Asking for a Favor in the Workplace

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Asking for a Favor in the Workplace

How to make requests at work — politely, clearly, and without putting people on the spot

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Iru Helper Note

Asking for help in Korean workplaces requires softening. Going straight to "해 주세요" (please do this) sounds blunt. Instead, Koreans typically cushion requests with phrases that acknowledge inconvenience and leave the other person a way out. Today you'll learn how to make clear, confident requests that still feel considerate.

번거로우시겠지만, 혹시 이 부분을 검토해 주실 수 있을까요?

(I know it's an inconvenience, but could you possibly review this part?)

🤝 What You'll Learn Today

Workplace Korean is full of layered politeness. Knowing how to ask for a favor — without sounding demanding or overly apologetic — is one of the most practical skills you can build. Today's lesson gives you phrases to open the request, soften it, and close it gracefully.

📌 Asking for Favors — Expressions

Opening a Request

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면... — If you have time / If it's convenient for you...

→ Always a gentle opener. Lets the other person know a request is coming.

→ 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 잠깐 얘기할 수 있을까요?

→ (If it's convenient for you, could we talk for a moment?)

실례가 되지 않는다면... — If it's not too much trouble...

→ More formal. Common in professional emails and when asking seniors.

죄송한데요, 혹시... — I'm sorry to ask, but by any chance...

→ Pre-emptive apology that softens the request. Natural in spoken Korean.

Making the Request

~해 주실 수 있을까요? — Could you possibly ~?

→ The standard polite request form at work. Far softer than ~해 주세요.

→ 이 서류를 확인해 주실 수 있을까요? (Could you possibly check this document?)

~좀 부탁드려도 될까요? — Would it be okay to ask you to ~?

→ Adds extra politeness. 부탁드리다 = to humbly ask a favor.

→ 이 이메일을 검토하는 것 좀 부탁드려도 될까요? (Would it be okay to ask you to review this email?)

Softening the Inconvenience

번거로우시겠지만... — I know it's an inconvenience, but...

→ Acknowledges that you know this is extra work. Shows consideration.

급한 건 아닌데요, 혹시 시간이 되실 때... — It's not urgent, but whenever you have time...

→ Gives the other person breathing room. Very considerate.

별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. — It won't take very long.

→ Reassures them the task is small.

💡 Key pattern: Korean workplace requests often follow this flow: (1) Soften the opener → (2) State the request with ~해 주실 수 있을까요? → (3) Reduce the burden (급한 건 아닌데요 / 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요).

💬 Conversations in Action

Dialogue 1 — Asking a colleague to review a document

지수: 번거로우시겠지만, 혹시 이 보고서를 검토해 주실 수 있을까요? 급한 건 아닌데요, 시간이 되실 때 봐 주시면 감사하겠습니다.

(I know it's an inconvenience, but could you possibly review this report? It's not urgent — whenever you have time would be great.)

민재: 네, 괜찮아요. 오늘 오후에 볼게요.

(Sure, no problem. I'll take a look this afternoon.)

Dialogue 2 — Asking a senior colleague for help

하준: 죄송한데요, 혹시 이 부분 좀 도와주실 수 있을까요? 처음 해보는 거라서요.

(I'm sorry to ask, but could you possibly help me with this part? It's my first time doing this.)

팀장: 물론이죠. 어떤 부분이요?

(Of course. Which part?)

🌏 Cultural Note — 부탁 Culture in Korean Workplaces

In Korean work culture, asking a favor of someone more senior requires more softening than asking a peer. Using 부탁드려도 될까요? (with 드리다) signals that you're asking down from a position of humility, not expecting compliance. The phrase 번거로우시겠지만 is especially valued because it shows awareness that you're adding to someone's workload. Saying 급한 건 아닌데요 (it's not urgent) is a common courtesy — even when it is a little urgent — because it takes pressure off the other person and lets them prioritize.

<summary>Try This Speaking Exercise

For each situation, make a polite workplace request using today's expressions. Natural sample responses are inside each toggle.

A. You need a colleague to proofread a short email before you send it. Ask them.

<summary>Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 이 이메일 좀 검토해 주실 수 있을까요? 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. (If it's convenient, could you possibly review this email? It won't take very long.)

</summary>

B. You need your team leader to approve a document. It's not urgent. Ask politely.

<summary>Answer

죄송한데요, 혹시 이 서류 승인 좀 부탁드려도 될까요? 급한 건 아닌데요, 시간이 되실 때 봐 주시면 감사하겠습니다. (I'm sorry to ask, but would it be okay to ask you to approve this document? It's not urgent — whenever you have time would be great.)

