How to Request Document Translation in Korean

Requesting document translation is a common need when dealing with international business, legal matters, or personal affairs in Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for effectively requesting translation services, ensuring clear communication about document types, deadlines, and costs.

Core Expression

• Expression: 문서 번역 요청하기
  Pronunciation: mun-seo beon-yeok yo-cheong-ha-gi
  Meaning: Requesting document translation (The act of requesting document translation)

Basic Request Phrases

This section covers fundamental expressions needed to initiate a translation request.

• Expression: 문서 번역을 요청하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: mun-seo beon-yeok-eul yo-cheong-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to request document translation.

• Expression: 이 문서를 번역해 주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: i mun-seo-reul beon-yeok-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Could you translate this document?

• Expression: 번역이 필요합니다.
  Pronunciation: beon-yeok-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I need a translation.

• Expression: 영어에서 한국어로 번역해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: yeong-eo-e-seo han-guk-eo-ro beon-yeok-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please translate it from English to Korean.

• Expression: 한국어에서 영어로 번역해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: han-guk-eo-e-seo yeong-eo-ro beon-yeok-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please translate it from Korean to English.

• Expression: 번역 견적을 받을 수 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: beon-yeok gyeon-jeok-eul bat-eul su it-eul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Can I get a quote for the translation?

• Expression: 번역 비용은 얼마인가요?
  Pronunciation: beon-yeok bi-yong-eun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How much does the translation cost?

• Expression: 번역 기간은 얼마나 걸리나요?
  Pronunciation: beon-yeok gi-gan-eun eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
  Meaning: How long will the translation take?

• Expression: 언제까지 번역이 완료될 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: eon-je-kka-ji beon-yeok-i wan-ryo-doel su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: By when can the translation be completed?

• Expression: 어떤 종류의 문서인가요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-ryu-ui mun-seo-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What type of document is it? (A question you might be asked)

• Expression: 원본 언어와 목표 언어를 알려주세요.
  Pronunciation: won-bon eon-eo-wa mok-pyo eon-eo-reul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please tell me the source and target languages. (A question you might be asked)

Specifying Document Details

Provide specific information about the document to ensure accurate translation and pricing.

• Expression: 이 문서는 사업 계획서입니다.
  Pronunciation: i mun-seo-neun sa-eop gye-hoek-seo-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: This document is a business plan.

• Expression: 법률 문서 번역이 필요합니다.
  Pronunciation: beop-ryul mun-seo beon-yeok-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I need a legal document translation.

• Expression: 기술 매뉴얼입니다.
  Pronunciation: gi-sul mae-nyu-eol-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: It’s a technical manual.

• Expression: 개인적인 편지입니다.
  Pronunciation: gae-in-jeok-in pyeon-ji-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: It’s a personal letter.

• Expression: 문서 분량은 약 20페이지입니다.
  Pronunciation: mun-seo bul-lyang-eun yak i-sip-pe-i-ji-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: The document volume is about 20 pages.

• Expression: 총 단어 수는 5,000 단어 정도입니다.
  Pronunciation: chong dan-eo su-neun o-cheon dan-eo jeong-do-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: The total word count is around 5,000 words.

• Expression: 원본 파일 형식은 워드 파일입니다.
  Pronunciation: won-bon pa-il hyeong-sik-eun wo-deu pa-il-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: The original file format is a Word file.

• Expression: 전문 용어가 많이 포함되어 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: jeon-mun yong-eo-ga ma-ni po-ham-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: It contains many specialized terms.

• Expression: 번역의 정확성이 매우 중요합니다.
  Pronunciation: beon-yeok-ui jeong-hwak-seong-i mae-u jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: The accuracy of the translation is very important.

• Expression: 특정 용어 목록을 제공해 드릴 수 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: teuk-jeong yong-eo mok-rok-eul je-gong-hae deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I can provide a list of specific terminology.

• Expression: 기밀 문서이므로 보안에 신경 써 주세요.
  Pronunciation: gi-mil mun-seo-i-meu-ro bo-an-e sin-gyeong sseo ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: As it’s a confidential document, please pay attention to security.

Discussing Fees and Deadlines

Clarify payment terms, calculation methods, and the required timeline.

• Expression: 번역료는 어떻게 책정되나요?
  Pronunciation: beon-yeok-ryo-neun eo-tteo-ke chaek-jeong-doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: How is the translation fee determined?

• Expression: 페이지당 비용인가요, 아니면 단어당 비용인가요?
  Pronunciation: pe-i-ji-dang bi-yong-in-ga-yo, a-ni-myeon dan-eo-dang bi-yong-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is the cost per page or per word?

• Expression: 긴급 번역 요금이 적용되나요?
  Pronunciation: gin-geup beon-yeok yo-geum-i jeok-yong-doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: Does an urgent translation fee apply?

• Expression: 예상 비용을 미리 알 수 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: ye-sang bi-yong-eul mi-ri al su it-eul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Can I know the estimated cost in advance?

• Expression: 결제는 언제 해야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: gyeol-je-neun eon-je hae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: When do I need to make the payment?

• Expression: 가능한 결제 방법은 무엇인가요?
  Pronunciation: ga-neung-han gyeol-je bang-beop-eun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: What are the available payment methods?

• Expression: 이번 주 금요일까지 완료될 수 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: i-beon ju geum-yo-il-kka-ji wan-ryo-doel su it-eul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Could it be completed by this Friday?

• Expression: 마감 기한을 꼭 지켜주셔야 합니다.
  Pronunciation: ma-gam gi-han-eul kkok ji-kyeo-ju-syeo-ya ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: You must strictly adhere to the deadline.

