실례합니다
sillyehamnida
In Korean, 'excuse me politely' is expressed as 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida).
실례합니다 is a formal expression used to get someone's attention, ask for assistance or apologize for a small interruption such as bumping into someone. Other phrases can be used depending on the specific social context: 저기요 is used to call a stranger's or a waiter's attention, while 잠깐만요 is used in casual settings to get attention momentarily or to ask for a small favor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the noun 실례, which means 'rudeness' or 'discourtesy'.
Which one should you use?
While 실례합니다 is a formal expression, 실례해요 is a slightly less formal but still polite version used in everyday social situations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
실례합니다 is the formal way to say 'excuse me', making it appropriate for addressing strangers or using in professional settings. For a slightly less formal but still polite approach, you might use 실례할게요 or 실례해요.
How do you pronounce it?
sillyehamnida
Did you know?
- The word 실례 uses Chinese characters meaning 'actual' and 'ritual'. To say 실례합니다 is literally to admit that you are breaking the proper social ritual of the moment.
- If you accidentally bump into someone, saying 실례합니다 is polite, but pairing it with a slight bow is considered essential to actually convey the sincerity of the apology.
- The phrase 실례합니다 can be used as a polite way to enter a room or a private office, acting as a verbal request for permission to disturb someone's space.
Examples in context
- 실례합니다. 이 주소를 찾아주시겠어요?Excuse me, could you please help me find this address?
- 실례하겠습니다. 지나갈 수 있을까요?Excuse me, may I pass through?
- 실례지만 물 한 잔 가져다 주실 수 있을까요?Excuse me, could you please get me a glass of water?
- 실례합니다, 길 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?Excuse me, may I ask for directions?
- 실례합니다, 이것 좀 도와주실 수 있나요?sillyehamnida, igeot jom dowajusil su innayo?Excuse me, can you help me with this?
Example conversation
Dohyun is trying to get Seoyeon's attention in a crowded cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon실례합니다, 혹시 여기 자리 있나요?sillyehamnida, hoksi yeogi jari innayo?Excuse me, is this seat taken?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니요, 없어요. 앉으세요.aniyo, eopseoyo. anjeuseyo.No, it isn't. Please sit down.
- 도현 Do-hyeon감사합니다.gamsahamnida.Thank you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 천천히 드세요.ne, cheoncheonhi deuseyo.Yes, please enjoy your drink.
