Making a polite complaint at a service desk | Learn Korean in English

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Use Making a polite complaint at a service desk to practice Korean conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

어제 받은 서비스에 대해 불만을 제기하고 싶습니다.

uh-JEH pah-DEUN SUH-bi-suh-eh dae-HEH bool-MAH-neul jeh-GEE-hah-go ship-SEUM-nee-dah. I would like to make a complaint about the service yesterday.

그런 일이 있었다니 죄송합니다. 무슨 일이 있었는지 말씀해 주시겠어요?

guh-REUN nee-ree ee-SSUT-tah-nee jweh-song-HAM-nee-dah. moo-seun ee-ree ee-SSUN-neun-jee mahl-SEUM-hae joo-SHI-geht-suh-yo? I am sorry to hear that. Could you tell me what happened?

예약이 확인된 후에 오랫동안 기다렸습니다.

yeh-YAH-gee hweh-GEEN-dwen hoo-eh oh-RAET-tong-an gee-dah-RYUH-seum-nee-dah. I waited a long time after my confirmed appointment.

그 지연에 대해서는 그때 설명을 드렸어야 합니다.

guh jee-YUH-neh dae-HAE-suh-neun guh-TTAEH suhl-MYUNG-eul deur-RYUH-ssuh-yah HAM-nee-dah. That delay should have been explained at the time.

지연이 생길 수 있다는 것은 이해하지만, 아무도 제게 상황을 알려 주지 않았습니다.

jee-YUH-nee seng-geel soo eet-DAH-neun guh-seun ee-HAE-hah-jee-mahn, ah-moo-doh jeh-GEH sahng-HWANG-eul ahl-LYUH joo-jee ah-NAHT-sseum-nee-dah. I understand delays happen, but nobody gave me an update.

기다리시는 동안 저희가 계속 상황을 알려 드렸어야 합니다.

gee-dah-ree-SHI-neun doh-AHNG juh-HEE-gah kyeh-SOHK sahng-HWANG-eul ahl-LYUH deur-RYUH-ssuh-yah HAM-nee-dah. We should have kept you informed while you waited.

제가 까다롭게 굴려는 것은 아니지만, 더 나은 서비스를 기대했습니다.

jeh-GAH kkah-DAH-rohp-keh gool-LYUH-neun guh-seun ah-nee-JEE-mahn, duh NAH-eun SUH-bi-suh-reul gee-DAE-haet-sseum-nee-dah. I am not trying to be difficult, but I expected better service.

관리자에게 서면으로 답변해 달라고 요청하겠습니다.

GWAHL-lee-jah-eh-geh suh-MYUH-neu-roh dahp-BYUN-hae dahl-LAH-go yoh-CHUNG-hah-geht-sseum-nee-dah. I will ask the manager to respond in writing.

그러면 도움이 되겠습니다. 저는 그저 이 문제가 제대로 처리되기를 바랍니다.

guh-ruh-MYUN doh-OO-mee dweh-GEHT-sseum-nee-dah. juh-neun guh-juh ee moon-JEH-gah jeh-dae-ROH chuh-ree-DWEH-gee-reul bah-RAHM-nee-dah. That would help. I just want the issue handled properly.

제가 관리자와 이야기하는 동안 여기서 기다려 주세요.

jeh-GAH GWAHL-lee-jah-wah ee-YAH-gee-hah-neun doh-AHNG yuh-GEE-suh gee-dah-RYUH joo-SEH-yo. Please wait here while I speak with the manager.

Word by Word

어제 “어제” means yesterday and places the service in the previous day. It is used here with “받은 서비스” to specify when the service was received. Use it to give a time reference for a past event.

받은 “받은” means received in “어제 받은 서비스,” describing the service the speaker received. It links the act of receiving to the noun “서비스.” Use this form before a noun when identifying something that was received.

서비스 “서비스” means service here, referring to the assistance or treatment provided at the service desk. In “서비스에 대해,” it is the subject of the complaint. It can be used for services received from a company or organization.

에 In “서비스에 대해,” “에” helps mark the thing that the following expression concerns. Together with “대해,” it forms the pattern “N에 대해,” meaning about or regarding N. Use this pattern when introducing the subject of a discussion or complaint.

