Korean · Real conversations
How to respond to “이것 좀 도와주실 수 있어요?” in Korean
A favor request can be accepted, limited, declined, or clarified. A clear answer is more useful than an uncertain promise.
What you might hear
이것 좀 도와주실 수 있어요?igeot jom dowajusil su isseoyo?
Could you help me with this?
Choose a reply that fits
물론이죠.mullonijyo.
Of course.
Accept when you can help.
퇴근 후에 도와드릴 수 있어요.toegeun hue dowadeuril su isseoyo.
I can help after work.
Offer a specific later time.
죄송해요, 오늘은 어려워요.joesonghaeyo, oneureun eoryeowoyo.
I'm sorry, I can't today.
Decline clearly and politely.
무엇이 필요하신지 설명해 주실 수 있어요?mueosi piryohasinji seolmyeonghae jusil su isseoyo?
Could you explain what you need?
Clarify the task before agreeing.
Two short exchanges
A practical request
이것 좀 도와주실 수 있어요?igeot jom dowajusil su isseoyo?
Could you help me with this?
물론이죠.mullonijyo.
Of course.
Someone asking for a favor
부탁 하나 해도 될까요?butak hana haedo doelkkayo?
Could you do me a favor?
퇴근 후에 도와드릴 수 있어요.toegeun hue dowadeuril su isseoyo.
I can help after work.
Your turn
Decline a request you cannot take on today.
Reveal a sample reply
죄송해요, 오늘은 어려워요.joesonghaeyo, oneureun eoryeowoyo.
I'm sorry, I can't today.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
