Assembling flat-pack furniture can be a rewarding but sometimes frustrating experience, especially if you encounter difficulties. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for requesting assistance with furniture assembly, whether you’re asking a friend, neighbor, or seeking professional help. Learn how to explain the situation, describe problems, and express gratitude effectively in Korean.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 가구 조립 좀 도와주세요.
Pronunciation: ga-gu jo-rip jom do-wa-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please help me assemble the furniture.
Asking for Help
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Expression: 혹시 가구 조립하는 것 좀 도와주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ga-gu jo-rip-ha-neun geot jom do-wa-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you possibly help me assemble some furniture? -
Expression: 제가 가구를 새로 샀는데 조립이 너무 어려워요.
Pronunciation: je-ga ga-gu-reul sae-ro sat-neun-de jo-ri-bi neo-mu eo-ryeo-wo-yo.
Meaning: I bought new furniture, but the assembly is too difficult. -
Expression: 잠깐 시간 괜찮으시면 이것 좀 같이 봐주실 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: jam-kkan si-gan gwaen-cha-neu-si-myeon i-geot jom ga-chi bwa-ju-sil su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: If you have a moment, could you take a look at this with me? -
Expression: 혼자서는 도저히 못 하겠어요.
Pronunciation: hon-ja-seo-neun do-jeo-hi mot ha-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I really can’t do it by myself. -
Expression: 도움이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: do-u-mi pi-ryo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need help. -
Expression: 설명서가 좀 복잡해서요.
Pronunciation: seol-myeong-seo-ga jom bok-jap-hae-seo-yo.
Meaning: The instructions are a bit complicated. -
Expression: 혹시 이런 거 조립해 본 경험 있으세요?
Pronunciation: hok-si i-reon geo jo-rip-hae bon gyeong-heom i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have experience assembling things like this? -
Expression: 언제 시간이 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: eon-je si-ga-ni gwaen-cha-neu-se-yo?
Meaning: When would be a good time for you? -
Expression: 제가 저녁이라도 대접할게요.
Pronunciation: je-ga jeo-nyeo-gi-ra-do dae-jeop-hal-kke-yo.
Meaning: I’ll treat you to dinner or something (as thanks). -
Expression: 도와주시면 정말 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: do-wa-ju-si-myeon jeong-mal gam-sa-ha-get-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would be really grateful if you could help.
Describing the Problem
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Expression: 이 부분이 잘 안 맞아요.
Pronunciation: i bu-bu-ni jal an ma-ja-yo.
Meaning: This part doesn’t fit well. -
Expression: 나사가 부족해요.
Pronunciation: na-sa-ga bu-jok-hae-yo.
Meaning: There aren’t enough screws. / Screws are missing. -
Expression: 설명서대로 했는데 이상해요.
Pronunciation: seol-myeong-seo-dae-ro haet-neun-de i-sang-hae-yo.
Meaning: I followed the instructions, but it’s strange. -
Expression: 부품이 하나 없는 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: bu-pu-mi ha-na eom-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think one part is missing. -
Expression: 구멍이 잘 안 뚫려 있어요.
Pronunciation: gu-meong-i jal an ttul-lyeo i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The hole isn’t drilled properly. -
Expression: 가구가 흔들거려요.
Pronunciation: ga-gu-ga heun-deul-geo-ryeo-yo.
Meaning: The furniture is wobbly. -
Expression: 이 다음 단계를 어떻게 해야 할지 모르겠어요.
Pronunciation: i da-eum dan-gye-reul eo-tteo-ke hae-ya hal-ji mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t know what to do for the next step. -
Expression: 힘이 부족해서 못 하겠어요.
Pronunciation: hi-mi bu-jok-hae-seo mot ha-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t have enough strength to do it. -
Expression: 조립 순서가 헷갈려요.
Pronunciation: jo-rip sun-seo-ga het-gal-lyeo-yo.
Meaning: The assembly order is confusing. -
Expression: 이 부품 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i bu-pum i-reu-mi mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the name of this part? -
Expression: 뭔가 잘못된 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: mwon-ga jal-mot-doen geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think something is wrong.
Tools and Parts
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Expression: 드라이버 좀 빌릴 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: deu-ra-i-beo jom bil-lil su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I borrow a screwdriver? -
Expression: 망치가 필요해요.
Pronunciation: mang-chi-ga pi-ryo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need a hammer. -
Expression: 어떤 종류의 나사를 써야 해요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui na-sa-reul sseo-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: What kind of screw should I use? -
Expression: 설명서 어디 있어요?
Pronunciation: seol-myeong-seo eo-di i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Where are the instructions? -
Expression: 이 부품은 어디에 쓰는 거예요?
Pronunciation: i bu-pu-meun eo-di-e sseu-neun geo-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is this part used? / What is this part for? -
Expression: 전동 드릴 있어요?
Pronunciation: jeon-dong deu-ril i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Do you have an electric drill? -
Expression: 맞는 공구가 없어요.
Pronunciation: man-neun gong-gu-ga eop-seo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t have the right tool. -
Expression: 줄자 가지고 계세요?
Pronunciation: jul-ja ga-ji-go gye-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a tape measure? -
Expression: 렌치가 필요할 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: ren-chi-ga pi-ryo-hal geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think I’ll need a wrench. -
Expression: 부품 목록 좀 확인해 볼게요.
Pronunciation: bu-pum mong-nok jom hwa-gin-hae bol-kke-yo.
