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How to Say “Excuse me” in Korean: 여기요! (yeogiyo!)
여기요!
yeogiyo!
Meaning
Excuse me! (calling the staff)
Usage note
The standard way to call a staff member. In Korea it is normal to raise a hand and say this.
Romanization follows the Revised Romanization system and is a guide to pronunciation.
Practical guide
When to use it
Use it to call a waiter to your table: raise your hand a little and say it clearly. This is normal and not rude in Korea. Some restaurants have a call button on the table instead.
Watch out
You do not need to shout or snap your fingers. A calm 여기요 with eye contact is enough. 저기요 works in much the same way. In a quiet, upscale place, wait until staff look your way or press the call button.
In a conversation
- 여기요! yeogiyo!
Excuse me! (calling the staff) - 잠시만요 jamsimanyo
Just a moment, please.
How to pronounce it
It is pronounced just as it is written.
| Syllable | Letters (consonant + vowel + final) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 여 | ㅇ+ㅕ | yeo |
| 기 | ㄱ+ㅣ | gi |
| 요 | ㅇ+ㅛ | yo |
A ㅇ at the start of a syllable is silent; at the end of a syllable it sounds like “ng”.
Speech style
Ends in -요. The everyday polite style, and a safe choice with shop staff, colleagues, strangers and anyone older than you.
Quick self-check
Test yourself before you move on. Tap an answer.
Question 1 What does “여기요!” mean?
Show the answer
Answer: Excuse me! (calling the staff)
Question 2 How do you say “Excuse me! (calling the staff)” in Korean?
Show the answer
Answer: 여기요! yeogiyo!
Reinforce what you learn with typing drills and quizzes.
Practice nowMore phrases for this situation
- 두 명이에요Two people
- 이거 매워요?Is this spicy?
- 물 좀 주세요Some water, please
- 이거 주세요This one, please
- 맛있어요It’s delicious
- 메뉴판 좀 주세요Could I have the menu, please?
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