</summary>

C. You need a colleague to cover for you at a meeting because you have a scheduling conflict.

<summary>Answer

번거로우시겠지만, 혹시 그 회의에 대신 참석해 주실 수 있을까요? 제가 다른 일정이 생겨서요. (I know it's an inconvenience, but could you possibly attend that meeting in my place? Something came up in my schedule.)

</summary>

D. You need someone to share a file with you that you don't have access to.

<summary>Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 그 파일 좀 공유해 주실 수 있을까요? 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. (If it's convenient, could you possibly share that file with me? It won't take very long.)

</summary>

E. You need a senior colleague to explain a process you're unfamiliar with.

<summary>Answer

실례가 되지 않는다면, 이 과정에 대해 간단히 설명해 주실 수 있을까요? 처음 해보는 거라서요. (If it's not too much trouble, could you briefly explain this process? It's my first time doing it.)

</summary>

F. You need a colleague to help you with a task that might take about 10 minutes.

<summary>Answer

죄송한데요, 혹시 이 부분 좀 도와주실 수 있을까요? 10분 정도면 될 것 같아요. (I'm sorry to ask, but could you possibly help me with this part? It should take about 10 minutes.)

</summary>

G. You need a colleague to translate a short document from Korean to English.

<summary>Answer

번거로우시겠지만, 혹시 이 문서를 영어로 번역하는 것 좀 부탁드려도 될까요? 급한 건 아닌데요. (I know it's an inconvenience, but would it be okay to ask you to translate this document into English? It's not urgent.)

</summary>

H. You'd like feedback on a presentation you're preparing. Ask a colleague.

<summary>Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 제 발표 자료 좀 봐 주실 수 있을까요? 짧게 피드백만 받아도 충분해요. (If it's convenient, could you possibly take a look at my presentation materials? Just a brief bit of feedback would be enough.)

</summary>

I. You need to reschedule a call that was set by your team leader. Ask politely.

<summary>Answer

죄송한데요, 혹시 그 통화 일정을 다른 날로 변경해 주실 수 있을까요? 실례가 되지 않는다면요. (I'm sorry to ask, but could you possibly change that call to a different day? If it's not too much trouble.)

</summary>

J. A colleague sent you a file but it seems to be the wrong version. Ask them to send the right one.

<summary>Answer

죄송한데요, 혹시 파일을 다시 보내 주실 수 있을까요? 제가 받은 게 이전 버전인 것 같아서요. (I'm sorry to ask, but could you possibly send the file again? The one I received seems to be the old version.)

</summary>

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Expression Reference

Expression	Nuance
혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면	Gentle opener (if convenient)
실례가 되지 않는다면	Formal (if not too much trouble)
죄송한데요, 혹시	Pre-emptive apology opener
~해 주실 수 있을까요?	Standard polite request
~부탁드려도 될까요?	Humble request
번거로우시겠지만	Acknowledges inconvenience
급한 건 아닌데요	Takes off pressure (not urgent)
별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요	Reassures (won't take long)

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Request Formula

Soften: 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면 / 죄송한데요 혹시 / 번거로우시겠지만

Request: ~해 주실 수 있을까요? / ~부탁드려도 될까요?

Reduce burden: 급한 건 아닌데요 / 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요

Follow all three steps and your request will feel natural and considerate.

</summary>

🔁

Want more reps?

Think of something you need help with this week — from anyone. Practice making the request in Korean using today's formula before you actually ask. Rehearsing polite requests out loud is one of the fastest ways to sound natural in real conversations.

📦 Practice Hub — 부탁/요청 (Asking for a Favor)

Exercise 1 — Choose the Right Expression

Situation: Each item below describes a workplace request moment. Choose the most natural expression.

A. You want to gently open a request by checking if the person is free.

<summary>Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면 (If it's convenient for you)

B. You want to acknowledge upfront that your request is extra work for them.

<summary>Answer

번거로우시겠지만 (I know it's an inconvenience, but)

C. You want to make a standard polite request in the workplace.

<summary>Answer

~해 주실 수 있을까요? (Could you possibly ~?)

D. You want to make a humble request that sounds especially deferential.

<summary>Answer

~부탁드려도 될까요? (Would it be okay to ask you to ~?)

E. You want to tell the person they don't need to rush.

<summary>Answer

급한 건 아닌데요 (It's not urgent)

F. You want to reassure them that the task is small.

<summary>Answer

별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요 (It won't take very long)

G. You want to use a more formal opener when asking a senior colleague.

<summary>Answer

실례가 되지 않는다면 (If it's not too much trouble)

H. You want to open your request with a light apology.

<summary>Answer

죄송한데요, 혹시 (I'm sorry to ask, but by any chance)

I. You want to soften a request and give them flexible timing. Combine two expressions.

<summary>Answer

급한 건 아닌데요, 시간이 되실 때 봐 주시면 감사하겠습니다. (It's not urgent — whenever you have time would be great.)

