Meaning
Politely requesting an item or action.
Cultural Background
In Korean companies, the phrase '잘 부탁드립니다' is often the first thing said in every email to a new contact. It sets a tone of humility and cooperation. When a group is ordering, the person with the highest social status might say '부탁해요' on behalf of the group, signaling they are taking responsibility for the interaction. When giving a gift that requires some care (like a plant), Koreans often say '잘 부탁해요' to mean 'Please take good care of this.' In Korea, you don't just say 'Nice to meet you.' You must also say '잘 부탁해요' to acknowledge that you are entering a social contract with the other person.
The Power of '좀'
Always add '좀' (jom) before '부탁해요' to sound like a native. It softens the request and makes you sound much more natural.
Don't over-honorific
Using '부탁드립니다' with your younger brother will sound like you are being sarcastic or angry.
Meaning
Politely requesting an item or action.
The Power of '좀'
Always add '좀' (jom) before '부탁해요' to sound like a native. It softens the request and makes you sound much more natural.
Don't over-honorific
Using '부탁드립니다' with your younger brother will sound like you are being sarcastic or angry.
Introduction Ritual
Even if you don't need anything, saying '잘 부탁해요' when meeting someone is a sign of good character.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct object marker (을 or 를).
커피( ) 부탁해요.
Since '커피' ends in a vowel, '를' is the correct particle.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
잘 부탁해요.
'잘 부탁해요' is the standard phrase for introductions.
Complete the dialogue in a polite office setting.
A: 김 대리님, 이 서류 확인 좀 ( ). B: 네, 지금 바로 보겠습니다.
In an office with a colleague, the polite '부탁해요' is most appropriate.
Which one is the most formal?
Choose the most formal way to ask for a favor.
'~드립니다' is the honorific form of '주다' (to give), making it the most formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises커피( ) 부탁해요.
Since '커피' ends in a vowel, '를' is the correct particle.
잘 부탁해요.
'잘 부탁해요' is the standard phrase for introductions.
A: 김 대리님, 이 서류 확인 좀 ( ). B: 네, 지금 바로 보겠습니다.
In an office with a colleague, the polite '부탁해요' is most appropriate.
Choose the most formal way to ask for a favor.
'~드립니다' is the honorific form of '주다' (to give), making it the most formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNot directly. You must change the verb to a noun form using '-기'. For example, '도와주기 부탁해요' (though '도와주세요' is more common).
Yes, it sounds more sophisticated and less like a direct command.
Use it in very formal situations like job interviews or when meeting a client for the first time.
Yes, it is the most common and polite way to state your destination.
'부탁' is social and personal; '요청' is official and formal.
In casual conversation, yes. '물 부탁해요' is fine. In writing, keep it: '물을 부탁해요.'
You say '부탁이 있어요' (Butak-i isseoyo).
No. For 'Please sit down,' use '앉으세요.' 'Butak' is for items or tasks, not physical actions you want the person to do for themselves.
Only if used with someone older or of higher status. With friends, it's perfect.
It means 'well.' You are literally asking them to 'entrust me well' or 'treat me well.'
Yes, '부탁드립니다' is the standard way to end a request in a Korean email.
Yes, '부탁했어요' means 'I asked for a favor.'
Related Phrases
주세요
similarPlease give me
{요청|要請}하다
specialized formTo request formally
{도움|助-}을 {청|請}하다
builds onTo ask for help
맡기다
synonymTo entrust/leave with
잘 부탁드립니다
specialized formPlease look after me
