KoreanBlueprint
Daily Korean
Today’s Phrase
실례지만 말씀 좀 물어봐도 될까요?
sil·lye·ji·man mal·sseum jom mu·reo·bwa·do doel·kka·yo
sillyejiman malsseum jom mureobwado doelkkayo?
Excuse me, may I ask you something?
Learning Tip
실례지만 is especially useful in formal situations. In casual settings, 저기요 or 잠깐만요 are quicker alternatives. Mastering the level of politeness for each situation is a mark of true Korean fluency.
Phrase Breakdown
실례지만
sillyejiman
excuse me, but
실례 (rudeness/intrusion) + -지만 (but/however)
말씀 좀 물어봐도 될까요?
malsseum jom mureobwado doelkkayo?
may I ask you something?
말씀 (words, honorific), 좀 (a little), 물어보다 (to ask), -아도 되다 (may/is it okay to)
A respectful, full-sentence approach to getting someone’s attention before asking a question.
Example Phrases
실례지만, 이 근처에 은행이 있나요?
Sillyejiman, i geuncheoe eunhaengi innayo?
Excuse me, is there a bank near here?
근처 means ‘nearby’ or ‘vicinity’.
실례지만 성함이 어떻게 되세요?
Sillyejiman seongami eotteoke doeseyo?
Excuse me, may I ask your name?
성함 is the honorific form of 이름 (name).
실례지만 지금 자리 있어요?
Sillyejiman jigeum jari isseoyo?
Excuse me, is this seat available?
자리 means seat or spot.
Related Phrases
저기요
jeogiyo
Excuse me (to get attention)
Used to get a waiter or stranger’s attention.
잠깐만요
jamkkanmanyo
Just a moment / Excuse me
Another way to get someone’s attention briefly.
혹시 아세요?
hoksi aseyo?
Do you happen to know?
A softer way to ask if someone knows something.
Quick Review
축하합니다
Can you recall what this means?
chukhahamnida
Congratulations