Polite Commands (으)세요

This grammar attaches to the end of verbs. It turns a basic action into a request. It is like adding 'Please' to an English sentence. But in Korean, it is built right into the verb. You take a verb stem and add the ending. This ending shows respect to the person you are talking to. It tells them what to do without being bossy. It feels soft, warm, and very natural. You will hear it in shops and offices. You will hear it from teachers and strangers. It is the standard way to be helpful and polite. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. It keeps the flow of conversation smooth and safe.

1. 1Find the dictionary form of the verb. For example, 가다 (to go).
2. 2Remove the 다 to find the stem. Now you have 가.
3. 3Look at the last letter of the stem. Does it have a 'batchim' (bottom consonant)?
4. 4If there is no batchim, just add 세요. 가 + 세요 becomes 가세요.
5. 5If there is a batchim, add 으세요. 앉다 (to sit) becomes 앉 + 으세요, which is 앉으세요.
6. 6Watch out for the ㄹ batchim rebels. If the stem ends in ㄹ, drop the ㄹ first. Then add 세요. So 만들다 (to make) becomes 만드세요. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! Just remember: ㄹ is a shy guest who leaves early.

Use this when you want someone to do something. Use it at a busy cafe in Seoul. You want a delicious iced latte. You say 라떼 주세요. This makes the barista very happy. Use it when giving directions to a lost tourist. "Go straight" becomes 쭉 가세요. Use it when being a good host at home. "Please come in" is 들어오세요. It is perfect for talking to strangers. It works great with colleagues at the office. It is the best choice for people older than you. It shows you respect their age and status. It is the ultimate social lubricant in Korea.

Never use this grammar for yourself. You cannot say "I go politely" using this form. That would sound very strange and a bit conceited. Also, avoid it with your very best friends. They might think you are being sarcastic. It can feel a bit cold or distant with friends. For very high-status people, like a CEO, we use even fancier words. If you are talking to a grandparent, use special honorific verbs. For example, use 드세요 instead of 먹으세요. It is all about finding the right level of respect. Think of it like a dress code for your words.

The biggest trip-up is the ㄹ batchim. Many people want to say 만들으세요. Do not do it! The ㄹ hates the 으 sound. It just disappears into thin air. Another mistake is using it with adjectives. You cannot really "command" someone to be tall. So 작으세요 as a command does not work. However, you can use it to describe an elder. But as a command? Stick to action verbs only. Also, don't forget the 으 for batchim verbs. 앉세요 sounds very awkward and is hard to say. Your tongue needs that 으 to breathe.

You might know the pattern 아/어 주세요. This is slightly different from (으)세요. (으)세요 is a direct, polite command for the other person. 아/어 주세요 implies "do it for my benefit." If you say 창문을 여세요, you are saying "Open the window." If you say 창문을 열어 주세요, you are saying "Please open the window for me." The second one is often softer and more common for favors. (으)세요 is more common for instructions or general requests. Both are polite, but the feeling is different. One is a guide, the other is a favor.