저기요
How to say excuse me in Korean A1
저기요 to call a waiter, 실례합니다 to interrupt, 잠시만요 to pass — three “excuse me”s and when each fits.
Every form, from formal to casual
English uses one phrase; Korean splits it by purpose: getting attention, interrupting, or asking people to move.
| Korean | Romanization | Level | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 저기요 | jeogiyo | Polite | Calling staff / a stranger |
| 실례합니다 | sillyehamnida | Formal | Before interrupting or asking |
| 실례지만 | sillyejiman | Formal | “Excuse me, but…” before a question |
| 잠시만요 | jamsimanyo | Polite | Let me through / one moment |
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | Formal | After bumping someone |
| 여기요 | yeogiyo | Polite | Restaurant: “over here!” |
Which one do I actually use?
Restaurant: raise a hand and say 저기요 or 여기요 — no one is offended. Crowded subway door: 잠시만요 as you move. Asking a stranger for directions: 실례지만, 여기가 어디예요? If you actually bump someone, switch to 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation notes
- 저기요
jeo-gi-yo, rising slightly on 요 to catch attention.
- 실례합니다
실례 → [실레]: ㄹ + ㄹ is a clear “ll”.
Vocabulary set
Cards are saved in this browser and scheduled with spaced repetition.
Quick drill
Common mistakes
- ✗ 죄송합니다 to call a waiter✓ 저기요죄송 apologizes; 저기요 simply gets attention.
- ✗ 실례합니다 to pass through a crowd✓ 잠시만요잠시만요 is the natural “let me through.”
Example sentences
저기요, 물 좀 주세요.
jeogiyo, mul jom juseyo.
Excuse me, some water please.
잠시만요, 내릴게요.
jamsimanyo, naerilgeyo.
Excuse me, I’m getting off.
FAQ
How do you say excuse me in Korean to call a waiter?
저기요 or 여기요 with a raised hand.
How do you say excuse me to pass through people?
잠시만요 (“just a moment”) or 지나갈게요 (“I’ll pass through”).
What does 실례합니다 mean?
“Pardon the intrusion” — used before interrupting, entering, or asking a stranger something.
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