A1 Speech Levels 14 min read Easy

Polite Commands: Please do... (-(으)세요)

Use -(으)세요 to give polite requests or directions to others without sounding bossy or rude.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use -(으)세요 to politely ask or tell someone to do something; it's the gold standard for daily polite requests.

  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel, add -세요: 가다 -> 가세요 (Please go).
  • If the verb stem ends in a consonant, add -으세요: 먹다 -> 먹으세요 (Please eat).
  • If the verb stem ends in ㄹ, drop the ㄹ and add -세요: 만들다 -> 만드세요 (Please make).
Verb Stem + (으)세요 = Polite Command

Overview

-(으)세요 is a fundamental and highly versatile grammatical construction in Korean, signifying a polite command, request, or suggestion. At the A1 CEFR level, mastering this form is crucial as it underpins nearly all polite interactions in daily life, allowing learners to convey respect (존대, jondaet) towards the listener or the subject of a sentence. Unlike English, where politeness is often expressed through auxiliary verbs or adverbs (e.g., "please," "would you mind"), Korean integrates respect directly into verb conjugations.

-(으)세요 serves as the standard, widely accepted polite imperative, suitable for interacting with strangers, elders, superiors, or in any formal or semi-formal context. Its prevalence reflects the hierarchical and respect-driven nature of Korean communication. This pattern is part of the honorific speech level (존대말, jondaetmal), specifically blending honorifics with a polite informal ending.

This grammatical form is not merely about making requests; it also functions as an honorific statement when describing the actions or state of someone deserving respect. For instance, while 가세요 (gaseyo) means "Please go," it can also politely describe someone else's action, such as in 선생님께서 가세요 (seonsaengnimkkeseo gaseyo), meaning "The teacher is going." Understanding this dual function is key to navigating everyday Korean conversations effectively and appropriately. Without -(으)세요, direct commands would sound impolite or even rude, akin to using informal language with a stranger in English.

Therefore, it is an indispensable tool for respectful and effective communication.

How This Grammar Works

The structure -(으)세요 is a compound form, primarily merging two distinct grammatical elements: the honorific infix -시- (-si-) and the polite informal ending -어요 (-eoyo). The infix -시- is attached directly to a verb or adjective stem to denote respect for the subject performing the action or exhibiting the quality. When this -시- combines with the -어요 ending, it contracts and modifies into -(으)세요.
This fusion creates a polite imperative or honorific descriptive form. The -(으) part acts as a vowel/consonant connector, crucial for phonetic flow in Korean pronunciation. The choice between -으세요 and -세요 depends on the final sound of the verb stem, ensuring smooth articulation.
The underlying principle is to elevate the status of the person to whom you are speaking (when used as a command) or the person about whom you are speaking (when used as a statement). By employing -(으)세요, you implicitly acknowledge the listener's or subject's higher social standing, age, or professional status. This makes it inherently polite and socially safe across a broad range of situations.
It is a middle-ground politeness level, less formal than -(으)십시오 (-(eu)sipsio) but significantly more formal than the casual -아/어 (-a/eo) ending. Its flexibility allows it to adapt to various conversational nuances, from a gentle suggestion to a direct but respectful instruction.
Consider the verb 먹다 (meokda, to eat). To politely ask someone to eat, you do not simply add -세요 to 먹-. Instead, you first apply the honorific -시- to the stem, yielding 먹으시- (meogeusi-).
Then, -어요 combines with 시-, resulting in 먹으세요 (meogeuseyo). This demonstrates the two-step process of showing respect to the subject and then using a polite ending for the listener. For verbs that have entirely separate honorific vocabulary (e.g., 자다 jada -> 주무시다 jumusida for sleeping), -(으)세요 is applied to the honorific verb stem itself, as in 주무세요 (jumuseyo).

