Mastering 부탁드려요: The Essential Phrase for Korean Requests

What it actually implies

While 주세요juseyo (Please give me) focuses on the object or action, 부탁드려요butakdeuryeoyo focuses on the relationship. It literally means "I am offering a request to you." It signals that you recognize the other person is doing you a favor, making it the gold-standard for workplace harmony and polite group chats.

When it sounds rude (and why)

It’s rarely "rude," but it can feel "cold" if used with close friends where 부탁해butakhae would suffice. Conversely, using it with a much higher-ranking boss without the proper honorific verb stem (like 부탁드립니다butakdeuripnida) might feel slightly too casual for a first meeting.

Do / Don’t checklist

• Do use it when sending a file to a coworker: 파일 확인 부탁드려요pail hwagin butakdeuryeoyo.
• Do use it in KakaoTalk group chats when asking for a collective favor.
• Don't use it for simple service transactions like ordering coffee (use 주세요juseyo instead).
• Don't use it with children or younger siblings; it sounds unnaturally stiff.

Rewrite drill (same message, 3 tones)

1. Casual (Friends): 이것 좀 해줘igeot jom haejwo — Do this for me.
2. Polite (Standard/Chat): 이것 좀 부탁드려요igeot jom butakdeuryeoyo — Please do this (standard polite).
3. Formal (Business/Boss): 이것 좀 부탁드립니다igeot jom butakdeuripnida — I humbly request this (very formal).

Examples

• 잘 부탁드려요jal butakdeuryeoyo — I look forward to your help / Please treat me well.
• 확인 부탁드려요hwagin butakdeuryeoyo — Please check this.