대해 “대해” means about or regarding in “서비스에 대해.” It is used with “에” to identify what the complaint concerns. The reusable pattern is “N에 대해 말하다” for talking about something.

불만 “불만” means complaint or dissatisfaction here. In “불만을 제기하고 싶습니다,” it names the dissatisfaction the speaker wants to raise formally. It is useful when expressing dissatisfaction about a service or situation.

을 In “불만을 제기하고,” “을” marks “불만” as the object of raising. The object particle shows what the action is directed toward. Use it after a noun ending in a consonant when that noun is the object of a verb.

제기하고 “제기하고” means raising or filing in “불만을 제기하고 싶습니다.” The ending “-고” connects this action to “싶습니다,” expressing a desire to raise the complaint. The pattern “N을 제기하다” is used for raising a complaint, question, or issue.

싶습니다 “싶습니다” expresses a formal, polite desire in “제기하고 싶습니다,” meaning would like to raise. It follows a verb form ending in “-고.” The reusable pattern is “V-고 싶습니다” when politely stating what you want to do.

그런 “그런” means such or that kind of in “그런 일이.” It points to an event of the kind just mentioned or understood. Use “그런” directly before a noun when referring to a particular kind of situation.

일 “일” means an event or matter in “그런 일이 있었다니.” It refers to what happened to the customer. It can be used for an incident, matter, or situation depending on the surrounding words.

이 In “일이 있었다니,” “이” marks “일” as the subject of the statement that an event occurred. It identifies the event as what existed or happened. Use it after a subject noun ending in a consonant.

있었다니 “있었다니” presents the occurrence of an event as something the speaker has heard or realized, with sympathy or surprise. In “그런 일이 있었다니 죄송합니다,” it supports an apologetic reaction to what happened. It is useful when reacting emotionally to a reported situation.

죄송합니다 “죄송합니다” is a formal, polite apology meaning I am sorry. Here it responds sympathetically to the customer’s experience. Use it in service interactions when acknowledging inconvenience or harm caused to someone.

무슨 “무슨” means what kind of or what in “무슨 일이 있었는지.” It asks for the nature of the event. Use “무슨” directly before a noun when asking what happened or what kind of thing is involved.

있었는지 “있었는지” introduces the content of the question about what happened in “무슨 일이 있었는지 말씀해 주시겠어요?” It makes the event the information the listener is being asked to explain. The pattern “무슨 일이 있었는지” is useful when asking someone to describe an incident.

말씀해 “말씀해” means tell or say politely in “말씀해 주시겠어요?” It is the action the listener is being asked to perform. Use it in polite requests for someone to explain or share information.

주시겠어요 “주시겠어요” makes “말씀해 주시겠어요” a polite request meaning would you please tell me. It presents the requested action as a favor for the speaker. The reusable pattern is “V-아/어 주시겠어요?” for a courteous request.

예약 “예약” means appointment or reservation here. In “예약이 확인된 후에,” it is the appointment whose confirmation is being discussed. Use it for a scheduled service, visit, or booking.

확인된 “확인된” means confirmed in “예약이 확인된 후에,” describing an appointment whose confirmation has been completed. It modifies “예약” and identifies the point after which the waiting occurred. It can be used before a noun to describe something that has been confirmed.

후 “후” means after in “확인된 후에.” It places the waiting later than the confirmation of the appointment. The pattern “N 후에” is used to say that something happens after an event.

오랫동안 “오랫동안” means for a long time and describes the duration of waiting. In “오랫동안 기다렸습니다,” it emphasizes that the wait was lengthy. Use it before a verb when describing a long duration.

기다렸습니다 “기다렸습니다” means waited in a formal, polite statement about completed waiting. In this dialogue, it reports the customer’s long wait after the appointment was confirmed. It is useful when describing a past waiting experience politely.

그 “그” means that or the in “그 지연.” It points back to the delay already described by the customer. Use “그” before a noun when referring to a previously mentioned or understood thing.

지연 “지연” means delay here, specifically the delay after the confirmed appointment. It is the matter for which an explanation should have been given. It is useful in formal discussions about delayed services or schedules.

대해서 “대해서” means about or regarding in “그 지연에 대해서는.” It introduces the delay as the subject being addressed. The reusable pattern is “N에 대해서 말하다” or “N에 대해서 설명하다” when discussing a specific matter.

