Humble Asking: How to use `여쭙다` and `여쭤보다`
여쭤보다 to humbly ask questions to professors, bosses, or elders to show proper social respect.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {여쭙다|問} when you are asking a superior a question to show extreme humility.
- Use '여쭙다' as the base humble form for 'to ask'. Example: 선생님께 여쭙겠습니다.
- Use '여쭤보다' when you are 'trying' to ask or asking for the sake of finding out. Example: 한번 여쭤볼게요.
- Always pair these with the particle '께' instead of '에게' or '한테' for the recipient.
Overview
In the Korean language, the act of asking a question is governed by more than just conveying a need for information. It is deeply intertwined with the social hierarchy and the relationship between the speaker, the listener, and the person being asked. The choice of verb reflects a speaker's awareness of their social position relative to others.
While a beginner learns 묻다 or 물어보다 as the standard verbs for 'to ask,' an intermediate learner at the B1 level must master a more nuanced tool: 여쭙다 (yeojjupda) and its common variant 여쭤보다 (yeojjwoboda).
These verbs are classified as humble verbs or 겸양어 (gyeomyang-eo). Their fundamental purpose is to show respect to the person being addressed or spoken about by lowering the speaker's own position. Using 여쭙다 is a linguistic act of bowing; you are not merely asking a question but humbly requesting the honor of an answer from someone of a higher social standing.
This is a core component of the Korean honorifics system, 높임법 (nopimbeop), specifically relating to object honorification, where you elevate the object (the person receiving the action) of your sentence.
Mastering 여쭙다 is a significant milestone. It signals that you have moved beyond transactional communication and are beginning to understand the cultural and relational nuances that are essential for fluency and social grace in Korean society. It is the key to interacting respectfully with professors, senior colleagues, elders, and clients.
How This Grammar Works
여쭙다 is object elevation through self-lowering. Unlike the subject honorific suffix -시- (-si-), which elevates the subject of the verb (e.g., 교수님께서 질문하셨어요 - "The professor asked a question"), humble verbs elevate the object or recipient of the action by using a completely different, dedicated verb. The speaker (the subject) performs the action, but the verb itself is a humble form used out of respect for the person they are interacting with.물어보다 (to ask). When you, the speaker, ask someone of higher status, you replace this neutral verb entirely with the humble verb 여쭤보다.- Neutral: 친구에게 물어봤어요. (I asked my friend.)
- Humble: 교수님께 여쭤봤어요. (I asked my professor.)
여쭤봤어요, you are linguistically acknowledging, "I, a junior person, performed the action of asking toward you, a senior person."여쭤보다 vs. 여쭙다여쭙다 is the root verb, its conjugated form combined with the auxiliary verb 보다 (boda) — 여쭤보다 — is far more common in everyday speech. The pattern -아/어 보다 attached to a verb adds a nuance of 'to try doing' or 'to attempt.' In the context of asking a question, this softens the request, making it sound less direct and more gentle. It changes the feeling from "I ask" to something closer to "I would like to try asking, if that's alright." This added layer of politeness makes 여쭤보다 the default choice for most conversational and business situations.여쭙겠습니다.(I will ask.) - Very direct, formal.여쭤보겠습니다.(I would like to ask.) - Softer, more common in formal settings.
여쭙다 can sound stiff or overly formal, like a news anchor, whereas 여쭤보다 strikes the perfect balance of respect and naturalness in modern Korean.Formation Pattern
여쭙다 is essential, as it is a ㅂ irregular verb (ㅂ 불규칙 동사). This means the final consonant ㅂ of the verb stem changes when it is followed by a vowel.
여쭙 (yeojjup).
-어/아 or -으면) is attached, the ㅂ is dropped and 우 (u) is added to the stem.
여쭈 (yeojju).
여쭈 then combines with the vowel ending. For example, 여쭈 + 어요 contracts to become 여쭤요 (yeojjwoyo).
여쭙 + 어서 (because/so) → 여쭈 + 어서 → 여쭤서
여쭙 + 으니 (because/so, formal) → 여쭈 + 으니 → 여쭈니
-고 or -습니다), the ㅂ remains unchanged.
