KoreanBlueprint
Daily Korean
Today’s Phrase
죄송한데요, 잠깐 여쭤봐도 될까요?
joe·song·han·de·yo, jam·kkan yeo·jjwo·bwa·do doel·kka·yo
joesonghhandeyo, jamkkan yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?
Sorry to bother, may I ask you something?
Learning Tip
여쭤보다 is the humble/honorific form of 물어보다 (to ask). Using humble speech when addressing strangers or elders is essential Korean etiquette. Compare: 물어봐도 돼요? (casual) vs. 여쭤봐도 될까요? (polite/humble). The difference signals your respect level immediately.
Phrase Breakdown
죄송한데요
joesonghhandeyo
I’m sorry, but…
죄송하다 (to be sorry) + -ㄴ데요 (background/contrast)
잠깐 여쭤봐도 될까요?
jamkkan yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?
may I ask briefly?
여쭤보다 (humble ask) + -아도 되다 (is it okay to)
The most respectful and considerate way to approach someone with a question.
Example Phrases
죄송한데요, 잠깐 여쭤봐도 될까요? 이 근처 지하철역이 어디예요?
Joesonghhandeyo, jamkkan yeojjwobwado doelkkayo? I geuncheo jihacheoryeogi eodiyeyo?
Sorry to bother you, may I ask something? Where is the subway station nearby?
이 근처 = near here.
죄송한데요, 이 서류 작성하는 방법을 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Joesonghhandeyo, i seoryu jakseunghaneun bangbeomgeul yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?
I’m sorry, may I ask how to fill out this form?
서류 작성하다 = to fill out a document.
바쁘신 것 같은데 죄송해요. 잠깐만요.
Bappeusin geot gateunde joesonghaeyo. Jamkkanmanyo.
You seem busy and I’m sorry. Just a moment.
바쁘신 것 같다 = seems busy (honorific).
Related Phrases
저기요
jeogiyo
Excuse me (to get attention)
Quick attention-getter in casual settings.
실례합니다
sillyehamnida
Excuse me (formal)
Formal phrase when interrupting someone.
혹시 아세요?
hoksi aseyo?
Do you happen to know?
Softly asking if someone has information.
Quick Review
요즘 어떻게 지내요?
Can you recall what this means?
yojeum eotteoke jinaeyo?
How have you been lately?