How Do You Say “Hurry Up” in Korean
Introduction
Learning everyday expressions is essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in a new language. How do you say “hurry up” in Korean is a common question that appears in textbooks, online forums, and then we need to read the rest of
Formal vs. Informal Situations
Korean, like many Asian languages, makes a clear distinction between speech levels. The way you tell someone to “hurry up” will change depending on whom you’re addressing and the context in which you’re speaking.
| Speech level | Typical ending | Example phrase | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal polite | ‑(으)세요 / ‑(으)십시오 | 빨리 오세요 (ppalli oseyo) – “Please come quickly.Now, ” | In a workplace, with strangers, or when you want to show respect (e. g., a senior colleague, a teacher). Practically speaking, |
| Informal polite | ‑아/어라 (soft) | 빨리 와 (ppalli wa) – “Come quickly. Also, ” | Close friends, younger siblings, or peers you’re comfortable with. |
| Very informal / casual | ‑아/어 (plain) | 빨리 와 (same as above, but tone is more relaxed) | When you’re joking around or speaking to children. |
| Strong command (imperative) | ‑아/어라 (imperative) | 빨리 가라 (ppalli gara) – “Go quickly!Which means ” | Used by someone in a position of authority (e. Plus, g. Plus, , a coach, a parent). |
| Encouragement / urging | ‑자 (let’s) + 빨리 | 빨리 가자 (ppalli gaja) – “Let’s go quickly.” | When you want to motivate a group to move faster together. |
Tip: If you’re unsure which level to use, default to the polite form ‑세요. It’s safe, courteous, and rarely sounds rude.
Common Variations and Nuances
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빨리 (ppalli) – The most straightforward “quickly.” It can be paired with almost any verb:
- 빨리 먹어 (ppalli meogeo) – “Eat quickly.”
- 빨리 일어나 (ppalli ireon-a) – “Get up quickly.”
-
서두르다 (seodureuda) – A verb meaning “to hurry.” You can use its imperative forms:
- 서두르세요 (seodureuseyo) – Polite command.
- 서두워 (seoduweo) – Casual command.
-
얼른 (eolleun) – A colloquial synonym for “빨리,” often heard in spoken Korean:
- 얼른 와! (eolleun wa!) – “Come quickly!”
-
급해 (geuphae) – An adjective meaning “urgent.” It’s less of a direct command and more of a statement of urgency:
- 시간이 급해 (sigani geuphae) – “Time is tight.”
-
빨리빨리 (ppalli-ppalli) – A reduplication used especially with children, emphasizing the need to move fast:
- 빨리빨리 해! (ppalli-ppalli hae!) – “Do it quickly, quick!”
Cultural Considerations
- Tone matters: Even if you use the correct polite ending, a sharp or demanding tone can still come across as rude. Pair the phrase with a gentle facial expression or a smile to soften the request.
- Context is king: In a bustling market, a vendor might shout 빨리 와! (Come quickly!) to attract customers. In a corporate meeting, saying 빨리 진행해 주세요 (Please proceed quickly) is more appropriate.
- Avoid overusing “빨리” in formal settings. Instead, you can say 가능하시면 빠르게 진행해 주시면 감사하겠습니다 (If possible, I would appreciate it if you could proceed promptly). This phrasing shows respect while still conveying urgency.
Sample Dialogues
1. At a coffee shop (informal)
A: 우리 커피 마시러 가자.
B: 잠깐! Because of that, 주문 먼저 해야지. > A: 알겠어, 빨리 주문하자!
2. In a classroom (formal polite)
Teacher: 시험지 배부겠습니다.
Student (whispering): 선생님, 빨리 주세요.
Teacher: 네, 여기요 And that's really what it comes down to. Practical, not theoretical..
3. On a train platform (casual)
Friend 1: 열차가 곧 떠나요!
Friend 2: 서두르자, 놓치면 안 돼 Most people skip this — try not to..
4. At work (formal)
Manager: 프로젝트 마감이 내일이에요.
Team member: 가능하면 빨리 진행해 주시겠어요?
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| English | Korean (Polite) | Korean (Casual) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurry up! ” | |||
| Let’s go quickly. | 서두워. | 빨리 움직여. Which means | |
| Please hurry. | 빨리 가요. Even so, | 빨리 가자. | 서두르세요. Because of that, (to a friend) |
| Move faster! Still, | “‑자” adds a “let’s” nuance. (command) | 빨리 움직이세요. | Use with caution in formal settings. |
Practice Exercises
-
Translate to Korean (polite): “Please come quickly.”
Answer: 빨리 오세요. -
Translate to Korean (casual): “Let’s finish this fast.”
Answer: 빨리 끝내자. -
Fill in the blank: “시간이 ___ (urgent), so we need to leave now.”
Answer: 급해 – 시간이 급해, 지금 바로 떠나야 해. -
Choose the appropriate level: You’re a server at a restaurant and a customer asks for the bill quickly. Which phrase is most suitable?
Answer: 잠시만 기다려 주세요, 바로 가져다 드리겠습니다. (While not a direct “hurry up,” it conveys prompt service politely.)
Conclusion
Understanding how to say “hurry up” in Korean goes beyond memorizing a single phrase. It involves grasping the nuances of speech levels, choosing the right verb or adverb, and being mindful of tone and context. By mastering the polite forms ‑세요 and ‑십시오, the casual variants ‑아/어, and the more expressive 빨리, 서두르다, and 얼른, you’ll be equipped to manage both formal situations—like business meetings or classroom settings—and informal interactions with friends and family Which is the point..
Remember: language is a tool for connection. Consider this: using the appropriate level of formality shows respect, while a friendly tone keeps the conversation warm. But practice the sample dialogues, test yourself with the cheat sheet, and soon “hurry up” will flow as naturally as a quick step on a bustling Seoul street. Happy learning!
