Unlike the English word 'ask,' which can mean inquiring for information (to ask a question) or requesting an object, 부탁하다 specifically targets the act of entrusting someone with a task or seeking their help. It is deeply rooted in the concept of mutual cooperation and social harmony. When you use this word, you are acknowledging that you need someone else's effort, time, or resources, which inherently carries a weight of politeness and social debt. In the context of the IELTS General Training exam, particularly in Task 1 (Letter Writing), this word is the direct equivalent of phrases like 'I am writing to ask if you could...' or 'I would like to request your assistance regarding...'
- Core Nuance
- It implies a level of 'entrusting' (부탁 - 付託). You are putting a matter into someone else's hands. It is not a demand; it is a request that requires the other person's consent and goodwill.
- Social Context
- In Korean culture, asking for a favor can be sensitive because it 'burdens' the other person. Therefore, 부탁하다 is often accompanied by apologetic language or honorifics to soften the request and show respect for the other person's time.
제 숙제를 좀 부탁해도 될까요? (May I ask you for a favor regarding my homework?)
The word is composed of '부탁' (noun meaning request/favor) and '하다' (verb meaning to do). In formal situations, especially when speaking to a superior or a stranger, the humble version 부탁드리다 is used instead. This is crucial for IELTS candidates to understand, as a letter to a landlord or a manager would require the humble form to maintain the correct register. For instance, '도움을 부탁드립니다' (I request your help) sounds much more professional and respectful than the standard form. The word covers everything from asking a friend to pick up milk to asking a colleague to cover a shift, or even asking a government official to review a document.
어려운 일을 부탁해서 미안해요. (I'm sorry for asking such a difficult favor.)
- Common Usage: Professional
- Used in emails to ask for feedback, reports, or meetings. It signals a collaborative spirit rather than a hierarchical command.
When you use 부탁하다, you are engaging in a social contract. You are acknowledging the other person's agency. This is why it is the 'go-to' word for any situation where you are not entitled to the service but are hoping for it. For example, if you go to a restaurant, you 'order' (주문하다), but if you ask the waiter to take a photo of your group, you '부탁하다'. This distinction is vital for learners to grasp the boundary between commercial transactions and personal favors.
사진 한 장만 부탁해도 될까요? (Could I ask you for a favor and have you take a photo?)
Mastering the sentence structures for 부탁하다 requires understanding the relationship between the speaker, the listener, and the task. Because this word involves asking for help, the grammar often shifts to include honorifics and indirect speech patterns to ensure the request sounds polite rather than demanding. In English, we might say 'Can you help me?', but in Korean, we often say 'I ask a favor of help to you' or 'I would like to ask if I can entrust this to you.'
- The Basic Structure
- [Person] + 에게/한테 + [Favor/Task] + 을/를 + 부탁하다. Example: 친구한테 도움을 부탁했어요. (I asked a friend for help.)
- The Indirect Request Pattern
- [Verb Stem] + -아/어 달라고 + 부탁하다. This is used when you ask someone to *do* a specific action. Example: 문을 닫아 달라고 부탁했어요. (I asked them to close the door.)
선생님께 추천서를 부탁드렸습니다. (I asked the teacher for a recommendation letter.)
In IELTS General letters, you will frequently use the pattern '-아/어 주시기를 부탁드립니다'. This is a very formal way to say 'I request that you kindly do [action] for me.' For example, if you are writing to a neighbor about a noise complaint, you might write: '조금만 조용히 해 주시기를 부탁드립니다' (I request that you please be a little quieter). This structure is highly effective because it uses the 'giving' auxiliary verb (-주다) combined with the formal request verb, maximizing the politeness level.
부장님께 보고서 검토를 부탁하고 싶습니다. (I would like to ask the manager to review the report.)
- Common Object Pairings
- 도움을 부탁하다 (Ask for help)
- 이해를 부탁하다 (Ask for understanding/patience)
- 협조를 부탁하다 (Ask for cooperation)
- 확인을 부탁하다 (Ask for confirmation/check)
Another important aspect is the use of the past tense. Often, when we report that we have made a request, we use 부탁했다. However, in the middle of a conversation, we might use the present progressive 부탁하고 있다 to show that the request is currently pending. In the context of a letter, the present tense 부탁드립니다 is most common as it expresses the current purpose of the writing. Remember to always match the level of 부탁하다 with the relationship: use 부탁해 with friends, 부탁해요 with colleagues, and 부탁드립니다 in formal writing or to elders.