여쭙 + 고 → 여쭙고
여쭙 + 습니다 → 여쭙습니다
여쭙다 and 여쭤보다
-다) | Formal Polite (-ㅂ니다/습니다) | Polite (-아/어요) | Example Sentence (Polite Form) |
여쭌다 / 여쭤본다 | 여쭙니다 / 여쭤봅니다 | 여쭤요 / 여쭤봐요 | 지금 하나 여쭤봐요. (I'm asking one thing now.) |
여쭸다 / 여쭤봤다 | 여쭸습니다 / 여쭤봤습니다 | 여쭸어요 / 여쭤봤어요 | 어제 부장님께 여쭤봤어요. (I asked the department head yesterday.) |
여쭙겠습니다 / 여쭤보겠습니다 | 여쭐게요 / 여쭤볼게요 | 이따가 다시 여쭤볼게요. (I will ask again later.) |
여쭐 것이다 / 여쭤볼 것이다 | 여쭐 겁니다 / 여쭤볼 겁니다 | 여쭐 거예요 / 여쭤볼 거예요 | 아마 괜찮다고 하실지 여쭐 거예요. (I'll probably ask if it's okay.) |
여쭙고 / 여쭤보고 | - | - | 교수님께 여쭤보고 알려드릴게요. (I'll ask the professor and then let you know.) |
여쭈어서 / 여쭤보아서 | - | 여쭤서 / 여쭤봐서 | 모르는 게 있어서 여쭤봤어요. (I asked because there was something I didn't know.) |
여쭈면 / 여쭤보면 | 여쭈면 / 여쭤보면 | 여쭈면 / 여쭤보면 | 부모님께 여쭤보면 아실 거예요. (If you ask your parents, they'll probably know.) |
여쭤봐도 돼요? | 잠깐 뭐 좀 여쭤봐도 돼요? (May I ask you something for a moment?) |
여쭸다 is the past tense contraction of 여쭈었다.
When To Use It
여쭙다 or 여쭤보다 whenever you are asking a question to someone who holds a higher social status than you. This is not optional; failing to do so can be perceived as rude or ignorant.- To a professor or teacher: When asking for clarification, an extension, or advice.
교수님, 발표 주제에 대해 몇 가지 여쭤보고 싶은 것이 있습니다.- To a work superior (boss, manager, senior): When seeking approval, asking for help, or clarifying a task.
부장님, 이 서류 결재를 어디에 여쭤봐야 할까요?- To a client: Using this verb shows professionalism and respect for the client's position.
고객님, 해당 서비스에 대해 궁금한 점이 있으시면 언제든지 여쭤봐 주십시오.- To grandparents or older relatives: When asking about their health, their past, or for advice.
할머니, 건강은 좀 어떠신지 여쭤봐도 될까요?- To your in-laws: This is especially important in demonstrating respect within a new family structure.
- To an unfamiliar elder: When asking for directions or help in public.
어르신, 실례지만 시청 가는 길이 맞는지 여쭤볼게요.- During an interview, when you ask the interviewer questions.
마지막으로 한 가지만 여쭙겠습니다. 팀의 작업 환경은 어떻습니까?여쭤보다 is always the safe and respectful choice.Common Mistakes
여쭙다.여쭤보다 (Humble) with 물어보시다 (Honorific)여쭤보다(Humble): Used when a lower-status person asks a higher-status person. The subject is 'I' or 'we' (the junior).
제가 교수님께 여쭤봤어요. (I asked the professor.)물어보시다(Honorific): Used when a higher-status person asks a lower-status person. The subject is 'he/she' (the senior). It is the honorific form of물어보다(verb stem물어보-+-시-).
교수님께서 저에게 물어보셨어요. (The professor asked me.)여쭤보다 | 제가 교수님께 여쭤봤어요. |물어보시다 | 교수님께서 저에게 물어보셨어요. |교수님께 물어보셨어요 with 'I' as the implied subject is grammatically incorrect and confusing.여쭙어요)ㅂ-irregular rule is a frequent mistake. Learners often try to attach -어요 directly to the stem, resulting in the incorrect form *여쭙어요. Always remember that the ㅂ changes to 우 before a vowel, leading to the correct 여쭤요.여쭤보다 to ask a question of a close friend, a younger sibling, or a work subordinate is grammatically incorrect and sounds very strange. It can be interpreted as sarcastic or as creating unnecessary social distance. In these situations, the neutral 물어보다 is the only appropriate choice.- Incorrect: 친구야, 뭐 좀 여쭤볼게. (Sounds awkward and overly formal.)
- Correct: 친구야, 뭐 좀 물어볼게. (Natural and correct.)