Formation Pattern

1
Conjugating verbs with -(으)세요 requires attention to the final sound of the verb stem, specifically whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant (batchim), and certain irregular forms. The core rule involves attaching the honorific infix -시- and then conjugating it with the polite informal -어요 ending, which simplifies to -세요 or -으세요.
2
1. Verb Stem Ending in a Vowel:
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If the verb stem ends in a vowel, you directly attach -세요.
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| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | Honorific Form (Stem + -시-) | Polite Command/Request | Romanization | Meaning |
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| :-------------------- | :-------- | :-------------------------- | :--------------------- | :----------- | :---------------- |
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| 가다 (to go) | 가- | 가시- | 가세요 | gaseyo | Please go |
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| 오다 (to come) | 오- | 오시- | 오세요 | oseyo | Please come |
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| 보다 (to see/watch) | 보- | 보시- | 보세요 | boseyo | Please see/watch |
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| 주다 (to give) | 주- | 주시- | 주세요 | juseyo | Please give |
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Example: 여기 앉으세요. 어디 가세요? (yeogi anjeuseyo. eodi gaseyo?) "Please sit here. Where are you going (politely)?"
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2. Verb Stem Ending in a Consonant (Batchim):
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If the verb stem ends in a consonant, you attach -으세요. The acts as a phonetic buffer, making pronunciation smoother.
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| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | Honorific Form (Stem + -으시-) | Polite Command/Request | Romanization | Meaning |
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| :-------------------- | :-------- | :---------------------------- | :--------------------- | :----------- | :------------------ |
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| 앉다 (to sit) | 앉- | 앉으시- | 앉으세요 | anjeuseyo | Please sit |
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| 읽다 (to read) | 읽- | 읽으시- | 읽으세요 | ilgeuseyo | Please read |
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| 받다 (to receive) | 받- | 받으시- | 받으세요 | badeuseyo | Please receive |
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| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹- | 먹으시- | 먹으세요 | meogeuseyo | Please eat (polite) |
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Example: 이 책을 읽으세요. (i chaekeul ilgeuseyo) "Please read this book."
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3. Irregular Verbs:
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Korean has several irregular verb conjugations that affect -(으)세요 formation. The most common are irregulars, irregulars, and irregulars.
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Irregular Verbs: If a verb stem ends in (like 만들다, 살다), the is dropped before adding -세요 (because -시- would follow a consonant, making drop according to rules for irregulars).
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| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | Rule Application | Polite Command/Request | Romanization | Meaning |
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| :-------------------- | :-------- | :--------------- | :--------------------- | :----------- | :-------------- |
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| 만들다 (to make) | 만들- | 만드- + -세요 | 만드세요 | mandeuseyo | Please make |
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| 살다 (to live) | 살- | 사- + -세요 | 사세요 | saseyo | Please live/buy |
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| 놀다 (to play) | 놀- | 노- + -세요 | 노세요 | noseyo | Please play |
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Example: 여기서 사세요. (yeogiseo saseyo) "Please live here (or please buy here)."
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Irregular Verbs: If a verb stem ends in and the next syllable starts with a vowel, changes to . Since -으세요 begins with a vowel (), this rule applies.
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| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | Rule Application | Polite Command/Request | Romanization | Meaning |
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| :-------------------- | :-------- | :----------------- | :--------------------- | :----------- | :------------- |
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| 듣다 (to listen) | 듣- | 들으시-들으세요 | 들으세요 | deureuseyo | Please listen |
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| 걷다 (to walk) | 걷- | 걸으시-걸으세요 | 걸으세요 | georeuseyo | Please walk |
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Example: 잘 들으세요. (jal deureuseyo) "Please listen carefully."
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Irregular Verbs: If a verb stem ends in and the next syllable starts with a vowel, changes to (or for 돕다 and 곱다). This (or ) then combines with -세요.
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| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | Rule Application | Polite Command/Request | Romanization | Meaning |
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| :-------------------- | :-------- | :----------------- | :--------------------- | :----------- | :----------- |
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| 돕다 (to help) | 돕- | 도우시-도우세요 | 도우세요 | dowuseyo | Please help |
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| 쉽다 (to be easy) | 쉽- | 쉬우시-쉬우세요 | 쉬우세요 | swiuseyo | Please be easy |
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| 아름답다 (to be beautiful)| 아름답- | 아름다우시-아름다우세요| 아름다우세요 | areumdawo- | Please be beautiful |
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Example: 서로 도우세요. (seoro dowuseyo) "Please help each other."
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Special Honorific Verbs: Some verbs have entirely different honorific forms that replace the base verb, to which -(으)세요 is then attached. These are vital for showing maximum respect.
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| Base Verb | Honorific Verb | Polite Command/Request | Romanization | Meaning |
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| :-------- | :------------- | :--------------------- | :----------- | :------------------ |
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| 먹다 | 잡수시다 | 잡수세요 | japsuseyo | Please eat (highly honorific)|
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| 자다 | 주무시다 | 주무세요 | jumuseyo | Please sleep (highly honorific)|
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| 있다 | 계시다 | 계세요 | gyeseyo | Please stay/be (for people)|
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| 있다 | 있으시다 | 있으세요 | isseuseyo | Please have/be (for things/existence)|
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| 말하다 | 말씀하시다 | 말씀하세요 | malsseumhaseyo | Please speak (highly honorific)|
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Example: 어머니, 안녕히 주무세요. (eomeoni, annyeonghi jumuseyo) "Mom, please sleep well." (Good night, Mom).

