Meaning
A question asking for someone's telephone contact information.
Cultural Background
Koreans almost always use the '010' prefix for mobile phones. When giving a number, they often say the numbers in groups of four. Asking for a phone number is often a precursor to adding someone on KakaoTalk. If you don't have KakaoTalk, the exchange might feel incomplete to a Korean. Privacy is highly valued. It is considered rude to give out someone else's phone number without their explicit permission. In business, exchanging business cards ({名刺|명함}) is the formal way to share a phone number. You should receive the card with both hands.
Use 'jom'
Adding '좀' (jom) before '알려주세요' makes the request sound much softer and more natural.
Don't forget 'yo'
Even if you think you are the same age, always use 'yo' until you've agreed to speak casually (banmal).
Meaning
A question asking for someone's telephone contact information.
Use 'jom'
Adding '좀' (jom) before '알려주세요' makes the request sound much softer and more natural.
Don't forget 'yo'
Even if you think you are the same age, always use 'yo' until you've agreed to speak casually (banmal).
The '010' assumption
Almost all mobile numbers start with 010, so you can often skip those digits when giving your number if the context is clear.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask for a phone number politely.
{電話番號|전화번호} (____)요?
'뭐예요' is the correct way to ask 'what is it?'.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a boss for their number?
Choose the best option:
'어떻게 되세요' is the honorific form used for superiors.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 만나서 반가웠어요. {電話番號|전화번호} 뭐예요? B: (____________________)
The response should provide the phone number.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a government office filling out a form.
In a formal government setting, the most formal register is used.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{電話番號|전화번호} (____)요?
'뭐예요' is the correct way to ask 'what is it?'.
Choose the best option:
'어떻게 되세요' is the honorific form used for superiors.
A: 만나서 반가웠어요. {電話番號|전화번호} 뭐예요? B: (____________________)
The response should provide the phone number.
Situation: You are at a government office filling out a form.
In a formal government setting, the most formal register is used.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsGenerally, it's better to have a reason (like a shared interest or a business need). Cold-approaching is less common than in some Western cultures.
You can say '한국 번호 없어요' (I don't have a Korean number) and offer your email or social media instead.
It's a more indirect way of asking, which is considered more polite in Korean culture. It's like saying 'How might I find your number?' instead of 'What is it?'.
Yes, but home phones are rare now. People usually specify '집 전화번호' (home phone number).
Related Phrases
연락처가 어떻게 되세요?
similarWhat is your contact information?
번호 좀 주세요
builds onPlease give me your number.
카톡 아이디 뭐예요?
specialized formWhat is your KakaoTalk ID?
번호 뭐야?
informalWhat's your number?