동생에게 설거지를 부탁했어요. (I asked my younger sibling to do the dishes.)
You will encounter 부탁하다 in almost every corner of Korean life, from the most casual domestic settings to the highest levels of corporate diplomacy. It is the linguistic lubricant that keeps social interactions smooth. In a Korean household, you might hear a mother say to her child, '동생 좀 부탁해' (Please look after your younger sibling for a bit). In this context, it’s a soft command framed as a favor. In the workplace, it is ubiquitous. Emails often end with '잘 부탁드립니다' or '검토 부탁드립니다' (Please review this), which is the standard way to conclude a request for action.
- In the Office
- When a project is handed over, the person leaving might say '나머지 일은 김 대리님께 부탁할게요' (I'll leave the rest of the work to Assistant Manager Kim). It signals a transfer of responsibility based on trust.
- In Service Industries
- When you leave your keys at a hotel front desk or your luggage at a storage facility, you use 부탁하다. '짐 좀 부탁합니다' (Please take care of my luggage).
이 서류를 내일까지 부탁해도 될까요? (Could I ask you to handle this document by tomorrow?)
In K-Dramas, you'll often see a character dramatically bowing and saying '제발 부탁입니다!' (I beg of you! / It's a favor!). This highlights the emotional weight the word can carry. It's not just a casual 'can you...'; it can be a desperate plea for help. On the other hand, in variety shows, you'll hear '노래 한 곡 부탁해요!' (Please give us a song!), which is a lighthearted way to encourage someone to perform. The versatility of the word allows it to span the entire spectrum of human emotion and social urgency.
안전한 이용을 위해 협조를 부탁드립니다. (We ask for your cooperation for safe usage.)
For those preparing for the IELTS, imagine a scenario where you are writing to a college professor to ask for an extension on an essay. You wouldn't just say 'I want more time.' You would use the logic of 부탁하다: 'I am facing some difficulties, so I would like to ask for your favor in extending the deadline.' This mindset helps you choose the right formal vocabulary in English as well, such as 'request,' 'favor,' and 'assistance,' rather than just 'ask.'
부모님께 아이들을 부탁하고 외출했어요. (I asked my parents to watch the kids and went out.)
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning 부탁하다 is confusing it with other verbs that mean 'to ask.' In English, 'ask' is a catch-all word, but in Korean, the distinction is sharp. If you want to ask a question (e.g., 'What time is it?'), you must use 물어보다 or 질문하다. If you use 부탁하다 to ask a question, a Korean speaker will be confused, as they will be waiting for you to ask them to *do* something for you, rather than just provide information.
- Mistake 1: Information vs. Favor
- Incorrect: 길을 부탁했어요. (I asked the favor of the road - sounds like you want them to give you the road). Correct: 길을 물어봤어요. (I asked for directions).
- Mistake 2: Forgetting the Humble Form
- Using '부탁해요' to a CEO or a professor can sound slightly too casual or even rude. In these high-stakes situations, always use '부탁드립니다'.
❌ 질문을 부탁해요. (I ask a favor of a question - Wrong!)
✅ 질문을 해요 / 물어봐요. (I ask a question.)
Another common pitfall is the particle usage. Many learners try to use the object particle 을/를 for the person they are asking, influenced by the English 'I asked *him*.' However, in Korean, you are asking a favor *to* someone. Therefore, you must use 에게, 한테, or 께. If you say '그를 부탁했어요,' it means 'I asked someone to take care of him' (he is the object of the favor), not 'I asked him for a favor.'
Finally, learners often forget to use the 'giving' auxiliary verb -아/어 주다 when asking for an action. Saying '창문 닫기를 부탁해요' is grammatically possible but sounds like a textbook. A natural speaker would say '창문 좀 닫아 달라고 부탁했어요' or '창문을 닫아 주시기를 부탁드려요.' The inclusion of 주다 (to give) emphasizes that the action is a service being provided to you, which is the essence of a 부탁.