When To Use It

-(으)세요 is primarily used in two broad contexts: as a polite imperative for commands, requests, and suggestions, and as an honorific statement describing the actions or states of respected individuals. Its versatility makes it suitable for almost all public and semi-formal interactions in Korean society.
1. Polite Commands and Requests:
This is the most common application. When you need to ask someone to do something, provide an instruction, or make a polite suggestion, -(으)세요 is the default. It softens the command, making it respectful rather than demanding.
  • Giving Instructions:
  • 여기로 오세요. (yeogiro oseyo) "Please come here."
  • 이 버튼을 누르세요. (i beoteuneul nureuseyo) "Please press this button."
  • Making Requests:
  • 물 좀 주세요. (mul jom juseyo) "Please give me some water." (Lit. "Please give water a little.")
  • 조용히 하세요. (joyonghi haseyo) "Please be quiet."
  • Offering/Suggesting:
  • 커피 드세요. (keopi deuseyo) "Please have some coffee." (using honorific 드시다 for 마시다)
  • 천천히 하세요. (cheoncheonhi haseyo) "Please do it slowly." (Often a comforting suggestion).
2. Polite Questions:
When asking questions about the actions or states of respected individuals, -(으)세요 is often combined with an interrogative ending, typically embedded within the structure to maintain politeness. While -(으)십니까? is more formal for direct questions, -(으)세요? is very common in everyday polite inquiries.
  • 어디 가세요? (eodi gaseyo?) "Where are you going (politely)?"
  • 식사하셨어요? (siksahasyeosseoyo?) "Did you eat (politely)?" (derived from 식사하다 -> 식사하시다 -> 식사하셨어요)
  • 몇 시에 오세요? (myeot sie oseyo?) "What time are you coming (politely)?"
3. Honorific Statements about Others:
-(으)세요 is also used to describe the actions or states of a respected third party. In this context, it is not a command but an honorific indicative statement. This usage demonstrates respect towards the subject of the sentence to the listener.
  • 할머니께서 주무세요. (halmeonikkeseo jumuseyo) "Grandmother is sleeping." (Using honorific 주무시다)
  • 선생님께서 한국어를 가르치세요. (seonsaengnimkkeseo hangugeoreul gareuchiseyo) "The teacher teaches Korean."
  • 사장님은 지금 회의에 계세요. (sajangnimeun jigeum hoeui-e gyeseyo) "The CEO is currently in a meeting." (Using honorific 계시다)
4. Formal Settings and Customer Service:
In customer service, retail, public services, and any professional setting, -(으)세요 is the default for interacting with customers, clients, or anyone of unknown social standing. It is considered safe and appropriate.
  • 어서 오세요. (eoseo oseyo) "Welcome." (Lit. "Please come quickly." - standard greeting in shops)
  • 궁금한 점이 있으시면 언제든지 물어보세요. (gunggeumhan jeomi isseusimyeon eonjedeunji mureoboseyo) "If you have any questions, please ask anytime."
When in Doubt: If you are unsure which politeness level to use, -(으)세요 is almost always the safest and most appropriate choice with adults you do not know intimately. It strikes a balance between formality and approachability.

