Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-아/어 주다 / 주시겠어요?

Used when the speaker asks someone to perform an action for the speaker's benefit. It translates to 'Please do [verb] for me/us'.

Summary

Equivalent

Please do ~ for me

Also: -아/어 드리다 (To do something for someone - honorific)

Example

Would you please open the window for me?

창문을 좀 열 주시겠어요?

Grammar rules

  • Use '-아 주세요' for stems with ㅏ/ㅗ, '-어 주세요' for other vowels, and '해 주세요' for 하다 verbs.
  • To ask more politely, use '-아/어 주시겠어요?' (Would you please do ~ for me?).
  • If the receiver of the action is older/higher status, use '-아/어 드리다'.
  • It implies that the action is a favor or beneficial to the person asking. It is softer and more natural than simply using '-(으)세요'.

    문을 닫으세요 (Close the door - command) vs. 문을 닫아 주세요 (Please close the door for me - request).

Patterns

1

Verbs with 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ'

Present/Request · Verb Stem + 아 주다/주세요

2

Verbs with other vowels

Present/Request · Verb Stem + 어 주다/주세요

3

하다 Verbs

Present/Request · 해 주다/주세요

Example sentences

Verbs with other vowels · Present/Request · Verb Stem + 어 주다/주세요

Would you please open the window for me?

창문을 좀 열 주시겠어요?

하다 Verbs · Present/Request · 해 주다/주세요

Please teach me Korean (for my benefit).

한국를 가르쳐 주세요.

하다 Verbs · Present/Request · 해 주다/주세요

Teacher, would you please explain this for me?

선생님, 이것 좀 설명해 주시겠습니까?

Conversation

A: I'm too busy. Can you return this book to the library for me?

제가 너무 바빠서요. 이 책 좀 도서관에 반납해 줄 수 있요?

B: Yes, I will return it for you.

네, 제가 반납해 줄게요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct form to request a favor.

Waiting.

Helping politely.