How To Say "Wait" In Korean: A Comprehensive Guide For Everyday Conversations

Carlotta Hirthe 21 May 2025

Learning how to say "wait" in Korean can be incredibly useful if you're planning a trip to Korea or simply want to expand your language skills. Imagine yourself in a bustling Seoul market, trying to catch the attention of a vendor or asking for a moment while paying for your favorite street food. Knowing the right way to express "wait" in Korean can make all the difference. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you master the nuances of this essential word.

So, why is it important to know how to say "wait" in Korean? Well, think about it – in any language, the ability to pause a conversation or ask for someone’s patience is crucial. Whether you're in a formal setting like a business meeting or in a casual hangout with friends, the word "wait" will come in handy. Plus, learning Korean phrases like this one adds depth to your communication skills.

Let's dive into the world of Korean language together. This guide is packed with practical tips, cultural insights, and fun facts that’ll make your language journey more enjoyable. By the end of this article, you'll not only know how to say "wait" in Korean but also understand the context in which it's used. Ready? Let's get started!

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Here’s a quick table of contents to help you navigate through this article:

Why Learning "Wait" in Korean Matters
Basic Ways to Say "Wait" in Korean
Formal vs. Informal Usage
Cultural Context and Etiquette
Common Phrases with "Wait"
Advanced Usage Tips
Mistakes to Avoid
Practical Examples in Daily Life
Fun Facts About Korean Language
Resources for Further Learning

Why Learning "Wait" in Korean Matters

Let’s face it – life is full of moments where we need to ask others to wait. Whether you're running late for a meeting or need a second to gather your thoughts, understanding how to express "wait" in Korean can save you from awkward situations. This word is like a Swiss Army knife in your linguistic toolkit, ready to help you navigate any scenario.

Here's the deal: Korean culture values politeness and respect, especially in communication. Knowing the appropriate way to say "wait" shows that you’re considerate of others’ time and feelings. Plus, mastering this word can open doors to deeper conversations and connections with native speakers. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact!

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And hey, let’s not forget the practical side. If you're traveling to Korea, you’ll encounter plenty of situations where you might need to use this word. From asking a taxi driver to hold on a sec to telling a friend you’ll be right back, this phrase will become your go-to in no time.

Basic Ways to Say "Wait" in Korean

Alright, let’s get down to business. How do you actually say "wait" in Korean? There are several ways to express this depending on the situation. Here are some of the most common options:

기다려 (Gidaryeo): This is the casual form, perfect for conversations with friends or people of similar age.
기다리세요 (Gidaryeoseyo): The polite form, suitable for speaking to strangers or people older than you.
잠시만 기다려 주세요 (Jamsiman gidaryeo juseyo): A more formal way to ask someone to wait for a moment.

Each of these phrases has its own place in Korean communication. For example, if you're hanging out with your buddies at a karaoke bar, "기다려" works perfectly. But if you're in a job interview and need a moment to think, "기다리세요" or even "잠시만 기다려 주세요" would be more appropriate.

Breaking It Down: The Grammar Behind "Wait"

Now, let’s take a closer look at the grammar behind these phrases. The base verb for "wait" in Korean is 기다리다 (Gidaritha). Depending on the level of politeness and the tense, you modify this verb to fit the context.

For instance:

Present tense: 기다려 (casual) or 기다리세요 (polite)
Past tense: 기다렸어 (Gidaryeosseo) – "I waited" (casual)
Future tense: 기다릴게 (Gidaryilge) – "I will wait" (casual)

See how versatile this verb is? With a few tweaks, you can adapt it to fit any situation. Practice these forms until they roll off your tongue naturally. Trust me, native speakers will appreciate your effort!

Formal vs. Informal Usage

One of the coolest things about the Korean language is its emphasis on formality. This reflects the culture’s deep respect for hierarchy and relationships. When it comes to saying "wait," the level of politeness you use depends on who you're talking to.

For informal settings, stick with:

기다려 (Gidaryeo)
잠깐만 (Jammannan) – "Just a sec"

But for formal occasions, go for:

기다리세요 (Gidaryeoseyo)
잠시만 기다려 주세요 (Jamsiman gidaryeo juseyo)

Remember, using the wrong level of politeness can come across as rude or disrespectful. So, always consider your relationship with the person you're speaking to. If you're unsure, it’s safer to lean toward the formal side.