Common Mistakes

While -(으)세요 is widely used, learners often make specific errors that can lead to awkwardness or unintentional disrespect. Understanding these pitfalls and their underlying reasons is crucial for accurate and natural communication.
1. Using -(으)세요 for One's Own Actions (Self-Reference):
This is arguably the most common and significant mistake. You never use -(으)세요 to describe your own actions or states. The -(으)시- component implies respect for the subject, so applying it to oneself implies self-aggrandizement, which is highly inappropriate in Korean culture. It would sound as if you are showing respect to yourself, or ordering yourself, which is illogical.
  • Incorrect: 저는 지금 집에 가세요. (jeoneun jigeum jibe gaseyo) (Implies "I politely go home" or "I command myself to go home.")
  • Correct: 저는 지금 집에 가요. (jeoneun jigeum jibe gayo) ("I am going home.") or 저는 지금 집에 갑니다. (jeoneun jigeum jibe gamnida) ("I am going home." - formal polite)
Reasoning: -(으)세요 elevates the subject. You do not elevate yourself to others.
2. Incorrect Irregular Verb Conjugation:
Failing to apply irregular verb rules, particularly for , , and irregulars, is another frequent error. These conjugations are phonetically driven and must be memorized or practiced until they become natural.
  • Incorrect irregular: 만들으세요 (mandeureuseyo) for "Please make."
  • Correct irregular: 만드세요 (mandeuseyo). The drops before -(으)세요.
  • Incorrect irregular: 듣으세요 (deudeuseyo) for "Please listen."
  • Correct irregular: 들으세요 (deureuseyo). The changes to .
  • Incorrect irregular: 돕으세요 (dobpeuseyo) for "Please help."
  • Correct irregular: 도우세요 (dowuseyo). The changes to .
Reasoning: These changes are not arbitrary; they follow predictable phonetic shifts in Korean. Memorize the irregular categories and practice their conjugations.
3. Misuse of Specific Honorific Vocabulary:
While -(으)세요 adds politeness, some verbs have entirely separate honorific equivalents (특수 존대어, teuksu jondaeeo). Using -(으)세요 on the base verb when a special honorific exists can sound less natural or even slightly inappropriate in highly respectful contexts. For instance, 먹으세요 for "please eat" is grammatically correct and polite, but 잡수세요 (japsuseyo) or 드세요 (deuseyo) is often preferred for older or highly respected individuals, as they are higher honorific forms.
  • Acceptable (but less honorific): 할머니, 많이 먹으세요. (halmeoni, mani meogeuseyo) "Grandma, please eat a lot."
  • More natural/highly honorific: 할머니, 많이 잡수세요. (halmeoni, mani japsuseyo) or 할머니, 많이 드세요. (halmeoni, mani deuseyo) "Grandma, please eat a lot."
Reasoning: Using the highest appropriate honorific vocabulary demonstrates a deeper understanding of Korean politeness. Learners should prioritize learning these special honorific verbs for common actions.
4. Confusing -(으)세요 with -(으)십시오:
Both are polite imperatives, but -(으)십시오 is significantly more formal and less commonly used in daily conversation. Using -(으)십시오 in casual or semi-formal settings can make you sound overly stiff or like a broadcast announcer.
  • Situation: Asking a friend's parent to sit down.
  • More appropriate: 앉으세요. (anjeuseyo)
  • Overly formal: 앉으십시오. (anjeusipsio) (Sounds like a military command or public announcement).
Reasoning: -(으)세요 is the default polite imperative for most interactions. Reserve -(으)십시오 for highly formal, public, or institutional contexts (e.g., news anchors, military, announcements).

