A2 Expression Formal

부탁이 있어요.

Butagi isseoyo.

I have a favor.

Phrase in 30 Seconds

A polite and essential way to signal that you are about to ask someone for help or a favor.

  • Means: 'I have a favor to ask' or 'I have a request.'
  • Used in: Social, professional, and casual settings to soften a request.
  • Don't confuse: With '도와주세요' (Help me!), which is more urgent and direct.
🙏 + 🗣️ = 🤝

Explanation at your level:

This phrase is used when you want to ask for help. '부탁' means 'favor' and '있어요' means 'have' or 'there is'. You say this before you ask for something. It is very polite. For example, 'I have a favor. Can you help me?'
In Korean, it is polite to introduce a request with '{부탁|付託}이 {있다|有}요'. It literally means 'A favor exists.' You use this with friends, teachers, or colleagues. You can add '하나' (one) to say 'I have one favor.' This makes the person feel more comfortable helping you.
This expression serves as a pragmatic 'softener' in Korean conversation. By stating '{부탁|付託}이 {있다|有}요' before your actual request, you are following Korean social etiquette. It allows the listener to prepare for a request. You should learn to conjugate this into different formality levels, such as '{부탁|付託}이 {있다|有}습니다' for formal situations.
Beyond its literal meaning, '{부탁|付託}이 {있다|有}요' is a tool for managing social harmony (Hwa). It functions as a 'pre-request' that mitigates the potential face-threatening act of asking for help. At this level, you should also master the humble version, '{부탁|付託} 드릴 것이 {있다|有}습니다', and understand how to use it in professional hierarchies.
This phrase encapsulates the nuances of Korean interpersonal dynamics. The use of the noun '{부탁|付託}' (entrustment) implies a temporary transfer of agency. Advanced learners should note how this phrase is often paired with apologetic markers like '죄송하지만' or '실례가 안 된다면' to further minimize the burden on the interlocutor, reflecting the deep-seated cultural value of not inconveniencing others.
From a cognitive linguistics perspective, '{부탁|付託}이 {있다|有}요' operates as a discourse marker that establishes a frame of reciprocity. It invokes the cultural script of 'Gwan-si' (social networking) and 'In-jeong' (humanity/affection). Mastery involves navigating the subtle shift from '있어요' to '있는데' (circumstantial) to create a more fluid transition into the actual request, demonstrating near-native control over pragmatic flow and social register.

Significado

Used to ask someone for a favor or a request.

🌍

Contexto cultural

Asking for a favor is often preceded by 'Che-myeon' (saving face). You might talk about the weather or ask about the person's health for a few minutes before saying '부탁이 있어요.' In offices, a 'butak' is rarely a suggestion. If a superior says '부탁이 있어요,' it is usually a polite command. Subordinates should use '드릴 말씀이 있습니다' to initiate their own requests. On messaging apps, people often send '저기요...' or '혹시...' and wait for a reply before saying '부탁이 있어요.' This is digital 'Nunchi.' In Korean-American communities, 'Konglish' is common. You might hear '부탁 하나만 Do 해줄래?' (Can you do me one favor?), blending the two languages.

🎯

The 'One' Rule

Always add '하나' (one) even if you have two favors. It makes the request sound much smaller and easier to say yes to.

⚠️

Don't be too direct

Never say '부탁이 있어요' and then immediately state the favor without waiting for a response. Wait for the other person to say '네, 뭔데요?' (Yes, what is it?).

Significado

Used to ask someone for a favor or a request.

🎯

The 'One' Rule

Always add '하나' (one) even if you have two favors. It makes the request sound much smaller and easier to say yes to.

⚠️

Don't be too direct

Never say '부탁이 있어요' and then immediately state the favor without waiting for a response. Wait for the other person to say '네, 뭔데요?' (Yes, what is it?).

💬

The Apology Opener

Starting with '미안한데...' (I'm sorry, but...) before the phrase is the most natural way to sound like a native speaker.

💡

Eye Contact

In Korea, avoid intense eye contact when asking for a favor; look slightly down or to the side to show humility.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the most appropriate particle to complete the sentence.

저기, {부탁|付託}( ) {있다|有}요.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 이

The verb '있다' (to exist/have) requires the subject particle '이/가'. Since '부탁' ends in a consonant, '이' is correct.

Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.

A: 민수 씨, ( ). B: 네, 말씀하세요. 제가 도와드릴게요.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 부탁이 있어요

A is introducing a request, so '부탁이 있어요' (I have a favor) is the only logical choice.

Match the formality level to the situation.

Asking your boss for a favor.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 드릴 부탁이 있습니다

In a professional setting with a superior, the humble '드릴' and formal '있습니다' are most appropriate.

Fill in the blank to make the request sound softer.

저기, 부탁이 ( ) 있어요.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 하나

Adding '하나' (one) is a common way to make a favor seem smaller and more manageable for the listener.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but add '저기 죄송한데' (Excuse me, sorry) at the beginning to be polite.

'부탁' is personal and social; '요청' (request) is formal and official, like a system request.

Say '네, 말씀하세요' (Yes, please speak) or '뭔데요?' (What is it?) if you are close.

Only if used with someone older or of higher status. With friends, it's perfect.

Yes, but you should add '진지한' (serious) or '어려운' (difficult) to warn them.

Because the noun '부탁' ends in a consonant (ㄱ).

