세요 (se-yo, seyo) · 십시오 (sip-si-o, sipsio) · 하세요 (ha-se-yo, haseyo)
세요, 십시오, and 하세요 are all polite imperative forms, but they differ in formality and context of use.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A polite imperative form used for everyday, gentle requests or suggestions.
When to use
Friendly requests, Everyday conversation, Service situations
The nuance
Attach '-세요' to the verb stem. Suitable for polite yet natural and gentle commands or requests.
A formal and official imperative form used mainly in documents, official notices, or strict commands to superiors.
When to use
Official documents, Strict commands, Orders to superiors
The nuance
Attach '-십시오' to the verb stem. Used in very formal or official contexts.
A polite imperative form mainly used with the verb '하다' to express polite requests or suggestions.
When to use
Commands with '하다' verbs, Everyday suggestions, Friendly requests
The nuance
Attach '-세요' to the verb '하다'. Widely used in everyday speech for polite and gentle commands or suggestions.
창문을 닫으세요.
chang-mun-eul dat-eu-se-yo., chang mun eul dat eu se yo.
Appropriate use of '-세요' for a polite everyday request.
창문을 닫으십시오.
chang-mun-eul dat-eu-sip-si-o., chang mun eul dat eu sip si o.
Suitable for a strict command in a formal or official context.
창문을 닫하세요.
chang-mun-eul dat-ha-se-yo., chang mun eul dat ha se yo.
There is no verb '닫하다'; '-하세요' cannot be used. Use '닫으세요' instead.
공문에 '출석하십시오'라고 적혀 있다.
gong-mun-e 'chul-seok-ha-sip-si-o'ra-go jeok-hyeo iss-da., gong mun e 'chul seok ha sip si o'ra go jeok hyeo iss da.
Use of formal imperative '-십시오' is appropriate in official documents.
친구에게 '같이 가세요'라고 말했다.
chin-gu-e-ge 'gat-i ga-se-yo'ra-go mal-haess-da., chin gu e ge 'gat i ga se yo'ra go mal haess da.
Natural use of '-세요' for a friendly request or suggestion.
선생님께 '공부하세요'라고 했어요.
seon-saeng-nim-kke 'gong-bu-ha-se-yo'ra-go haess-eo-yo., seon saeng nim kke 'gong bu ha se yo'ra go haess eo yo.
Polite imperative form with '하다' verb used appropriately.
부장님께 '보고서 제출하십시오'라고 말했다.
bu-jang-nim-kke 'bo-go-seo je-chul-ha-sip-si-o'ra-go mal-haess-da., bu jang nim kke 'bo go seo je chul ha sip si o'ra go mal haess da.
'-하십시오' is incorrect; the correct form is '-하십시오'.
서비스 직원에게 '기다리세요'라고 말했다.
seo-bi-seu jik-won-e-ge 'gi-da-ri-se-yo'ra-go mal-haess-da., seo bi seu jik won e ge 'gi da ri se yo'ra go mal haess da.
Suitable for polite and gentle requests in service situations.
Which expression is used for formal and official commands?
Which is used with '하다' verbs to express a gentle command?
Which is appropriate for politely suggesting something to a friend?