는 In “그 지연에 대해서는,” “는” marks the delay-related topic and gives it special focus. The sentence then states what should have been done about that topic. Use it after a topic when contrasting or emphasizing it.

그때 “그때” means at that time and refers to the time when the delay occurred. In “그때 설명을 드렸어야 합니다,” it specifies when the explanation should have been given. Use it to refer back to a particular time already understood in the conversation.

설명 “설명” means explanation here, referring to information about why the delay occurred. In “설명을 드렸어야 합니다,” it is what the service staff should have provided. It is useful when discussing information that should be given to a customer.

드렸어야 “드렸어야” expresses that the speaker should have given or provided something politely in “설명을 드렸어야 합니다.” The humble form “드리다” is used for providing something to the customer, and the construction expresses an obligation that was not fulfilled. The pattern “N을/를 드렸어야 합니다” is useful for acknowledging that something should have been provided.

합니다 “합니다” completes the formal, polite statement “드렸어야 합니다.” Together, the expression says that the explanation should have been given. This ending is commonly used for formal statements in service situations.

생길 “생길” presents a delay as something that may arise in “지연이 생길 수 있다는 것.” It is used inside the possibility construction “생길 수 있다.” The pattern “N이 생길 수 있다” is useful for saying that a problem or situation may occur.

수 In “생길 수 있다,” “수” marks possibility, so the phrase means that a delay can occur. It does not mean a physical way here. The reusable pattern is “V-(으)ㄹ 수 있다” for saying that something is possible.

있다는 “있다는” turns the preceding possibility in “생길 수 있다” into a statement whose content can be discussed. In “생길 수 있다는 것은 이해하지만,” it introduces the fact that delays can happen. The pattern “V-(으)ㄹ 수 있다는 것” is useful for referring to a possible situation as a fact.

것 “것” means thing or fact in “있다는 것은.” Here it nominalizes the preceding statement about delays, allowing that fact to become the topic of “이해하지만.” Use it when treating an action or statement as a thing or fact.

은 In “있다는 것은 이해하지만,” “은” marks the fact that delays can happen as the topic. The speaker acknowledges that fact before introducing a complaint. Use it after a topic when setting up an explanation or contrast.

이해하지만 “이해하지만” means understand, but and acknowledges one point before contrasting it with the lack of an update. The ending “-지만” links the understanding to a different conclusion. The pattern “A지만 B” is useful for making a concession before stating a concern.

아무 “아무” contributes the meaning any or anyone in the negative expression “아무도.” In “아무도 제게 상황을 알려 주지 않았습니다,” it helps mean nobody. Use it with a following particle, especially “도,” when referring to no person or thing in a negative statement.

도 Together with “아무,” “도” forms “아무도,” meaning nobody or no one at all in this sentence. The negative meaning is completed by “않았습니다” later in the dialogue. The pattern “아무도 ... 않다” is used to say that no one did something.

제게 “제게” means to me and marks the customer as the recipient of the update in “제게 상황을 알려 주지 않았습니다.” It identifies who should have been informed. The pattern “사람에게 알려 주다” is used when saying that someone informs a person.

상황 “상황” means situation here, referring to the current status of the delayed service. In “상황을 알려 주다,” it is the information that should have been communicated. This word is useful when asking for or giving an update about an ongoing matter.

알려 “알려” means inform or let someone know in “상황을 알려 주지 않았습니다.” It connects with “주다” to express informing someone as a helpful action. The pattern “N을/를 알려 주다” is used for letting someone know information.

주지 In “알려 주지 않았습니다,” “주지” is the form of “주다” used before negation. It adds the idea of doing the informing for the customer, while “않았습니다” negates the whole action. The reusable pattern “V-아/어 주다” marks an action done as a favor for someone.

않았습니다 “않았습니다” means did not in a formal, polite negative statement. Here it says that nobody gave the customer an update. The pattern “V-지 않았습니다” is used to politely report that a past action did not happen.

기다리시는 “기다리시는” means waiting in a respectful form addressed to the customer in “기다리시는 동안.” The form shows respect for the person who was waiting. It can be used before “동안” to describe an activity continuing during a period.