❌ 선생님을 부탁했어요. (I asked someone to take care of the teacher.)
✅ 선생님께 부탁했어요. (I asked the teacher for a favor.)
While 부탁하다 is the most versatile word for requests, Korean has several other verbs that cover specific types of 'asking.' Understanding these will help you reach a B2 or C1 level of fluency and allow you to be more precise in your IELTS writing. For example, if you are making a formal demand or an official request, 부탁하다 might be too soft.
- 요청하다 (Yocheong-hada) - To Request/Demand
- This is more formal and official than 부탁하다. It is used for requesting documents, services, or actions in a professional or legal context. It lacks the personal 'favor' nuance of 부탁.
Example: 자료를 요청했습니다. (I requested the data.) - 요구하다 (Yogu-hada) - To Demand/Claim
- This is a strong word. It implies that you have a right to what you are asking for. It can sound aggressive if used in the wrong context.
Example: 환불을 요구했습니다. (I demanded a refund.)
의뢰하다 (Uiroe-hada): To commission or request professional services (like a lawyer or a contractor).
For more emotional or desperate situations, you might use 간청하다 (to plead/beseech) or 애원하다 (to beg). These are rarely used in daily life but are common in literature and drama. If you are asking for something repeatedly and annoyingly, the word is 조르다 (to pester/nag), often used by children to their parents. Knowing these distinctions prevents you from sounding too desperate or too demanding when you simply want to ask a neighbor to watch your cat.
In summary, 부탁하다 is the 'warm' word for asking. It builds bridges. 요청하다 is the 'cold' or 'neutral' word for asking. It follows procedures. When writing your IELTS letter, if you want to sound like a friendly neighbor, use 부탁하다. If you want to sound like a dissatisfied customer, use 요청하다 or even 요구하다. Choosing the right word demonstrates your grasp of register and social nuance.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The character 託 (tak) is also found in the word '탁아소' (tak-a-so), which means a nursery or daycare center—a place where you 'entrust' your children.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 't' without aspiration (sounding like 'budak').
- Making the 'u' sound too long like 'bootak'.
- Merging 'k' and 'h' too much; they should be distinct but fluid.
- Using an English 'r' sound for the 'd' in 'da'.
- Failing to pronounce the final 'da' clearly in formal settings.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to recognize in text as it appears frequently in emails and signs.
Difficult to master the honorifics and indirect speech patterns (-아/어 달라고).
Requires practice to sound natural and polite without being too stiff.
Usually clear in context, especially with the '부탁' root.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Indirect Speech for Requests (-아/어 달라고 하다)
도와 달라고 부탁했어요. (I asked them to help me.)
Humble Verb Forms (-드리다)
선생님께 부탁드렸어요. (I asked the teacher a favor.)
Polite Permission (-아/어 도 되다)
부탁해도 돼요? (Can I ask a favor?)
Benefactive Auxiliary (-아/어 주다)
창문을 닫아 주시기를 부탁해요. (I ask you to kindly close the window.)
Formal Sentence Ending (-는 바입니다)
협조를 부탁드리는 바입니다. (I am requesting your cooperation.)
Beispiele nach Niveau
이것 좀 부탁해요.
Please take care of this.
Simple [Noun] + 부탁해요 structure.
물 좀 부탁합니다.
Water, please.
Formal-polite ending -합니다.
잘 부탁드립니다.
I look forward to your kind favor (Nice to meet you).
Standard introductory phrase.
도움을 부탁해요.
I ask for help.
Using '도움' (help) as the object.
엄마한테 부탁해요.
Ask Mom (for the favor).
Using the particle -한테 for the person.
선생님, 부탁이 있어요.
Teacher, I have a favor.
Using the noun '부탁' with '있다'.
내일 부탁해.
I'm counting on you tomorrow.
Informal 'Panmal' ending.
소금 좀 부탁해요.
Salt, please.
Requesting a physical object as a favor.
친구한테 돈을 좀 부탁했어요.
I asked a friend for some money (as a favor).
Past tense '부탁했어요'.
제 가방 좀 부탁해도 될까요?
Could I ask you to watch my bag?
-아/어 도 될까요? (Permission pattern).
동생한테 청소를 부탁할 거예요.
