Learning how to say “excuse me” when passing someone in Korean is an essential skill for any language learner or traveler. Whether you are in a formal or informal setting, being polite and respectful is highly valued in Korean culture. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “excuse me” in Korean, including both formal and informal expressions. We will also provide tips, examples, and regional variations where applicable.
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Formal Expressions
When you are in a formal setting or talking to someone older or of higher social status, it is important to use formal expressions. Here are a few ways to say “excuse me” in formal Korean:
1. 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)
This is the most common way to say “excuse me” in formal situations. It is polite and appropriate for various contexts. For example:
실례합니다. 지나가도 될까요? (Excuse me. May I pass by?)
2. 지나가겠습니다 (jinagagesseumnida)
This expression is particularly suitable when you want to inform someone politely that you will be passing by. Here’s an example:
지나가겠습니다. 부득이하게 지나가게 돼서 죄송합니다. (Excuse me. I apologize for having to pass by unavoidably.)
Informal Expressions
When you are in an informal setting or talking to someone younger or of equal social status, you can use more casual expressions. Here are a few ways to say “excuse me” in informal Korean:
1. 저기요 (jeogiyo)
This expression is commonly used to get someone’s attention or politely ask them to make way. It is less formal than “실례합니다”. For example:
저기요. 좀 비켜주세요. (Excuse me. Could you please move a little?)
2. 잠깐 실례할게요 (jamkkan sillyehalgeyo)
This phrase is used to apologize briefly before passing by someone. Here’s an example:
잠깐 실례할게요. 지나갈게요. (Excuse me for a moment. I will pass by.)
Regional Variations
Korean is spoken in various regions, and there might be some regional variations in expressions. However, the formal and informal phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout Korea. It’s good to be aware of regional variations if you plan to travel or interact with locals from different areas, but it’s not necessary for everyday communication.
Helpful Tips:
- Always use polite language when speaking to someone older, of higher social status, or in a formal setting.
- Make sure to include “실례합니다” or “저기요” at the beginning of your sentence to catch the person’s attention and show politeness.
- If you accidentally bump into someone while passing, it is common to say “실례합니다” or “미안합니다” (I’m sorry) as an additional apology.
- Remember to maintain a friendly and warm tone while using these expressions.
By using these phrases and following the tips provided, you will be able to politely say “excuse me” when passing someone in Korean. Being respectful and considerate of others is highly valued in Korean culture, and your efforts will be appreciated by locals. Practice these phrases in different situations to become more comfortable and confident in your Korean language skills.
Now that you have learned how to say “excuse me” in Korean, you can navigate through crowded places or interact with people smoothly during your visits to Korea. Enjoy your language learning journey and have a great time exploring the rich culture of Korea!