J. You want to make a polite request for help when you're unfamiliar with something.

<summary>Answer

죄송한데요, 혹시 이 부분 좀 도와주실 수 있을까요? 처음 해보는 거라서요. (I'm sorry to ask, but could you possibly help me with this part? It's my first time doing it.)

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Quick Reference

Expression	Use
혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면	Check availability gently
번거로우시겠지만	Acknowledge inconvenience
~해 주실 수 있을까요?	Standard polite request
~부탁드려도 될까요?	Extra humble request
급한 건 아닌데요	No pressure on timing
별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요	Reassure small effort
실례가 되지 않는다면	Formal opener
죄송한데요, 혹시	Apologetic opener

⚠️

Pitfall

~해 주세요 (please do this) is grammatically polite but can feel direct or demanding at work. Switch to ~해 주실 수 있을까요? to sound genuinely considerate, not just formally correct.

Exercise 2 — Korean → English Translation

Translate these workplace request sentences into natural English.

A. 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 이 서류 좀 확인해 주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

If it's convenient for you, could you possibly check this document?

B. 번거로우시겠지만, 이 내용을 정리해 주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

I know it's an inconvenience, but could you possibly organize this content?

C. 급한 건 아닌데요, 시간이 되실 때 봐 주시면 감사하겠습니다.

<summary>Answer

It's not urgent — whenever you have time would be great, thank you.

D. 죄송한데요, 혹시 이 부분 좀 도와주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

I'm sorry to ask, but could you possibly help me with this part?

E. 이 이메일을 검토하는 것 좀 부탁드려도 될까요?

<summary>Answer

Would it be okay to ask you to review this email?

F. 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요.

<summary>Answer

It won't take very long.

G. 실례가 되지 않는다면, 이 과정에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

If it's not too much trouble, could you explain this process?

H. 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 잠깐 얘기할 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

If it's convenient, could we talk for a moment?

I. 번거로우시겠지만, 이 파일 좀 공유해 주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

I know it's an inconvenience, but could you possibly share this file with me?

J. 처음 해보는 거라서요, 혹시 좀 도와주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

It's my first time doing this, so could you possibly help me?

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Cheat Sheet

Korean	English
혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면	If it's convenient
번거로우시겠지만	I know it's an inconvenience, but
~해 주실 수 있을까요?	Could you possibly ~?
~부탁드려도 될까요?	Would it be okay to ask you to ~?
급한 건 아닌데요	It's not urgent
별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요	It won't take very long
처음 해보는 거라서요	It's my first time doing this

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Grammar Tip

~해 주실 수 있을까요? breaks down as: ~해 (do) + 주시 (give/do for me, honorific) + ㄹ 수 있 (can) + 을까요? (I wonder / could you?). It's the politest way to form a request in Korean workplaces — much softer than the plain ~해 주세요.

Exercise 3 — Complete the Sentence

Complete each request sentence naturally using today's expressions.

A. 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 이 보고서를 ___ 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 이 보고서를 검토해 주실 수 있을까요? (If it's convenient, could you possibly review this report?)

B. 번거로우시겠지만, 이 내용을 ___ 주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

번거로우시겠지만, 이 내용을 정리해 주실 수 있을까요? (I know it's an inconvenience, but could you possibly organize this content?)

C. 급한 건 아닌데요, 시간이 ___ 때 봐 주시면 감사하겠습니다.

<summary>Answer

급한 건 아닌데요, 시간이 되실 때 봐 주시면 감사하겠습니다. (It's not urgent — whenever you have time would be great.)

D. 죄송한데요, 혹시 이 서류 ___ 부탁드려도 될까요?

<summary>Answer

죄송한데요, 혹시 이 서류 확인하는 것 부탁드려도 될까요? (I'm sorry to ask, but would it be okay to ask you to check this document?)

E. 실례가 되지 않는다면, 이 과정에 대해 ___ 주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

실례가 되지 않는다면, 이 과정에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있을까요? (If it's not too much trouble, could you explain this process?)

F. ___ 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. 5분 정도면 돼요.

<summary>Answer

별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. 5분 정도면 돼요. (It won't take very long. About 5 minutes should be enough.)

G. 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 잠깐 ___ 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 잠깐 얘기할 수 있을까요? (If it's convenient, could we talk for a moment?)

