저기요, 아저씨
jeogiyo, ajeossi
저기요, 아저씨 (jeogiyo, ajeossi) is the Korean way to say excuse me, sir.
This phrase is used to get the attention of a man who is a stranger and appears to be middle-aged.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 저기요 literally means over there, but it is used as a polite way to say excuse me to get someone's attention.
How do you pronounce it?
jeogiyo, ajeossi
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 아저씨 for men who appear significantly younger, such as those in their 20s, because it may imply that they look old.
Did you know?
- If you are in a restaurant, you can shout 저기요 loudly to get a server's attention without being considered rude, which differs from the quiet 'excuse me' used in English.
- While 아저씨 is used for strangers, it is also a common way for children to refer to their father's cousins or other male relatives in the extended family.
- The word 아저씨 was recorded in the Jīlín lèishì as early as 1103, long before the modern hangul script was used to write it.
Examples in context
- 저기요. 지하철역이 어디에 있나요?Excuse me, where is the subway station?
- 저기요, 아저씨, 이것 좀 도와주세요.jeogiyo, ajeossi, igeot jom dowajuseyo.Excuse me, sir, please help me with this.
- 저기요, 아저씨, 물건을 떨어뜨리셨어요.jeogiyo, ajeossi, mulgeoneul tteoreotrisyeosseoyo.Excuse me, sir, you dropped something.
Example conversation
Minji is asking a male stranger for help at a bus stop.
- 민지 Min-ji저기요, 아저씨. 버스 언제 와요?jeogiyo, ajeossi. beoseu eonje wayo?Excuse me, sir. When does the bus arrive?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아마 5분 뒤에 올 거예요.ama obun dwi-e ol geoyeyo.It will probably come in five minutes.
- 민지 Min-ji감사합니다!gamsahamnida!Thank you!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 아니에요.ne, anieyeyo.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아저씨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
