Say Kimchi! How to Thank Someone for a Photo in Korean
Hello! Welcome to [Daily Hangul], here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Have you ever been at a beautiful spot, wanting to capture the moment, but you’re all alone? Asking someone to take a photo is a must-know skill for any traveler in Korea!
These days in Korea, taking the perfect ‘인생샷 (insaeng-shot)’, or ‘photo of a lifetime’, is a huge trend. People visit trendy cafes and famous landmarks just to get that perfect picture. Today, we’ll learn the essential phrases to ask for a photo and express your gratitude like a local. Let’s get started!
Core Expressions You Need to Know
Here are three key expressions that will make you a pro at getting great photos in Korea.
1. Asking for the Photo
- Korean Expression: 사진 좀 찍어 주실 수 있으세요?
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Sajin jom jjigeo jusil su isseuseyo?
- English Meaning: Could you please take a picture for me?
- Detailed Explanation: This is the perfect, polite phrase to ask a stranger for help. Let’s break it down:
사진(sajin) means “picture.”좀(jom) is a softener, like “a little” or “please.”찍어 주실 수 있으세요?(jjigeo jusil su isseuseyo?) is a very respectful way to ask, “Could you do me the favor of taking…?”
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip: The
ㅉ(jj) in찍어(jjigeo) is a tense consonant. It’s stronger and sharper than the ‘j’ in “jungle.” Make a ‘j’ sound, but with more force and no puff of air.
2. The Classic Thank You
- Korean Expression: 감사합니다!
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Gamsahamnida!
- English Meaning: Thank you!
- Detailed Explanation: This is the most common and polite way to say “thank you” in formal situations or to people you don’t know. It’s always a safe and respectful choice.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip: Notice the last two syllables:
합니다(hamnida). Even though it’s written with a ‘ㅂ’ (b/p) sound, when it comes before a ‘ㄴ’ (n) sound, the ‘ㅂ’ changes to sound like ‘ㅁ’ (m). This is called nasalization. So, instead of “gamsa-hab-nida,” it sounds like [gamsa-ham-nida]. This will make you sound much more natural!
3. Giving a Great Compliment
- Korean Expression: 와, 사진 진짜 잘 찍으셨어요!
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Wa, sajin jinjja jal jjigeusyeosseoyo!
- English Meaning: Wow, you took the picture really well! (or “You’re a great photographer!”)
- Detailed Explanation: Koreans love giving and receiving compliments! This phrase is a wonderful way to show extra appreciation.
와(wa) is “Wow!”진짜(jinjja) means “really.”잘 찍으셨어요(jal jjigeusyeosseoyo) means “you took it well” in a polite way.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip: The
ㅆ(ss) in찍으셨어요(jjigeusyeosseoyo) is another tense consonant. It’s a short, sharp ‘s’ sound with no puff of air, like the ‘s’ in “see.” The whole phrase flows together, so try saying it smoothly: [jal-jji-geo-syeo-sseo-yo].
Example Dialogue
Imagine you’re at Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul and want a photo. Here’s how a conversation might go:
- A (You): 저기요… 혹시 사진 좀 찍어 주실 수 있으세요?
- Jeogiyo… hoksi sajin jom jjigeo jusil su isseuseyo?
- (Excuse me… could you possibly take a picture for me?)
- B (A kind stranger): 네, 그럼요. 여기 보세요. 하나, 둘, 셋! (찰칵!)
- Ne, geureomyo. Yeogi boseyo. Hana, dul, set! (Chalkak!)
- (Yes, of course. Look here. One, two, three! Click!)
- A (You): (Looking at the photo) 와, 사진 진짜 잘 찍으셨어요! 감사합니다!
- Wa, sajin jinjja jal jjigeusyeosseoyo! Gamsahamnida!
- (Wow, you took the picture so well! Thank you!)
- B: 아니에요. 천만에요.
- Anieyo. Cheonmaneyo.
- (It’s nothing. You’re welcome.)
Culture Tip: The Art of the ‘Insaeng-Shot’ (인생샷)
In Korea, taking pictures is more than just a hobby; it’s a cultural event! The term 인생샷 (insaeng-shot) literally means “life shot” or “photo of a lifetime.”
- Photo Zones (포토존): Many popular cafes, restaurants, and tourist spots have designated “포토존 (photo zones)” with special lighting, props, or backgrounds specifically for taking the perfect insaeng-shot.
- A Great Compliment: Saying
사진 잘 찍으시네요!(Sajin jal jjigeusineyo! – You’re good at taking pictures!) is a very common and friendly compliment. It shows you truly appreciate their effort. - Return the Favor: After someone takes a photo for you, it’s very polite to offer to take one for them! You can ask: “저도 찍어 드릴까요?” (Jeodo jjigeo deurilkkayo? – Shall I take one for you, too?). This simple gesture is a great way to have a positive interaction.
Let’s Review and Practice!
Great job today! You’ve learned how to politely ask someone to take a photo in Korean, thank them, and even give them a compliment.
Now, let’s test your knowledge!
- Fill in the blank: You want to ask someone to take a photo. What do you say?
“저기요, _______ 좀 찍어 주실 수 있으세요?”
- Scenario: Someone just took an amazing photo of you. How would you compliment them and thank them at the same time? (Combine two phrases we learned!)
Leave your answers in the comments below using the phrases you learned today. We’d love to see you practice
