Lesson 34 · Polite Instructions: -(으)세요
Hyeju’s Beginner Korean · Lesson 34 · Grammar
Polite Instructions: -(으)세요
Learn Polite Instructions: -(으)세요 with form rules, natural examples, common mistakes, romanization, and six practice questions with answers.
Introduction / Review
Use -(으)세요 for a polite instruction or request. A polite ending does not make every command appropriate; consider the situation and your relationship with the listener.
N = noun; V = action verb; A = descriptive verb. Romanization is a reading aid.
Today’s Grammar / Explanation
- Vowel + 세요: 가다 → 가세요; 펴다 → 펴세요. Consonant + 으세요: 앉다 → 앉으세요; 읽다 → 읽으세요.
- Final ㄹ drops: 열다 → 여세요; 만들다 → 만드세요. Irregulars include 듣다 → 들으세요 and 걷다 → 걸으세요.
- The sentence can omit the listener: 책을 펴세요. Do not add 당신 mechanically as an English-style “you.”
Examples
책을 펴세요.
chaegeul pyeoseyo
Please open your book.
여기에 앉으세요.
yeogie anjeuseyo
Please sit here.
왼쪽으로 가세요.
oenjjogeuro gaseyo
Please go left.
문을 여세요.
muneul yeoseyo
Please open the door.
이 문장을 읽으세요.
i munjangeul ilgeuseyo
Please read this sentence.
잠깐 기다리세요.
jamkkan gidariseyo
Please wait a moment.
Compare with similar grammar
LESSON 69
-아/어 주세요
문 좀 닫아 주세요.Asks for a favor that helps you. -(으)세요 tells someone to do something (directions, advice, invitations).
Look ahead: Lesson 69 →LESSON 40
-(으)십시오
안으로 들어오십시오.The formal version, used in announcements and very polite speech.
Look ahead: Lesson 40 →LESSON 41
-(으)시- (honorific)
선생님은 지금 교실에 계세요.-(으)세요 is also the respectful present: 선생님이 가세요 = the teacher is going.
Look ahead: Lesson 41 →| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -(으)세요 | Please do… / respectful present | 앉으세요 |
| -아/어 주세요 | Please do… for me | 도와주세요 |
| -지 마세요 | Please don’t… | 가지 마세요 |
| -(으)십시오 | Please do… (formal) | 앉으십시오 |
Common mistakes
-(으)세요 also appears in respectful statements and questions: 선생님은 어디에 사세요? asks where the teacher lives. It is not a command. Lesson 41 explains subject honorification. For today’s instructions, use an action verb in an appropriate context.
앉 ends in a consonant → 으세요.
For eating, use the special respectful verb 드시다 → 드세요.
자다 has its own respectful form: 주무시다 → 주무세요.
Stems ending in ㄹ drop the ㄹ: 열다 → 여세요.
Mini practice · six questions
All sentences below are new. Try each one before opening the answer.
- Fill in the blank이 종이에 이름을 ______. (쓰다)
Check answer
이 종이에 이름을 쓰세요.
쓰 ends in a vowel → 세요.
- Fill in the blank이 길로 쭉 ______. 그리고 오른쪽으로 도세요. (가다)
Check answer
이 길로 쭉 가세요.
Giving directions → 가세요.
- Choose the correct form할아버지, 식사 (드세요 / 먹으세요).
Check answer
드세요
For an older person’s eating, use 드세요.
- Choose the better form(택시 기사님께) 저기 앞에서 (세워 주세요 / 세우세요).
Check answer
세워 주세요
You’re asking the driver for a favor for you → -아/어 주세요.
- Find and fix the mistake밥 먹기 전에 손을 씻세요.
Check answer
밥 먹기 전에 손을 씻으세요.
씻 ends in a consonant → 으세요.
- Say it in KoreanPlease wait a moment.
Check answer
잠깐만 기다리세요.
기다리 + 세요. 잠깐만 기다려 주세요 is also common.
Today’s Key Point
Polite instructions need a suitable context; consonant + 으세요; drop final ㄹ in 여세요 and 만드세요.
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