How to say “Excuse me” in Korean
- 저기요jeogiyo
Excuse me
"Excuse me" in Korean is 저기요 (jeogiyo) when you want to get someone's attention, such as a server or a stranger. Korean uses different words for other meanings: 잠시만요 (jamsimanyo) to get past people, and 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) when you interrupt or enter a room.
Ways to say it
| Korean | Level | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 저기요 jeogiyo | Polite | To get attention: calling a server, or stopping a stranger to ask something. Literally "over there". |
| 잠시만요 jamsimanyo | Polite | To squeeze past people in a crowd or get off a busy subway. Literally "just a moment". |
| 실례합니다 sillyehamnida | Formal | When interrupting, entering an office or someone's home, or passing in front of someone. Literally "I am being rude". |
| 실례지만 sillyejiman | Formal | "Excuse me, but..." A polite way to start a question to a stranger. |
| 죄송합니다 joesonghamnida | Formal | After bumping into someone or making a small mistake, Koreans usually apologize instead of saying "excuse me". |
Examples
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Calling a server in a restaurant
Getting off a crowded subway
Asking a stranger for directions
Tips
In Korean restaurants it is normal to call out 저기요 or 여기요 (yeogiyo, "over here") to get a server's attention. Many tables also have a call button.
Pick the word by the situation, not by the English. Getting attention is 저기요, getting past is 잠시만요, and interrupting is 실례합니다.
In a crowd, many people say nothing at all and just move through. A quick 잠시만요 is still polite and appreciated.
Questions learners ask
How do you call a waiter in Korean?
Raise your hand a little and say 저기요 (jeogiyo) or 여기요 (yeogiyo). This is normal and not rude in Korea.
Is sillyehamnida the same as jeogiyo?
No. 저기요 calls someone's attention. 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) apologizes for interrupting or intruding, for example when you knock and enter a room.