Say '부탁이 몇 가지 있어요' (I have a few favors).

Not exactly, but '부탁 하나만!' is very casual.

Yes, it's very common to start an email with '부탁드릴 일이 있어 메일 드립니다'.

No, it sounds like you are being polite and respectful of their time.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

도와주세요

similar

Please help me.

🔗

부탁드립니다

specialized form

I beg of you / I request of you.

🔗

신세 좀 질게요

builds on

I'm going to owe you one.

🔗

말씀 좀 여쭐게요

similar

May I ask you something?

🔗

들어주다

contrast

To grant/listen to a favor.

Dónde usarla

🖊️

Borrowing a pen

A: 지민아, {부탁|付託}이 하나 {있다|有}어.

B: 뭔데? 말해봐.

A: 볼펜 좀 빌려줄 수 있어?

informal
📅

Asking for a deadline extension

Employee: 팀장님, 드릴 {부탁|付託}이 {있다|有}습니다.

Manager: 네, 무슨 일이죠?

Employee: 보고서 제출 기한을 하루만 늘려주실 수 있을까요?

formal
🐱

Asking a neighbor to watch a pet

Neighbor A: 안녕하세요, {부탁|付託}이 하나 {있다|有}어서요.

Neighbor B: 아, 네! 어떤 {부탁|付託}인가요?

Neighbor A: 제가 내일 여행을 가는데 고양이 밥 좀 주실 수 있을까요?

neutral
📸

Asking for a photo

Tourist: 저기 죄송한데, {부탁|付託}이 하나 {있다|有}요.

Passerby: 네, 말씀하세요.

Tourist: 사진 한 장만 찍어주실 수 있을까요?

neutral
🚗

Asking a friend for a ride

Friend A: 야, 진짜 미안한데 {부탁|付託}이 {있다|有}어.

Friend B: 또 뭔데? 돈 빌려달라는 건 아니지?

Friend A: 아니, 역까지만 좀 태워다 줘.

informal
📚

Asking for help with homework

Student A: 민수 씨, {부탁|付託}이 {있다|有}는데 시간 괜찮아요?

Student B: 네, 괜찮아요. 왜요?

Student A: 이 수학 문제 좀 도와주세요.

neutral

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Butak' as 'Boo-Talk'. You say 'Boo' to get attention, then you 'Talk' about your favor.

Visual Association

Imagine holding a small, wrapped gift box labeled '부탁' (Favor) and handing it to someone with both hands. This represents the 'entrusting' nature of the phrase.

Rhyme

부탁이 있어요 (Butagi isseoyo), help me grow!

Story

You are lost in Seoul. You see a friendly-looking person. You don't want to just shout 'HELP!'. You walk up, bow slightly, and say '부탁이 있어요.' They smile, and now you can ask for directions.

Word Web

부탁하다부탁드리다들어주다거절하다도움요청하나만좀

Desafío

Today, try to find one small thing you need help with (even if you can do it yourself) and ask a Korean-speaking friend or language partner: '저기, 부탁이 하나 있어요.'

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Tengo un favor que pedirte.

Korean is more likely to use a 'softener' like '하나' (one) or '좀' (a little).

French moderate

J'ai un service à te demander.

French 'service' can sound slightly more transactional than the Korean 'butak'.

German high

Ich habe eine Bitte.

German is more direct; Korean often adds an apology before the phrase.

Japanese high

お願いがあります。

Japanese might use 'chotto' (a little) even more frequently than Korean uses 'jom'.

Arabic moderate

عندي طلب منك (Indi talab mink)

Arabic often specifies 'from you' (mink) immediately, while Korean keeps it vague.

Chinese moderate

我有个事想麻烦你 (Wǒ yǒu gè shì xiǎng máfan nǐ)

Chinese focuses on the 'trouble' caused, while Korean focuses on the 'entrustment'.

Korean (Dialect) high

부탁이 있심더 (Gyeongsang-do)

The intonation is much sharper and more rhythmic in the dialect.

Portuguese high

Tenho um favor para te pedir.

Portuguese speakers might use 'posso te pedir um favor?' (Can I ask you a favor?) more often as an opener.

Easily Confused

부탁이 있어요. vs 도움이 필요해요

Learners use this interchangeably with '부탁이 있어요'.

'도움이 필요해요' sounds like you are in a state of need, while '부탁이 있어요' sounds like you have a specific task for someone.

부탁이 있어요. vs 질문이 있어요

Both start with 'Noun + 이 있어요'.

'질문' is for information (Question); '부탁' is for an action (Favor).

Preguntas frecuentes (10)

Yes, but add '저기 죄송한데' (Excuse me, sorry) at the beginning to be polite.

'부탁' is personal and social; '요청' (request) is formal and official, like a system request.

Say '네, 말씀하세요' (Yes, please speak) or '뭔데요?' (What is it?) if you are close.

Only if used with someone older or of higher status. With friends, it's perfect.

Yes, but you should add '진지한' (serious) or '어려운' (difficult) to warn them.

Because the noun '부탁' ends in a consonant (ㄱ).

Say '부탁이 몇 가지 있어요' (I have a few favors).

Not exactly, but '부탁 하나만!' is very casual.

Yes, it's very common to start an email with '부탁드릴 일이 있어 메일 드립니다'.

No, it sounds like you are being polite and respectful of their time.

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