How to Say Excuse Me in Korean: 저기요 (jeogiyo), 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida), 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo)

When beginners start speaking Korean in real-life situations, one of the first challenges is knowing how to politely get someone’s attention. In English, people often say “excuse me,” “hey,” or “just a moment.” Korean conversations use similar expressions, yet the choice of phrase depends heavily on the situation and the level of politeness required.

Three expressions appear very frequently in everyday Korean communication: 저기요 (jeogiyo), 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida), and 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo). 

These phrases help speakers begin conversations politely, ask for attention, or request that someone wait briefly. Because they appear in restaurants, shops, public transportation, and daily conversations, they are extremely useful for language learners.

 

Learning when to use 저기요 (jeogiyo), 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida), and 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) allows beginners to start conversations naturally and politely in Korean. Understanding these attention phrases makes everyday interactions such as ordering food, asking questions, or requesting assistance much smoother.

🗣️ Why Attention Phrases Matter in Korean Conversations

When people begin speaking Korean in real situations, one of the first things they notice is that conversations rarely start abruptly. Instead of immediately asking a question, Korean speakers often begin by politely getting the other person’s attention. This small step helps create a respectful tone before the actual request or conversation begins.

 

In many English-speaking environments, someone might simply say “excuse me” or even begin speaking directly. Korean communication usually follows a softer approach. Attention phrases help signal that the speaker is about to ask something or start a conversation. This makes the interaction sound more considerate and culturally appropriate.

 

For example, imagine someone entering a café and wanting to call a staff member. Instead of immediately giving an order, the speaker often begins with an attention phrase first. This brief expression politely signals that the speaker would like assistance.

 

These expressions are also useful when speaking with strangers in public spaces. If someone needs directions on the street or wants to ask a question in a store, starting with a polite phrase helps avoid sounding abrupt. Because Korean culture values respectful communication, these small expressions play an important role in everyday interactions.

 

Another reason these phrases are important is that Korean communication often emphasizes indirectness. Instead of directly interrupting someone, speakers prefer to signal their intention politely. Attention phrases allow the listener to notice the speaker before the request is made.

 

In addition to politeness, these expressions also help organize the flow of conversation. When someone hears an attention phrase, they understand that the speaker is about to ask something or begin a new interaction. This shared understanding helps conversations proceed smoothly.

 

Korean learners quickly discover that these expressions appear frequently in daily life. Whether someone is calling a waiter, asking a stranger for help, or requesting that a friend wait a moment, attention phrases often appear at the beginning of the sentence.

 

Understanding how these phrases function helps learners avoid sounding too direct. Instead of starting a sentence abruptly, adding a polite expression helps maintain the respectful tone that Korean conversations typically follow.

 

The table below shows three common Korean attention phrases that beginners often hear in everyday conversations.

 

📊 Common Korean Attention Phrases

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
저기요	jeogiyo	Excuse me / Hey there
실례합니다	sillyehamnida	Excuse me (formal)
잠시만요	jamshimanyo	Just a moment / Wait please

 

As learners begin interacting with people in Korean-speaking environments, they will hear these expressions used frequently. They appear in restaurants, public transportation, shops, and everyday conversations between strangers.

 

Understanding how attention phrases work helps beginners start conversations politely and naturally in Korean. Once these expressions become familiar, everyday interactions feel much smoother.

 

👋 저기요 (jeogiyo): Getting Someone’s Attention Politely

Among Korean attention phrases, 저기요 (jeogiyo) is one of the most frequently used in everyday life. This expression is commonly used when someone wants to politely get another person’s attention, especially in service situations such as restaurants, cafés, or stores. It functions similarly to saying “excuse me” or “hey there” in English, but the tone is generally softer and more polite.

 

Korean speakers often use 저기요 (jeogiyo) when calling a waiter, speaking to a store employee, or asking a stranger for assistance. Instead of immediately asking a question, the speaker first uses this phrase to signal that they would like to begin a conversation. This small expression helps make the interaction sound polite and considerate.

 

For example, imagine a customer sitting in a restaurant who wants to order food. Rather than calling loudly or speaking directly, the customer may first say 저기요 (jeogiyo) to politely get the staff member’s attention. Once the staff member responds, the customer can then continue with the request.

 

This phrase is also useful in everyday public situations. If someone wants to ask for directions on the street or needs help finding something in a store, starting the conversation with 저기요 (jeogiyo) helps make the interaction sound respectful and natural.

 

Another important feature of 저기요 (jeogiyo) is that it is flexible and widely understood. It does not require knowledge of the other person’s name or title. Because of this, learners often find it extremely helpful when speaking with strangers.

