Meaning
Requesting someone to pause or hold their action for a moment.
Cultural Background
In the 'Pali-pali' culture, saying '기다려 주세요' is often followed by a small bow or a polite gesture to show you aren't trying to be disrespectful of their time. In Korean companies, if a subordinate asks a superior to wait, they often use '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but...) before '기다려 주세요' to soften the request. In KakaoTalk (Korean messaging app), people often use 'ㄱㄷ' as a shorthand for '기다려' (wait). This is only for very close friends. In subways or buses, automated announcements use '기다려 주시기 바랍니다' (We hope you will wait), which is even more formal than '주세요'.
Add '잠시만'
Adding '잠시만' (a moment) before the phrase makes it sound much more natural and polite.
Watch your tone
If said too flatly, it can sound like a command. Use a gentle, rising intonation.
Meaning
Requesting someone to pause or hold their action for a moment.
Add '잠시만'
Adding '잠시만' (a moment) before the phrase makes it sound much more natural and polite.
Watch your tone
If said too flatly, it can sound like a command. Use a gentle, rising intonation.
The 'Bowing' Rule
A slight tilt of the head while saying this phrase to a stranger increases your 'politeness points' significantly.
Patience is a virtue
In Korea, waiting is often expected. Don't be afraid to use this phrase to buy yourself time.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to make the phrase 'Please wait a moment.'
잠시만 _______ 주세요.
The verb '기다리다' must be conjugated to '기다려' to combine with '주세요'.
Which of the following is the most polite way to ask a stranger to wait?
Choose the correct form:
'기다려 주세요' is the standard polite form for strangers.
Complete the dialogue at a cafe.
Staff: 주문하시겠어요? Customer: 아, _______. (I need a moment to choose)
The customer is asking the staff to wait while they decide.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are on the phone and need to find a pen.
This is the standard phrase for putting someone on hold.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises잠시만 _______ 주세요.
The verb '기다리다' must be conjugated to '기다려' to combine with '주세요'.
Choose the correct form:
'기다려 주세요' is the standard polite form for strangers.
Staff: 주문하시겠어요? Customer: 아, _______. (I need a moment to choose)
The customer is asking the staff to wait while they decide.
Situation: You are on the phone and need to find a pen.
This is the standard phrase for putting someone on hold.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is the perfect level of formality for a cafe or restaurant.
Only to your dog or a very close younger sibling. Otherwise, it's rude.
'잠시' is slightly more formal/literary, while '잠깐' is more common in spoken language.
Add '저를' (me) at the beginning: '저를 기다려 주세요.'
Use '기다려 주시겠어요?' (Would you mind waiting?).
Yes, but often shortened to '기다려주세요' (no space) or '잠시만요'.
Yes, you can say '버스를 기다려 주세요'.
Yes, it's common when asking for time to review something.
'빨리 하세요' (Please do it quickly), but be careful as it can be rude.
It comes from '주다' (to give), making the act of waiting a favor you are receiving.
Related Phrases
잠시만요
synonymJust a moment
잠깐만요
synonymWait a second
기다려 주십시오
specialized formPlease wait (formal)
기다려 줘
informalWait for me (casual)
대기하다
specialized formTo stand by / To wait