여쭤보다 (to ask) with 말씀드리다 (to say/tell)여쭤보다: Used for asking questions or seeking information.말씀드리다: The humble equivalent of말하다(to speak) or주다in the context of giving information. It is used for making statements, giving reports, or telling something to a superior.
사장님께 회의 시간에 대해 여쭤봤고, 3시라고 하셔서 직원들에게 말씀드렸습니다. (Incorrect: should be 말씀드렸습니다 at the end)사장님께 회의 시간에 대해 여쭤봤고, 3시라고 하셔서 직원들에게 전달했습니다. (Natural)드릴 말씀이 있어서 왔습니다. 한 가지 여쭤봐도 되겠습니까? (I came because I have something to tell you. May I ask one thing?)Real Conversations
Let's examine how 여쭤보다 appears in natural, modern contexts.
Scenario 1
A junior designer, Jina, needs clarification from her team lead, Minjun.
> Jina:
> 팀장님, 안녕하세요. 점심 식사는 맛있게 하셨어요?
> 다름이 아니라, 지금 작업 중인 A 프로젝트 로고 시안 관련해서 여쭤볼 게 있는데요.
> 혹시 오후에 잠깐 시간 괜찮으실 때 알려주시면 감사하겠습니다!
> Romanization:
> Timjangnim, annyeonghaseyo. Jeomsim siksaneun masitge hasyeosseoyo?
> Dareumi anira, jigeum jageop jungin A peurojekteu rogo sian gwallyeonhaeseo yeojjwobol ge inneundeyo.
> Hoksi ohue jamkkan sigan gwaenchanheusil ttae allyeojusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida!
> Translation:
> Team Lead, hello. Did you have a good lunch?
> It's about something else; I have a question regarding the logo draft for Project A that I'm currently working on.
> If you could let me know when you have a moment this afternoon, I would be grateful!
Analysis
여쭤볼 게 있는데요 (a contraction of 여쭤볼 것이 있는데요), a classic and very polite way to initiate a question in a professional setting. It is soft, respectful, and perfectly suited for messaging a superior.Scenario 2
A student, Hyeonwoo, approaches his professor after a lecture.
> Hyeonwoo:
> 교수님, 오늘 강의 정말 잘 들었습니다. 혹시 질문 하나만 여쭤봐도 되겠습니까?
> 레포트 참고 문헌을 찾고 있는데, 혹시 추천해주실 만한 자료가 있는지 여쭙고 싶습니다.
> Romanization:
> Gyosunim, oneul gangui jeongmal jal deureotseumnida. Hoksi jilmun hanaman yeojjwobwado doegesseumnikka?
> Repoteu chamgo munheoneul chatgo inneunde, hoksi chucheonhaejusil manhan jaryoga inneunji yeojjupgo sipseumnida.
> Translation:
> Professor, I really enjoyed today's lecture. Would it be alright if I asked just one question?
> I'm looking for references for the report, and I wanted to humbly ask if there are any materials you might recommend.
Analysis
여쭤봐도 되겠습니까? is the classic 'May I ask?' formula. Second, he uses 여쭙고 싶습니다 (I want to ask), which is a slightly more formal and direct construction suitable for expressing a specific desire to inquire.Quick FAQ
여쭙다 and 여쭤보다?Yes, in terms of nuance and frequency. Think of 여쭙다 as the base ingredient and 여쭤보다 as the finished dish everyone prefers. The -아/어 보다 ending makes the action of asking sound more gentle and less demanding, as if 'trying to ask'. For this reason, 여쭤보다 and its conjugations (여쭤봐요, 여쭤볼게요, 여쭤봤어요) are overwhelmingly more common in conversation and daily business communication. Use 여쭙니다 or 여쭙겠습니다 for very formal, written, or ceremonial contexts.
You can, and it would be seen as extremely polite, but it's often unnecessary and can create a bit of social distance. Store clerks are providing a service, and while politeness is expected, the humble verb 여쭤보다 implies a significant status difference that doesn't usually exist in a simple customer-staff interaction. A simple and friendly 저기요, 이거 얼마예요? (Excuse me, how much is this?) or 질문 하나 해도 될까요? (May I ask a question?) is more common and natural.
The safest and most common strategy is to state that you have a question using a neutral noun. This avoids the complex verb conjugation entirely while still being polite.
