Report a problem at home in Korean
Explain a water, light, heating, or appliance problem and ask when it can be checked using polite beginner Korean.
Name the item, add 안 돼요 or a specific problem, and politely ask 확인해 주세요. Use 언제 고칠 수 있어요? to ask when it can be repaired.
Start with what is not working
안 돼요 means that something does not work or is not possible in the current situation. 난방이 안 돼요 means the heating is not working. 인터넷이 안 돼요 means the internet is not working. Name the item first so the listener knows which problem you mean. 안 돼요 is broad, so add one clear detail when you can.
Describe water and light problems
수도가 안 나와요 means the tap water is not running. 전등이 안 켜져요 means the light does not turn on. 나오다 literally has several uses, but with water it can describe water coming out. 켜지다 describes something turning on. These sentences report the result without guessing what caused the problem.
Ask someone to check
확인해 주세요 means please check it. Attach the request after your description: 난방이 안 돼요. 확인해 주세요. This is polite and direct. If you are contacting a landlord, building manager, hotel desk, or repair service, give the room or unit information only through an appropriate private channel.
Ask about repair timing
언제 고칠 수 있어요? means when can it be repaired? 고치다 means to fix or repair. You may also hear 기사님이 언제 오세요?, meaning when will the technician come? Listen for a day and time, then repeat it to confirm if needed.
Close with a practical confirmation
오늘 오후에 확인할게요 means I will check this afternoon. If someone gives you an appointment, repeat the time: 네, 오후 세 시 맞아요. This means yes, three in the afternoon is correct. Avoid touching electrical, gas, or heating equipment when professional help is needed.
Useful examples
| 난방이 안 돼요 | nanbangi an dwaeyo | The heating is not working |
| 수도가 안 나와요 | sudoga an nawayo | The tap water is not running |
| 전등이 안 켜져요 | jeondeungi an kyeojyeoyo | The light does not turn on |
| 확인해 주세요 | hwaginhae juseyo | Please check it |
| 언제 고칠 수 있어요? | eonje gochil su isseoyo? | When can it be repaired? |
Try it yourself
Tell a building manager that the heating is not working and ask for a check.
난방이 안 돼요. 확인해 주세요.
Ask when the problem can be repaired.
언제 고칠 수 있어요?
Can 안 돼요 describe every problem?
It is a useful broad expression, but a specific detail such as 안 나와요 or 안 켜져요 makes the problem clearer.
Should I try to repair the equipment myself?
Use the Korean to report the problem. Follow building guidance and seek qualified help for electrical, gas, heating, or other unsafe repairs.
About this guide
This is an original Haru Korean learning guide. Meanings and pronunciation can vary by context. Use the linked sources when provided and consult the Korean–English Learners’ Dictionary for dictionary entries and audio.