동안 “동안” means while or during in “기다리시는 동안.” It marks the period when the customer was waiting and updates should have been provided. The pattern “V-는 동안” is used for actions happening during another activity.

저희 “저희” means we or us in a humble form, referring to the service desk staff or company. In “저희가 계속,” it presents the staff as responsible for keeping the customer informed. It is commonly used by staff when referring modestly to their own organization.

가 In “저희가 계속,” “가” marks “저희” as the subject responsible for the action. It identifies who should have kept the customer informed. Use it after a subject noun ending in a vowel.

계속 “계속” means continuously or keep on in “계속 상황을 알려 드렸어야 합니다.” It emphasizes that updates should have been given throughout the waiting period. Use it before a verb to describe an action that continues.

제가 “제가” means I as the subject in “제가 까다롭게 굴려는 것은 아니지만.” It identifies the customer as the person whose behavior is being discussed. Use it when emphasizing or specifying the subject of an action.

까다롭게 “까다롭게” means in a difficult or picky way in “까다롭게 굴려는.” It describes the manner in which someone might behave. The common pattern “까다롭게 굴다” is used when someone behaves in a demanding or difficult manner.

굴려는 “굴려는” expresses intending or trying to behave in “까다롭게 굴려는 것은 아니지만.” It forms part of a disclaimer that the speaker is not trying to act difficult. The pattern “V-(으)려는 것은 아니다” is useful for saying that one is not intending to do something.

아니지만 “아니지만” means not, but in the disclaimer “굴려는 것은 아니지만.” It denies an intention and then introduces the speaker’s actual expectation. The pattern “A/V-지만” is useful for connecting a concession or contrast.

더 “더” means more in “더 나은 서비스.” It increases the expected level of service. Use it before a descriptive word when comparing a greater degree.

나은 “나은” means better in “더 나은 서비스.” It describes the higher quality of service the customer expected. The pattern “더 나은 + noun” is useful when expressing an expectation of improved quality.

를 In “서비스를 기대했습니다,” “를” marks “서비스” as the object of “기대했습니다.” It shows what the customer expected. Use it after a noun ending in a vowel when that noun is the object of a verb.

기대했습니다 “기대했습니다” means expected in a formal, polite statement about the customer’s past expectation. Its object is “서비스를,” so the speaker expected better service. It is useful for explaining what level of treatment or result was anticipated.

관리자 “관리자” means manager here, the person who is expected to respond to the complaint. It appears with “에게” to mark the manager as the person being asked. It is useful in service situations when an issue needs to be referred to a responsible person.

에게 “에게” means to a person and marks the manager as the recipient of the request in “관리자에게.” It is used when directing a request or message toward a person. The pattern “사람에게 요청하다” means request something from a person.

서면 “서면” means written form or writing in “서면으로 답변해.” It specifies that the manager’s response should be provided in writing. It is useful in formal complaints or situations where a written record of the response is wanted.

으로 In “서면으로 답변해,” “으로” marks written form as the means or manner of responding. Together, “서면으로” means in writing. Use “N으로” when describing the means or form in which an action is carried out.

답변해 “답변해” means reply or respond in “답변해 달라고 요청하겠습니다.” It names the action the manager is being asked to perform. Use it with a question, complaint, or request that someone needs to answer.

달라고 “달라고” conveys a request for someone to do something for the speaker in “답변해 달라고 요청하겠습니다.” Together with “답변해,” it means requesting that the manager respond. The reusable pattern is “V-아/어 달라고 요청하다” for reporting or making a request.

요청하겠습니다 “요청하겠습니다” means I will request in a formal, polite statement. Here the speaker promises to ask the manager for a written response. The pattern “사람에게 V-아/어 달라고 요청하겠습니다” is useful for stating a formal request that will be made.

그러면 “그러면” means then or in that case in “그러면 도움이 되겠습니다.” It refers to the proposed written response and states its expected result. Use it when responding to a condition or suggestion just mentioned.

도움 “도움” means help in “도움이 되겠습니다,” where the full expression means would be helpful. It is the thing that the proposed response would provide. The pattern “도움이 되다” is used to say that something is helpful.

되겠습니다 “되겠습니다” means would be or would become in “도움이 되겠습니다.” Here it politely expresses that the manager’s written response would help. It is useful in formal speech when describing an expected or acceptable result.