- Polite:
질문이 있어요.(I have a question.) - Formal:
질문이 있습니다.(I have a question.) - A very common conversational opener:
궁금한 게 있는데요...(There's something I'm curious about...)
Absolutely. It is the gold standard for writing an inquiry to a superior, client, or external contact. An email might begin with ...에 대해 몇 가지 여쭙고자 메일 드립니다. (I am writing this email to ask a few things about...). It establishes a tone of respect and professionalism from the very first sentence.
여쭙다 a native Korean word?Yes, it is a pure Korean verb. This is somewhat notable because many verbs in the Korean honorific system are either derived from or have a counterpart in Sino-Korean vocabulary (Hanja). The existence of a native humble verb for a fundamental action like 'asking' highlights its deep-rooted importance in the language and culture.
Conjugation of 여쭙다
| Form | Present | Past | Future |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Formal High
|
여쭙습니다
|
여쭈었습니다
|
여쭙겠습니다
|
|
Polite
|
여쭤요
|
여쭤봤어요
|
여쭤볼 거예요
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction |
|---|---|
|
여쭈어 보다
|
여쭤보다
|
|
여쭈어 보았습니다
|
여쭤봤습니다
|
Meanings
These are humble {謙讓語|겸양어} verbs used to elevate the listener by lowering oneself when asking a question.
Direct humble asking
The act of asking a question to a superior.
“교수님께 질문을 여쭙니다.”
“부모님께 안부를 여쭙다.”
Inquiry/Consultation
Asking to find out information or seeking advice.
“제가 한번 여쭤볼게요.”
“혹시 실례지만 하나 여쭤봐도 될까요?”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
께 + 여쭙다
|
선생님께 여쭙습니다.
|
|
Negative
|
께 + 여쭙지 않다
|
아직 여쭙지 않았습니다.
|
|
Question
|
께 + 여쭙나요?
|
누구께 여쭙나요?
|
|
Polite Suggestion
|
께 + 여쭤보세요
|
부모님께 여쭤보세요.
|
|
Past
|
께 + 여쭤봤다
|
팀장님께 여쭤봤어요.
|
|
Humble Intent
|
께 + 여쭙고자 하다
|
의견을 여쭙고자 합니다.
|
Formality Spectrum
질문을 여쭙고 싶습니다. (Asking a question)
질문을 물어보고 싶어요. (Asking a question)
질문 좀 해도 돼? (Asking a question)
질문 좀! (Asking a question)
Humble Asking Hierarchy
Humble
- 여쭙다 Ask (Humble)
- 여쭤보다 Try asking (Humble)
Neutral
- 묻다 Ask
- 질문하다 Question
Examples by Level
선생님께 여쭙니다.
I ask the teacher.
한번 여쭤보세요.
Please try asking.
누구에게 여쭙나요?
Who do I ask?
여쭤봐도 돼요?
May I ask?
부모님께 여쭤볼게요.
I will ask my parents.
사장님께 여쭙고 싶습니다.
I want to ask the boss.
실례지만 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Excuse me, may I ask?
어르신께 길을 여쭙다.
Ask an elder for directions.
교수님께 연구에 대해 여쭙고 싶습니다.
I would like to ask the professor about the research.
그 부분은 팀장님께 여쭤보는 게 좋겠어요.
It would be good to ask the team leader about that part.
제가 먼저 여쭤봤어야 했는데 죄송합니다.
I should have asked first, I'm sorry.
선배님께 조언을 여쭙다.
Ask a senior for advice.
귀하의 의견을 여쭙고자 연락드렸습니다.
I am contacting you to ask for your opinion.
이 문제에 관해 누구께 여쭤봐야 할지 모르겠습니다.
I don't know who I should ask regarding this issue.
어제 회의 때 여쭤본 내용에 대한 답변입니다.
This is the answer to what I asked during yesterday's meeting.
상사께 여쭙는 것은 예의입니다.
It is polite to ask a superior.
본 사안에 대해 고견을 여쭙고 싶어 이렇게 서신을 올립니다.
I am writing this letter because I would like to ask for your esteemed opinion on this matter.
그간의 사정을 어르신께 소상히 여쭙다.
Ask the elder in detail about the circumstances so far.
결정을 내리기 전에 부모님께 먼저 여쭤보는 것이 도리입니다.
It is proper to ask one's parents first before making a decision.
무엇을 여쭙든 정중하게 답변해 주셨습니다.
