Beginner (JSON) Estimated read: 3 mins

-(으)세요

Used to politely order, ask, or request someone to do something. It can also be used to give directions or recommendations.

Summary

Equivalent

Please do ~

Also: -아/어라 (Do it - casual imperative) · -십시오 (Please do - formal imperative)

Example

Please close the window.

창문을 좀 닫아 주세요.

Grammar rules

  • Attach '으세요' to verb stems ending in a consonant.
  • Attach '세요' to verb stems ending in a vowel.
  • If the stem ends in ㄹ, drop the ㄹ and attach '세요'.
  • Cannot be used with adjectives (descriptive verbs) or '이다' (to be). Also, it differs from the honorific statement ending '-(으)세요' which asks a question or makes a statement.

    행복하세요 (X) -> 행복하게 지내세요 (O) (Please be happy.)

Patterns

1

Verbs (Consonant)

Imperative · Verb Stem + 으세요

2

Verbs (Vowel/ㄹ)

Imperative · Verb Stem (drop ㄹ) + 세요

Example sentences

Please close the window.

창문을 좀 닫아 주세요.

Please sit here.

여기 앉으세요.

Please come early to class tomorrow.

내일 수업에 일찍 오세요.

Conversation

A: How do I do it?

어떻게 합니까?

B: Please read this book.

이 책을 읽으세요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct polite imperative form.

Reading.

Waiting.