Processing keyword: ~하시겠습니까? [hasigesseubnikka?] (Would you?)
Korean Grammar Point: ~하시겠습니까? [hasigesseubnikka?] (Would you?)
1. Introduction
Understanding how to make polite and respectful requests is essential in Korean, especially in formal situations. The grammar point ~하시겠습니까? is a formal and honorific way to ask someone if they would like to do something. It translates to "Would you...?" in English and is commonly used in service industries, formal business settings, and when addressing someone of higher social status.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning and Usage
~하시겠습니까? is used to:
- Politely ask someone if they would like to perform an action.
- Show respect through the honorific -시- and formal ending -겠습니까.
- Offer assistance or suggestions in a courteous manner.
Structure
Formation
For verbs ending with 하다 (to do):
- Verb Stem (하) + -시겠습니까?
- 하 + 시겠습니까? = 하시겠습니까? For other verbs:
- Verb Stem + (으)시겠습니까?
- If the verb stem ends with a vowel: -시겠습니까?
- If the verb stem ends with a consonant: -으시겠습니까?
Formation Diagram
| Verb Type | Verb Stem | Ending | Combined Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| 하다 verbs | 하 | 시겠습니까? | 하시겠습니까? |
| Vowel-ending verbs | 가 (from 가다) | 시겠습니까? | 가시겠습니까? |
| Consonant-ending verbs | 읽 (from 읽다) | 으시겠습니까? | 읽으시겠습니까? |
Components Breakdown
- Verb Stem: Base form of the verb without 다.
- -시-: Honorific suffix indicating respect to the subject.
- 겠: Expresses intention or future tense.
- 습니까: Formal interrogative ending.
3. Comparative Analysis
~하시겠습니까? vs. ~시겠습니까?
- ~하시겠습니까?
- Specifically used with 하다 verbs.
- Example: 주문(order) + 하시겠습니까? = 주문하시겠습니까? (Would you like to order?)
- ~시겠습니까?
- Used with verbs whose stems end with a vowel.
- Example: 가(go) + 시겠습니까? = 가시겠습니까? (Would you like to go?)
~시겠습니까? vs. ~(으)실래요?
- ~시겠습니까?
- More formal and honorific.
- Used in formal situations like business meetings or customer service.
- ~(으)실래요?
- Polite but less formal.
- Used among colleagues, acquaintances, or in casual business contexts.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Situations
- 주문하시겠습니까?
- Would you like to order?
- 어디로 가시겠습니까?
- Where would you like to go?
- 성함을 말씀하시겠습니까?
- May I have your name, please?
Service Industry
- 음료를 드시겠습니까?
- Would you like a beverage?
- 결제는 어떻게 하시겠습니까?
- How would you like to pay?
Business Environment
- 회의를 시작하시겠습니까?
- Would you like to start the meeting?
- 자료를 공유하시겠습니까?
- Would you like to share the materials?
Offering Assistance
- 도움이 필요하시겠습니까?
- Would you need assistance?
- 좌석을 변경하시겠습니까?
- Would you like to change your seat?
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Honorific Language: Korean places a strong emphasis on hierarchy and respect. Using honorifics correctly is essential in showing respect.
- Formal Settings: ~하시겠습니까? is appropriate in formal contexts like interviews, meetings, or when speaking to customers.
Levels of Politeness
- Informal: Used among close friends or family.
- Example: 먹을래? (Do you want to eat?)
- Polite Informal: Used among acquaintances.
- Example: 드시겠어요? (Would you like to eat?)
- Formal Honorific: Used in formal situations.
- Example: 드시겠습니까? (Would you like to eat?)
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Dropping the Honorific Suffix
- Incorrect: 주문하겠습니까?
- Correct: 주문하시겠습니까?
- Misusing the Ending Form
- Incorrect: 가으시겠습니까?
- Correct: 가시겠습니까?
- Overusing in Casual Settings
- Using ~하시겠습니까? with close friends may sound awkward.
Tips
- Remember the Honorific: Always include -시- to show respect.
- Verb Ending Vowel/Consonant: Pay attention to whether the verb stem ends with a vowel or consonant to choose -시겠습니까? or -으시겠습니까?
- Context Matters: Use this form in appropriate settings to match the level of formality required.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~하시겠습니까? is a formal and honorific way to ask if someone would like to do something.
- It combines the honorific -시-, the future tense -겠-, and the formal question ending -습니까.
- Use this form in formal situations to show respect and politeness.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you form ~하시겠습니까? with 하다 verbs?
- Answer: Attach -시겠습니까? to the verb stem 하 to form 하시겠습니까?
- Which form is more appropriate when speaking to a customer: 가겠습니까? or 가시겠습니까??
- Answer: 가시겠습니까?
- Fill in the blank: 읽다 (to read) becomes ________ when using ~(으)시겠습니까?.
- Answer: 읽으시겠습니까?
- True or False: It's appropriate to use ~하시겠습니까? in casual conversations with friends.
- Answer: False
By mastering ~하시겠습니까?, you enhance your ability to communicate respectfully in formal Korean settings, aligning with cultural expectations of politeness and honorifics.