How to Say “Excuse Me” in Korean: 실례합니다 [sil-lye-ham-ni-da]

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How to Say “Excuse Me” in Korean – 실례합니다 🙇‍♂️🙇‍♀️

If you want to be polite in Korean, “실례합니다” is a phrase you should definitely know.
But did you know it’s not always the same as “Excuse me” in English?

🙇 What Does “실례합니다” Mean?

Korean Romanization Meaning
실례합니다 sill-ye-ham-ni-da Excuse me (very polite)

실례 (實禮) literally means “discourtesy” or “bad manners”,
so “실례합니다” is like saying “I’m being rude” — in a respectful way!

Used when:

  • Interrupting someone
  • Entering a room
  • Getting someone’s attention politely
  • Passing by in a tight space

📌 Other “Excuse Me” Situations in Korean

English Situation Korean Expression When to Use
“Excuse me” (to pass by) 지나가겠습니다 When passing through a crowd
“Excuse me” (to get attention) 저기요 At restaurants, public places
“Excuse me” (formal apology) 실례합니다 Interrupting, entering politely

💡 실례합니다 is more formal than just saying “Excuse me.”
Use it in respectful or official settings.

🧠 Quick Tip

  • Use 실례합니다 in offices, public buildings, or with elders.
  • Use 저기요 when calling a server at a restaurant.
  • Don’t use 실례합니다 casually — it may sound too stiff with friends.

✅ Example Sentences

  • 실례합니다. 지금 회의 중이신가요?
    → Excuse me. Are you in a meeting right now?
  • 실례합니다. 들어가도 될까요?
    → Excuse me. May I come in?

👇👇👇👇👇See it in the video👇👇👇👇👇



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