KoreanBlueprint
Daily Korean
Today’s Phrase
바쁘신 거 알지만
bap·peu·sin geo al·ji·man
bappeusin geo aljiman
I know you’re busy, but…
Cultural Insight
Korean professional etiquette involves acknowledging someone’s workload before making requests. Starting with 바쁘신 거 알지만 signals social awareness and reduces the ‘imposition’ of your ask. This face-saving approach is integral to Korean workplace culture.
Phrase Breakdown
바쁘신 거
bappeusin geo
the fact that you are busy (honorific)
바쁘다 (busy) + -시- (honorific) + -ㄴ 거 (the thing that)
알지만
aljiman
I know, but…
알다 (to know) + -지만 (but/however)
Shows empathy for the other person’s schedule before asking for their time or help.
Example Phrases
바쁘신 거 알지만, 잠깐 봐 주실 수 있어요?
Bappeusin geo aljiman, jamkkan bwa jusil su isseoyo?
I know you’re busy, but could you take a quick look?
봐 주시다 = to look over for someone (honorific).
바쁘신 거 알지만 급한 사안이라 연락드렸어요.
Bappeusin geo aljiman geupaon saanira yeollakdeuryeosseoyo.
I know you’re busy, but I contacted you because it’s urgent.
급한 사안 = urgent matter.
바쁘실 텐데 이렇게 와 주셔서 감사해요.
Bappeusilttende ireoke wa jusyeoseo gamsahaeyo.
You must be busy — thank you so much for coming.
-실 텐데 = I expect you must be…
Related Phrases
시간 되실 때
sigan doesil ttae
When you have time
A considerate time suggestion for a request.
급하지 않아요, 편하실 때 해 주세요
geuphaji anayo, pyeonhasil ttae hae juseyo
No rush, do it when convenient
Alleviating urgency on the listener.
죄송하지만 부탁이 있어요
joesonghajiman butagi isseoyo
I’m sorry but I have a request
Apologetic lead-in to a request.
Quick Review
죄송한데요, 잠깐 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Can you recall what this means?
joesonghhandeyo, jamkkan yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?
Sorry to bother, may I ask you something?