Signification
Used to ask someone to wait briefly or to get attention politely.
Contexte culturel
In the fast-paced 'Pali-pali' culture, saying '잠시만요' is a vital social signal. It prevents collisions in crowded cities like Seoul. In Korean offices, interrupting a superior is generally avoided, but if necessary, '잠시만요' followed by a bow is the standard polite entry. Waiters and clerks use this phrase to manage multiple customers, signaling that they have acknowledged you even if they can't serve you yet. On Korean social media or live streams (like V-Live or AfreecaTV), stars use this when they need to step away from the camera.
The Hand Gesture
When saying '잠시만요' to pass through a crowd, slightly extend one hand forward (palm vertical) to act as a gentle 'plow'. It's very common in Korea.
Don't drop the 'Yo'
Saying just '잠시만' to a stranger can make you sound like an angry or rude person. Always keep the 'yo'!
Signification
Used to ask someone to wait briefly or to get attention politely.
The Hand Gesture
When saying '잠시만요' to pass through a crowd, slightly extend one hand forward (palm vertical) to act as a gentle 'plow'. It's very common in Korea.
Don't drop the 'Yo'
Saying just '잠시만' to a stranger can make you sound like an angry or rude person. Always keep the 'yo'!
The Tone Matters
Say it with a slightly rising, melodic tone to sound extra polite. A flat, low tone can sound impatient.
Teste-toi
You are on a crowded bus and need to get to the door. What do you say?
Which phrase is most appropriate?
잠시만요 is the standard way to ask people to move so you can pass.
Complete the polite sentence.
잠시만___.
The ending '요' makes the phrase polite for general use.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are looking for your wallet at a cafe counter.
You are asking the cashier to wait for a moment.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 주문하시겠어요? (Would you like to order?) B: ________. 메뉴 좀 더 볼게요.
B needs a moment to look at the menu.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 잠시만요
Situations
- • Subway Exit
- • Cafe Counter
- • Phone Call
- • Office Desk
잠시만요 vs. 잠깐만요
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhich phrase is most appropriate?
잠시만요 is the standard way to ask people to move so you can pass.
잠시만___.
The ending '요' makes the phrase polite for general use.
Situation: You are looking for your wallet at a cafe counter.
You are asking the cashier to wait for a moment.
A: 주문하시겠어요? (Would you like to order?) B: ________. 메뉴 좀 더 볼게요.
B needs a moment to look at the menu.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, slightly. '잠시' is a Sino-Korean word, which often carries a slightly more formal or 'clean' nuance than the native Korean '잠깐'.
Yes! You can shout '잠시만요!' to someone walking away to get them to stop.
The most polite version is '잠시만 기다려 주시겠습니까?' (Would you mind waiting for a moment?).
No, if you are late, you should say '늦어서 죄송합니다' (Sorry for being late).
A small head nod (목례) is common and makes you look very polite, especially to older people.
Yes, you can text '잠시만요~' if you need a minute to reply to a question.
It means 'only'. So you are literally saying 'Only a moment, please.'
You can say it twice quickly: '잠시만요, 잠시만요!' while moving.
To a child, you would usually say '잠깐만' or '기다려봐'.
No, it never means 'Hello'.
Expressions liées
잠깐만요
synonymJust a moment
기다려 주세요
builds onPlease wait
실례합니다
similarExcuse me
저기요
contrastHey there / Excuse me
비켜 주세요
specialized formPlease move aside
