You already know the words 저기요, 실례합니다, 여기요, 잠시만요, and 비켜 주세요. Now you need to say them aloud in real situations without freezing. This workshop gives you three role-plays: one simple, one with a complication, and one where you must decide and respond. You will practise choosing the right phrase, speaking clearly, and handling the other person's reply.
Preparation: Match the Phrase to the Moment
Before you speak, decide what you need: attention, passage, or a moment. Use 저기요 to stop a stranger for a quick question. Use 여기요 to call a server to your table. Use 실례합니다 when entering a quiet room or interrupting a conversation. Use 잠시만요 when you need to slip past someone or ask them to wait briefly. Use 비켜 주세요 only when someone is genuinely blocking your path, and soften it with a gentle tone. Practise saying each phrase with a normal, friendly volume. Do not whisper, because these phrases are meant to be heard. Record yourself once, then listen for clear vowels and a polite rise at the end of 요.
Handling the Harder Turn: When They Respond
The real challenge is not saying the phrase; it is what happens after. The other person may answer with a question, move aside, or ignore you. If they say something you do not understand, keep your next line short: say 감사합니다 or 잠시만요. If they do not hear you, repeat the same phrase slightly louder, not a different one. If they respond with a full sentence, listen for the verb ending. A rising 요 at the end often means a question. You can buy time with 잠시만요 while you think. Do not switch to English immediately; try one repeat or one simple follow-up first.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
저기요
Excuse me (to get attention)
jeo-gi-yo
실례합니다
Excuse me (polite, slightly formal)
sil-lye-ham-ni-da
여기요
Excuse me, over here (calling staff)
yeo-gi-yo
잠시만요
Excuse me, just a moment
jam-si-man-yo
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
저기요, 이 자리 비어 있어요?
Excuse me, is this seat free?네, 비어 있어요. 앉으세요.
Yes, it's free. Please sit down.감사합니다. 잠시만요, 지나갈게요.
Thank you. Excuse me, I'll pass through.네, 천천히 가세요.
Sure, take your time.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Asking a Stranger for a Seat
You are on a subway. You see one empty seat next to a person wearing headphones. You want to ask if the seat is free. The train is moving, and you are standing a few steps away.
Your task: Say 저기요 loud enough to get their attention. Then ask the question from the source dialogue: '저기요, 이 자리 비어 있어요?' Wait for their answer. If they nod or say 네, say 감사합니다 and sit down. If they do not hear you, repeat 저기요 once, slightly louder.
Passing Through a Crowded Market
You are in a narrow market aisle. Two people are standing side by side, looking at fruit. You need to get past them to reach the exit. You are carrying a small bag and have about thirty seconds before your friend leaves without you.
Your task: Say 잠시만요 as you approach. If they do not move, say 잠시만요 again. If they still block the path, say 비켜 주세요 in a polite but clear tone. Then walk through and say 감사합니다.
Interrupting a Quiet Conversation
You are in a library. Two people are talking quietly at a table near the bookshelf you need. You must ask them to move slightly so you can reach a book. The library is very quiet, and you do not want to disturb others.
Your task: Approach quietly and say 실례합니다 in a soft but clear voice. Then say 잠시만요 and point to the shelf. Wait for them to move. If they look annoyed, say 죄송합니다 and keep your voice low.
Common questions
Can I use 저기요 to call a server in a restaurant?
Yes, 저기요 can work, but 여기요 is more common and specific for calling staff to your table. If you use 저기요, staff will usually understand, but 여기요 is the standard choice in that situation.
What should I say if I accidentally bump into someone after saying 잠시만요?
Switch to an apology. Say 죄송합니다 or 미안해요. 잠시만요 is for getting past or asking for a moment, not for apologizing when you actually make contact.
Is 비켜 주세요 rude?
It can sound blunt if your tone is harsh. It is acceptable when someone is genuinely blocking your path, but soften it with 잠시만요 first or use a gentle tone. The plain form 비켜 is much more direct and can sound rude.
Sources and further reading
- korean: using excuse meChecked September 2026
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