Meaning
제발
jebal
please
Real Feeling
What Koreans really mean
While often translated as 'please,' '제발' carries a much stronger, more emotional weight than a simple 'please' in English. It's used when you are really, really begging or when you're incredibly frustrated and want something to stop or happen. It can sound a bit dramatic if used for a minor request, and it's generally reserved for situations where you feel a deep need or exasperation. It's often paired with imperative verb endings.
💬 Used in real life
• Said when begging a child to stop doing something annoying.
• Used when making a desperate plea to someone to reconsider a decision that will negatively impact you.
How It's Used
Real example sentences — tap any bubble to explore it
Someone begging their boss not to fire them
Jebal, han beonman deo gihoereul juseyo!
Please, just give me one more chance!
Similar Expressions
Related feelings and meanings — click to explore
Grammar Breakdown
Part by part — learn the structure, not just the meaning
제발jebaladverb/interjection
adverb/interjection
Functions as an adverb modifying an imperative verb, or as a standalone interjection expressing a strong plea.
Tags
Korean expressions carry layers of meaning that direct translation misses. The real meaning lives in the emotion, context, and cultural moment.
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