Essential Korean Phrase: Asking a Taxi Driver to Pull Over
The Basic Phrase: “Please Stop Here”
The most straightforward way to ask a taxi driver to pull over in Korean is:
여기서 세워 주세요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo se-wo ju-se-yo
This literally means “Please stop here.” It’s polite and commonly used by both locals and foreigners.
Breaking Down the Phrase
- 여기서 (yeo-gi-seo): here, at this place
- 세워 (se-wo): stop (imperative form of “to stop”)
- 주세요 (ju-se-yo): please (polite request ending)
Combining these, “여기서 세워 주세요” is a polite and clear way to ask the driver to stop at your current location.
Alternative Ways to Ask a Taxi Driver to Pull Over
Using “Right Here” for Emphasis
If you want to emphasize stopping immediately, you can say:
바로 여기서 세워 주세요.
Pronunciation: ba-ro yeo-gi-seo se-wo ju-se-yo
Here, “바로” means “right” or “exactly,” adding urgency or specificity to your request.
If You Missed Your Stop
Sometimes you might realize too late that you want to stop. In that case, you can say:
지금 세워 주세요.
Pronunciation: ji-geum se-wo ju-se-yo
This means “Please stop now.”
Useful Vocabulary for Taxi Rides
- 택시 (taek-shi): taxi
- 기사님 (gi-sa-nim): driver (a polite way to address the driver)
- 내리다 (nae-ri-da): to get off
- 세우다 (se-u-da): to stop
Cultural Tips for Taxi Etiquette in Korea
When in Korea, using polite language is important, especially with service workers like taxi drivers. Always add “주세요” to your requests for politeness. Saying “감사합니다” (gam-sa-ham-ni-da, “thank you”) after your ride is also appreciated.
Most taxi drivers do not speak fluent English, so even simple Korean phrases can make your trip much smoother. If you’re unsure of your pronunciation, showing the phrase written in Hangul on your phone can help communicate your request clearly.
Practice Makes Perfect: Tips from Talkpal
At Talkpal, we recommend practicing essential travel phrases before your trip. You can use AI-powered language learning tools to master pronunciation and comprehension. Try repeating each phrase several times, listening to native speaker audio, and role-playing taxi scenarios with friends or language partners.
Quick Reference: Phrases to Use in a Korean Taxi
- 여기서 세워 주세요. (yeo-gi-seo se-wo ju-se-yo) – Please stop here.
- 바로 여기서 세워 주세요. (ba-ro yeo-gi-seo se-wo ju-se-yo) – Please stop right here.
- 지금 세워 주세요. (ji-geum se-wo ju-se-yo) – Please stop now.
Conclusion
Knowing how to ask a taxi driver to pull over in Korean is a practical skill that enhances your travel experience and helps you interact confidently in everyday situations. Remember the phrase “여기서 세워 주세요,” practice your pronunciation, and use polite language for a smooth ride. For more Korean language tips and phrase guides, visit the Talkpal AI language learning blog and continue improving your communication skills for your next journey in Korea.