H. 번거로우시겠지만, 이 파일을 ___ 주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

번거로우시겠지만, 이 파일을 공유해 주실 수 있을까요? (I know it's an inconvenience, but could you possibly share this file?)

I. 처음 해보는 거라서요, 혹시 ___ 도와주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

처음 해보는 거라서요, 혹시 좀 도와주실 수 있을까요? (It's my first time doing this, so could you possibly help me?)

J. 이 이메일을 검토하는 것 좀 ___ 될까요?

<summary>Answer

이 이메일을 검토하는 것 좀 부탁드려도 될까요? (Would it be okay to ask you to review this email?)

📚

Sentence Starters

Starter	Typical completion
혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면	~해 주실 수 있을까요?
번거로우시겠지만	~해 주실 수 있을까요?
급한 건 아닌데요	시간이 되실 때 ~ 주시면 감사하겠습니다
죄송한데요, 혹시	~해 주실 수 있을까요?
실례가 되지 않는다면	~해 주실 수 있을까요?

💡

Production Tip

Mix your softeners. Using 번거로우시겠지만 every time sounds robotic. Alternate between 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 죄송한데요 혹시, and 실례가 되지 않는다면 depending on how formal the situation is.

Exercise 4 — Dialogue Completion

Fill in the blank with the most natural expression for a workplace request.

A. A: 저 지금 바쁜데요. / B: ___. 급한 건 아닌데요, 나중에 시간이 되실 때 부탁드려도 될까요?

<summary>Answer

B: 죄송한데요. 급한 건 아닌데요, 나중에 시간이 되실 때 부탁드려도 될까요? (I'm sorry. It's not urgent — would it be okay to ask whenever you have time later?)

B. A: 어떤 도움이 필요하세요? / B: 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 이 서류를 ___.

<summary>Answer

B: 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 이 서류를 검토해 주실 수 있을까요? (If it's convenient, could you possibly review this document?)

C. A: 이 작업이 많이 걸릴까요? / B: 아니요, ___.

<summary>Answer

B: 아니요, 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. (No, it won't take very long.)

D. A: 이 부분을 제가 해야 할까요? / B: ___. 혹시 먼저 해주실 수 있을까요? 도움이 많이 될 것 같아요.

<summary>Answer

B: 번거로우시겠지만. 혹시 먼저 해주실 수 있을까요? 도움이 많이 될 것 같아요. (I know it's an inconvenience. But could you possibly do it first? I think it would be a big help.)

E. A: 이 내용이 어렵지 않으세요? / B: 네, 사실 처음 해보는 거라서요. 혹시 ___ 주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

B: 네, 사실 처음 해보는 거라서요. 혹시 잠깐 설명해 주실 수 있을까요? (Yes, actually it's my first time doing it. Could you possibly explain it briefly?)

F. A: 발표 준비는 다 됐어요? / B: 거의 다 됐는데요. 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 발표 자료 좀 ___.

<summary>Answer

B: 거의 다 됐는데요. 혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 발표 자료 좀 봐 주실 수 있을까요? (Almost done. If it's convenient, could you possibly take a look at the presentation materials?)

G. A: 지금 당장 필요해요? / B: 아니요, ___ 아닌데요. 오늘 오후까지면 괜찮아요.

<summary>Answer

B: 아니요, 급한 건 아닌데요. 오늘 오후까지면 괜찮아요. (No, it's not urgent. This afternoon would be fine.)

H. A: 도움이 필요하신 게 있어요? / B: 실례가 되지 않는다면, 이 파일을 ___ 해 주실 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

B: 실례가 되지 않는다면, 이 파일을 공유해 주실 수 있을까요? (If it's not too much trouble, could you share this file with me?)

I. A: 이 이메일을 제가 써도 될까요? / B: 네, 그런데 혹시 보내기 전에 ___ 부탁드려도 될까요?

<summary>Answer

B: 네, 그런데 혹시 보내기 전에 검토해 주시는 것 부탁드려도 될까요? (Yes, but would it be okay to ask you to review it before sending?)

J. A: 무슨 도움이 필요해요? / B: 죄송한데요, 혹시 ___ 주실 수 있을까요? 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요.

<summary>Answer

B: 죄송한데요, 혹시 이 내용 좀 정리해 주실 수 있을까요? 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. (I'm sorry to ask, but could you possibly organize this content? It won't take very long.)

