Asking About the Estimated Wait | Learn Korean in English

Korean lesson set in a contemporary Seoul everyday setting: In a public waiting area, one adult asks about the wait and decides whether to stay or return later..

EN → KO / Level: A2

About This Lesson

Use Asking About the Estimated Wait to practice Korean conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

실례합니다. 예상 대기 시간이 어떻게 되나요?

shil-lyeh-HAM-nee-dah. yeh-SAHNG deh-GHEE SHEE-gah-nee uh-TTOH-keh dway-NAH-yoh? Excuse me, what is the estimated waiting time?
B

십 분 정도예요. 조금 더 걸릴 수도 있어요.

sheem boon jung-DOH-yeh-yoh. joh-GUHM duh GUHL-leel soo-DOO ee-SUH-yoh. About ten minutes, maybe a little longer.
A

이 일이 끝난 후에 다른 약속이 있어요.

ee ee-ree kkeun-NAHN HOO-eh DAH-reun yak-SSOH-gee ee-SUH-yoh. I have another appointment after this.
B

그 시간이 너무 늦으면 점심 식사 후에 다시 오셔도 돼요.

guh SHEE-gah-nee NUH-moo nuh-JUH-myuhn juhm-SHEEM shik-SSAH HOO-eh dah-SHEE oh-SHYUH-doh DWEH-yoh. If that is too late, you can come back after lunch.
A

나중에 다시 오면 제 순서를 유지할 수 있나요?

nah-JOONG-eh dah-SHEE OH-myuhn jeh SOON-suh-reul yoo-JEE-hal soo IN-nah-yoh? Would I keep my place if I came back later?
B

점심 식사 후에 새 번호표를 뽑아야 해요.

juhm-SHEEM shik-SSAH HOO-eh seh BUHM-hoh-pyoh-reul PPOH-BAH-yah HEH-yoh. You would need to take a new ticket after lunch.
A

그럼 지금은 기다릴게요. 이미 여기 와 있으니까요.

guh-RUHM. jee-GUHM-uhn gee-dah-REEL-KKEH-yoh. EE-mee YUH-gee wah ee-SUH-nee-KKAH-yoh. Then I'll wait for now since I'm already here.
B

화면을 잘 확인해 주세요.

hwa-MYUN-uhl jahl hwa-GHEEN-heh JOO-seh-yoh. Please keep an eye on the screen.

