실례합니다
sil-lye-ham-ni-da
In Korean, 'pardon me' is translated as 실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da).
실례합니다 is used to get someone's attention or to apologize for a minor intrusion, such as passing by someone in a crowded space. You may also use 실례지만 as a polite way to preface a question or a request, meaning 'Excuse me, but…'. To get someone's attention in a common and polite way, you can also use 저기요.
Meaning: sorry, as an apology (phrase)
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 used to excuse oneself or initiate an interaction, 죄송합니다 is used for a more sincere apology for a mistake or wrongdoing.
How do you pronounce it?
sil-lye-ham-ni-da
Did you know?
- The word 실례 comes from Hanja, where 실 means 'lose' and 례 means 'etiquette', literally meaning that one has 'lost' their manners.
- The phrase 저기요 literally means 'over there', and it is the most common way to call a server in a restaurant rather than using the formal 실례합니다.
- While 실례합니다 is a polite apology, Koreans often avoid saying it at all in crowded spaces, preferring to simply use a small bow or a gentle nudge to pass by.
Examples in context
- 저기요, 이 책 가격이 얼마예요?Excuse me, how much does this book cost?
- 저기요, 학교는 어디에 있어요?Pardon me, where is the school located?
- 죄송합니다, 제가 잠깐 내용을 확인하고 싶은데요.Pardon me, I would like to quickly check the content.
- 미안해, 조금만 기다려 줄 수 있을까?Pardon me, can you wait a little bit?
- 잠시만요, 좀 도와 주실래요?Pardon me, could you help me for a moment?
- 잠시만요, 이 부분을 설명해 줄 수 있을까요?Excuse me, can you explain this part?
- 실례합니다, 길 좀 여쭤볼게요.sillyehamnida, gil jom yeojjwobolgeyo.Pardon me, I would like to ask for directions.
- 실례합니다, 잠시만 지나갈게요.sillyehamnida, jamsiman jinagalgeyo.Pardon me, let me pass through for a moment.
- 실례합니다, 이것 좀 도와주시겠어요?sillyehamnida, igeot jom dowajusigesseoyo?Pardon me, could you help me with this?
Example conversation
Minjun approaches Subin in a crowded library.
- 민준 Min-jun실례합니다, 여기 앉아도 될까요?sillyehamnida, yeogi anjado doelkkayo?Pardon me, may I sit here?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 앉으셔도 돼요.ne, anjeusyeodo dwaeyo.Yes, you may sit.
- 민준 Min-jun감사합니다.gamsahamnida.Thank you.
- 수빈 Su-bin아니에요.anieyo.You're welcome.
