Finding and arranging childcare in Korea requires specific vocabulary and phrases. This guide provides essential Korean expressions for inquiring about, describing needs for, and confirming childcare services (아이 돌봄 서비스 – ai dol-bom seo-bi-seu), helping you navigate the process with confidence whether you need temporary babysitting or regular care.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
-
Expression: 아이 돌봄 서비스 문의
Pronunciation: a-i dol-bom seo-bi-seu mun-ui
Meaning: Inquiry about childcare services (This phrase is commonly used when first contacting an agency or provider.)
Basic Inquiry Phrases
-
Expression: 아이 돌봄 서비스 이용하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: a-i dol-bom seo-bi-seu i-yong-ha-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I would like to use childcare services. -
Expression: 혹시 아이 돌보미 구할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si a-i dol-bo-mi gu-hal su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to find a babysitter/caregiver? -
Expression: 어떤 종류의 돌봄 서비스가 있나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui dol-bom seo-bi-seu-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: What types of childcare services are available? -
Expression: 시간제 돌봄도 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: si-gan-je dol-bom-do ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is hourly care also possible? -
Expression: 비용은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: bi-yong-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: How much does it cost? / What are the fees? -
Expression: 이용 절차를 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: i-yong jeol-cha-reul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me the procedure for using the service. -
Expression: 예약은 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: ye-yak-eun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I make a reservation/booking? -
Expression: 최소 이용 시간이 있나요?
Pronunciation: choe-so i-yong si-gan-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a minimum usage time? -
Expression: 정부 지원 아이돌봄 서비스 신청 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: jeong-bu ji-won a-i-dol-bom seo-bi-seu sin-cheong ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to apply for the government-supported childcare service? -
Expression: 상담을 먼저 받아보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: sang-dam-eul meon-jeo ba-da-bo-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I’d like to have a consultation first. -
Expression: 어떤 지역에서 서비스 이용 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon ji-yeok-e-seo seo-bi-seu i-yong ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: In which areas is the service available? -
Expression: 지금 바로 예약할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-geum ba-ro ye-yak-hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I make a booking right now?
Describing Your Needs
-
Expression: 아이는 [숫자]살이에요.
Pronunciation: a-i-neun [number]-sal-i-e-yo.
Meaning: My child is [number] years old. (e.g., 세 살이에요 – se sal-i-e-yo – 3 years old) -
Expression: 아이가 [숫자]명 있어요.
Pronunciation: a-i-ga [number]-myeong it-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have [number] children. (e.g., 두 명 있어요 – du myeong it-eo-yo – two children) -
Expression: [날짜] [시간]부터 [시간]까지 필요해요.
Pronunciation: [nal-jja] [si-gan]-bu-teo [si-gan]-kka-ji pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need childcare from [time] to [time] on 2025. (e.g., 내일 오후 1시부터 5시까지 – nae-il o-hu han-si-bu-teo da-seot-si-kka-ji – tomorrow from 1 PM to 5 PM) -
Expression: 매주 [요일]에 돌봄이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: mae-ju [yo-il]-e dol-bom-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need care every [day of the week]. (e.g., 매주 금요일에 – mae-ju geum-yo-il-e – every Friday) -
Expression: 등하원 도움이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: deung-ha-won do-um-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need help with picking up/dropping off from school/kindergarten. -
Expression: 식사 준비도 해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: sik-sa jun-bi-do hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you also prepare meals? -
Expression: 아이가 알레르기가 있어요.
Pronunciation: a-i-ga al-le-reu-gi-ga it-eo-yo.
Meaning: My child has allergies. -
Expression: 간단한 학습 지도도 가능할까요?
Pronunciation: gan-dan-han hak-seup ji-do-do ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would simple homework help/tutoring be possible? -
Expression: 저희 집에서 돌봐주셨으면 해요.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui jip-e-seo dol-bwa-ju-syeot-eu-myeon hae-yo.