I'm going to ask my brother to clean.
Future tense -(으)ㄹ 거예요.
어려운 부탁을 해서 미안해요.
I'm sorry for asking a difficult favor.
Using '어려운' (difficult) to describe the favor.
사진 한 장만 부탁할게요.
I'll ask for just one photo.
Future intention -(으)ㄹ게요.
부탁 하나만 들어줄래?
Will you do me one favor?
Using '들어주다' (to grant/listen) with 부탁.
언니한테 요리를 부탁했어요.
I asked my older sister to cook.
Asking for a specific activity.
전화 좀 부탁해요.
Please make a call for me / I ask for a call.
Context-dependent request.
사장님께 보고서를 부탁드렸습니다.
I asked the boss for the report (humbly).
Humble verb '부탁드리다'.
친구에게 문을 닫아 달라고 부탁했어요.
I asked my friend to close the door.
Indirect speech '-아/어 달라고'.
잠시만 기다려 주시기를 부탁드립니다.
I request that you kindly wait for a moment.
Formal request '-기(를) 부탁드립니다'.
이웃에게 소음을 줄여 달라고 부탁했어요.
I asked the neighbor to reduce the noise.
IELTS scenario: neighborly request.
교수님께 추천서를 부탁드리고 싶습니다.
I would like to ask the professor for a recommendation letter.
Expressing desire '-고 싶다'.
너한테만 부탁하는 거야.
I'm asking only you (this favor).
Focus particle -만.
협조해 주셔서 감사하며, 앞으로도 부탁드립니다.
Thank you for your cooperation, and I ask for it in the future too.
Formal business closing.
동료에게 업무 지원을 부탁했습니다.
I asked a colleague for work support.
Professional context.
갑작스러운 부탁이라 정말 죄송합니다.
I'm truly sorry for this sudden request.
Using '갑작스러운' (sudden) to soften the blow.
신입 사원 교육을 김 대리에게 부탁하기로 했어요.
We decided to ask Assistant Manager Kim to train the new employees.
Decision pattern '-기로 하다'.
양해를 부탁드리는 말씀을 전하고자 합니다.
I would like to convey a message asking for your understanding.
Formal intent '-하고자 하다'.
그 일은 전문가에게 부탁하는 것이 좋겠어요.
It would be better to ask an expert for that task.
Suggestion pattern '-는 것이 좋겠다'.
무리한 부탁인 줄 알면서도 이렇게 연락드렸습니다.
I contacted you like this even though I know it's an unreasonable request.
Concessive pattern '-ㄴ 줄 알면서도'.
부탁한 대로 서류를 준비해 두었습니다.
I have prepared the documents as requested.
Adverbial pattern '-ㄴ 대로' (as/in the way).
서로 돕고 사는 처지에 부탁 좀 들어줘.
Since we're in a position to help each other, do me a favor.
Contextual reasoning '-ㄴ 처지에'.
비밀을 지켜 달라고 신신당부하며 부탁했어요.
I asked them, repeatedly urging them to keep the secret.
Using '신신당부하다' (to earnestly request) with 부탁.
공적인 업무에 사적인 부탁을 하는 것은 부적절합니다.
It is inappropriate to make personal requests during official business.
Contrast between '공적' (official) and '사적' (private).
그는 거절하기 힘든 제안을 하며 부탁을 해왔다.
He came to me with a favor, making an offer that was hard to refuse.
Compound pattern '-아/어 오다' (progressive action).
이번 프로젝트의 성패가 귀하의 협조에 달려 있음을 강조하며 부탁드립니다.
I request your help, emphasizing that the success of this project depends on your cooperation.
Complex clausal structure.
염치 불고하고 한 번 더 부탁을 드려도 될지 모르겠습니다.
I don't know if I may ask one more favor, disregarding my sense of shame.
Idiom '염치 불고하고' (shamelessly/disregarding face).
정부는 국민들에게 방역 수칙 준수를 간곡히 부탁했다.
The government earnestly requested the citizens to follow the quarantine rules.
Adverb '간곡히' (earnestly).
부탁을 들어주는 척하면서 자신의 이익을 챙겼다.
He pretended to do the favor while looking out for his own interests.
