Korean word

제발

Pronunciation

Romanizationchebal

Meaning

  • adverbplease

Example

제발 도와줘.che bal to wa jwo

Please help me.

Illustration for 제발 (please)

More examples

제발 좀 진정해.che bal chom chin jeong hae

Please calm down a little.

Core concept

A request pushed forward by desperation, as if ordinary politeness is not enough.

Common phrases

  • 제발 그만해che bal keu man hae

    Please stop it

  • 제발 나를 믿어줘che bal na reul mi deo jwo

    Please believe me

Similar words

좀chom: Softens a request so it sounds less abrupt and demanding.
부디pudi: Expresses a quiet, prayer-like wish for a hoped-for result.
간절히kanjeolhi: Expresses a strong, heartfelt desire or prayer for something to happen.

Definition in Korean

부탁이나 간청을 더 강하게 강조할 때 쓰는 부사로, 절박한 마음이나 간절한 소망을 나타낸다.pu ta gi na kan cheong eul teo kang ha ge kang jo hal ttae sseu neun pu sa ro cheol ba kan ma eu mi na kan jeol han so mang eul na ta naen da

Word origin

Available evidence does not establish a clear loanword source or reliable internal breakdown, so its form is best learned as a fixed Korean adverb for an earnest plea.

Usage tips

  • English please can be polite and routine, while this word often adds emotional pressure and may sound closer to a heartfelt plea than a casual request.

Other meanings

  • I beg youverb

Word lists with this word