Real Conversations

-(으)세요 is ubiquitous in modern Korean communication, appearing across various contexts from daily interactions to digital exchanges. It is the backbone of polite discourse, enabling smooth and respectful exchanges.

1. In a Restaurant/Café:

When ordering or interacting with staff, -(으)세요 is standard. The staff will also use it when addressing customers.

- Customer: 아메리카노 한 잔 주세요. (amerikano han jan juseyo) "Please give me one Americano."

- Staff: 네, 잠시만 기다리세요. (ne, jamsiman gidariseoyo) "Yes, please wait a moment."

- Staff: 여기 앉으세요. (yeogi anjeuseyo) "Please sit here."

2. Giving Directions or Instructions:

Whether in person or via messaging, -(으)세요 makes instructions polite and easy to follow.

- In-person: 저기서 오른쪽으로 가세요. (jeogiseo oreunjjogeuro gaseyo) "Please go right over there."

- On the phone: 도착하시면 전화 주세요. (dochakasimyeon jeonhwa juseyo) "Please call me when you arrive."

3. Social Media and Online Interactions:

Even in relatively informal online spaces, -(으)세요 maintains politeness, especially when addressing followers, customers, or a general audience.

- Influencer: 댓글 많이 남겨주세요! (daetgeul mani namgyeojuseyo!) "Please leave lots of comments!"

- Customer Service: 문의사항은 DM으로 보내주세요. (munuisahang-eun DM-euro bonaejuseyo) "Please send inquiries via DM."

4. Workplace Communication:

In professional settings, -(으)세요 is used between colleagues of similar or slightly different ranks, and when addressing superiors in a less formal context than -(으)십시오 might require.

- Colleague to Colleague: 회의록 작성해 주세요. (hoeuirrok jakseonghae juseyo) "Please write the meeting minutes."

- Manager to Employee (polite): 이 자료 검토해 주세요. (i jaryo geomtohae juseyo) "Please review these materials."

5. Polite Inquiries and Offers:

Beyond commands, -(으)세요 naturally integrates into polite questions and offers, making conversations smoother.

- 커피 드세요? (keopi deuseyo?) "Are you having coffee (politely)?" or "Would you like some coffee?"

- 궁금한 것이 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요. (gunggeumhan geosi isseumyeon eonjedeunji mureoboseyo) "If you have any questions, please ask anytime."

6. Family Interactions (with respect):

While direct family members might use more casual language, -(으)세요 is still employed with older relatives or in situations where specific deference is shown, especially by younger family members.

- 어머니, 식사하세요. (eomeoni, siksahaseyo) "Mom, please eat (have a meal)."

- 할아버지, 편히 앉으세요. (harabeoji, pyeonhi anjeuseyo) "Grandpa, please sit comfortably."

This broad range of examples illustrates how -(으)세요 is not just a grammatical rule but a vital social lubricant in Korean society, enabling respectful and effective communication across various interactions.

Quick FAQ

Q1: Can I use -(으)세요 with people younger than me?

Yes, absolutely. While Korean society is hierarchical, using -(으)세요 with younger strangers, subordinates, or even younger colleagues is common and often appreciated. It conveys general politeness and professionalism. For instance, a store clerk might use -(으)세요 with a younger customer. It is a sign of good manners, not necessarily of recognizing higher status in the younger person.

Q2: Is -(으)세요 always a command or request?

No. As discussed, -(으)세요 also functions as an honorific indicative ending when describing the actions or states of a respected third party. For example, 아버지가 신문을 읽으세요. (abeojiga sinmuneul ilgeuseyo) means "Father is reading the newspaper." Here, it is a statement, not a command, and the -(으)세요 shows respect to "Father."

Q3: How do I form questions with -(으)세요?