Meaning: Let me check the parts list.
Korean Culture Notes
Asking Neighbors or Friends: In Korea, it’s quite common to ask neighbors or close friends for small favors like help with furniture assembly. However, always be polite and considerate of their time. Frame your request politely using phrases like 혹시 (hok-si – perhaps/by any chance) and 괜찮으시다면 (gwaen-cha-neu-si-da-myeon – if it’s okay with you).
Offering Compensation: While friends might refuse payment, it’s customary to offer some form of compensation or gratitude. This could be treating them to a meal (식사 대접 sik-sa dae-jeop), coffee, or bringing a small gift later. Saying 제가 저녁이라도 살게요 (je-ga jeo-nyeo-gi-ra-do sal-kke-yo – I’ll buy you dinner at least) is a common gesture.
Professional Services: For complex furniture or if you prefer not to bother others, professional assembly services (가구 조립 서비스 ga-gu jo-rip seo-bi-seu) are available. You can often request this service from the furniture store or find independent technicians online. This is a paid service, so inquire about the cost (비용 bi-yong) beforehand.
DIY Culture: While DIY is popular, asking for help isn’t seen as incapable. Koreans often value community and helping each other (상부상조 sang-bu-sang-jo). Don’t hesitate to ask, but be prepared to return the favor someday!
Expressing Gratitude: After receiving help, express your thanks sincerely. Use phrases like 정말 감사합니다 (jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da – Thank you very much) and 덕분에 잘 끝났어요 (deok-bu-ne jal kkeun-na-sseo-yo – Thanks to you, it finished well).
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Minjun bought a new bookshelf but is struggling to assemble it alone. He asks his neighbor, Sora, for help.
Characters:
- A: Minjun (민준)
- B: Sora (소라)
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Expression: A: 소라 씨, 안녕하세요. 혹시 지금 잠깐 시간 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: A: so-ra ssi, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. hok-si ji-geum jam-kkan si-gan gwaen-cha-neu-se-yo?
Meaning: A: Sora, hello. Do you possibly have a moment right now? -
Expression: B: 네, 민준 씨. 안녕하세요. 무슨 일 있으세요?
Pronunciation: B: ne, min-jun ssi. an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. mu-seun il i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, Minjun. Hello. What’s up? -
Expression: A: 제가 책장을 새로 샀는데, 조립이 생각보다 어렵네요. 혹시 가구 조립 좀 도와주실 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: A: je-ga chaek-jang-eul sae-ro sat-neun-de, jo-ri-bi saeng-gak-bo-da eo-ryeom-ne-yo. hok-si ga-gu jo-rip jom do-wa-ju-sil su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: I bought a new bookshelf, but the assembly is harder than I thought. Could you possibly help me assemble the furniture? -
Expression: B: 아, 책장이요? 네, 그럼요. 저도 예전에 조립해 본 적 있어요. 어디가 어려우세요?
Pronunciation: B: a, chaek-jang-i-yo? ne, geu-reom-yo. jeo-do ye-jeo-ne jo-rip-hae bon jeok i-sseo-yo. eo-di-ga eo-ryeo-u-se-yo?
Meaning: B: Oh, a bookshelf? Yes, of course. I’ve assembled one before too. Which part is difficult? -
Expression: A: 설명서대로 하는데 이 옆판이 잘 안 맞아요. 혼자서는 도저히 못 하겠어요.
Pronunciation: A: seol-myeong-seo-dae-ro ha-neun-de i yeop-pa-ni jal an ma-ja-yo. hon-ja-seo-neun do-jeo-hi mot ha-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: A: I’m following the instructions, but this side panel doesn’t fit well. I really can’t do it alone. -
Expression: B: 알겠어요. 잠깐만요, 제가 가서 볼게요. 공구는 다 있어요? 드라이버 같은 거요.
Pronunciation: B: al-ge-sseo-yo. jam-kkan-man-yo, je-ga ga-seo bol-kke-yo. gong-gu-neun da i-sseo-yo? deu-ra-i-beo ga-teun geo-yo.
Meaning: B: Okay. Just a moment, I’ll come over and take a look. Do you have all the tools? Like a screwdriver? -
Expression: A: 네, 여기 다 준비해 놨어요. 와주셔서 정말 감사합니다! 제가 저녁 대접할게요.
Pronunciation: A: ne, yeo-gi da jun-bi-hae nwa-sseo-yo. wa-ju-syeo-seo jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da! je-ga jeo-nyeok dae-jeop-hal-kke-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, I have everything ready here. Thank you so much for coming! I’ll treat you to dinner. -
Expression: B: 아니에요, 괜찮아요. 이웃끼리 돕고 살아야죠. 같이 한번 해봐요!
Pronunciation: B: a-ni-e-yo, gwaen-cha-na-yo. i-ut-kki-ri dop-go sa-ra-ya-jyo. ga-chi han-beon hae-bwa-yo!
Meaning: B: No, it’s okay. Neighbors should help each other. Let’s try it together!
Practice Tips
Mastering these phrases requires practice! Try role-playing the conversation example with a study partner~ Imagine you’ve bought different types of furniture (책상 – chaek-sang – desk, 침대 – chim-dae – bed, 옷장 – ot-jang – wardrobe) and practice asking for help and describing potential problems. Look at real furniture assembly manuals (even in English) and try explaining the steps or difficulties in Korean. The more you practice, the more natural it will become when you actually need help in Korea! 화이팅! (hwaiting! – You can do it!)
