Korean Grammar Point
~(으)십시오 [(eu)sipsio] (Please)

~(으)십시오 [(eu)sipsio] (Please)

Short explanation:

Used to express polite requests or commands; 'please'.

Formation:

Verb stem + 으십시오 (if the verb stem ends with a consonant) | Verb stem + 십시오 (if the verb stem ends with a vowel)

Examples:

한 번 다시 생각해보십시오, 아마 그것이 옳은 선택일 것입니다.
Han beon dasi saenggakhaebosipsio, ama geugeosi olheun seontaegil geosibnida.
Please think it over again, it might be the right choice.
여기 앉으십시오, 저는 당신에게 말할 것이 있습니다.
Yeogi anjeusipsio, jeoneun dangshinege malhal geosi itsseumnida.
Please sit here, I have something to tell you.
집에 오셨다면, 먼저 손을 씻으십시오.
Jibe osyeotdamyeon, meonjeo soneul sseusipsio.
If you have come home, please wash your hands first.
궁금증이 있다면 그 질문을 이제 물어보십시오.
Gunggeumjeungi itsdamyeon geu jilmuneul ije mureobosipsio.
If you have any queries, please ask your question now.

Long explanation:

'~(으)십시오 [(eu)sipsio]' is a sentence ending that is used in Korean language to make a polite request or to give a polite command. It is considered a high formality level of speaking, and is often used in formal situations, such as addressing superiors or strangers. It's generally used with verbs and it changes slightly based on the final vowel of the verb stem.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~(으)십시오 [(eu)sipsio] (Please)

Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)십시오 [(eu)sipsio] (Please)

~(으)십시오 [(eu)sipsio] (Please)

1. Introduction

In Korean, politeness and formality are crucial aspects of communication. The verb ending ~(으)십시오 is a polite imperative form used to make formal requests or give commands respectfully. It's commonly found in formal situations, such as in business settings, public announcements, or formal writing.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The ending ~(으)십시오 is equivalent to saying "Please do..." in English. It's used to politely ask someone to perform an action.

Structure

To form the ~(으)십시오 ending, attach it to the verb stem following these rules:

  • If the verb stem ends with a consonant: Add 으십시오
  • If the verb stem ends with a vowel: Add 십시오

Formation Diagram

Verb Infinitive (다 form) Verb Stem Ends with Consonant/Vowel Add Resulting Form
가다 (to go) Vowel -십시오 가십시오
먹다 (to eat) Consonant -으십시오 먹으십시오
열다 (to open) Consonant -으십시오 여십시오
오다 (to come) Vowel -십시오 오십시오

Visual Aid: Formation Flowchart

graph TD
A[Verb Infinitive (다)] --> B[Remove 다]
B --> C{Does stem end with consonant?}
C -- Yes --> D[Add 으십시오]
C -- No --> E[Add 십시오]
D & E --> F[Final Form]

3. Comparative Analysis

~(으)십시오 vs. ~(으)세요

Both endings are used to make polite requests or commands, but they differ in formality. | Ending | Formality Level | Usage Context | |--------------|-----------------|--------------------------------| | ~(으)십시오 | Formal Polite | Formal settings, business, public announcements | | ~(으)세요 | Informal Polite | Everyday conversation, casual settings |

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

  1. 안으로 들어오십시오.
    • Please come inside.
  2. 여기에 이름을 쓰십시오.
    • Please write your name here.
  3. 질문이 있으시면 손을 드십시오.
    • If you have a question, please raise your hand.

Public Announcements

  1. 조용히 하십시오.
    • Please be quiet.
  2. 휴대전화를 사용하지 마십시오.
    • Please do not use your mobile phones.

Written Instructions

  1. 버튼을 누르십시오.
    • Please press the button.
  2. 양식을 작성하십시오.
    • Please fill out the form.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Hierarchy and Respect: Korean culture places a strong emphasis on hierarchy and respectful language. Using ~(으)십시오 shows respect, especially towards someone of higher status or in formal situations.
  • Formal Settings: This ending is appropriate in workplaces, formal events, or when addressing customers.

Idiomatic Expressions

  1. 살펴 가십시오.
    • Please take care on your way.
  2. 편히 쉬십시오.
    • Please rest comfortably.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Using the Wrong Ending: Mixing up ~(으)십시오 with informal endings like ~(으)세요 in formal settings can be impolite.
  • Incorrect Attachment: Forgetting to add when the verb stem ends with a consonant.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic for Consonant Ends: If it "ends hard (consonant)," it needs an extra cushion () before 십시오.
  • Practice with Common Verbs: Write sentences using verbs you frequently use to become comfortable with the ending.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~(으)십시오 is a formal polite imperative ending meaning "Please do...".
  • Attach 십시오 to verb stems ending with vowels, and 으십시오 to those ending with consonants.
  • Used in formal settings to show respect.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you say "Please read this book" formally? a) 이 책을 읽으십시오.
  2. Choose the correct form: 앉___십시오. a) 아십시오
    b) 으십시오
    c) 십시오 Answer: c) 앉으십시오.
  3. True or False: ~(으)십시오 is appropriate for casual conversations with friends. Answer: False

Feel free to practice by creating your own sentences using ~(으)십시오 to become more familiar with this polite form!

hanabira.org

Ace your Japanese JLPT N5-N1 preparation.

Disclaimer

Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


花びら散る

夢のような跡

朝露に

Copyright 2025 @hanabira.org