도와주세요!

When to use

Use this phrase when you need immediate help or attention in any urgent situation, from a minor inconvenience to a serious emergency.

Speech Level

This uses the polite informal (해요체 - haeyoche) speech level, suitable for addressing strangers or in situations where politeness is required, but not extreme formality.

How it works

The phrase combines a verb stem with a polite ending.

• 도와주- (dowaju-)
• -세요 (-seyo)

Pronunciation

The final '요' (yo) in '주세요' is often pronounced with a slightly falling intonation when used as an exclamation or urgent request, signaling the urgency.

Omitted Subject/Object

The subject ('I') and the object ('you' or 'someone') are omitted, which is common in Korean when the context makes them clear. The listener understands you are asking for help for yourself.

Notes

This is a direct and polite way to call for assistance in an emergency.