 

However, it is worth remembering that tone matters when using this phrase. Saying 저기요 (jeogiyo) politely with a friendly voice helps maintain a respectful atmosphere. If it is shouted loudly, it may sound less polite even though the word itself is neutral.

 

For language learners visiting Korea, mastering this phrase can make everyday situations much easier. Whether ordering food, asking a question, or requesting help, starting with 저기요 (jeogiyo) helps initiate conversations smoothly.

 

Over time, learners will notice that this expression appears frequently in public spaces. It has become a common way to politely get someone’s attention without sounding overly formal or distant.

 

📊 Examples of 저기요 (jeogiyo) in Conversation

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
저기요	jeogiyo	Excuse me / Hello there
저기요 주문할게요	jeogiyo jumunhalgeyo	Excuse me, I’d like to order
저기요 질문 있어요	jeogiyo jilmun isseoyo	Excuse me, I have a question

 

As learners gain experience interacting with people in Korean-speaking environments, they will hear 저기요 (jeogiyo) used frequently in restaurants, shops, and public spaces. It provides a simple and polite way to begin a conversation.

 

By using 저기요 (jeogiyo), beginners can politely get someone’s attention and start everyday Korean conversations more naturally.

 

🙇 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida): A Formal Way to Say Excuse Me

Another important attention phrase in Korean is 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida). This expression is a formal and respectful way to say “excuse me.” Compared to 저기요 (jeogiyo), which sounds more casual and conversational, 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) carries a stronger sense of politeness and formality.

 

Korean speakers commonly use 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) when addressing someone in a more formal situation or when speaking to a stranger in a respectful way. The phrase literally comes from the word 실례 (sillye), meaning “rudeness” or “improper behavior.” By saying 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida), the speaker politely acknowledges that they may be interrupting someone.

 

This expression is especially useful when asking for help or passing through a crowded space. For example, if someone needs to walk between people in a busy subway station, saying 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) politely signals that they are about to pass by.

 

Another common situation occurs when speaking to someone in a professional environment. If a person wants to ask a question in an office or approach someone they do not know, beginning with 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) helps maintain a respectful tone.

 

This phrase also appears frequently in customer service interactions. Customers may say 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) before asking for assistance in a store or when speaking to someone in a formal setting. Because the expression sounds polite and considerate, it works well when the speaker wants to show extra respect.

 

Another advantage of this phrase is that it can function in multiple situations. It can be used when getting someone’s attention, when apologizing for interrupting, or when politely passing by someone. This flexibility makes it a valuable expression for language learners.

 

Although the phrase is more formal than 저기요 (jeogiyo), it is still widely used in daily Korean conversations. Many speakers choose this expression when they want to sound especially polite or respectful toward the person they are addressing.

 

Understanding when to use 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) helps learners navigate situations that require a slightly higher level of politeness. It is particularly useful when interacting with strangers, older individuals, or professionals.

 

📊 Examples of 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
실례합니다	sillyehamnida	Excuse me (formal)
실례합니다 길 좀 물어봐도 될까요	sillyehamnida gil jom mureobwado doelkkayo	Excuse me, may I ask for directions?
실례합니다 지나갈게요	sillyehamnida jinagalgeyo	Excuse me, I’ll pass by

 

As learners gain experience with Korean conversations, they will notice that 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) appears frequently in formal or respectful situations. It allows speakers to start interactions politely while acknowledging that they may be interrupting someone.

 

Using 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) helps beginners sound respectful and considerate when speaking with strangers or in formal Korean situations.

 

⏳ 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo): Asking Someone to Wait a Moment

The phrase 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) is another extremely useful expression in everyday Korean conversations. This phrase means “just a moment” or “please wait a moment,” and speakers commonly use it when they need a short amount of time before continuing the conversation.

 

In Korean communication, 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) often appears when someone needs to pause briefly. For example, a store employee might say this phrase while checking information for a customer. The expression politely signals that the speaker needs a moment before responding.

 

This phrase is very common in service situations and daily conversations. When someone answers the phone, searches for information, or prepares something for another person, 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) helps maintain a polite tone while asking for patience.

 

For instance, imagine a customer asking a question in a store. If the employee needs to check inventory or confirm information, they may say 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) before looking up the answer. This brief phrase reassures the customer that assistance is coming shortly.

 

Another common situation occurs during phone conversations. When someone answers a phone call and needs to call another person to the phone, they often say 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo). The phrase politely asks the caller to wait for a moment.

