Korean Dictionary
How to say "I owe you one" in Korean
“I owe you one” in Korean is 신세 졌어요 (pronounced "Sinse jeosseoyo").
신세 졌어요
Sinse jeosseoyo
Usage & Context
Acknowledging that you are indebted to someone for their help. Korean culture places importance on reciprocating favors, so this phrase recognizes an obligation. 나중에 꼭 갚을게요 (I'll definitely repay you later) is often added to show sincere intention.
Example Sentence
이번엔 정말 신세 졌어요. 나중에 꼭 갚을게요!
I really owe you one this time. I'll definitely repay you!
How to use 신세 졌어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I owe you one” is 신세 졌어요, romanized as Sinse jeosseoyo.
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 신세 졌어요.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '신세' as 'shin-seh', where 'shin' rhymes with 'shin' bone, and 'seh' sounds like 'say'. '졌어요' is 'juh-ssuh-yoh', with 'juh' like 'just' without the 't', 'ssuh' like 'sun' but with a tense 's' sound, and 'yoh' like 'yawn' without the 'n'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
신세 지었습니다
Sinse jieosseumnida
A more formal and deferential way to express indebtedness, often used in very polite or professional settings.
Casual (반말)
신세 졌어
Sinse jeosseo
Used when speaking to close friends or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Expressing deep gratitude after receiving significant assistance.
도와주셔서 정말 신세 졌어요. 덕분에 잘 해결됐어요.
Thank you for your help, I really owe you one. Thanks to you, it was resolved well.
In a professional setting, acknowledging a colleague's crucial contribution.
이번 프로젝트는 김 대리님 덕분에 성공했어요. 신세 졌습니다!
This project succeeded thanks to Assistant Manager Kim. I owe you one!
To a close friend, acknowledging a favor and promising repayment.
갑자기 부탁했는데 들어줘서 신세 졌어. 나중에 맛있는 거 사줄게.
I asked you suddenly, but you granted it, I owe you one. I'll buy you something delicious later.
Cultural Context
In Korean culture, '신세 졌어요' is more than just a polite phrase; it signifies a recognized social obligation. Koreans place high importance on '정' (jeong), a deep sense of affection and attachment, which often involves reciprocating favors. Saying '나중에 꼭 갚을게요' (I'll definitely repay you later) is a common and sincere addition, emphasizing the intention to return the favor, whether it's through a meal, a gift, or help in the future. This phrase is frequently heard in K-dramas when characters help each other out of difficult situations.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 신세 졌어요 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
신세 많이 졌어요.
I owe you a lot.
나중에 꼭 갚을게요.
I'll definitely repay you later.
덕분에 살았어요.
You saved my life/I survived thanks to you.
Related Expressions
고마워요
Gomawoyo
Thank you (general polite)
도움 주셔서 감사합니다
Doum jusyeoseo gamsahamnida
Thank you for your help (more formal)
은혜를 입다
Eunhyereul ipda
To receive a favor/grace (more literary/formal)
빚을 지다
Bijeul jida
To incur a debt (can be literal or metaphorical for a favor)
More Greetings Words
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