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Useful Phrases

Phrase	Role in the request
혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면	Polite opener
번거로우시겠지만	Acknowledges burden
죄송한데요, 혹시	Apologetic opener
~해 주실 수 있을까요?	The core request
급한 건 아닌데요	Reduces time pressure
별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요	Reduces effort concern

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Conversation Tip

After someone agrees to help, don't forget to close with 감사합니다 or 정말 감사드려요. In Korean workplaces, acknowledging someone's effort — even before they've done the task — builds goodwill and shows maturity.

Exercise 5 — Free Speaking Practice

Answer each prompt aloud in Korean, using at least two expressions from today's lesson.

A. You need a colleague to proofread a one-page document. They look busy. Ask them anyway.

<summary>Sample Answer

죄송한데요, 혹시 이 문서 한 번 봐 주실 수 있을까요? 급한 건 아닌데요, 시간이 되실 때 봐 주시면 감사하겠습니다. (I'm sorry to ask, but could you possibly take a look at this document? It's not urgent — whenever you have time would be great.)

B. Your team leader hasn't approved your report yet. You need it soon. Ask politely.

<summary>Sample Answer

번거로우시겠지만, 혹시 이 보고서 승인 좀 부탁드려도 될까요? 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. (I know it's an inconvenience, but would it be okay to ask you to approve this report? It won't take very long.)

C. You need a colleague to cover a client call for you this afternoon.

<summary>Sample Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 오늘 오후에 고객 전화를 대신 받아 주실 수 있을까요? 번거로우시겠지만, 부탁드려도 될까요? (If it's convenient, could you possibly take the client call this afternoon in my place? I know it's an inconvenience, but would it be okay to ask?)

D. You're new and need help understanding a form. Ask a senior colleague.

<summary>Sample Answer

실례가 되지 않는다면, 이 서류 작성 방법을 좀 설명해 주실 수 있을까요? 처음 해보는 거라서요. (If it's not too much trouble, could you explain how to fill in this form? It's my first time doing it.)

E. You'd like feedback on a project proposal before your team meeting.

<summary>Sample Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 회의 전에 이 제안서 좀 봐 주실 수 있을까요? 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. (If it's convenient, could you possibly take a look at this proposal before the meeting? It won't take very long.)

F. A colleague sent you the wrong attachment. Ask them to send the correct file.

<summary>Sample Answer

죄송한데요, 혹시 파일을 다시 보내 주실 수 있을까요? 받은 파일이 이전 버전인 것 같아서요. (I'm sorry to ask, but could you possibly send the file again? The file I received seems to be the old version.)

G. You want a colleague to explain a process they're an expert in.

<summary>Sample Answer

번거로우시겠지만, 혹시 이 과정에 대해 간단히 설명해 주실 수 있을까요? 제가 아직 잘 모르는 부분이 있어서요. (I know it's an inconvenience, but could you briefly explain this process? There's a part I still don't know well.)

H. Your manager is in a meeting but you need a quick signature on a document.

<summary>Sample Answer

실례가 되지 않는다면, 회의 끝나신 후에 이 서류에 서명 좀 부탁드려도 될까요? 별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요. (If it's not too much trouble, could I ask you to sign this document after your meeting? It won't take very long.)

I. You need a colleague to check your Korean email before you send it to a client.

<summary>Sample Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면, 이 한국어 이메일 보내기 전에 한 번 봐 주실 수 있을까요? 죄송한데요, 급한 건 아닌데요. (If it's convenient, could you take a look at this Korean email before I send it? I'm sorry to ask — it's not urgent.)

J. A team member is overwhelmed. You want to offer to take something off their plate, but you're also asking for something. Make the request feel balanced.

<summary>Sample Answer

혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면 여쭤보고 싶은 게 있어요. 번거로우시겠지만, 이 부분만 부탁드려도 될까요? 대신 다른 부분은 제가 도와드릴게요. (If it's convenient, there's something I'd like to ask. I know it's an inconvenience, but would it be okay to ask just for this part? I'll help you with the other parts in return.)

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Sentence Starters

Starter	Use
혹시 시간이 괜찮으시면	Open gently
번거로우시겠지만	Pre-empt the burden
죄송한데요, 혹시	Apologetic opener
실례가 되지 않는다면	Formal opener
~해 주실 수 있을까요?	Make the request
급한 건 아닌데요	Remove time pressure
별로 오래 걸리지 않을 거예요	Reduce effort concern

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Speaking Challenge

Pick a real favor you need to ask someone this week. Write it out as a full Korean request — opener, request, and burden-reducer. Say it out loud three times. If you can deliver it naturally without pausing, you're ready for real Korean workplaces.

직장에서의 부탁은 배려로 시작해요. 오늘 배운 표현으로 자신 있게, 그리고 상대방을 존중하며 부탁해 보세요! 🗣️✨