⏳ “기다려!” in Korean: How to Say “Wait!” the Caring Way
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Ever felt like you needed just a second to catch up?
So do Korean parents—and that’s why 기다려! is one of the most used phrases in daily life.
Whether you’re asking a child to slow down, telling a friend to hold on, or calming a playful puppy, 기다려 (gidaryeo) is your go-to expression for “Wait!”
🗣️ What Does “기다려” Mean?
기다려! (gidaryeo)
→ Wait! / Hold on!
It comes from the verb 기다리다 (to wait), and the form “기다려” is casual, friendly, and often used with people you’re close to—or when talking to kids or pets.
💡 You’ll hear it everywhere in Korea—from moms at the playground to cashiers asking you to wait a moment.
🔤 How to Say It (Pronunciation Guide)
기다려! is broken down like this:
-
gi = like “gee” in “geek”
-
da = like “da” in “dad”
-
ryeo = like “ryuh” (a soft ‘r’ + ‘yuh’)
👉 Say it like: gee-da-ryuh
✔ Say it gently when calming someone
✔ Use a firmer tone when stopping sudden movement
📌 When to Use It
Here are 3 perfect situations to use “기다려!” in daily life:
🧒 Your child runs ahead
👩 “기다려! 엄마 금방 갈게.”
👉 Wait! Mommy will be right there.
🐶 Talking to a pet
👩 “기다려~ 간식 줄게!”
👉 Wait! I’ll give you a treat.
📱 On the phone or in a conversation
👩 “잠깐만요. 기다려 주세요!”
👉 Just a moment. Please wait.
👩👧 Real-Life Korean Mom Moment
👧 Child: “엄마! 나 먼저 갈게~”
👩 Mom: “기다려! 신발 아직 안 신었잖아~”
👉 Even in the rush of daily life, this phrase says,
“Just a second, I’m with you.”
🔁 Related Korean Phrases
|
Korean |
English Meaning |
|---|---|
|
잠깐만요 |
Just a moment (formal) |
|
기다려 주세요 |
Please wait (polite) |
|
천천히 해 |
Take your time |
You can mix and match these phrases depending on tone and formality.
❤️ Why This Phrase Matters
“기다려” isn’t just a command—it’s a pause with kindness.
It’s how Korean speakers build gentle boundaries, ask for patience, and stay connected—even when life moves fast.
📌 Start using “기다려” when you want to say “Wait”—with love, not frustration.
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