You can form polite questions by simply adding a question mark and using rising intonation with the -(으)세요 form. While -(으)십니까? is the most formal interrogative, -(으)세요? is widely used in polite everyday conversation.

  • 어디 가세요? (eodi gaseyo?) "Where are you going (politely)?"
  • 점심 드셨어요? (jeomsim deusyeosseoyo?) "Did you eat lunch (politely)?" (Past tense of 드세요)
Q4: What about the verb 있다 (to be/to exist)?

The verb 있다 has two honorific forms that require careful distinction when using -(으)세요.

  • 계시다 (계세요): Used for people or sentient beings when referring to their presence or location. 어머니는 방에 계세요. (eomeonineun bang-e gyeseyo) "Mother is in the room."
  • 있으시다 (있으세요): Used for possessions, abstract concepts, or non-sentient things that a respected person has or for a respected person's existence in a non-locational sense (e.g., having a question). 질문 있으세요? (jilmun isseuseyo?) "Do you have any questions (politely)?" or 그 분은 열정이 있으세요. (geu buneun yeoljeongi isseuseyo) "That person has passion."
Q5: What is the difference between -(으)세요 and -(으)십시오?

Both are honorific imperative endings, but -(으)십시오 is significantly more formal and stiff than -(으)세요. -(으)세요 is the default for polite daily interactions, whereas -(으)십시오 is typically reserved for very public announcements, military contexts, formal speeches, or news broadcasts. Using -(으)십시오 in casual or semi-formal settings can sound unnatural or overly rigid.

Q6: What is the difference between -(으)세요 and -(아/어) 주세요?

While both are polite requests, -(으)세요 is a general polite command or suggestion. -(아/어) 주세요 specifically adds the nuance of "please do [verb] for me" or "please give me the favor of doing [verb]." It emphasizes that the action benefits the speaker or is done on their behalf. For example, 물 주세요. (mul juseyo) means "Please give me water" (general request), while 설명해 주세요. (seolmyeonghae juseyo) means "Please explain (it to me)." The 주다 component in -(아/어) 주세요 explicitly means "to give," indicating a favor.

This comprehensive understanding of -(으)세요 empowers learners to engage in polite and appropriate conversations across various social contexts in Korean, laying a strong foundation for further language acquisition.

Conjugation Table

Verb Stem Suffix Result
가다
세요
가세요
먹다
으세요
먹으세요
보다
세요
보세요
읽다
으세요
읽으세요
만들다
만드
세요
만드세요
듣다
들으
세요
들으세요

Common Contractions

Full Form Short Form
주세요
줘요 (casual)
하세요
해 (casual)

Meanings

This suffix transforms a verb into a polite command or request. It is used to suggest an action to someone in a respectful way.

1

Polite Request

Asking someone to perform an action.

“창문을 여세요.”

“천천히 말하세요.”

2

Polite Suggestion

Suggesting an action for the listener's benefit.

“많이 드세요.”

“푹 쉬세요.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Polite Commands: Please do... (-(으)세요)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Stem + (으)세요
가세요
Negative
Stem + 지 마세요
가지 마세요
Question
Stem + (으)세요?
가세요?
Honorific
Stem + (으)시 + 세요
가세요
Past
Stem + 셨어요
가셨어요
Future
Stem + (으)실 거예요
가실 거예요

Formality Spectrum

Formal
식사하십시오.

식사하십시오. (Dining)

Neutral
드세요.

드세요. (Dining)

Informal
먹어.

먹어. (Dining)

Slang
먹어라.

먹어라. (Dining)

Politeness Levels

Requesting

Casual

  • Do it

Polite

  • 하세요 Please do it

Formal

  • 하십시오 Please do it (formal)

Examples by Level

1

물 주세요.

Please give me water.

2

여기에 앉으세요.

Please sit here.

3

천천히 말하세요.

Please speak slowly.

4

조용히 하세요.

Please be quiet.

1

내일 오세요.

Please come tomorrow.

2

이것을 읽지 마세요.