 

The expression is also useful in casual conversations between friends. If someone needs a moment to think, finish a task, or check something on their phone, they may say 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) before continuing the conversation.

 

One reason learners find this phrase easy to remember is that it appears very frequently in real-life Korean interactions. Whether in shops, offices, or daily conversations, speakers often use 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) when requesting a short pause.

 

Understanding this expression helps learners respond appropriately in situations where patience is needed. When someone says 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo), it usually means they will continue the conversation shortly.

 

📊 Examples of 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo)

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
잠시만요	jamshimanyo	Just a moment / Wait please
잠시만요 확인해 볼게요	jamshimanyo hwagin hae bolgeyo	Just a moment, I will check
잠시만요 곧 갈게요	jamshimanyo got galgeyo	Please wait a moment, I will come soon

 

As learners spend more time listening to Korean conversations, they will notice this phrase appearing very often. It helps speakers politely pause a conversation without sounding abrupt or dismissive.

 

By understanding how 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) works, beginners can handle everyday Korean conversations more naturally when they need a short moment before continuing.

 

🧭 Choosing the Right Phrase in Real Situations

After learning expressions like 저기요 (jeogiyo), 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida), and 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo), many Korean learners begin wondering which phrase they should actually use in daily conversations. The choice usually depends on the situation, the relationship between speakers, and the level of politeness required in the moment.

 

The easiest way to choose the correct phrase is to think about the situation first. If the goal is simply to get someone’s attention in a casual environment such as a restaurant or shop, 저기요 (jeogiyo) works naturally. It is polite but not overly formal, which makes it very common in everyday service situations.

 

When the situation requires a slightly higher level of politeness, many Korean speakers prefer 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida). This phrase is appropriate when speaking to strangers in formal environments, asking for directions, or passing through a crowded space. Because the expression acknowledges possible inconvenience, it sounds especially respectful.

 

Another common scenario occurs when someone needs a brief pause before continuing the conversation. In these cases, 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) becomes the most appropriate choice. The phrase politely asks the listener to wait for a short moment while the speaker finishes something or checks information.

 

Real-life situations often help learners understand these differences more clearly. Imagine someone calling a waiter in a restaurant. In that case, starting with 저기요 (jeogiyo) would sound natural. If the same person wanted to ask a stranger on the street for directions, 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) might sound more respectful.

 

Another example might occur during a phone call. If someone answers the phone and needs to transfer the call to another person, they often say 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo). This politely asks the caller to wait for a moment while the situation is handled.

 

Observing how Korean speakers use these phrases in real situations helps learners develop intuition about which expression sounds most natural. Over time, these small differences become easier to recognize in everyday conversations.

 

The table below summarizes how each attention phrase typically appears in different situations.

 

📊 Choosing the Right Korean Attention Phrase

Situation	Phrase	Romanization
Calling staff in a restaurant	저기요	jeogiyo
Speaking politely to a stranger	실례합니다	sillyehamnida
Asking someone to wait briefly	잠시만요	jamshimanyo

 

As learners become more comfortable with Korean communication, choosing between these phrases becomes much easier. Understanding the context of the situation helps determine which expression sounds most natural.

 

By recognizing the difference between 저기요 (jeogiyo), 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida), and 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo), beginners can start conversations more politely and naturally in Korean.

 

⚠️ Common Mistakes with Korean Attention Phrases

When beginners begin speaking Korean in real situations, attention phrases such as 저기요 (jeogiyo), 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida), and 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) quickly become part of everyday conversation. However, learners sometimes make small mistakes when choosing which phrase to use. These mistakes usually happen because the expressions may seem similar in English translation.

 

One common mistake is using 저기요 (jeogiyo) in situations that require more formal language. While 저기요 (jeogiyo) is polite in everyday situations, it may sound too casual in formal environments such as professional meetings or official settings. In those cases, using 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) would sound more respectful.

 

Another frequent misunderstanding occurs when learners confuse the purpose of 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo). This phrase is used when asking someone to wait for a moment, yet some learners mistakenly use it when they actually want to get someone’s attention. In those situations, 저기요 (jeogiyo) or 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) would sound more natural.

 

Some learners also assume that these phrases can be used interchangeably in all situations. In reality, Korean speakers choose different expressions depending on the level of politeness and the type of interaction. Paying attention to context helps determine which phrase sounds most appropriate.

 

Another small mistake involves tone and delivery. Even when the correct phrase is used, speaking too loudly or abruptly may sound less polite. Korean communication often values a calm and respectful tone, especially when speaking to strangers.

