How to say "Wait a second" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "Wait a second" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
잠깐만
jamkkanman
Literally: Just a moment.
When to use it
Stopping someone mid-action, or buying yourself a second to think.
Polite form
- 잠깐만요jamkkanmanyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 잠시만요jamsimanyo= One moment pleaseSlightly more formal. Phone calls, service desks.
- 기다려gidaryeo= WaitA command. Only to friends, pets or children.
In a sentence
- 잠깐만, 나 아직 준비 안 됐어.jamkkanman, na ajik junbi an dwaesseo.Wait a second, I am not ready yet.
- 잠시만요, 확인해 볼게요.jamsimanyo, hwaginhae bolgeyo.One moment, let me check.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
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