Tips for Choosing the Right Tone

Here are a few quick tips to help you decide which tone to use:

If you're speaking to someone older than you, always use formal language.
In professional settings, like work or school, stick to polite forms.
Among close friends or family, informal language is perfectly fine.

And don’t worry if you make a mistake – Koreans are generally forgiving when they know you're trying your best. Just smile and keep practicing!

Cultural Context and Etiquette

Language is deeply tied to culture, and Korean is no exception. To truly master how to say "wait" in Korean, it’s important to understand the cultural context surrounding this word.

In Korea, patience is highly valued. Asking someone to wait is seen as a request for their time and attention, so it’s crucial to do so respectfully. For example, if you're in a store and need a moment to decide what to buy, you might say:

잠시만요 (Jamsimanyo) – "Just a moment, please."

This phrase conveys politeness and acknowledges the other person’s time. Similarly, if someone asks you to wait, it’s customary to respond with a polite acknowledgment, such as:

네, 알겠습니다 (Ne, algetseumnida) – "Yes, I understand."

Understanding these cultural nuances will not only improve your language skills but also enhance your interactions with Koreans.

Etiquette Tips for Using "Wait"

Here are some etiquette tips to keep in mind:

Avoid using overly casual language in formal settings.
If you're asking someone to wait for a long time, offer an explanation or apology.
Always use polite language when speaking to elders or authority figures.

By following these guidelines, you’ll show that you respect Korean customs and values. And that’s something people will definitely appreciate!

Common Phrases with "Wait"

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s explore some common phrases that include "wait" in Korean. These expressions will help you sound more natural and confident in conversations:

잠깐만 기다려 줄 수 있어요? (Jammannan gidaryeo jul su isseoyo?) – "Can you wait for a moment?"
좀 더 기다려 주세요 (Jom deo gidaryeo juseyo) – "Please wait a little longer."
기다리지 마세요 (Gidarithi maseyo) – "Don’t wait for me."

These phrases are incredibly useful in everyday situations. For example, if you're meeting a friend and know you’ll be late, you can text them:

잠깐만 기다려 줄 수 있어요? (Jammannan gidaryeo jul su isseoyo?)

Or, if you're in a hurry and don’t want someone to wait for you, you can say:

기다리지 마세요 (Gidarithi maseyo).

See how versatile these phrases are? Practice them until they feel natural, and you’ll be using them like a pro in no time.

Practical Applications of These Phrases

Here are some real-life scenarios where these phrases might come in handy:

At a coffee shop: Asking the barista to wait while you decide on your order.
In a taxi: Telling the driver to wait while you grab something from your bag.
With friends: Letting them know you’ll be right back.

The more you practice using these phrases in context, the more confident you’ll become in your Korean skills.

Advanced Usage Tips

Ready to take your Korean skills to the next level? Here are some advanced tips for using "wait" in more complex sentences:

Combine "wait" with other verbs to create compound expressions. For example:

기다리면서 생각해볼게요 (Gidaryimyeon saenggakhebolgeoyo) – "I’ll think about it while I wait."

Use "wait" in conditional sentences to express hypothetical situations. For example:

만약 기다리면 좋을 거예요 (Manyan gidaryimyeon joh-eul geoyeyo) – "If you wait, it’ll be better."

These advanced constructions will make your Korean sound more polished and natural. Don’t be afraid to experiment with them in your conversations!

Challenging Yourself with Advanced Grammar

Here’s a fun challenge: Try incorporating "wait" into a story or dialogue. For example, imagine you’re writing a short scene where one character asks another to wait while they finish a task. How would you structure the dialogue?

This kind of practice not only improves your grammar but also boosts your creativity. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your Korean-speaking friends!

Mistakes to Avoid

Learning any language comes with its fair share of challenges, and Korean is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when using "wait":

Using informal language in formal settings can come across as disrespectful.
Forgetting to conjugate verbs properly can lead to confusion.
Mispronouncing words can change their meaning entirely.

For example, saying 기다려 (Gidaryeo) instead of 기다리세요 (Gidaryeoseyo) in a formal situation might make you seem rude. Pay attention to these details, and you’ll avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.