As you navigate through the vibrant streets of Korea, you might find yourself in situations where you need to politely ask someone to move aside. Whether you’re in a crowded market, bustling subway station, or simply trying to traverse a busy sidewalk, it’s important to know how to politely and effectively communicate your need to pass through. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “move aside” in Korean, along with some regional variations. Get ready to empower yourself with Korean language skills!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Move Aside” in Korean:
When addressing individuals who are older, superior, or unfamiliar to you, it’s crucial to use formal language to convey respect. Here are some formal phrases you can use to request someone to move aside:
1. 옆으로 비켜 주세요 (Yeopeuro bikyeo juseyo)
This phrase translates to “Please move aside.” It is a polite and formal way to ask someone to make way for you. Remember to say it with a warm smile and a respectful tone.
2. 양해 부탁드립니다 (Yanghae butakdeurimnida)
This phrase is slightly more formal and can be translated as “Please understand and let me through.” It shows a high level of politeness and is appropriate when you want to express gratitude in advance for their cooperation.
Informal Ways to Say “Move Aside” in Korean:
When communicating with friends, colleagues, or people of a similar age or status, you can use more casual and informal language. Here are some informal phrases to ask someone to move aside:
1. 옆으로 비켜 (Yeopeuro bikyeo)
This phrase is a casual way to say “Move aside.” It’s suitable when talking to peers or friends in a relaxed setting. Remember to maintain a friendly tone when using this phrase.
2. 좀 비켜 줄래? (Jom bikyeo jullae?)
This phrase is even more informal and can be translated as, “Can you move aside a bit?” It is appropriate when you are in a friendly or familiar environment where formal language isn’t required.
Regional Variations:
Korea is a diverse country with regional variations in language usage. While the phrases mentioned above are understood throughout the country, native Koreans might use slightly different expressions in specific regions:
1. In Seoul and Gyeonggi Province:
People might use the phrase “옆으로 어서 해주세요” (Yeopeuro eoseo haejuseyo), meaning “Please move aside.”
2. In Busan and the Gyeongsang Province:
A commonly heard expression is “옆으로 내게 보내 주실래요?” (Yeopeuro naege bonae jusillaeyo?), which translates to “Could you move aside for me?”
Tips and Examples:
Tips:
- Always maintain a polite and respectful tone when asking someone to move aside.
- Accompany your request with a warm smile and friendly body language.
- Learning basic Korean phrases and greetings can greatly enhance your interactions.
- Be patient and understanding if someone doesn’t immediately respond to your request.
- Showing gratitude and saying “감사합니다” (gamsahamnida), meaning “Thank you,” is always appreciated.
Examples:
Formal:
You: 실례지만, 옆으로 비켜 주세요. (Sillyejiman, yeopeuro bikyeo juseyo.)
Stranger: 네, 알겠습니다. (Ne, algesseumnida.)
You: 감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.)
Informal:
You: 형, 좀 비켜 줄래? (Hyeong, jom bikyeo jullae?)
Friend: 그러면 좀 이쪽으로 나가. (Geureomyeon jom jjoccuro naga.)
You: 고마워. (Gomawo.)
In Conclusion:
Being able to politely ask someone to move aside is an essential skill when navigating crowded areas in Korea. Whether you opt for the formal or informal expressions, it’s crucial to respect the local customs and norms. Remember to maintain a warm and polite tone, coupled with friendly body language, to ensure a smooth and positive interaction. Practice these phrases, immerse yourself in the Korean culture, and enjoy exploring the beautiful country!
