Korean phrase
~ 일이 있었어요. ~ i ri i sseo sseo yo
Meaning
I had a ___ matter
When to use it
It means that the speaker had a matter to deal with. It is a polite, indirect way to give a reason without sharing private details.
Example dialogue
왜 어제 못 오셨어요? wae eo je mot o syeo sseo yo
Why couldn't you come yesterday?
개인적인 일이 있었어요. kae in jeo gin i ri i sseo sseo yo
I had a personal matter.