Learn 저기요 Meaning with Simple Korean Examples to Get Anyone’s Attention in Seconds

Introduction

If you spend even a single day in Korea, you’ll likely hear someone say 저기요. It’s one of the easiest and most polite ways to get someone’s attention in everyday situations—at cafés, restaurants, shops, or on busy streets. Here’s what it means, how Koreans use it, and how you can use it naturally too.

What This Phrase Means

(Example context: 저기요, 잠시만요.)

Breakdown and Meaning

저기요 comes from 저기 (“over there”) plus the polite ending -요. Together, the phrase works like “Excuse me” or “Over here,” used when calling someone in a respectful, neutral way.

It’s commonly used when:

• Asking a server for help
• Getting a stranger’s attention
• Calling someone nearby without sounding rude

In Korean culture, shouting or saying “Hey!” can feel too direct. 저기요 offers a softer tone that fits most public situations. It’s not too formal or too casual—just polite and natural, which makes it a must‑know expression for learners.

How to Use It in Real Life

• At a café: Call the barista if you need something or want to order.
• At a restaurant: Use it when a server passes by and you need water or a menu.
• In a shop: Ask for help finding an item or size.
• On the street: Politely stop someone for directions.
• In texting: Rarely used, but sometimes added jokingly to mimic real-life speech.
• When someone doesn’t hear you: Repeat 저기요 gently—never shout it.

Usage Examples

1. 
   

   저기요, 이것 좀 도와주세요. Jeogiyo, i-geot jom dowajuseyo. Excuse me, could you help me with this?

   
   
2. 
   

   저기요, 주문할게요. Jeogiyo, jumunhalgeyo. Excuse me, I’m ready to order.

   
   
3. 
   

   저기요, 계산 부탁드릴게요. Jeogiyo, gyesan butakdeurilgeyo. Excuse me, I’d like to pay.

   
   
4. 
   

   저기요, 자리 있어요? Jeogiyo, jari isseoyo? Excuse me, is this seat taken?

   
   
5. 
   

   저기요, 여기 물 좀 주세요. Jeogiyo, yeogi mul jom juseyo. Excuse me, could I get some water here?

   
   

Related Korean Expressions

• 잠시만요 (Jamsimanyo): Excuse me for a moment.
• 실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida): A more formal “Excuse me.”
• 여기요 (Yeogiyo): “Over here,” used when the person is close to you.
• 저… (Jeo…): A gentle way to begin speaking when interrupting.

Why This Phrase Helps You Learn Faster

Mastering 저기요 makes daily interactions in Korea much smoother. It reflects cultural values like politeness and subtlety and helps you communicate respectfully with strangers.

For beginners, this simple phrase boosts confidence and makes conversations feel more natural. Once you get used to using expressions like this, you’ll blend into everyday Korean life with ease.

Closing

Try imagining yourself in a Korean café or restaurant and saying 저기요 to call a server. It’s a small expression, but it makes your Korean sound instantly more natural. With this one phrase, you’re already one step closer to speaking like a local—keep going and let your Korean grow one friendly word at a time.

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Need useful tips for life in Korea?
These guides make daily life much easier:

• Learn “실례합니다” for Polite Korean Manners: A Simple Guide to Sound More Respectful
  
• Learn “잠시만요” Meaning with Simple Korean Examples: A Friendly Guide for Beginners
  

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