조금만 기다려 주세요.
jogeumman gidaryeo juseyo.
Please wait a little.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to wait for a short time.
Cultural Background
In Korea, the service industry is highly efficient. This phrase is used to maintain the '빨리빨리' (hurry) culture while still being polite. In professional settings, using this phrase shows you are busy but still respectful of the other person's time. It is often heard in public transport or elevators when someone is trying to enter.
Smile!
When you say this, a small smile makes the request much more polite.
Nunchi
Use your 'nunchi' (social intuition) to decide if the person is in a hurry before asking them to wait.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to wait for a short time.
Smile!
When you say this, a small smile makes the request much more polite.
Nunchi
Use your 'nunchi' (social intuition) to decide if the person is in a hurry before asking them to wait.
Don't over-use
If you ask someone to wait too often, it can seem like you are disorganized.
Visual Learning Aids
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is very polite.
No, it is the standard polite way to ask.
Say '5분 정도 기다려 주세요'.
It means 'only' or 'just'.
Yes, but you can also use '기다려'.
Yes, it is common in business emails.
'잠시' is more formal/abstract; '조금' is more physical/concrete.
Use '기다려 주십시오'.
Related Phrases
잠시만요
synonymJust a moment.
기다려 보세요
similarTry waiting.
천천히 하세요
builds onTake your time.
금방 올게요
specialized formI'll be right back.
