how to say excuse me in korean

How to Say “Excuse Me” in Korean

To say “excuse me” in Korean, you can use the phrase “실례합니다” (pronounced shil-leh-ham-ni-da). This phrase is commonly used in various situations, such as when you need to get someone’s attention or when you accidentally bump into someone. Here are a few examples of when to use “실례합니다” in Korean:

  1. Getting someone’s attention: If you want to ask a question or seek assistance from someone, you can politely say “실례합니다” to get their attention. It is similar to saying “excuse me” in English.

  2. Apologizing for interrupting: If you need to interrupt someone’s conversation, you can say “실례합니다” to apologize for the interruption. This phrase shows respect and consideration for the other person.

  3. Passing through a crowded area: When navigating through a crowded place like a crowded street or a busy subway, you can use “실례합니다” to politely apologize or excuse yourself as you pass through.

Remember, the pronunciation of “실례합니다” is important to convey your politeness correctly. Break down the pronunciation as follows: “sh” as in “she,” “il” as in “ill,” “leh” as in “let,” “ham” as in “hum,” and “ni-da” as in “nee-dah”.

Learning how to say “excuse me” in Korean will help you navigate various situations politely and show respect to others.