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줘 vs 주세요

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Explanation

주세요 is the default polite request: 물 주세요.

줘 is 반말 for close friends or children: 물 줘.

Using 줘 with strangers or service staff can sound rude even if your smile is friendly.

When in doubt, 주세요. You can always soften later if invited into casual speech.

Related polite service forms: 주시겠어요?, 해 주세요: still not 줘.

Examples

아이스 아메리카노 한 잔 주세요.

One iced Americano, please.

물 좀 줘.

Gimme some water. (casual only)

메뉴 보여 주세요.

Please show me the menu.

Common mistakes

  • Defaulting to 줘 with store clerks.
  • Writing 주세여 / random spaces in careful messages.

Ready to level up 줘 vs 주세요?

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