What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 방해 (disturbance/interference) and the verb 하다 (to do), combined with the connective suffix -어서 (because/so), resulting in the meaning "because (I am) disturbing/interfering."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 방해해서 is a plain connective form and should be followed by an appropriate ending to match the level of politeness required for the situation. 실례합니다 is a formal expression used when apologizing for interrupting or asking if you are causing inconvenience. 미안해, 방해되니? is a casual way to apologize and ask if it's an interruptive time.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a complete sentence, the phrase is often followed by an apology like 죄송합니다 (I am sorry) to form a polite expression, like 방해해서 죄송합니다 (I am sorry for disturbing you).
How do you pronounce it?
banghaehaeseo
Did you know?
- Korean has several ways to apologize for 'taking someone's time', such as 시간 뺏어서, which literally means 'stealing your time'. This is often used interchangeably with 방해해서 when the interruption involves a long conversation.
- When saying 방해해서 죄송합니다, a slight bow of the head is expected. The depth of the bow changes depending on how significantly you believe you have disrupted the other person's workflow.
- The root noun 방해 can also be used to describe physical barriers or obstacles in a way that 'disturbance' cannot in English. For example, a fallen tree blocking a road is a 방해물 or 'disturbance object'.
Examples in context
- 실례합니다, 혹시 방해되는 건가요?Excuse me, is it disturbing you?
- 양해 부탁드립니다, 방해가 되시지는 않으신가요?I kindly request your understanding, am I disturbing you?
- 미안해, 방해되니? 얘기해도 되려나?Sorry, am I disturbing you? Can we talk?
- 방해해서 죄송합니다.bang-hae-hae-seo joe-song-hap-ni-da.I am sorry for disturbing you.
- 바쁜데 방해해서 미안해.ba-ppeun-de bang-hae-hae-seo mi-an-hae.I am sorry for disturbing you while you are busy.
- 잠시 방해해서 죄송해요.jam-si bang-hae-hae-seo joe-song-hae-yo.I am sorry for disturbing you for a moment.
Example conversation
Jihoon approaches Minji at her desk to ask a question.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 업무 중에 방해해서 죄송해요.Min-ji ssi, eom-mu jung-e bang-hae-hae-seo joe-song-hae-yo.Minji, I am sorry for disturbing you during work.
- 민지 Min-ji아니에요, 지훈 씨. 무슨 일이에요?a-ni-e-yo, Ji-hun ssi. mu-seun il-i-e-yo?It's okay, Jihoon. What is it?
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 서류 좀 확인해 주실 수 있나요?i seo-ryu jom hwa-gin-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?Could you please check this document?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 지금 바로 봐 드릴게요.ne, ji-geum ba-ro bwa deu-ril-ge-yo.Yes, I will look at it right away.