Pretense pattern '-는 척하다'.
그의 부탁은 단순한 요청을 넘어선 일종의 압박이었다.
His request was a kind of pressure that went beyond a simple favor.
Abstract noun usage.
사태의 심각성을 고려하여 신중한 처리를 부탁드리는 바입니다.
Considering the seriousness of the situation, I am requesting careful handling.
Formal ending '-는 바입니다'.
선대부터 이어온 가업의 보존을 후대에게 부탁하는 유언을 남겼다.
He left a will entrusting the preservation of the family business, passed down from ancestors, to future generations.
Historical/Formal context of '부탁'.
인간관계의 복잡한 타래 속에서 부탁은 때로 독이 되기도 한다.
In the complex tangle of human relationships, a favor can sometimes become poison.
Philosophical usage.
상대방의 처지를 십분 활용하여 부탁을 관철시키는 치밀함을 보였다.
He showed meticulousness in getting his request through by fully utilizing the other party's situation.
Advanced vocabulary '관철시키다' (to carry through).
그의 말투에는 부탁이라기보다는 명령에 가까운 고압적인 태도가 배어 있었다.
His tone was permeated with a high-handed attitude closer to a command than a request.
Nuanced description of tone.
천지신명께 비를 내려 달라고 부탁하는 기우제를 지냈다.
They held a ritual to pray for rain, asking the gods of heaven and earth for a favor.
Spiritual/Ritualistic context.
부탁의 형식을 빌린 강요는 조직 문화를 해치는 주요 원인이다.
Coercion in the form of a request is a major cause of damaging organizational culture.
Sociological analysis.
그는 자신의 명예를 걸고 이번 일의 성공을 부탁했다.
He asked for the success of this matter, staking his honor on it.
Idiomatic '명예를 걸고'.
세월의 흐름 속에 잊혀가는 전통의 계승을 간절히 부탁드리는 바입니다.
I am earnestly requesting the succession of traditions that are being forgotten in the passage of time.
Highly formal/Poetic.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Used when meeting someone new or starting a job. It means 'Please treat me well.'
처음 뵙겠습니다. 잘 부탁드립니다.
— A standard way to lead into a request. 'I have one favor.'
저기, 부탁이 하나 있는데 들어줄래?
— A casual plea. 'I'll ask just this once.'
진짜 이번 한 번만 부탁할게.
— A polite opener. 'I know this is a difficult favor, but...'
어려운 부탁인 줄 알지만 도와주실 수 있나요?
— A very humble opener. 'I have no shame (asking this), but I request it.'
염치없지만 다시 한번 부탁드립니다.
— A polite way to ask for permission to make a request.
실례지만 부탁 좀 해도 될까요?
— A favor that is difficult to grant.
그건 정말 들어주기 힘든 부탁이네요.
— The task that was requested.
부탁한 일은 다 끝냈어요.
— To ask politely/formally.
사장님께 정중히 부탁드렸어요.
— To ask earnestly/sincerely.
제발 도와달라고 간곡히 부탁했습니다.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Used for asking questions/information, not favors.
More formal/official; lacks the personal 'favor' nuance.
Specifically for asking a question in a classroom or formal setting.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Used when someone is constantly asking for favors as if it's their destiny.
너는 정말 부탁이 팔자구나.
Informal/Sarcastic— To beg or ask so earnestly that your hands become like feet (from rubbing them together in supplication).
손이 발이 되도록 부탁해서 겨우 허락을 받았어.
Emphatic— You can refuse a favor, but you should never refuse a polite greeting/etiquette.
부탁은 못 들어줘도 예의는 지켜야지.
Proverbial— To ask for a favor thinking 'I have nothing to lose' (even if they say no, I'm no worse off).
밑져야 본전이니 일단 부탁해 봐.
Colloquial— To leave something to fate or a higher power after doing one's best.
이제는 하늘에 부탁하는 수밖에 없어요.
Metaphorical— Asking for favors is like a disease (used for people who can't do anything themselves).
혼자 좀 해봐, 부탁도 병이다 정말.
Critical— A command disguised as a favor.
그건 부탁의 탈을 쓴 명령이었어.
Critical— A request as valuable as a thousand pieces of gold (a very important favor).
