Korean for Beginners: Accepting and Refusing Polite Requests
Learn to respond appropriately to polite requests in Korean, using '네, 알겠습니다' to accept and '미안하지만 어렵습니다' to refuse.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When someone asks you for a favor in Korean, your response should match the level of politeness they used. In this lesson, you will learn how to accept or refuse requests politely. You will practice common phrases like '네, 알겠습니다' (Yes, I understand/I will) and '미안하지만 어렵습니다' (I'm sorry, but it's difficult). By the end, you will be able to respond naturally in everyday situations, such as when a colleague asks for help or a friend asks to borrow something.
By the end, you can…
- accept a polite request using '네, 알겠습니다' or '물론이죠'.
- refuse a polite request using '미안하지만 어렵습니다' or '죄송하지만 안 됩니다'.
- use the appropriate level of politeness when responding to requests.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
네, 알겠습니다.
Yes, I understand. / Sure, I will.
ne, algetseumnida
Polite and formal acceptance. Use with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
물론이죠.
Of course.
mullonijyo
Polite but friendly acceptance. Use with acquaintances or in casual polite conversation.
미안하지만 어렵습니다.
I'm sorry, but it's difficult.
mianhajiman eoryeopseumnida
Polite refusal. Use when you cannot fulfill a request, especially in formal situations.
죄송하지만 안 됩니다.
I'm sorry, but it's not possible.
joesonghajiman an doemnida
More formal refusal. Use in professional or very polite contexts.
도와드릴게요.
I will help you.
dowadeurilgeyo
Polite offer to help. Use when you want to volunteer assistance.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To accept a request politely, you can say '네, 알겠습니다' (Yes, I understand/I will) or '물론이죠' (Of course). To refuse, use '미안하지만' (I'm sorry, but) or '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry, but - more formal) followed by a reason, such as '어렵습니다' (it's difficult) or '안 됩니다' (it's not possible). For example: '미안하지만 지금은 어렵습니다.' (I'm sorry, but it's difficult right now.)
When to use it
Use '알겠습니다' and '죄송하지만' in formal situations, like at work or with people you don't know well. Use '물론이죠' and '미안하지만' with friends or acquaintances in casual polite speech. If you are close friends, you might use '알겠어' and '미안하지만' (without -습니다) but be careful: using casual speech with the wrong person can sound rude. Always match the other person's level of politeness.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
저기요, 도와주실 수 있나요?
Excuse me, could you help me?jeogiyo, dowajusil su innayo?네, 알겠습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Yes, I understand. What can I help you with?ne, algetseumnida. mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?이 서류를 복사해 주실 수 있나요?
Could you copy this document for me?i seoryureul boksahae jusil su innayo?미안하지만 지금은 어렵습니다. 다른 일이 있어서요.
I'm sorry, but it's difficult right now. I have other work.mianhajiman jigeumeun eoryeopseumnida. dareun iri isseoseoyo.A little context goes a long way
In Korean culture, politeness and respect are very important. When refusing a request, it's common to soften the refusal with an apology and a reason, rather than saying a blunt 'no'. Also, using the correct speech level (formal vs. informal) is crucial. If you're unsure, it's safer to use the polite formal style (-습니다/-ㅂ니다) until the other person suggests using casual speech.
One thing to watch for
Using casual speech like '알겠어' or '안 돼' with someone older or in a formal setting.
Try this instead: Use polite forms: '알겠습니다' or '안 됩니다'. For example, say '네, 알겠습니다' instead of '알겠어' when speaking to a superior.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely accept a request to help someone?
Show a sample answer
네, 알겠습니다.
This is a polite and formal way to accept. You could also say '물론이죠' in a more casual polite context.
2How would you politely refuse a request to lend money?
Show a sample answer
미안하지만 어렵습니다.
This politely refuses by saying it's difficult. You can add a reason, like '지금 돈이 없어서요' (because I don't have money now).
3What is the difference between '미안하지만' and '죄송하지만'?
Show a sample answer
'죄송하지만' is more formal and polite than '미안하지만'.
'죄송합니다' is a more formal apology, so '죄송하지만' is used in very polite or professional situations, while '미안하지만' is polite but less formal.
When responding to a polite request in Korean, always match the other person's politeness level. Accept with '네, 알겠습니다' or '물론이죠', and refuse with '미안하지만 어렵습니다' or '죄송하지만 안 됩니다', adding a reason to soften the refusal.
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