Korean for Travelers: How to Ask 'Can I Take Photos Here?'
Learn to ask if photography is allowed in Korean using the polite pattern -도 돼요? Understand common restrictions and respond to answers.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When visiting temples, museums, or markets in Korea, you may want to take photos but need to check if it's allowed. In this lesson, you'll learn the essential Korean phrase for asking permission: 'Can I take photos here?' You'll also learn how to understand common restrictions and respond appropriately. We'll focus on the polite pattern -아/어도 돼요? which means 'Is it okay if I...?' This pattern is versatile and can be used for many situations. By the end, you'll be able to ask for permission confidently and understand the answer, whether it's a simple yes or no, or a more detailed explanation about site rules.
By the end, you can…
- ask 'Can I take photos here?' in polite Korean.
- understand and respond to common answers about photo restrictions.
- use the pattern -아/어도 돼요? to ask for permission in other contexts.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?
Can I take photos here?
yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo?
Standard polite phrase to ask if photography is allowed at a specific place. Use with strangers or staff.
사진 찍으면 안 돼요.
You can't take photos.
sa-jin jji-geu-myeon an dwae-yo.
A common negative response meaning photography is not allowed. Often followed by a reason.
플래시 사용해도 돼요?
Can I use flash?
peul-lae-si sa-yong-hae-do dwae-yo?
Ask this if you're unsure about flash photography, which is often restricted in museums.
여기서 사진 찍지 마세요.
Please don't take photos here.
yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jjik-ji ma-se-yo.
A prohibition sign or a polite request not to take photos. Often seen on signs.
죄송하지만, 사진 촬영은 금지되어 있습니다.
Sorry, but photography is prohibited.
joe-song-ha-ji-man, sa-jin chwal-yeong-eun geum-ji-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da.
A formal announcement or sign indicating that photography is forbidden. Very polite and official.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The key pattern for asking permission is verb stem + -아도/어도 돼요? It means 'Is it okay if I...?' or 'May I...?' For 'to take a photo,' the verb is 찍다 (jjik-da). Its stem is 찍- (jjik-). Since the vowel in the stem is ㅣ (i), we add -어도 돼요? to get 찍어도 돼요? (jji-geo-do dwae-yo?). So 'Can I take a photo?' is 사진 찍어도 돼요? (sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo?). To specify 'here,' add 여기서 (yeo-gi-seo) at the beginning: 여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요? This pattern works with other verbs too: 들어가도 돼요? (deu-reo-ga-do dwae-yo? - Can I go in?), 앉아도 돼요? (an-ja-do dwae-yo? - Can I sit?).
When to use it
Use this phrase when you are unsure if photography is allowed, especially in places like temples, museums, or private shops. It's polite and appropriate for most situations. If you see a sign that says '사진 금지' (sa-jin geum-ji - No Photography), don't ask; just follow the rule. If you're unsure, asking is fine. When someone answers, listen for '돼요' (dwae-yo - it's okay) or '안 돼요' (an dwae-yo - it's not okay). Sometimes they might say '가능해요' (ga-neung-hae-yo - it's possible) or '불가능해요' (bul-ga-neung-hae-yo - it's not possible). If they say '안 돼요,' you can respond with '네, 알겠습니다' (ne, al-get-seum-ni-da - Okay, I understand).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
저기요, 여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?
Excuse me, can I take photos here?jeo-gi-yo, yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo?네, 찍어도 돼요. 그런데 플래시는 안 돼요.
Yes, you can take photos. But flash is not allowed.ne, jji-geo-do dwae-yo. geu-reon-de peul-lae-si-neun an dwae-yo.아, 알겠습니다. 플래시 없이 찍을게요.
Oh, I understand. I'll take photos without flash.a, al-get-seum-ni-da. peul-lae-si eop-si jji-geul-ge-yo.네, 감사합니다.
Yes, thank you.ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da.A little context goes a long way
In Korea, it's common to ask for permission before taking photos, especially of people or in private spaces. Using the polite -아/어도 돼요? pattern shows respect. When someone says '안 돼요,' it's not rude; it's a direct but polite refusal. In formal settings like museums, you might see signs with '촬영 금지' (chwal-yeong geum-ji - No Photography). Always follow posted rules. If you're unsure, asking is better than assuming. Also, taking photos of people without consent is generally frowned upon, so ask first.
One thing to watch for
Using the casual form '사진 찍어도 돼?' with strangers or staff.
Try this instead: The casual form is only for close friends or people younger than you. With strangers, always use the polite -요 form: '사진 찍어도 돼요?' This shows respect and is appropriate in most situations.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'Can I take photos here?' in polite Korean?
Show a sample answer
여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?
This uses the pattern verb stem + -어도 돼요? with the verb 찍다 (to take a photo) and adds 여기서 (here). It's the standard polite way to ask.
2What does '사진 찍으면 안 돼요' mean?
Show a sample answer
It means 'You can't take photos.'
This is a common negative response. The pattern -으면 안 돼요 means 'you must not' or 'it's not allowed.' It's often used to state restrictions.
3If someone says '플래시는 안 돼요,' what should you do?
Show a sample answer
You should take photos without flash.
This means 'Flash is not allowed.' You can respond with '알겠습니다' (I understand) and turn off your flash. Alternatively, you could ask '플래시 없이 찍어도 돼요?' (Can I take photos without flash?) to confirm.
Use '여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?' to politely ask if photography is allowed. Listen for '돼요' (okay) or '안 돼요' (not okay), and always respect posted signs and staff instructions.
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