Word by Word

실례합니다 “실례합니다” is a polite way to get someone’s attention before asking a question, meaning “excuse me.” “실례” conveys the idea of intruding, and “합니다” makes it a polite expression. Use it when speaking politely to a staff member or another person you do not know.
예상 “예상” means an estimate or expectation, and here it describes the expected waiting time. It combines with “대기 시간” in “예상 대기 시간” to ask about the expected length of the wait. Use it when asking for an estimated time or result.
대기 “대기” refers to waiting, specifically the waiting involved before receiving service here. In “대기 시간,” it identifies the time spent waiting. Use it with “시간” when asking how long a queue or service wait may be.
시간 “시간” means time, and in “대기 시간이 어떻게 되나요?” it asks about the length of the wait. The phrase “대기 시간” is useful for discussing how long someone must wait. Use it when asking about the time needed for a service or appointment.
이 “이” marks “예상 대기 시간” as the subject in “예상 대기 시간이 어떻게 되나요?” It connects the waiting-time phrase to the question about what it is. Use it after a noun ending in a consonant when that noun is the subject.
어떻게 “어떻게” means “how” or “in what way,” and here it asks what the estimated waiting time is. In “시간이 어떻게 되나요?” it is a polite way to ask for the relevant information. Use it in questions about a condition, amount, or situation.
되나요 “되나요” forms a polite question asking what something is or how it stands, as in “예상 대기 시간이 어떻게 되나요?” Here it asks for the estimated waiting time rather than asking how something becomes something else. Use it in polite questions about information or arrangements.
분 “분” is the counter used for minutes in “십 분 정도예요.” It identifies “십” as ten minutes. Use it after a number when stating a duration in minutes.
정도 “정도” means approximately or about, so “십 분 정도예요” gives an estimate of around ten minutes. It softens the amount because the waiting time is not exact. Use it after an amount when giving an approximate figure.
예요 “예요” is the polite form used to state that the estimate is about ten minutes in “십 분 정도예요.” It links the estimated amount to the statement about the waiting time. Use it for a polite identification or description in a sentence like this.
조금 “조금” means a little, and in “조금 더 걸릴 수도 있어요” it limits the possible additional time. It combines with “더” to mean a little more or a little longer. Use it when describing a small amount or degree.
더 “더” means more or longer, and here it indicates that the wait may continue beyond the initial estimate. In “조금 더 걸릴 수도 있어요,” it modifies the possible additional time. Use it when saying that an amount or duration may increase.
걸릴 “걸릴” indicates that time may be required in “조금 더 걸릴 수도 있어요.” Here it refers to the waiting taking a little longer. Use the pattern “더 걸릴 수도 있어요” when explaining that something may take additional time.
수 “수” is part of the possibility expression in “걸릴 수도 있어요,” showing that the additional waiting is possible. Its meaning comes from the whole construction with “걸릴” and “도,” not from “수” alone. Use “걸릴 수도 있어요” when an estimated duration may increase.
도 “도” adds the sense of possibility or “also” inside “걸릴 수도 있어요,” so the wait may possibly take longer. It works together with “수” and “있어요” rather than expressing the whole idea by itself. Use it in this pattern when allowing for an additional possibility.
있어요 “있어요” completes the possibility expression “걸릴 수도 있어요,” meaning that taking longer is possible here. It does not mean that a separate object is simply present in this sentence. Use the full pattern when giving a polite estimate with some uncertainty.
일 “일” means the matter or task being handled, and “이 일이 끝난 후에” refers to the current matter being finished. It is not necessarily a job in this context. Use it in “이 일이 끝난 후에” when referring to the completion of the present task or service.
끝난 “끝난” means finished in “이 일이 끝난 후에,” describing the matter as completed before the next event. It modifies “후” to form a time expression. Use it when referring to what happens after a task or matter is finished.
후 “후” means after, and in “끝난 후에” it places the next event after the current matter has finished. It is used here to order events in time. Use it after a completed event when explaining what happens afterward.
에 “에” marks the time point in “끝난 후에” and “점심 식사 후에,” meaning after that time. Here it connects the time expression to the following action. Use it after a time expression when indicating when something happens.
다른 “다른” means another or different, and in “다른 약속” it identifies an appointment separate from the current matter. It comes directly before the noun it describes. Use it before a noun when referring to an additional or different person, thing, or appointment.
약속 “약속” means an appointment in “다른 약속이 있어요.” It refers to a scheduled commitment after the current service. Use it with a time expression when explaining that you have another scheduled meeting or commitment.
그 “그” means that, and “그 시간” refers to the waiting time just discussed. It points back to information already known in the conversation. Use it before a noun when referring to a particular time or thing already mentioned.
너무 “너무” means too or excessively in “너무 늦으면,” showing that the time would be unacceptably late. It combines with “늦으면” to set the condition for returning after lunch. Use the pattern “너무 늦으면” when an excessive delay changes what someone should do.
늦으면 “늦으면” means if it is late and introduces the condition in “그 시간이 너무 늦으면.” It explains when returning after lunch is an option. Use it after a time or situation when making a plan for the case that something is late.
점심 “점심” means lunch or the midday meal, and it specifies the time in “점심 식사 후에.” It combines with “식사” to refer to lunch as a meal. Use it in time expressions about what happens before or after lunch.
식사 “식사” means a meal, and “점심 식사” means the lunch meal in this dialogue. In “점심 식사 후에,” it identifies the meal after which the person may return. Use it with a time-of-day word when referring to a meal.