Meaning: I would like the care to be provided at our home. -
Expression: 영어를 할 수 있는 돌보미 선생님이면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: yeong-eo-reul hal su it-neun dol-bo-mi seon-saeng-nim-i-myeon jo-ket-eo-yo.
Meaning: It would be good if the caregiver can speak English. -
Expression: 아이가 낮잠 자는 시간이 있어요.
Pronunciation: a-i-ga nat-jam ja-neun si-gan-i it-eo-yo.
Meaning: The child has a nap time. -
Expression: 긴급하게 돌봄이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: gin-geup-ha-ge dol-bom-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need childcare urgently.
Confirming Details
-
Expression: 그러면 [날짜] [시간]으로 예약할게요.
Pronunciation: geu-reo-myeon [nal-jja] [si-gan]-eu-ro ye-yak-hal-kke-yo.
Meaning: Then I’ll book it for 2025 at [time]. -
Expression: 총 비용이 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: chong bi-yong-i eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the total cost? -
Expression: 결제는 어떻게 하면 되나요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-je-neun eo-tteo-ke ha-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: How should I make the payment? -
Expression: 오시는 돌보미 선생님 정보를 미리 알 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: o-si-neun dol-bo-mi seon-saeng-nim jeong-bo-reul mi-ri al su it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I know the information about the assigned caregiver in advance? -
Expression: 준비해야 할 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: jun-bi-hae-ya hal geot-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything I need to prepare? -
Expression: 예약 확정 문자를 보내주세요.
Pronunciation: ye-yak hwak-jeong mun-ja-reul bo-nae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please send a confirmation message for the booking. -
Expression: 취소 규정은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: chwi-so gyu-jeong-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the cancellation policy? -
Expression: 비상 연락처를 남겨드릴게요.
Pronunciation: bi-sang yeol-lak-cheo-reul nam-gyeo-deu-ril-kke-yo.
Meaning: I will leave an emergency contact number. -
Expression: 필요한 서류가 있나요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any necessary documents? -
Expression: 돌보미 선생님은 자격증이 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: dol-bo-mi seon-saeng-nim-eun ja-gyeok-jjeung-i it-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Does the caregiver have qualifications/certifications? -
Expression: 모든 내용 확인했습니다. 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: mo-deun nae-yong hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I have confirmed all the details. Thank you. -
Expression: 변경 사항이 있으면 어떻게 연락하면 되나요?
Pronunciation: byeon-gyeong sa-hang-i it-eu-myeon eo-tteo-ke yeol-lak-ha-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: How should I contact you if there are any changes?
Korean Culture Notes
Government Support (아이돌봄 서비스): The Korean government offers a subsidized childcare service called ‘아이돌봄 서비스’ (a-i-dol-bom seo-bi-seu) for eligible families. This is often more affordable than private options but may have waiting lists or specific requirements regarding income or working status. It’s worth checking eligibility if you plan to stay long-term.
Private Agencies and Platforms: Many private childcare agencies and online platforms connect parents with caregivers (돌보미 – dol-bo-mi). These often offer more flexibility, specialized services (like English-speaking caregivers), and faster matching, but typically come at a higher cost.
Types of Care: Common types include ‘시간제 돌봄’ (si-gan-je dol-bom – hourly care), ‘종일제 돌봄’ (jong-il-je dol-bom – full-day care), and ‘등하원 도우미’ (deung-ha-won do-u-mi – help with school pick-up/drop-off). Clearly specifying the type of care you need is important.
Respectful Titles: Caregivers are often referred to respectfully as ‘돌보미 선생님’ (dol-bo-mi seon-saeng-nim – caregiver teacher) or simply ‘선생님’ (seon-saeng-nim – teacher). Using polite language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) when interacting is standard practice.
Clear Communication: Be very specific about your child’s needs, routines (like nap times, meals), allergies, house rules, and emergency contacts. Providing written instructions can be helpful, especially if there’s a language barrier.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A parent (A) calls a private childcare agency (B) to inquire about temporary childcare.
