How to Say “Wait“ in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide364

Introduction"Wait" is a commonly used word in everyday conversations, and knowing how to say it correctly in Korean is essential for effective communication. This comprehensive guide will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the different ways to express "wait" in Korean, including their pronunciation, usage, and cultural nuances.

1. 기다리다 (Gidari-da)

The most common way to say "wait" in Korean is "기다리다" (gidari-da). It is a verb that means "to wait for someone or something." It is pronounced as "gi-da-ri-da," with the emphasis on the final syllable.

Example:

버스를 기다리고 있어요. (Beoseureul gidari-go isseoyo.)
I'm waiting for the bus.

2. 조금만 (Jogeumman)

"조금만" (jogeumman) is a polite way to ask someone to wait for a short period of time. It literally means "just a little bit." It is pronounced as "jo-geum-man," with the emphasis on the second syllable.

Example:

조금만 기다려 주세요. (Jogeumman gidaryeo juseyo.)
Please wait just a moment.

3. 잠깐 (Jamkkan)

"잠깐" (jamkkan) is another polite way to say "wait." It is often used in formal or respectful situations. It is pronounced as "jam-kkan," with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Example:

잠깐 좀 기다려 주시겠어요? (Jamkkan jom gidaryeo jushiogesseoyo?)
Could you please wait a moment?

4. 기다려 (Gidaryeo)

"기다려" (gidaryeo) is an imperative form of "기다리다" (gidari-da). It is used to tell someone to wait. It is pronounced as "gi-da-ryeo," with the emphasis on the final syllable.

Example:

잠깐 기다려. (Jamkkan gidaryeo.)
Wait a moment.

5. 기다렸다 (Gidaryeotda)

"기다렸다" (gidaryeotda) is the past tense of "기다리다" (gidari-da). It means "to have waited." It is pronounced as "gi-da-ryeot-da," with the emphasis on the final syllable.

Example:

너무 오래 기다렸어요. (Neomu oraer gidaryeotseoyo.)
I've waited too long.

ConclusionKnowing how to say "wait" in Korean is crucial for clear and effective communication. This guide has provided you with five different ways to express "wait," each with its own unique nuances and usage. By understanding these differences, you can confidently use the appropriate Korean expression for any situation.

2024-12-27

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