What does 기다려 mean?

기다려 (gi-da-ryeo, gidaryeo)

‘기다려’ is the informal imperative form of ‘기다리다’, used to tell someone to wait.

Korean word 기다려 meaning wait

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

기다려(gi-da-ryeo, gidaryeo)

‘기다려’ is the informal imperative form of the verb ‘기다리다’, which means to wait or stay in place until something happens or someone arrives.

Nuances

  • Informal command form, friendly but commanding tone
  • Often used for urgent or immediate waiting requests
  • Not appropriate in polite or formal situations

When to use

Talking with friends, Family conversations, Everyday speech

In context

‘기다려’ is the informal imperative form used among close friends or younger people. In polite contexts, use ‘기다리세요’. It is placed at the end of a sentence to give a command or request.

Real-world examples

  • 잠깐만 기다려!

    jam-kkan-man gi-da-ryeo!, jam kkan man gi da ryeo!

    ‘기다려’ is correctly used as an imperative.

  • 기다려 주세요.

    gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo., gi da ryeo ju se yo.

    ‘기다려 주세요’ is unnatural; ‘기다려’ + ‘주세요’ is not a natural combination.

  • 친구야, 기다려!

    chin-gu-ya, gi-da-ryeo!, chin gu ya, gi da ryeo!

    Using informal imperative ‘기다려’ naturally with a friend.

  • 선생님, 기다려!

    seon-saeng-nim, gi-da-ryeo!, seon saeng nim, gi da ryeo!

    Using informal command ‘기다려’ in polite context is rude.

Quick quiz

  1. In which situation is ‘기다려’ mainly used?

    ‘기다려’는 어떤 상황에서 주로 쓰이나요?(‘gi-da-ryeo’neuneo-tteonsang-hwang-e-seoju-rosseu-i-na-yo?, ‘gidaryeo’neuneotteonsanghwangeseojurosseuinayo?)
  2. What is the polite form of ‘기다려’?

    ‘기다려’의 존댓말 형태는 무엇인가요?(‘gi-da-ryeo’uijon-daes-malhyeong-tae-neunmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, ‘gidaryeo’uijondaesmalhyeongtaeneunmueosingayo?)

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