-
Expression: B: 네, [기관 이름] 아이돌봄센터입니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, [gi-gwan i-reum] a-i-dol-bom-sen-teo-im-ni-da. mu-eot-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, this is [Agency Name] Childcare Center. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 아이 돌봄 서비스 문의 좀 드리려고요. 혹시 시간제 돌봄 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, a-i dol-bom seo-bi-seu mun-ui jom deu-ri-ryeo-go-yo. hok-si si-gan-je dol-bom ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Hello, I’m calling to inquire about childcare services. Is hourly care possible? -
Expression: B: 네, 가능합니다. 언제, 몇 시간 정도 필요하신가요? 아이 나이는 어떻게 되고요?
Pronunciation: ne, ga-neung-ham-ni-da. eon-je, myeot si-gan jeong-do pil-yo-ha-sin-ga-yo? a-i na-i-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-go-yo?
Meaning: Yes, it’s possible. When and for about how many hours do you need it? And how old is the child? -
Expression: A: 다음 주 수요일 오후 2시부터 6시까지 네 시간 필요해요. 아이는 다섯 살 남자아이입니다.
Pronunciation: da-eum ju su-yo-il o-hu du-si-bu-teo yeo-seot-si-kka-ji ne si-gan pil-yo-hae-yo. a-i-neun da-seot sal nam-ja-a-i-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I need it for four hours next Wednesday from 2 PM to 6 PM. The child is a five-year-old boy. -
Expression: B: 네, 확인해 보겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려주세요… 네, 그 시간에 가능한 돌보미 선생님 계십니다. 비용은 시간당 [금액]원입니다.
Pronunciation: ne, hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo-ju-se-yo… ne, geu si-gan-e ga-neung-han dol-bo-mi seon-saeng-nim gye-sim-ni-da. bi-yong-eun si-gan-dang [geum-aek]won-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Okay, I will check. Please wait a moment… Yes, we have a caregiver available at that time. The cost is [amount] won per hour. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 그럼 예약할게요. 저희 집 주소는 [주소]입니다.
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. geu-reom ye-yak-hal-kke-yo. jeo-hui jip ju-so-neun [ju-so]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Understood. Then I’ll make the booking. Our home address is [address]. -
Expression: B: 네, 예약 도와드리겠습니다. 아이 관련해서 특별히 주의할 점이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ne, ye-yak do-wa-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. a-i gwal-lyeon-hae-seo teuk-byeol-hi ju-ui-hal jeom-i it-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Okay, I will help you with the booking. Are there any special points to note regarding the child? -
Expression: A: 특별한 건 없는데, 견과류 알레르기가 조금 있어요. 간식 주실 때 주의해 주시면 좋겠습니다.
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-han geon eom-neun-de, gyeon-gwa-ryu al-le-reu-gi-ga jo-geum it-eo-yo. gan-sik ju-sil ttae ju-ui-hae ju-si-myeon jo-ket-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Nothing specific, but he has a slight nut allergy. Please be careful when giving snacks. -
Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 돌보미 선생님께 전달해 드리겠습니다. 예약 확정 문자는 잠시 후에 보내드릴게요.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. dol-bo-mi seon-saeng-nim-kke jeon-dal-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. ye-yak hwak-jeong mun-ja-neun jam-si hu-e bo-nae-deu-ril-kke-yo.
Meaning: Okay, understood. I will pass that on to the caregiver. I’ll send the booking confirmation message shortly. -
Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Okay, thank you!
Practice Tips
Arranging childcare involves important details, so practice is key! Try role-playing conversations with a friend or language partner, taking turns being the parent and the agency staff~ Listen to recordings of native speakers making similar inquiries if possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification using phrases like ‘다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?’ (da-si han-beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-eo-yo? – Could you please say that again?) or ‘조금 천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요?’ (jo-geum cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-eo-yo? – Could you please speak a little slower?). The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting! / You can do it!)