이건 저에게 천금 같은 부탁입니다.
Literary— To be unable to speak (because one is too embarrassed or hesitant to ask the favor).
부탁을 하려니 입이 떨어지지 않네요.
Idiomatic— To stake one's life on a single request (to be extremely desperate).
그는 이번 부탁 하나에 목숨을 걸었다.
ExaggeratedLeicht verwechselbar
Both mean 'to request'.
부탁하다 is personal and warm; 요청하다 is professional and procedural.
친구에게는 부탁하고, 회사에는 요청해요.
Both involve asking for something.
요구하다 is a demand based on a right; 부탁하다 is a favor based on goodwill.
환불은 요구하고, 도움은 부탁해요.
Both involve giving a task to someone.
의뢰하다 is for professional services (paid); 부탁하다 is for favors (unpaid/social).
수리는 의뢰하고, 청소는 부탁해요.
Both mean to ask/request.
청하다 is more literary or used in specific phrases like '도움을 청하다'.
악수를 청했습니다.
Both involve asking someone to do something.
당부하다 is usually from a superior to an inferior (giving a charge/reminder).
선생님이 주의를 당부하셨어요.
Satzmuster
N 좀 부탁해요.
물 좀 부탁해요.
N을/를 부탁해도 될까요?
사진을 부탁해도 될까요?
V-아/어 달라고 부탁하다
와 달라고 부탁했어요.
V-아/어 주시기를 부탁드립니다.
확인해 주시기를 부탁드립니다.
N에 대한 양해를 부탁드립니다.
지연에 대한 양해를 부탁드립니다.
염치 불구하고 부탁드립니다.
염치 불구하고 한 번 더 부탁드립니다.
N의 처리를 부탁드리는 바입니다.
신속한 처리를 부탁드리는 바입니다.
N을/를 간곡히 부탁드리는 바입니다.
계승을 간곡히 부탁드리는 바입니다.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Extremely high in daily conversation, business emails, and public service announcements.
-
Using '부탁하다' for questions.
→
질문하다 / 물어보다
If you want to know the answer to something, use '물어보다'. '부탁하다' is only for actions or favors.
-
Using the object particle '을/를' for the person.
→
에게 / 한테 / 께
You ask a favor *to* someone. Using '을/를' makes the person the object of the favor (e.g., 'Take care of him').
-
Using '부탁해' to a teacher.
→
부탁드립니다 / 부탁드려요
Using the informal 'Panmal' with a superior is very rude. Always use honorifics.
-
Forgetting '-아/어 주다' in requests.
→
도와 주시기를 부탁드립니다
Without '주다' (to give), the request sounds like a dry command. '주다' adds the nuance of 'doing it for me'.
-
Confusing '부탁' with '요구'.
→
부탁 (Favor) vs 요구 (Demand)
If you demand something you are entitled to (like a refund), use '요구'. If it's a favor, use '부탁'.
Tipps
Use '좀'
Always add '좀' (a little) before '부탁해요'. It makes the request sound much less demanding and more like a genuine favor.
IELTS Strategy
In formal letters, use the pattern '-아/어 주시기를 부탁드립니다'. This is the gold standard for polite requests in professional Korean.
The Favor Economy
Remember that a '부탁' in Korea often implies a future '부탁' you might do for them. It's about building long-term relationships.
Indirect Speech
Practice the '-달라고' pattern. It's the most natural way to report a request you made to someone else.
Humble vs. Standard
If in doubt, use '부탁드립니다'. It's never wrong to be too polite, but being too casual can cause offense.
Soft Openers
Start with '저기...' or '혹시...' to signal that you are about to ask for a favor. It prepares the listener.
Public Announcements
When you hear '부탁드립니다' on a train or in a mall, look around—it usually means there's a rule to follow or a delay to accept.
Person vs. Object
Double-check your particles! '친구를 부탁해요' means 'Take care of my friend', not 'I ask my friend a favor'.
Hanja Power
Remember 'Tak' (託) means entrust. You are entrusting your problem to someone else's kindness.
Email Closings
End almost every business email with '잘 부탁드립니다'. It's the standard, safe, and professional way to close.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Boo!' (부) and 'Tack' (탁). If you 'Boo' someone and then 'Tack' a note on them, you are 'entrusting' them with a message or a favor. 'Boo-Tack-Hada!'
