KoreanBlueprint
Daily Korean
Today’s Phrase
부탁이 있어요
bu·ta·gi is·seo·yo
butagi isseoyo
I have a request / I have a favor to ask
Cultural Insight
In Korean culture, framing a request with 부탁이 있어요 is considered more gracious than launching directly into a demand. It prepares the listener and shows respect for their time and willingness. Saying 부탁 드려도 될까요? is even more respectful.
Phrase Breakdown
부탁이
butagi
request, favor (subject)
부탁 (request/favor) + 이 (subject particle)
있어요
isseoyo
I have / there is
있다 (to have/exist) → 있어요 (polite)
A polite opener that signals you are about to ask someone for a favor.
Example Phrases
드릴 부탁이 있는데요…
Deuril butagi inneundeyo…
I have a favor to ask you…
-ㄴ데요 creates a soft, introductory pause.
부탁이 있어요. 내일 좀 도와 줄 수 있어요?
Butagi isseoyo. Naeil jom dowa jul su isseoyo?
I have a request. Can you help me tomorrow?
내일 = tomorrow.
작은 부탁이 있어요.
Jageun butagi isseoyo.
I have a small favor to ask.
작은 = small (modifying noun 부탁).
Related Phrases
부탁드려도 될까요?
butakdeuryeodo doelkkayo?
May I ask a favor?
A more formal request opener.
거절해도 괜찮아요
geojeolhaedo gwaenchanayo
It’s okay to say no
Giving the listener permission to decline.
들어줄 수 있어요?
deureoijul su isseoyo?
Can you grant my request?
Asking if a request can be fulfilled.
Quick Review
출발해요
Can you recall what this means?
chulbalhaeyo
Let’s depart / Let’s go