빌다 (bil-da, bilda) · 부탁하다 (bu-tak-ha-da, butakhada)
'빌다' is used when pleading earnestly or praying to a deity, while '부탁하다' is used when politely requesting help or an action from someone.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
to plead earnestly or pray to a deity
When to use
Praying to deity, Pleading in desperate situation, Very earnest request
The nuance
Used mainly when earnestly wishing or praying to gods, fate, or heaven. Can be used for very earnest or formal requests to people, but not for everyday requests.
to politely request help or an action from someone
When to use
Asking friend for help, Requesting work at office, Everyday requests
The nuance
Used when politely asking someone to do something. Common in everyday conversation and suitable for both formal and informal situations.
하늘에 평화를 빌었어요.
ha-neul-e pyeong-hwa-reul bil-eoss-eo-yo., ha neul e pyeong hwa reul bil eoss eo yo.
Appropriate because it is earnestly praying to heaven.
친구에게 숙제 도와달라고 빌었어요.
chin-gu-e-ge suk-je do-wa-dal-ra-go bil-eoss-eo-yo., chin gu e ge suk je do wa dal ra go bil eoss eo yo.
For everyday requests to a friend, '부탁하다' is more natural.
부모님께 건강을 빌었어요.
bu-mo-nim-kke geon-gang-eul bil-eoss-eo-yo., bu mo nim kke geon gang eul bil eoss eo yo.
Correct because it expresses earnest wishing to parents.
선생님께 시험 문제를 부탁했어요.
seon-saeng-nim-kke si-heom mun-je-reul bu-tak-haess-eo-yo., seon saeng nim kke si heom mun je reul bu tak haess eo yo.
Appropriate for politely requesting something from a teacher.
하늘에 돈을 부탁했어요.
ha-neul-e don-eul bu-tak-haess-eo-yo., ha neul e don eul bu tak haess eo yo.
When wishing to heaven, use '빌다'; '부탁하다' is for people.
친구에게 여행 같이 가자고 빌었어요.
chin-gu-e-ge yeo-haeng gat-i ga-ja-go bil-eoss-eo-yo., chin gu e ge yeo haeng gat i ga ja go bil eoss eo yo.
For casual requests to friends, '부탁하다' is natural.
목숨을 구해 달라고 신에게 빌었다.
mok-sum-eul gu-hae dal-ra-go sin-e-ge bil-eoss-da., mok sum eul gu hae dal ra go sin e ge bil eoss da.
Appropriate for earnest prayer to a deity.
동료에게 보고서를 빨리 부탁했어요.
dong-ryo-e-ge bo-go-seo-reul ppal-ri bu-tak-haess-eo-yo., dong ryo e ge bo go seo reul ppal ri bu tak haess eo yo.
Correct for polite work-related requests.
Which word should you use to politely ask a friend for help?
Which word is appropriate for earnest prayer to a deity?
Which word is correct when politely requesting work from a colleague?
