주세요
juseyo
please give me / please do (polite request)
줘
jweo
give me (casual request)
주세요 vs 줘: Polite vs Casual Requests in Korean
주세요 is the polite request form used with strangers, elders, and in service settings, while 줘 is the casual equivalent reserved for close friends or people younger than you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 주세요 (juseyo) | 줘 (jweo) | |
|---|---|---|
| Politeness Level | Polite (해요체) | Casual (해체) |
| Used With | Strangers, elders, staff, teachers | Close friends, younger siblings, children |
| Setting | Restaurants, shops, offices, formal situations | Home, friend groups, casual hangouts |
| Verb Stem | 주다 + (으)세요 → 주세요 | 주다 + 어 (contracted) → 줘 |
| Tone | Respectful and appropriate in most situations | Friendly but can sound rude if used with the wrong person |
Examples in Context
Ordering at a cafe — using 주세요
아메리카노 한 잔 주세요.
Please give me one Americano.
Asking a coworker for a document — using 주세요
보고서 좀 주세요.
Please give me the report.
Asking a close friend for their phone — using 줘
폰 줘.
Give me your phone.
Friend asking for a bite of food — using 줘
나도 조금 줘.
Give me a little too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using 줘 with a stranger or someone older — this can come across as rude or impolite.
- ✗Thinking 주세요 is only for objects — it can also be attached to verb stems (e.g., 도와주세요, please help me).
- ✗Confusing 줘요 (informal polite) with 주세요 (standard polite) — both are acceptable, but 주세요 sounds more natural in service contexts.
- ✗Forgetting that 줘 is a contraction of 주어, not a separate word entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 주세요 with friends?
Yes, it won't offend anyone, but it may sound a bit stiff or overly formal in casual friend settings. 줘 flows more naturally between close friends.
How do I ask someone to do something (not give something) politely?
Attach 주세요 to a verb stem using the connective form: verb stem + 아/어 + 주세요. For example, 앉아 주세요 means "Please sit down."
Is 줘요 correct Korean?
Yes, 줘요 (informal polite) is grammatically correct and used in conversation, but 주세요 is more standard and widely taught as the default polite request form.
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