• Expression: 번역이 완료되면 어떻게 받게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: beon-yeok-i wan-ryo-doe-myeon eo-tteo-ke bat-ge doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: How will I receive the translation once it’s completed?

• Expression: 수정이 필요한 경우 추가 비용이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: su-jeong-i pil-yo-han gyeong-u chu-ga bi-yong-i it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there an additional cost if revisions are needed?

• Expression: 계약서를 작성하고 진행하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo-reul jak-seong-ha-go jin-haeng-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to proceed after signing a contract.

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding cultural nuances can facilitate smoother interactions when requesting services in Korea.
* Politeness Levels: Always use formal Korean (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal), especially in initial business communications. Using endings like -ㅂ/습니다 (-p/seum-ni-da) or -아요/어요 (-a-yo/-eo-yo) politely is essential. Avoid informal language (반말 – ban-mal).
* Clarity and Detail: Koreans appreciate thoroughness. Provide as much detail as possible upfront: source/target languages, document type, length (pages/words), desired format, and deadline. This prevents misunderstandings and helps get an accurate quote.
* Requesting Quotes (견적 – gyeon-jeok): It is common and acceptable to request quotes from multiple translation agencies or freelancers to compare prices and services. Clearly state you are requesting a 견적 (gyeon-jeok).
* Confirming Details: Before finalizing, reconfirm key details like the final cost, exact deadline (date and time if necessary), and delivery method. Written confirmation (email) is advisable.
* Building Rapport: While efficiency is valued, a polite and respectful attitude goes a long way. Expressing gratitude (감사합니다 – gam-sa-ham-ni-da) appropriately helps build a positive working relationship.

Real Conversation Example

This example demonstrates how to request translation service over the phone.
Situation: A foreign client (A) calls a Korean translation agency (B) to inquire about translating a business contract.
Roles: A = Client (고객 – go-gaek), B = Agency Staff (번역 회사 직원 – beon-yeok hoe-sa jik-won)

• Expression: B: 네, KONSTUDY 번역입니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: ne, KONSTUDY beon-yeok-im-ni-da. mu-eot-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Yes, this is KONSTUDY Translation. How may I help you?

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 문서 번역을 요청하고 싶어서 전화드렸습니다.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. mun-seo beon-yeok-eul yo-cheong-ha-go sip-eo-seo jeon-hwa-deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Hello. I’m calling because I’d like to request document translation.

• Expression: B: 네, 고객님. 어떤 문서를 어떤 언어로 번역하기를 원하시나요?
  Pronunciation: ne, go-gaek-nim. eo-tteon mun-seo-reul eo-tteon eon-eo-ro beon-yeok-ha-gi-reul won-ha-si-na-yo?
  Meaning: Yes, customer. What document do you wish to translate, and into which language?

• Expression: A: 영어로 된 사업 계약서인데요, 한국어로 번역이 필요합니다. 분량은 약 15페이지 정도 됩니다.
  Pronunciation: yeong-eo-ro doen sa-eop gye-yak-seo-in-de-yo, han-guk-eo-ro beon-yeok-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da. bul-lyang-eun yak sip-o-pe-i-ji jeong-do doem-ni-da.
  Meaning: It’s a business contract in English, and I need it translated into Korean. The volume is about 15 pages.

• Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 계약서 번역이시군요. 혹시 희망하시는 마감일이 있으신가요?
  Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. gye-yak-seo beon-yeok-i-si-gun-yo. hok-si hui-mang-ha-si-neun ma-gam-il-i it-eu-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: I understand. It’s a contract translation. Do you perhaps have a desired deadline?

• Expression: A: 네, 다음 주 월요일까지 가능할까요? 그리고 번역 비용 견적도 알 수 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: ne, da-eum ju wol-yo-il-kka-ji ga-neung-hal-kka-yo? geu-ri-go beon-yeok bi-yong gyeon-jeok-do al su it-eul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Yes, would it be possible by next Monday? Also, could I get a cost estimate for the translation?

• Expression: B: 문서를 확인해봐야 정확한 견적과 일정을 말씀드릴 수 있습니다. 이메일로 문서를 보내주시면 검토 후 바로 연락드리겠습니다. 이메일 주소는 info@konstudy.com 입니다.
  Pronunciation: mun-seo-reul hwa-gin-hae-bwa-ya jeong-hwak-han gyeon-jeok-gwa il-jeong-eul mal-sseum-deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da. i-me-il-lo mun-seo-reul bo-nae-ju-si-myeon geom-to hu ba-ro yeol-lak-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. i-me-il ju-so-neun info@konstudy.com im-ni-da.
  Meaning: I need to check the document to give you an accurate quote and schedule. If you could send the document via email, I will review it and contact you right away. The email address is info@konstudy.com.

• Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 바로 보내드리겠습니다. 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. ba-ro bo-nae-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: Okay, I understand. I will send it right away. Thank you.

• Expression: B: 네, 감사합니다. 이메일 확인 후 연락드리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. i-me-il hwa-gin hu yeol-lak-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Yes, thank you. I will contact you after checking the email.

Practice Tips

Now you have the essential phrases for requesting document translation in Korean! To master them, try these tips~
* Read Aloud: Practice saying the phrases and sentences out loud. Pay close attention to the pronunciation guides!
* Prepare Your Info: Before you actually need a translation, imagine a scenario. What kind of document is it? How long? What are the languages? What’s the deadline? Gather this info in Korean.
* Role-Play: Grab a friend or practice alone, acting out the conversation example. Try switching roles!
* Listen and Repeat: Find videos or audio of native Koreans making requests (perhaps in business vlogs or dramas) and try to mimic their intonation and politeness levels.

Consistent practice is key! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Good luck!)