Whatever I asked, they answered politely.
스승님께 가르침을 여쭙는 것은 제자의 본분입니다.
Asking for teachings from a master is the duty of a disciple.
그분께 감히 여쭙기 어려운 질문이었습니다.
It was a question that was difficult to dare to ask that person.
만약 제가 여쭤보지 않았다면 큰 실수를 했을 것입니다.
If I hadn't asked, I would have made a big mistake.
그는 정중히 어르신께 안부를 여쭙고 물러났다.
He politely asked after the elder's well-being and withdrew.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'to ask', but they have different social functions.
Common Mistakes
선생님한테 여쭙다
선생님께 여쭙다
친구에게 여쭙다
친구에게 묻다
여쭙어 보다
여쭤보다
여쭙고 싶습니다 (to a peer)
물어보고 싶습니다
Sentence Patterns
___께 여쭙고 싶습니다.
Real World Usage
제 강점에 대해 여쭙고 싶습니다.
연구 주제에 대해 여쭙고자 합니다.
실례지만 길을 여쭤봐도 될까요?
이 부분은 팀장님께 여쭤보겠습니다.
질문 하나 여쭤봐요!
환불에 대해 여쭙고 싶습니다.
Use '께'
Don't over-use
Contractions
Context is key
Smart Tips
Use '여쭤보고 싶습니다' to sound professional.
Use '여쭙고자 합니다' for a formal opening.
Use '여쭤보겠습니다' to show you will check with someone.
Always use '여쭙다' to show deference.
Pronunciation
여쭤
Pronounced as '여쭤' (yeo-jjo).
Polite inquiry
여쭤봐도 될까요? ↑
Rising intonation for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '여쭙다' as 'You-chub-da' (You-chub-da sounds like 'You-chubby' - imagine bowing so low your tummy touches the floor).
Visual Association
Imagine a student bowing deeply to a professor while holding a notebook, asking a question with both hands held together.
Rhyme
To show respect and be polite, use '여쭙다' with all your might.
Story
Min-su wanted to ask his boss a question. He remembered to use '께'. He approached his boss and said, '팀장님께 여쭙고 싶은 게 있습니다.' The boss was impressed by his politeness.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences today using '여쭙다' or '여쭤보다' in a polite context.
Cultural Notes
Using humble language is essential for career advancement.
Students must use humble forms with professors.
Asking elders requires extreme humility.
Derived from the verb '엿다', which meant to ask or inquire in a humble manner.
Conversation Starters
선생님께 무엇을 여쭙고 싶으세요?
실례지만 하나 여쭤봐도 될까요?
부모님께 조언을 여쭙는 편인가요?
상사에게 질문할 때 여쭙다를 사용하나요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
선생님 ___ 여쭙습니다.
Which verb is humble?
Find and fix the mistake:
친구에게 여쭙고 싶어요.
사장님께 물어보세요.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
교수님께 / 싶습니다 / 여쭙고
여쭙다 (Formal Present)
A: 실례합니다. B: 네, ___?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises선생님 ___ 여쭙습니다.
Which verb is humble?
Find and fix the mistake:
친구에게 여쭙고 싶어요.
사장님께 물어보세요.
Match: 묻다, 여쭙다
교수님께 / 싶습니다 / 여쭙고
여쭙다 (Formal Present)
A: 실례합니다. B: 네, ___?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesI would like to ask the teacher.
Reorder: (여쭤봐도 / 성함을 / 실례지만 / 될까요?)
다음에 다시 ( ).
Match the pairs:
선생님께 여쭙어요.
KakaoTalk message to a senior:
어제 부모님께 ( ).
May I ask your opinion?
Reorder: (여쭤보러 / 왔어요 / 궁금해서)
Correct conjugation:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it is too formal and creates distance.
They are related, but '여쭤보다' means 'to try asking'.
It is the honorific particle for the recipient.
No, it is neutral.
In formal settings like work or school.
It follows irregular rules, becoming '여쭤' in polite forms.
It sounds impolite to a superior.
Yes, like '드리다' (to give).
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
伺う (ukagau)
Both languages use humble verbs to lower the speaker.
请教 (qǐngjiào)
Korean conjugates the verb, Chinese does not.
fragen
German changes pronouns, Korean changes verbs.
demander
French relies on pronoun choice.
preguntar
Spanish uses formal address, not humble verbs.
سأل
Arabic uses titles, not verb conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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