 

Watching how Korean speakers interact in everyday environments can help learners avoid these mistakes. Observing conversations in restaurants, shops, or public transportation provides useful examples of how attention phrases appear naturally in real situations.

 

With practice, learners gradually develop a sense of when each expression sounds most appropriate. Over time, these phrases become a natural part of starting conversations politely in Korean.

 

The table below highlights several common mistakes learners make and the more natural alternatives used in Korean conversations.

 

📊 Common Attention Phrase Mistakes

Mistake	Better Phrase	Explanation
Using 저기요 in formal situations	실례합니다	More respectful and formal
Using 잠시만요 to call someone	저기요	Better for getting attention
Using phrases without context	Choose based on situation	Politeness level matters

 

As learners gain more experience speaking Korean, these small differences become easier to recognize. Paying attention to context and tone helps ensure that conversations sound polite and natural.

 

By understanding these common mistakes, beginners can use Korean attention phrases more confidently and start conversations smoothly in everyday situations.

 

❓ FAQ

Q1. What does 저기요 (jeogiyo) mean in Korean?

저기요 (jeogiyo) is a polite way to get someone’s attention. It is commonly used in restaurants, shops, or public places when speaking to a stranger.

 

Q2. When should I use 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)?

실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) is used in more formal situations. It can mean “excuse me” when asking for help, passing someone, or politely interrupting.

 

Q3. What does 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) mean?

잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) means “just a moment” or “please wait a moment.” It is used when asking someone to wait briefly.

 

Q4. Is 저기요 (jeogiyo) polite?

Yes. 저기요 (jeogiyo) is polite in everyday situations, although it is less formal than 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida).

 

Q5. Can I use 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) with strangers?

Yes. It is often used when speaking politely to strangers, especially when asking questions or requesting help.

 

Q6. Is 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) used in phone conversations?

Yes. When answering a phone and asking the caller to wait briefly, speakers often say 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo).

 

Q7. Can 저기요 (jeogiyo) be used in restaurants?

Yes. Customers commonly say 저기요 (jeogiyo) to politely call a waiter or staff member.

 

Q8. What is the most formal phrase among these?

실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) is the most formal and respectful expression among the three.

 

Q9. Can 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) start a conversation?

Usually no. It is mainly used when asking someone to wait, not when getting attention.

 

Q10. Is tone important when saying 저기요 (jeogiyo)?

Yes. A polite and calm tone helps the phrase sound respectful.

 

Q11. Can these phrases be used with friends?

Yes. Friends sometimes use them casually, especially 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo).

 

Q12. Do Korean dramas use these expressions?

Yes. They appear frequently in everyday dialogue scenes.

 

Q13. Are these phrases difficult for beginners?

No. They are simple expressions that beginners can start using immediately in daily conversations.

 

Q14. Which phrase should I learn first?

Many learners start with 저기요 (jeogiyo) because it is very common in everyday situations.

 

Q15. Can 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) mean sorry?

Sometimes it can sound like a polite apology when someone interrupts another person.

 

Q16. Is 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) used in stores?

Yes. Staff may say it while checking information or preparing something.

 

Q17. Can I combine these phrases with questions?

Yes. For example, 실례합니다 길 좀 물어봐도 될까요 (sillyehamnida gil jom mureobwado doelkkayo).

 

Q18. Are these phrases used in public transportation?

Yes. People often say 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) when passing through crowded spaces.

 

Q19. Can I hear these phrases in daily Korean life?

Yes. They appear frequently in restaurants, stores, and public places.

 

Q20. Are these phrases polite?

Yes. They help maintain respectful and considerate communication.

 

Q21. Can foreigners use these phrases easily?

Yes. Korean speakers generally appreciate when learners try to use polite expressions.

 

Q22. Are these phrases used every day?

Yes. They are part of everyday Korean communication.

 

Q23. Do these phrases show respect?

Yes. They help speakers begin conversations politely.

 

Q24. Can I learn them from watching Korean shows?

Yes. Korean dramas and variety programs often show these expressions in natural contexts.

 

Q25. Are these phrases used by all ages?

Yes. People of all ages use them in daily life.

 

Q26. Is 저기요 (jeogiyo) casual?

It is casual but still polite enough for everyday public interactions.

 

Q27. Can 잠시만요 (jamshimanyo) be used online?

Sometimes it appears in online chats when someone asks for a moment.

 

Q28. Why are these phrases important?

They help start conversations politely and smoothly in Korean.

 

Q29. Are these phrases easy to pronounce?

Yes. With practice, beginners can pronounce them clearly.

 

Q30. Why should beginners learn these expressions?

They are essential for everyday Korean conversations and polite communication.