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine handing a glowing orb (representing your task) to someone else's open hands. The orb is the '부탁'.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use '부탁해요' three times today: once for a small thing (passing salt), once for a medium thing (holding a door), and once for a work task.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Hanja characters 付 (bu - to give/entrust) and 託 (tak - to entrust/rely). Together, they form '부탁' (付託), which literally means to entrust a matter to someone else.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To commit a person or a thing to someone's care or charge.
Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).Kultureller Kontext
Be careful when asking for favors from people much higher in status. Use '부탁드립니다' and be prepared for them to say no indirectly.
In English-speaking cultures, requests are often more direct ('Could you...?'). In Korean, the focus is on the act of 'entrusting' the favor, which feels more indirect and formal.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Workplace
- 검토 부탁드립니다
- 협조 부탁드립니다
- 확인 부탁드립니다
- 전달 부탁드립니다
Neighborhood
- 택배 좀 부탁해요
- 조용히 해 주시길 부탁해요
- 쓰레기 처리를 부탁해요
- 주차 양해 부탁해요
School
- 추천서 부탁드립니다
- 과제 제출 부탁해요
- 필기 좀 부탁해
- 설명 부탁드립니다
Travel
- 사진 부탁해요
- 길 안내 부탁해요
- 짐 보관 부탁해요
- 예약 확인 부탁해요
Family
- 동생 좀 부탁해
- 심부름 부탁해
- 설거지 부탁해
- 용돈 좀 부탁해
Gesprächseinstiege
"실례지만, 부탁 하나만 해도 될까요? (Excuse me, but could I ask you a favor?)"
"바쁘신데 정말 죄송하지만, 부탁드릴 게 있어서요. (I'm so sorry to bother you while you're busy, but I have something to ask.)"
"혹시 제 부탁 좀 들어주실 수 있나요? (Could you possibly do me a favor?)"
"어려운 부탁인 줄 알지만, 말씀드려 봅니다. (I know it's a difficult favor, but I'm bringing it up.)"
"도움이 좀 필요한데, 부탁 좀 해도 될까요? (I need some help; can I ask a favor?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
오늘 누군가에게 부탁을 했나요? 어떤 부탁이었고 기분이 어땠나요? (Did you ask someone for a favor today? What was it and how did you feel?)
부탁을 거절당했을 때 어떻게 대처하는 것이 좋을까요? (How should one handle it when a request is refused?)
내가 들어주기 가장 힘들었던 부탁은 무엇이었나요? (What was the most difficult favor you've ever been asked to do?)
친구 사이에도 예의를 갖춰 부탁하는 것이 왜 중요한가요? (Why is it important to ask favors politely even between friends?)
IELTS 편지 쓰기에서 '부탁'을 할 때 가장 유용한 표현은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What do you think is the most useful expression for making a request in an IELTS letter?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo. For information like the time, use '물어보다' (시간 좀 물어봐도 될까요?). '부탁하다' is only for favors or tasks.
부탁드리다 is the humble form. Use it when speaking to someone older, a boss, or in formal writing. 부탁하다 is for friends or people of similar status.
Sort of. It's used during introductions, but it specifically means 'Please look after me' or 'I look forward to working with you.' It's more about the future relationship.
You can say '부탁 하나만 들어주실 수 있나요?' or '부탁이 하나 있어요.'
Yes, for things like 'Water, please' (물 좀 부탁해요) or 'Can you take a photo?' (사진 좀 부탁해요).
Use 에게 (formal), 한테 (casual), or 께 (honorific). Never use 을/를 for the person.
Yes, it is the core concept for General Training Task 1 letters where you ask for help, information, or a change in service.
Yes, like 'Don't tell anyone' (비밀로 해 달라고 부탁했어요).
It means 'We ask for your understanding.' It's a very common polite way to apologize for an inconvenience.
Yes, but it should be done very politely, usually starting with '정말 죄송하지만...' (I'm really sorry but...).
Teste dich selbst 190 Fragen
Translate: 'I asked my friend for a favor.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Could I ask you for a favor?' (Polite)
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Translate: 'I request your cooperation.' (Formal)
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Translate: 'I asked him to close the window.'
