[Learn][Korean] Korean Phrases for Asking for Help – How to Say "Help Me!" in Korean

 

ask help in korean

When traveling, studying, or living in Korea, knowing how to ask for help is essential. Whether you’re lost, need assistance in a store, or are facing an emergency, having the right expressions can make communication much easier.

Let’s explore some common Korean phrases for asking for help and how to use them in different situations!

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1. The Most Common Phrase: "도와주세요!" (Help Me!)

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The most direct and commonly used way to ask for help in Korean is "도와주세요!" (Dowajuseyo!).

• 도와 (dowa) – "Help" (from the verb "돕다" meaning "to help")
• 주세요 (juseyo) – "Please give" (a polite way to request something)

How to Use It?

• In a general situation → "도와주세요!" (Please help me!)
• If you're in urgent need of help → "빨리 도와주세요!" (Please help me quickly!)

Example Sentences

• 길을 잃었어요. 도와주세요! (I’m lost. Please help me!)
• 물건을 찾을 수 없어요. 도와주세요. (I can’t find my item. Please help me.)

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2. Asking for Help in Different Situations

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(1) Asking for Help Politely

If you need help but don’t want to sound too urgent, you can use these softer expressions:

• "좀 도와주실 수 있을까요?" (Jom dowajusil su isseulkkayo?) – Could you help me a little?
• "잠깐 도와주세요." (Jamkkan dowajuseyo.) – Please help me for a moment.
• "도와주시면 감사하겠습니다." (Dowajusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida.) – I would appreciate your help.

Example:
A: 저기요, 가방이 너무 무거운데 잠깐 도와주실 수 있을까요?
(Excuse me, my bag is too heavy. Could you help me for a moment?)

(2) Asking for Directions

If you're lost or need help finding a place, use these expressions:

• "실례합니다. 여기 어떻게 가요?" (Sillyehamnida. Yeogi eotteoke gayo?) – Excuse me, how do I get here?
• "길을 잃었어요. 도와주세요." (Gireul ilheosseoyo. Dowajuseyo.) – I’m lost. Please help me.
• "이곳은 어디에 있어요?" (Igoseun eodie isseoyo?) – Where is this place?

Example:
A: 실례합니다. 명동역이 어디에 있어요?
(Excuse me, where is Myeongdong Station?)
B: 저쪽으로 직진하면 돼요.
(Go straight that way.)

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(3) Asking for Help in a Store or Restaurant

If you need assistance while shopping or ordering food, try these phrases:

• "이거 어떻게 사용해요?" (Igeo eotteoke sayonghaeyo?) – How do I use this?
• "추천해 주세요." (Chucheonhae juseyo.) – Please recommend something.
• "더 큰 사이즈 있어요?" (Deo keun saijeu isseoyo?) – Do you have a bigger size?

Example:
A: 이 옷의 다른 색깔 있어요?
(Do you have this clothing in a different color?)
B: 네, 이쪽에 있습니다!
(Yes, it’s over here!)

(4) Asking for Help in an Emergency

If you’re in danger or need urgent help, these expressions are useful:

• "살려주세요!" (Sallyeojuseyo!) – Help! (Used in dangerous situations)
• "경찰을 불러 주세요!" (Gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo!) – Call the police!
• "119에 전화해 주세요!" (119-e jeonhwahae juseyo!) – Call 119! (Korean emergency number for fire/ambulance)
• "응급 상황이에요!" (Eunggeup sanghwang-ieyo!) – It’s an emergency!

Example:
A: 도와주세요! 제 친구가 다쳤어요!
(Help! My friend is injured!)
B: 119에 전화할게요!
(I’ll call 119!)

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3. Common Responses When Someone Asks for Help

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If someone asks you for help, here are some natural ways to respond:

• "네, 제가 도와드릴게요!" (Ne, jega dowadeurilgeyo!) – Yes, I’ll help you!
• "무슨 일이세요?" (Museun iriseyo?) – What’s wrong? / What happened?
• "제가 해볼게요." (Jega haebolgeyo.) – I’ll try to help.
• "죄송해요, 저도 잘 모르겠어요." (Joesonghaeyo, jeodo jal moreugesseoyo.) – Sorry, I don’t know either.

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4. How to Use These Expressions Naturally?

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Casual vs. Polite Speech

• Polite (for strangers, elders, or formal settings) → "도와주세요!", "도와주실 수 있나요?"
• Casual (for friends and family) → "좀 도와줘!", "이거 도와줄래?"

Try These Situations!

• If you need urgent help, say: "도와주세요! 길을 잃었어요!"
• If you need assistance in a store, ask: "이거 추천해 주세요."
• If you want to help a friend, say: "내가 도와줄게!"

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Final Thoughts

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Knowing how to ask for help is one of the most important skills in a foreign language. Whether you're in an emergency, lost, or just need help with something small, these Korean phrases will help you communicate effectively.

Next time you’re in Korea or talking with Korean speakers, try using "도와주세요!" when you need assistance!