다시 “다시” means again or back, and in “다시 오셔도 돼요” it describes returning to the place another time. It shows that the person has already come once and may come again. Use it before an action when the action is repeated or resumed.
오셔 “오셔” is the respectful form used for the listener’s coming in “다시 오셔도 돼요.” It shows respect toward the person who may return, while “도 돼요” makes the full expression permissive. Use “다시 오셔도 돼요” when politely telling someone they may come back.
돼요 “돼요” means it is okay or permitted in “다시 오셔도 돼요.” Together with “오셔도,” it politely gives permission to return. Use this expression when telling someone that an action is allowed.
나중 “나중” means later, and in “나중에 다시 오면” it refers to a later time after the person leaves. It helps set the timing of the possible return. Use it with “에” when referring generally to a later time.
오면 “오면” means if one comes or when one comes, and here it introduces the condition “나중에 다시 오면.” It describes the possible return that the question is about. Use it after an action when making a condition or discussing what happens when that action occurs.
제 “제” means my in “제 순서,” referring politely to the speaker’s place in the queue. It comes directly before the noun it possesses. Use it before a noun when politely referring to something belonging to yourself.
순서 “순서” means order or turn, and in “제 순서를 유지할 수 있나요?” it refers to the speaker’s current place in line. It identifies what the speaker wants to keep after returning. Use it when discussing whose turn or place comes next.
를 “를” marks “제 순서” as the object of “유지할” in “제 순서를 유지할 수 있나요?” It shows what the speaker wants to keep. Use it after an object ending in a vowel when that noun receives the action.
유지할 “유지할” means keep or maintain, and in “제 순서를 유지할 수 있나요?” it asks about keeping the current place in line. It connects with “수 있나요” to ask whether that is possible. Use the pattern “순서를 유지할 수 있나요?” when asking whether a position can be kept.
있나요 “있나요” asks whether something is possible in “유지할 수 있나요?” Here the full expression asks whether the speaker can keep the same place. Use “할 수 있나요?” as a polite question about whether an action is possible.
새 “새” means new, and in “새 번호표” it describes a number ticket different from the previous one. It comes directly before “번호표.” Use it before a noun when identifying something newly issued or newly obtained.
번호표 “번호표” means a number ticket used to identify a person’s place in a queue. In “새 번호표를 뽑아야 해요,” it is the ticket the person must take after lunch. Use it when explaining queue procedures in a place that serves people by number.
뽑아야 “뽑아야” means must take or draw in “새 번호표를 뽑아야 해요,” referring to obtaining a new queue ticket. With “해요,” it expresses a requirement. Use the pattern “번호표를 뽑아야 해요” when telling someone that they need to take a number ticket.
해요 “해요” completes the polite obligation expression “뽑아야 해요,” meaning that taking a new ticket is required. The need comes from the whole “-아야 해요” construction, not from “해요” alone. Use this pattern when politely explaining what someone must do.
그럼 “그럼” means then or in that case, and here it introduces the speaker’s decision after learning that a new ticket would be needed. It connects the previous information to the next action. Use it when responding to someone’s explanation and stating the resulting plan.
지금 “지금” means now, and in “지금은 기다릴게요” it identifies the present period during which the speaker will wait. It contrasts with returning later in the conversation. Use it when choosing or describing an action at the current time.
은 “은” marks “지금” as the topic in “지금은 기다릴게요.” It frames the decision as what the speaker will do for now. Use it after a noun ending in a consonant when setting that noun as the topic.
기다릴게요 “기다릴게요” means I will wait and expresses the speaker’s decision or intention to wait. In “지금은 기다릴게요,” the speaker chooses to remain instead of returning later. Use it when telling someone politely that you will wait for them or for a service.
이미 “이미” means already, and in “이미 여기 와 있으니까요” it says that the speaker has arrived here before the present decision. It supports the reason for choosing to wait now. Use it when referring to something that has happened before the current point.
여기 “여기” means here, referring to the current waiting area in “이미 여기 와 있으니까요.” It identifies the speaker’s present location. Use it when pointing out or explaining where someone is.
와 “와” contributes the meaning of coming or arriving in “여기 와 있으니까요.” Together with “있으니까요,” it explains that the speaker has come here and is here now. Use the pattern “여기 와 있으니까요” when giving that reason for remaining at a place.
있으니까요 “있으니까요” gives the reason “because I am here” in “이미 여기 와 있으니까요.” With “여기 와,” it explains that the speaker has already arrived and is present. Use the full expression when justifying a decision based on already being at a location.
화면 “화면” means screen, and here it is the display that shows the queue information. In “화면을 잘 확인해 주세요,” it is what the listener should monitor. Use it when referring to a display that provides information or instructions.
을 “을” marks “화면” as the object of “확인해” in “화면을 잘 확인해 주세요.” It shows what should be checked. Use it after an object ending in a consonant when that noun receives the action.
잘 “잘” means well or carefully, and in “화면을 잘 확인해 주세요” it asks the listener to check the screen attentively. It modifies “확인해 주세요” and adds care to the request. Use it when asking someone to perform an action thoroughly or attentively.
확인해 “확인해” means check or confirm, and in “화면을 잘 확인해 주세요” it tells the listener to check the screen. It is followed by “주세요” to make a polite request. Use the pattern “화면을 확인해 주세요” when asking someone to check displayed information.
주세요 “주세요” makes “확인해 주세요” a polite request meaning please check it. It follows the action form “확인해” and asks the listener to perform that action. Use it after an action when politely requesting that someone do something.

