When someone asks you for help in Korean, your answer should match the situation. In this workshop, you will practice accepting a request with a polite phrase, refusing a request politely, and choosing the right response for a short exchange. You will hear native examples and then try the phrases yourself. You can play both roles when you practice with the audio, but there is no automatic check, so use the answer keys to check your own work.
Accepting a request
A polite acceptance shows that you understand and are willing to help. The phrase «네, 알겠습니다.» means 'Yes, I understand' or 'Sure, I will.' It is polite and formal, so it works with strangers, elders, or in professional settings. A friendlier but still polite option is «물론이죠.», which means 'Of course.' Use it with people you know or in casual polite conversation. When you accept, you can also add a short question to ask what the person needs. For example, after «네, 알겠습니다.», you might hear «네, 알겠습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?», which means 'Yes, I understand. What can I help you with?' Notice that the speaker first accepts, then asks for details. In your own practice, say the acceptance clearly and with a calm tone.
Refusing a request politely
Sometimes you cannot help. In Korean, a polite refusal often starts with an apology. The phrase «미안하지만 어렵습니다.» means 'I'm sorry, but it's difficult.' It is a polite refusal used when you cannot fulfill a request, especially in formal situations. A more formal refusal is «죄송하지만 안 됩니다.», which means 'I'm sorry, but it's not possible.' Use it in professional or very polite contexts. You can also give a short reason. For example, «미안하지만 지금은 어렵습니다. 다른 일이 있어서요.» means 'I'm sorry, but it's difficult right now. I have other work.' Notice that the speaker apologizes first, then explains briefly. When you refuse, keep your tone soft and respectful. Do not use these phrases with close friends if you want a casual tone, but they are safe in most polite situations.
Putting it together in a short exchange
A typical polite exchange has two parts: a request and a response. In the recording, one speaker says «저기요, 도와주실 수 있나요?», which means 'Excuse me, could you help me?' The other speaker answers with «네, 알겠습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?», accepting and asking what is needed. Then the first speaker makes a specific request with «이 서류를 복사해 주실 수 있나요?», which means 'Could you copy this document for me?' The second speaker refuses with «미안하지만 지금은 어렵습니다. 다른 일이 있어서요.», saying it is difficult right now because of other work. This shows how acceptance and refusal can appear in the same conversation. When you practice, listen for the polite endings and the apology before a refusal. Try to copy the rhythm and intonation of the native speakers.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
네, 알겠습니다.
Yes, I understand. / Sure, I will.
ne, algetseumnida
물론이죠.
Of course.
mullonijyo
미안하지만 어렵습니다.
I'm sorry, but it's difficult.
mianhajiman eoryeopseumnida
죄송하지만 안 됩니다.
I'm sorry, but it's not possible.
joesonghajiman an doemnida
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
저기요, 도와주실 수 있나요?
Excuse me, could you help me?네, 알겠습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Yes, I understand. What can I help you with?이 서류를 복사해 주실 수 있나요?
Could you copy this document for me?미안하지만 지금은 어렵습니다. 다른 일이 있어서요.
I'm sorry, but it's difficult right now. I have other work.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: Accept and ask
You are a staff member at a service desk. A customer approaches and says «저기요, 도와주실 수 있나요?». You want to accept and ask what they need.
Your task: Listen to «저기요, 도와주실 수 있나요?» and then say your response. Use the recorded dialogue line «네, 알겠습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?» as your model answer: first accept with «네, 알겠습니다.», then ask what you can help with. Say your answer out loud.
Reply comprehension: Choose the right response
You hear a request, but you cannot help because you have other work. You need to refuse politely.
Your task: Listen to «이 서류를 복사해 주실 수 있나요?». Then choose the best refusal from the options below and say it out loud. Option A: «미안하지만 어렵습니다.». Option B: «죄송하지만 안 됩니다.». Option C: «미안하지만 지금은 어렵습니다. 다른 일이 있어서요.». After you choose, check the answer key.
Recall with correct roles: Request and respond
You will practice a full exchange. One person makes a request, and the other responds. You can play both roles.
Your task: First, play the requester. Say «저기요, 도와주실 수 있나요?» and then «이 서류를 복사해 주실 수 있나요?». Then play the responder. Answer «저기요, 도와주실 수 있나요?» with the recorded line «네, 알겠습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?», and answer «이 서류를 복사해 주실 수 있나요?» with the recorded line «미안하지만 지금은 어렵습니다. 다른 일이 있어서요.». Try to do this without looking at the text. If you forget, listen to the recordings again.
Common questions
What is the difference between «네, 알겠습니다.» and «물론이죠.»?
«네, 알겠습니다.» means 'Yes, I understand' or 'Sure, I will.' It is polite and formal, suitable for strangers, elders, or professional settings. «물론이죠.» means 'Of course.' It is also polite but friendlier, so it works well with acquaintances or in casual polite conversation. Both accept a request, but the level of formality is different.
When should I use «미안하지만 어렵습니다.» instead of «죄송하지만 안 됩니다.»?
«미안하지만 어렵습니다.» means 'I'm sorry, but it's difficult.' It is a polite refusal used when you cannot fulfill a request, especially in formal situations. «죄송하지만 안 됩니다.» means 'I'm sorry, but it's not possible.' It is more formal and is used in professional or very polite contexts. They are not fully interchangeable: «죄송하지만 안 됩니다.» is the more formal choice, while «미안하지만 어렵습니다.» is a safe polite refusal in many formal situations.
Sources and further reading
- korean: responding to polite requestsChecked September 2026
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