그저 “그저” means just or simply in “그저 이 문제가.” It limits the speaker’s request, showing that they only want the issue handled properly. Use it to present a request as modest or focused.

문제 “문제” means issue or problem here, referring to the service delay and lack of communication. In “문제가 처리되기를 바랍니다,” it is the subject of being handled. It is useful for referring to a matter that needs attention or resolution.

제대로 “제대로” means properly or correctly in “제대로 처리되기를 바랍니다.” It describes the standard the speaker expects for handling the issue. Use it before a verb when emphasizing that an action should be done adequately.

처리되기를 “처리되기를” means to be handled in “제대로 처리되기를 바랍니다.” It presents proper handling of the issue as the desired outcome before “바랍니다.” The pattern “V-기를 바랍니다” is used to express a hope or wish about an action.

바랍니다 “바랍니다” means hope or wish in the formal expression “처리되기를 바랍니다.” It politely states what outcome the speaker wants. The pattern “V-기를 바랍니다” is useful for expressing a formal hope or request.

와 In “관리자와 이야기하는,” “와” means with and marks the manager as the person being spoken with. Here it does not mean and because the phrase describes talking to one person. The pattern “사람과/와 이야기하다” means talk with someone.

이야기하는 “이야기하는” means speaking or talking in “관리자와 이야기하는 동안.” It describes the action that will occur while the customer waits. Use it before “동안” to say that another action happens during the conversation.

여기 “여기” means here and identifies the place where the customer should remain. In “여기서 기다려 주세요,” it is followed by a location particle. Use it when directing someone to a nearby place.

서 In “여기서 기다려 주세요,” “서” marks “여기” as the place where the waiting takes place. Together, “여기서” means here, at this place. Use the location pattern “장소에서 V” for an action performed at a place.

기다려 “기다려” means wait in “기다려 주세요.” It connects the action of waiting to the polite request ending “주세요.” The pattern “V-아/어 주세요” is used to ask someone politely to perform an action.

주세요 “주세요” makes “기다려 주세요” a polite request meaning please wait. In this expression, it asks the listener to do the preceding action for the speaker. The reusable pattern is “V-아/어 주세요” for a courteous request.

Grammar Points

-았/었어야 합니다

설명을 드렸어야 합니다

suhl-MYUNG-eul deur-RYUH-ssuh-yah HAM-nee-dah

should have explained

This expresses that someone should have done something in the past but did not.

-기를 바랍니다

제대로 처리되기를 바랍니다

jeh-dae-ROH chuh-ree-DWEH-gee-reul bah-RAHM-nee-dah

I hope it will be handled properly

This expresses a formal hope or wish; the verb before -기를 states what is hoped for.

Korean Vocabulary

그런 일이 있었다니 phrase

guh-REUN nee-ree ee-SSUT-tah-nee to hear that such a thing happened

기다렸습니다 verb

gee-dah-RYUH-seum-nee-dah waited

말씀해 주시겠어요 phrase

mahl-SEUM-hae joo-SHI-geht-suh-yo could you tell me

불만 noun

bool-MAHN complaint

불만을 제기하고 싶습니다 phrase

bool-MAH-neul jeh-GEE-hah-go ship-SEUM-nee-dah would like to make a complaint

서비스 noun

SUH-bi-suh service

설명을 드렸어야 합니다 phrase

suhl-MYUNG-eul deur-RYUH-ssuh-yah HAM-nee-dah should have explained

예약 noun

yeh-YAHK appointment; reservation

오랫동안 adv

oh-RAET-tong-an for a long time

죄송합니다 adj

jweh-song-HAM-nee-dah I am sorry

지연 noun

jee-YUN delay

확인된 adj

hweh-GEEN-dwen confirmed

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I waited a long time after my confirmed appointment.

Show Answer

예약이 확인된 후에 오랫동안 기다렸습니다.

I will ask the manager to respond in writing.

Show Answer

관리자에게 서면으로 답변해 달라고 요청하겠습니다.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

I am sorry

Show Answer

죄송합니다

for a long time

Show Answer

오랫동안

waited

Show Answer

기다렸습니다

appointment; reservation

Show Answer

예약