Korean word

실례지만

Pronunciation

Romanizationsillyejiman

Meaning

  • interjectionexcuse me

Example

실례지만 길을 좀 물어도 될까요?sil lye ji man ki reul chom mu reo do toel kka yo

Excuse me, may I ask for directions?

Illustration for 실례지만 (excuse me)

More examples

실례지만 옆에 앉아도 될까요?sil lye ji man yeo pe an ja do toel kka yo

Excuse me, may I sit next to you?

Core concept

A polite pause that acknowledges a possible imposition before starting a question or request.

Common phrases

  • 실례지만 길을 좀sil lye ji man ki reul chom

    excuse me, asking for directions

  • 실례지만 사진 좀sil lye ji man sa jin chom

    excuse me, a photo please

  • 실례지만 말씀 좀sil lye ji man mal sseum chom

    excuse me, a quick word

Similar words

죄송하지만choesonghajiman: A respectful apology that opens a question or request gently.
실례합니다sillyehamnida: A formal apology used before a brief interruption or a request for permission.
저기요cheogiyo: A gentle call that makes a stranger, passerby, or worker notice the speaker.

Definition in Korean

상대에게 실례가 될 수 있는 말을 하기 전에 미리 양해를 구하거나 사과하면서 말을 여는 공손한 구절.sang dae e ge sil lye ga toel ssu in neun ma reul ha gi cheo ne mi ri yang hae reul ku ha geo na sa gwa ha myeon seo ma reul yeo neun kong son han ku jeol

Word origin

The phrase combines a Sino-Korean term for a breach of etiquette with a contrastive ending meaning but, creating the sense of acknowledging possible rudeness before speaking.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, it often opens a question or request, so it softens the approach rather than replacing a polite tone throughout the whole sentence.

Other meanings

  • sorryinterjection

Related words

Word lists with this word