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Translate: 'Please take care of this.'
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Translate: 'I have a favor to ask the teacher.'
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Translate: 'Thank you for granting my favor.'
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Translate: 'I'm sorry for the sudden request.'
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Translate: 'I earnestly request your understanding.'
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Translate: 'I look forward to working with you.' (Standard intro)
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Translate: 'I asked my sister to cook.'
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Translate: 'May I ask for a photo?'
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Translate: 'I asked for help but was refused.'
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Translate: 'Please check the email.' (Formal)
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Translate: 'I'll leave the rest to you.'
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Translate: 'It's a difficult favor to grant.'
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Translate: 'I asked only you.'
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Translate: 'I request your kind favor.' (Humble)
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Translate: 'I asked them to be quiet.'
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Translate: 'I'm counting on you.' (Informal)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Roleplay: Ask a friend to borrow a pen.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Roleplay: Introduce yourself at a new job.
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Roleplay: Ask a stranger to take your photo.
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Roleplay: Ask your boss to check a report.
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Roleplay: Ask a neighbor to be quiet.
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Roleplay: Ask for water in a restaurant.
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Roleplay: Tell a friend you have a favor to ask.
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Roleplay: Earnestly ask for forgiveness.
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Roleplay: Ask a colleague for help with a project.
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Roleplay: Ask your parents to watch the kids.
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Roleplay: Request a refund politely.
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Roleplay: Ask a teacher for a recommendation.
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Roleplay: Ask a friend to keep a secret.
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Roleplay: Ask for more time on a task.
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Roleplay: Ask someone to wait a moment.
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Roleplay: Ask a friend to pick you up.
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Roleplay: Ask for a discount (polite).
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Roleplay: Ask for cooperation in a meeting.
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Roleplay: Ask a sibling to do a chore.
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Roleplay: Say 'I'm counting on you' to a team.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Listen: '도움을 부탁드려도 될까요?' What is being asked?
Listen: '잘 부탁드립니다.' When is this usually said?
Listen: '양해 부탁드립니다.' What does the speaker want?
Listen: '부탁이 하나 있어요.' What is coming next?
Listen: '부탁을 거절했어요.' Did the person do the favor?
Listen: '이것 좀 부탁해요.' Is the speaker handing something over?
Listen: '선생님께 부탁드렸습니다.' Who was asked?
Listen: '부탁한 대로 했어요.' Was the request followed?
Listen: '무리한 부탁은 하지 마세요.' What is the warning?
Listen: '협조 부탁드립니다.' Where might you hear this?
Listen: '부탁 하나만 들어줘.' Is this a formal request?
Listen: '간곡히 부탁드립니다.' How does the speaker feel?
Listen: '부탁받은 일이 많아요.' Is the speaker busy?
Listen: '염치 불고하고 부탁드립니다.' Is the speaker comfortable?
Listen: '사진 좀 부탁해도 될까요?' What does the speaker want?
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '부탁하다' is more than just 'asking'; it is the act of entrusting a favor to someone. Always use '부탁드립니다' in professional letters (like IELTS tasks) to ensure you sound polite and respectful. Example: '도움을 부탁드립니다' (I request your help).
- 부탁하다 is the essential Korean verb for asking favors, ranging from casual help to formal professional requests.
- It differs from 'ask' (물어보다) because it focuses on actions/favors rather than information or questions.
- In formal settings, the humble form '부탁드리다' is mandatory to show respect to superiors or strangers.
- Grammatically, the person asked takes 에게/한테, and the favor takes the object particle 을/를.
Use '좀'
Always add '좀' (a little) before '부탁해요'. It makes the request sound much less demanding and more like a genuine favor.
IELTS Strategy
In formal letters, use the pattern '-아/어 주시기를 부탁드립니다'. This is the gold standard for polite requests in professional Korean.
The Favor Economy
Remember that a '부탁' in Korea often implies a future '부탁' you might do for them. It's about building long-term relationships.
Indirect Speech
Practice the '-달라고' pattern. It's the most natural way to report a request you made to someone else.
Beispiel
친구에게 강아지를 돌봐 달라고 부탁했습니다.