How to Say “Excuse Me” in Korean: 저기요 (jeogiyo)
“Jeogiyo” is how you get a stranger’s attention — “excuse me” to ask a question, call a waiter, or stop someone politely.
“Jeogiyo” is how you get a stranger’s attention — “excuse me” to ask a question, call a waiter, or stop someone politely.
저기요 (jeogiyo) — excuse me
How it feels and when to use it
Literally “over there” + polite “-yo.” In restaurants, “yeogiyo” (여기요, “here”) is the common call for staff. Both are polite; neither is pushy.
Politeness levels
- 저기 (jeogi) — Casual (반말): with close friends and people younger than you
- 저기요 (jeogiyo) — Polite (해요체): the safe everyday level for most people
- 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) — Formal (합쇼체): in business, announcements, and to elders
Real examples from native Korean
Here’s how native speakers actually use 저기요 in real Korean:
- 저기요 — Excuse me.
- 여기요 — Here
- 저기요! — Excuse YOU!
A common mistake to avoid
“Jeogiyo” vs “sillyehamnida” — “Jeogiyo” is everyday and friendly; “sillyehamnida” (실례합니다, “excuse me / pardon my intrusion”) is more formal, used in offices or to apologize for interrupting.
Related expressions
- 여기요 (yeogiyo) — excuse me (here)
- 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) — excuse me (formal)
Want to hear 저기요 spoken by real Koreans? Search it on Langle and watch it across dozens of real video clips.
Frequently asked questions
- What does “저기요” mean in Korean?
- “Jeogiyo” is how you get a stranger’s attention — “excuse me” to ask a question, call a waiter, or stop someone politely. It’s romanized as “jeogiyo.”
- Is “저기요” formal or casual?
- “저기” is casual (반말); “저기요” is polite (해요체); “실례합니다” is formal (합쇼체). Match the level to who you’re talking to.
- How do you pronounce “저기요”?
- It’s pronounced “jeogiyo.” “Jeogiyo” vs “sillyehamnida”: “Jeogiyo” is everyday and friendly; “sillyehamnida” (실례합니다, “excuse me / pardon my intrusion”) is more formal, used in offices or to apologize for interrupting.
- When should I use “저기요”?
- Literally “over there” + polite “-yo.” In restaurants, “yeogiyo” (여기요, “here”) is the common call for staff. Both are polite; neither is pushy.
- What can I say instead of “저기요”?
- Try “여기요” (excuse me (here)) or “실례합니다” (excuse me (formal)).