When visiting or living in Korea, knowing how to say “excuse me” is essential for navigating various social situations and showing respect. This phrase allows you to politely grab someone’s attention or apologize for any inconvenience caused. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “excuse me” in Korean, and provide helpful tips and examples along the way.
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The Formal Way to Say “Excuse Me” in Korean
In formal situations, such as addressing elders, respected individuals, or using polite speech, you should use the phrase “실례합니다” (shil-le-ham-ni-da). This expression is commonly used when you want to interrupt someone or ask for assistance.
Example:
Person A: 실례합니다, 한국어를 가르쳐 주실 수 있나요? (Excuse me, could you teach me Korean?)
Person B: 네, 물론입니다. (Yes, of course.)
Note that this phrase is used to show utmost respect and formality. It is typically used in formal situations, such as in business settings, when speaking to someone older or of higher social status, or when seeking assistance from strangers.
The Informal Way to Say “Excuse Me” in Korean
In informal situations among friends, family, or with people of similar age or social status, you can use the phrase “실례해요” (shil-le-hae-yo). This expression is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversations.
Example:
Person A: 실례해요, 지나갈게요. (Excuse me, I’ll pass by.)
Person B: 네, 그래. (Yes, sure.)
Please keep in mind that the use of informal speech should be reserved for situations where it is appropriate, such as interactions with peers, close friends, or when speaking to someone of a similar social status who has given you permission to do so.
Tips for Saying “Excuse Me” in Korean:
- Use a polite tone of voice when saying “excuse me” in Korean, regardless of whether you are using the formal or informal expression.
- If you want to grab someone’s attention politely without interrupting, you can say “잠시만요” (jam-shi-man-yo), which means “wait a moment.”
- When saying “excuse me” to pass through a crowded space, you can use the phrase “저기요” (jeo-gi-yo), which means “excuse me” or “pardon me.”
- Always try to make eye contact while saying “excuse me” to ensure that you have the person’s attention before continuing your conversation or requesting assistance.
Regional Variations:
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout Korea, it’s worth noting that there might be slight regional variations in the way people say “excuse me.” However, the differences are minimal, and using either the formal or informal expressions mentioned earlier will be appropriate across most regions of South Korea.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “excuse me” in Korean is crucial for navigating social interactions with politeness and respect. Whether you choose to use the formal expression “실례합니다” (shil-le-ham-ni-da) or the informal expression “실례해요” (shil-le-hae-yo), remember to adapt your language depending on the formality of the situation and the person you are addressing. By using these phrases correctly, you’ll be able to navigate various social settings in Korea smoothly. So, go ahead and give it a try – “실례합니다” or “실례해요”?
