Korean Dictionary
How to say "After you" in Korean
“After you” in Korean is 먼저 하세요 (pronounced "Meonjeo haseyo").
먼저 하세요
Meonjeo haseyo
Usage & Context
Politely inviting someone to go before you. 먼저 들어가세요 (please go in first) is used for entering through a door. Koreans show deference to elders and guests by inviting them to proceed first, reflecting the hierarchical values in Korean social culture.
Example Sentence
제가 기다릴게요. 먼저 하세요.
I'll wait. After you.
How to use 먼저 하세요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “After you” is 먼저 하세요, romanized as Meonjeo haseyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 먼저 하세요.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '먼저' as 'meon-juh', where 'meon' sounds like 'money' without the 'y', and 'juh' sounds like 'just' without the 't'. '하세요' is 'hah-seh-yoh', with 'hah' like 'happy', 'seh' like 'say', and 'yoh' like 'yawn' without the 'n'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
먼저 하십시오
Meonjeo hasipsio
A highly formal and deferential way to say 'after you', typically used towards elders, superiors, or in very formal public announcements.
Casual (반말)
먼저 해
Meonjeo hae
The casual form, used when speaking to close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Politely inviting someone to go through a narrow doorway first.
문이 좁으니 먼저 하세요.
The door is narrow, after you.
Showing respect by inviting an elder to proceed first.
어르신, 먼저 하세요. 제가 뒤따라갈게요.
Elder, after you. I will follow behind.
Explaining why you are letting someone go first, due to personal inconvenience.
제가 짐이 많아서요, 먼저 하세요. 저는 천천히 갈게요.
I have a lot of luggage, after you. I'll go slowly.
Cultural Context
The phrase '먼저 하세요' is a cornerstone of Korean etiquette, deeply rooted in its hierarchical culture. It is commonly used to show deference to elders (어르신), superiors, or guests. You'll often hear variations like '먼저 들어가세요' (please go in first) when entering a building, or '먼저 드세요' (please eat first) when starting a meal. This practice reflects the value placed on respect and consideration for others, especially those of higher status or age.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 먼저 하세요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
제가 다음에 할게요.
I'll do it next.
먼저 드세요.
Please eat first.
먼저 말씀하세요.
Please speak first.
Related Expressions
먼저 들어가세요
Meonjeo deureogaseyo
Please go in first
먼저 드세요
Meonjeo deuseyo
Please eat first
괜찮습니다
Gwaenchansseumnida
It's okay (often used to politely decline going first)
사양하지 마세요
Sayanghaji maseyo
Don't decline/be shy (often used when insisting someone go first)
More Greetings Words
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