주세요 in Korean Grammar

In Korean grammar, "주세요" is a polite request form that is commonly used to ask someone to give or do something for you. It is a combination of the verb "주다" (to give) and the honorific suffix "-세요," which adds politeness to the sentence. This form is often used in everyday conversations to make requests in a respectful manner. 

Here's a comprehensive guide with examples on how to use "주세요" effectively:

1. Forming Requests:

To form a request using "주세요," follow this pattern:

[Desired Action] + 주세요

For example:

물 주세요. (Mul juseyo.) - Please give me water.

메뉴 주세요. (Menyu juseyo.) - Please give me the menu.

2. Noun Requests:

You can use "주세요" with nouns to request specific items or things.

Examples:

책 주세요. (Chaek juseyo.) - Please give me the book.

실례 주세요. (Sillye juseyo.) - Please excuse me.

3. Verb Requests:

You can also use "주세요" with verbs to request actions to be performed.

Examples:

도와주세요. (Dowajuseyo.) - Please help me.

알려주세요. (Allyeojuseyo.) - Please tell me.

4. Honorific Requests:

When requesting from someone of higher status or in a more formal setting, you can use the honorific verb forms with "주세요."

Examples:

보여주세요. (Boyeojuseyo.) - Please show me. (Honorific)

알려주세요. (Allyeojuseyo.) - Please inform me. (Honorific)

5. Making Polite Requests:

"주세요" adds a layer of politeness to your request. It's crucial in Korean culture to use polite language, especially when addressing someone you're not familiar with.

Examples:

휴지 주세요. (Hyuji juseyo.) - Please give me tissue paper.

좀 기다려주세요. (Jom kidaryeojuseyo.) - Please wait for me a little.

6. Using Adjectives:

Adjectives can also be used with "주세요" to request something in a specific manner.

Examples:

작게 자르세요. (Jakge jareuseyo.) - Please cut it small.

빨리 해주세요. (Bballi haejuseyo.) - Please do it quickly.

7. Polite Commands:

"주세요" can also be used to give polite commands, especially when you're asking someone to do something for you in a respectful tone.

Examples:

잘 보세요. (Jal boseyo.) - Please look at it carefully.

잠시만 기다려주세요. (Jamsi-man kidaryeojuseyo.) - Please wait for me a moment.

8. Basic Request:

"주세요" is often used to politely ask for something.

Example: "물 주세요." (Mul juseyo.) - "Please give me water."

In this case, the verb "주다" (to give) is implied, and "주세요" makes the request polite.

9. Ordering Food:

"주세요" is frequently used when ordering food or drinks at a restaurant.

Example: "커피 한 잔 주세요." (Keopi han jan juseyo.) - "Please give me a cup of coffee."

The noun ("커피" - coffee) comes before "주세요" to specify what you want.

10. Asking for Help:

"주세요" can be used when asking for assistance or help from someone.

Example: "도와주세요." (Dowajuseyo.) - "Please help me."

Here, the verb "도와주다" (to help) is used, and "주세요" adds politeness.

11. Giving Instructions:

"주세요" can be used to give instructions in a polite manner.

Example: "여기서 왼쪽으로 가다가 첫 번째 길을 오른쪽으로 돌아주세요." (Yeogiseo oenjjogeuro gadaga cheot beonjjae gireul oreunjjogeuro dorajuseyo.)

"돌아주세요" (dorajuseyo) here means "please turn."

12. Requesting a Favor:

"주세요" is used to ask for a favor in a courteous way.

Example: "저한테 좀 시간을 주세요." (Jeo hante jom siganeul juseyo.) - "Please give me some time."

In this case, the favor requested is "time."

Overall, "주세요" is a versatile and essential part of Korean polite communication. It's important to use it appropriately to show respect and maintain a courteous tone when making requests or giving instructions.