Grammar Points

V-(으)ㄹ 수도 있어요

조금 더 걸릴 수도 있어요

joh-GUHM duh GUHL-leel soo-DOO ee-SUH-yoh

It may take a little longer.

This pattern expresses possibility, so the longer wait is presented as possible rather than certain.

V-아/어야 해요

번호표를 뽑아야 해요

BUHM-hoh-pyoh-reul PPOH-BAH-yah HEH-yoh

You have to take a number ticket.

This pattern expresses necessity or obligation: taking a number ticket is required.

Korean Vocabulary

걸릴 수도 있어요 phrase
GUHL-leel soo-DOO ee-SUH-yoh may take; might take

조금 더 걸릴 수도 있어요.

너무 adv
NUH-moo too; very

그 시간이 너무 늦으면 점심 식사 후에 다시 오셔도 돼요.

늦으면 verb
NUH-JUH-myuhn if it is late

그 시간이 너무 늦으면 점심 식사 후에 다시 오셔도 돼요.

다른 det
DAH-reun another; different

다른 약속이 있어요.

대기 시간 phrase
deh-GHEE SHEE-gahn waiting time

예상 대기 시간이 어떻게 되나요?

더 adv
duh more; longer

조금 더 걸릴 수도 있어요.

실례합니다 intj
shil-lyeh-HAM-nee-dah Excuse me

실례합니다. 예상 대기 시간이 어떻게 되나요?

십 분 phrase
sheem boon ten minutes

십 분 정도예요.

약속 noun
yak-SSOHK appointment

이 일이 끝난 후에 다른 약속이 있어요.

어떻게 되나요 phrase
uh-TTOH-keh dway-NAH-yoh what is it; how is it

예상 대기 시간이 어떻게 되나요?

예상 noun
yeh-SAHNG estimate; expectation

예상 대기 시간이 어떻게 되나요?

조금 adv
joh-GUHM a little

조금 더 걸릴 수도 있어요.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Excuse me, what is the estimated waiting time?

Show Answer실례합니다. 예상 대기 시간이 어떻게 되나요?

Please keep an eye on the screen.

Show Answer화면을 잘 확인해 주세요.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

Excuse me

Show Answer실례합니다

if it is late

Show Answer늦으면

another; different

Show Answer다른

appointment

Show Answer약속