Please do not read this.

3

문을 닫으세요.

Please close the door.

4

커피를 마시세요.

Please drink coffee.

1

먼저 가세요.

Please go ahead.

2

서류를 작성하세요.

Please fill out the document.

3

비밀번호를 입력하세요.

Please enter the password.

4

건강을 챙기세요.

Please take care of your health.

1

잠시만 기다려 주세요.

Please wait a moment.

2

이쪽으로 따라오세요.

Please follow me this way.

3

제안서를 검토하세요.

Please review the proposal.

4

안전벨트를 매세요.

Please fasten your seatbelt.

1

의견을 제시해 주세요.

Please provide your opinion.

2

규정을 준수하세요.

Please comply with the regulations.

3

신중하게 결정하세요.

Please decide carefully.

4

행사를 준비하세요.

Please prepare for the event.

1

본인의 의사를 명확히 하세요.

Please clarify your intentions.

2

상황을 주시하세요.

Please keep an eye on the situation.

3

결론을 도출하세요.

Please reach a conclusion.

4

절차를 숙지하세요.

Please familiarize yourself with the procedure.

Easily Confused

Polite Commands: Please do... (-(으)세요) vs -아/어 form

Both can be used as commands.

Polite Commands: Please do... (-(으)세요) vs -십시오

Both are polite.

Polite Commands: Please do... (-(으)세요) vs -지 마세요

It's the negative version.

Common Mistakes

가으세요

가세요

Vowel stems don't need -으-.

먹세요

먹으세요

Consonant stems need -으-.

만들으세요

만드세요

Must drop the ㄹ.

하으세요

하세요

하- is a vowel stem.

가세요 마세요

가지 마세요

Negative must use -지 마세요.

오세요?

오세요?

It's correct, but intonation matters.

먹으세요?

드세요?

Use honorific verb '드시다'.

가십시오세요

가세요

Don't double up endings.

읽으십시오

읽으세요

Context mismatch.

가시으세요

가세요

Redundant honorifics.

가시길 바랍니다

가세요

Sometimes too formal.

가시라

가세요

Wrong imperative type.

가시게

가세요

Wrong register.

Sentence Patterns

___ 주세요.

___ 하세요.

___ 지 마세요.

___ (으)세요.

Real World Usage

Restaurant constant

물 주세요.

Texting common

내일 오세요!

Job Interview very common

앉으세요.

Travel common

이쪽으로 가세요.

Food Delivery common

빨리 보내주세요.

Classroom very common

책을 펴세요.

💡

Vowel vs Consonant

Always check the last letter of the stem. Vowel = -세요, Consonant = -으세요.
⚠️

Don't use with friends

It can sound cold or distant if used with close friends.
🎯

Irregulars

Watch out for ㄷ and ㄹ irregulars!
💬

Politeness

When in doubt, use -(으)세요. It's safe and polite.

Smart Tips

Add -으- to make it flow better.

먹세요 먹으세요

Drop the ㄹ before adding -세요.

만들세요 만드세요

Don't use '안' + verb; use -지 마세요.

안 가세요 가지 마세요

Use '드세요' instead of '먹으세요' for elders.

먹으세요 드세요

Pronunciation

ga-se-yo

Linking

The 's' sound in -세요 is crisp.

Rising

가세요? ↑

Polite question/confirmation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Say' in 'Please-say' (세요). It sounds like you are asking someone to 'say' or 'do' something.

Visual Association

Imagine a polite waiter bowing slightly and saying '하세요' while handing you a menu.

Rhyme

When you want to be polite, add -세요 with all your might!

Story

Min-su went to a cafe. He wanted coffee. He didn't say '커피 줘' (give me coffee). He said '커피 주세요' (please give me coffee). The waiter smiled because Min-su was polite.

Word Web

가세요오세요드세요하세요보세요읽으세요앉으세요

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, try to mentally turn every action you see into a polite request using -(으)세요.

Cultural Notes

Using -(으)세요 is a sign of respect for the listener's status.

