Meaning
Politely asking someone to take a photograph of oneself or a group.
Cultural Background
Koreans are very serious about photography. If you ask a stranger, don't be surprised if they take multiple photos from different angles without you asking. It's a sign of kindness. The 'V-sign' (peace sign) is the most common pose. Recently, the 'finger heart' (crossing the thumb and index finger) has also become a standard pose for photos. When someone takes a photo for you, it is polite to offer to take one for them in return. This is a common social exchange. In popular photo spots, people often wait in a neat line. It is considered rude to cut the line or take too long when others are waiting.
The Power of 'Jom'
Never forget '좀' (jom). It's the magic word that turns a command into a polite request.
The Reciprocity Rule
Always offer to take a photo back. It makes the interaction a friendly exchange rather than a one-way favor.
Meaning
Politely asking someone to take a photograph of oneself or a group.
The Power of 'Jom'
Never forget '좀' (jom). It's the magic word that turns a command into a polite request.
The Reciprocity Rule
Always offer to take a photo back. It makes the interaction a friendly exchange rather than a one-way favor.
Horizontal vs Vertical
If you want a specific orientation, say '가로로' (garoro - horizontally) or '세로로' (seroro - vertically).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part to make the request polite.
사진 좀 찍어 (____)?
While '주세요' is polite, '주시겠어요' is the most standard and respectful way to ask a stranger for a favor.
Which sentence is the most natural when asking a stranger at a park?
Select the best option:
'실례지만' (Excuse me but...) adds an extra layer of politeness perfect for strangers.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 저기요, 사진 좀 찍어 주시겠어요? B: 네, 그럼요! (____)
The most natural response from someone agreeing to take a photo is to ask where the person wants it taken.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want a photo where the sea is visible in the background.
'보이게' means 'so that it is visible'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises사진 좀 찍어 (____)?
While '주세요' is polite, '주시겠어요' is the most standard and respectful way to ask a stranger for a favor.
Select the best option:
'실례지만' (Excuse me but...) adds an extra layer of politeness perfect for strangers.
A: 저기요, 사진 좀 찍어 주시겠어요? B: 네, 그럼요! (____)
The most natural response from someone agreeing to take a photo is to ask where the person wants it taken.
You want a photo where the sea is visible in the background.
'보이게' means 'so that it is visible'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is polite and very common. '주시겠어요' is just a bit more formal and 'softer'.
Say '같이 사진 좀 찍어 주시겠어요?' (Would you take a photo with me?).
Say '하나, 둘, 셋!' (Hana, dul, set!) or '김치!' (Kimchi!).
Yes, but you might want to use the even more formal '사진 촬영 좀 부탁드려도 될까요?'.
Literally 'a little', but here it functions as 'please' or 'if you don't mind'.
Say '감사합니다!' (Gamsahamnida!) or '정말 감사합니다!' (Jeongmal gamsahamnida!).
Absolutely. It is very common and generally seen as a normal social interaction.
It's rare, but if they do, just say '아, 네. 죄송합니다' (Ah, okay. I'm sorry) and move on.
Say '죄송한데 한 번만 더 찍어 주시겠어요?' (I'm sorry, but could you take it one more time?).
No, you take a 'photo' (사진), not a 'camera'. You can say '제 카메라로 찍어 주시겠어요?' (Could you take it with my camera?).
Related Phrases
셀카 찍다
similarTo take a selfie.
동영상을 찍다
similarTo take a video.
인생샷
specialized formThe best photo of one's life.
사진을 확인하다
builds onTo check the photo.
