Meaning
말씀하세요
malsseumhaseyo
Please speak / Please say (it)
Real Feeling
What Koreans really mean
This expression is highly polite and respectful, using the honorific verb '말씀하다' (to speak, honorific form of 말하다) and the polite imperative ending '-세요'. It's typically used by someone in a position of service or lower status to someone of higher status, or when addressing a stranger or elder respectfully. It conveys a deferential invitation to speak.
💬 Used in real life
• A receptionist might say this to a visitor who looks like they want to ask a question but are hesitant.
• A junior employee might say this to a senior manager after being asked if they have anything to say in a meeting.
How It's Used
Real example sentences — tap any bubble to explore it
A store clerk to a hesitant customer
sonnim, pyeonhasil ttae malsseumhaseyo.
Customer, please speak when you are comfortable.
A store clerk to a hesitant customer
ne, geureom je uigyeoneul malsseumdeurigessseumnida.
Yes, then I will state my opinion.
Similar Expressions
Related feelings and meanings — click to explore
Grammar Breakdown
Part by part — learn the structure, not just the meaning
말씀malsseumnoun
noun
Honorific form of 말 (word/speech). It can also function as a noun meaning 'speech' or 'words'.
하시-hasi-verb stem
verb stem
From 하다 (to do), with the honorific infix '-시-' attached to the verb stem, making it '하시-'. This makes the verb polite and shows respect for the subject.
-세요-seyosentence-final ending (polite imperative)
sentence-final ending (polite imperative)
A polite imperative ending, used to make a request or command. It combines the honorific '-시-' with the polite declarative/imperative ending '-어요/아요'.
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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