Derived from the honorific -시- and the polite sentence ending -어요.

Conversation Starters

어디에 가세요?

이것을 드세요?

한국어를 공부하세요?

내일 무엇을 하세요?

Journal Prompts

Write 3 things you want to tell a friend to do.
Write a polite request to a teacher.
Describe a day at work using polite commands.
Write a letter to a customer.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

가다 -> ____

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가세요
Vowel stem + 세요.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

먹다 -> ____

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹으세요
Consonant stem + 으세요.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

만들으세요

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 만드세요
Drop the ㄹ.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 물 좀 주세요
Standard word order.
Translate to Korean. Translation

Please sit.

Answer starts with: 앉으세...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 앉으세요
Polite command.
Choose the negative. Multiple Choice

가다 (negative)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가지 마세요
Negative imperative.
Fill in the blank.

듣다 -> ____

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 들으세요
ㄷ irregular.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Please read the book.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 책을 읽으세요
Object + Verb.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

가다 -> ____

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가세요
Vowel stem + 세요.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

먹다 -> ____

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹으세요
Consonant stem + 으세요.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

만들으세요

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 만드세요
Drop the ㄹ.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

주세요 / 물 / 좀

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 물 좀 주세요
Standard word order.
Translate to Korean. Translation

Please sit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 앉으세요
Polite command.
Choose the negative. Multiple Choice

가다 (negative)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가지 마세요
Negative imperative.
Fill in the blank.

듣다 -> ____

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 들으세요
ㄷ irregular.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Please read the book.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 책을 읽으세요
Object + Verb.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Translate into Korean: 'Please wait a moment.' (wait = 기다리다) Translation

Please wait a moment.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 잠시만 기다리세요
Reorder the words to say 'Please read the book.' Sentence Reorder

읽으세요 / 책을 / 이

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 이 책을 읽으세요
Fill in the blank for the verb '듣다' (to listen). Fill in the Blank

제 말을 ___. (Please listen to me.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 들으세요
Which is the most natural way to say 'Please eat' in an honorific way? Multiple Choice

Choose the best expression:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 드세요
Match the verb to its polite command form. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: all
Fix the sentence: 'I am taking a rest (politely).' Error Correction

저는 집에서 쉬세요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 집에서 쉬어요.
Use '보다' (to see/watch) as a polite request. Fill in the Blank

TV를 ___. (Please watch TV.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 보세요
How do you tell someone to 'Please live happily' using '살다'? Multiple Choice

행복하게 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사세요
Translate: 'Please do your homework.' (homework = 숙제, do = 하다) Translation

Please do your homework.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 숙제를 하세요
Reorder: 'Give / money / me / please' Sentence Reorder

주세요 / 돈을 / 저에게

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저에게 돈을 주세요
Complete the polite phrase for 'coming in'. Fill in the Blank

안으로 ___. (Please come inside.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 들어오세요
Which ending is used for '웃다' (to laugh)? Multiple Choice

많이 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 웃으세요

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Yes, it is polite and appropriate for most professional settings.

Drop the ㄹ and add -세요. For example, '살다' becomes '사세요'.

No, -십시오 is much more formal.

Use -지 마세요.

It might sound a bit formal, but it's not wrong.

Yes, it is the standard polite form.

They follow standard rules after the stem change.

The -으- is a buffer for easier pronunciation.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Japanese high

〜てください

Japanese uses 'te-form' + kudasai; Korean uses stem + (으)세요.

Spanish moderate

Imperativo (usted)

Spanish conjugates for person/number; Korean does not.

German moderate

Sie-Imperativ

German relies on pronouns; Korean relies on verb suffixes.

French moderate

Impératif (vous)

French changes the verb ending; Korean adds a suffix.

Chinese partial

请 (qǐng) + verb

Chinese is analytic (adding words); Korean is agglutinative (adding suffixes).

Arabic low

Imperative (polite)

Arabic is highly inflected; Korean is not.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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