Meaning
Politely asking for assistance.
Cultural Background
Koreans often use '좀' (a little) even when they need a lot of help. It's a way to show humility and respect for the other person's effort. In a Korean office, asking for help is seen as a way to build teamwork, but you should always try to do it yourself first to show effort. When asking for help on the street, it is common to bow slightly or nod your head to show respect before speaking. On Korean social media (like KakaoTalk or Naver Cafe), people use 'ㅠㅠ' (crying eyes) with this phrase to show they are really struggling.
The 'Jom' Power
Never forget '좀'. It's the difference between 'Help me!' and 'Could you please help me?'
Emergency Check
If you are in real danger, scream '살려주세요' (Sal-lyeo-ju-se-yo) as loud as you can.
Meaning
Politely asking for assistance.
The 'Jom' Power
Never forget '좀'. It's the difference between 'Help me!' and 'Could you please help me?'
Emergency Check
If you are in real danger, scream '살려주세요' (Sal-lyeo-ju-se-yo) as loud as you can.
Body Language
A small head nod while saying this phrase goes a long way in Korea.
Specifics Matter
Adding the specific task (e.g., '이것' - this) before the phrase makes it clearer.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to ask for help politely.
가방이 너무 무거워요. ___ 도와주세요.
'좀' is the essential softener for making polite requests in Korean.
Which phrase is most appropriate when you are lost and asking a stranger?
Which one should you say?
'도와주세요' is the standard polite form for strangers. '도와줘' is too casual, '살려주세요' is for emergencies, and '도와주십시오' is overly formal.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 저기요, 사진 ___ 도와주세요. B: 네, 찍어 드릴게요.
To ask for help with a specific action, use the '-는 것' (noun-making) form.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are drowning in a pool.
In life-threatening situations, use '살려주세요' (Save me).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Common Objects to Help With
Physical
- • 짐 (Luggage)
- • 문 (Door)
- • 박스 (Box)
Information
- • 길 (Way)
- • 메뉴 (Menu)
- • 숙제 (Homework)
Practice Bank
4 exercises가방이 너무 무거워요. ___ 도와주세요.
'좀' is the essential softener for making polite requests in Korean.
Which one should you say?
'도와주세요' is the standard polite form for strangers. '도와줘' is too casual, '살려주세요' is for emergencies, and '도와주십시오' is overly formal.
A: 저기요, 사진 ___ 도와주세요. B: 네, 찍어 드릴게요.
To ask for help with a specific action, use the '-는 것' (noun-making) form.
Situation: You are drowning in a pool.
In life-threatening situations, use '살려주세요' (Save me).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but adding '부탁드립니다' (butak-deurimnida) at the end makes it even more professional.
Technically no, but without it, you sound very demanding or like a child.
Say '빨리 좀 도와주세요' (Please help me quickly).
You can say '네, 알겠습니다' (Yes, okay) or '어떤 걸 도와드릴까요?' (What can I help you with?).
In emergencies, just '도와주세요!' is fine. In texting, '도와줘요' is also common.
Because '돕다' is a 'ㅂ' irregular verb. The 'ㅂ' changes to '오' before '-아'.
It sounds like you're asking for a donation. For a loan, use '빌려주세요'.
Yes, it is gender-neutral.
'-주세요' is a polite request/command; '-줄래요' is more like 'Are you willing to help?'
Yes, it's perfect for asking a clerk for help finding an item.
Related Phrases
도움이 필요해요
similarI need help.
살려주세요
contrastSave me!
협조 부탁드립니다
specialized formI request your cooperation.
손 좀 빌려주세요
idiomPlease lend me a hand.
가르쳐 주세요
builds onPlease teach/tell me.
