📋 Table of Contents
⚡ Quick Definition: What Does 저기요 (jeogiyo) Mean?
저기요, pronounced as jeogiyo, means “Excuse me / Um / Hello / Pardon me / May I get your attention” in Korean. This essential Korean phrase appears frequently in K-dramas like Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class.
When you search for jeogiyo, you’re looking to understand the deeper meaning behind this powerful Korean expression. The word jeogiyo carries emotional weight and cultural significance.
Korean speakers use jeogiyo in various contexts daily. Mastering this phrase opens doors to more natural Korean communication.
If you’ve watched K-dramas, you’ve heard jeogiyo multiple times. Understanding the complete jeogiyo meaning helps you grasp the emotion and cultural context.
Learning jeogiyo is essential for Korean conversation. The jeogiyo meaning becomes clearer through authentic Korean content.
🎵 How to Pronounce 저기요 – jeogiyo Pronunciation Guide
Mastering jeogiyo Pronunciation
Romanization (English): jeogiyo
Japanese (Katakana): チョギヨ
When learning jeogiyo, pronunciation is absolutely critical. Korean pronunciation differs significantly from English.
The jeogiyo pronunciation requires attention to Korean vowel sounds and consonants. Many Korean learners struggle with jeogiyo at first.
Listen carefully to native Korean speakers saying jeogiyo in K-dramas like Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class. Pay attention to how they pronounce jeogiyo in different emotional contexts.
- Listen to jeogiyo in K-dramas repeatedly
- Practice the jeogiyo tone and rhythm
- Focus on Korean vowel sounds in jeogiyo
- Don’t rush when saying jeogiyo
Watch Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class and repeat after the characters. Hearing 저기요 in context makes jeogiyo pronunciation natural.
📚 Complete Guide to Understanding jeogiyo
Deep Dive: The Full Meaning of jeogiyo
The most useful phrase for foreigners in Korea! 저기요 (jeogiyo) literally means “over there” but functions as the polite, considerate way to get someone’s attention or start a conversation. This essential phrase appears in every K-drama scene – Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You – whenever characters need to politely approach strangers, ask questions, or make requests. For foreign travelers and learners, mastering 저기요 is your key to polite Korean interactions.
THE LITERAL MEANING VS ACTUAL USE Literally, 저기 (jeogi) means “over there” (that place far from both speaker and listener). 요 is the polite marker we learned in Post #14. So 저기요 literally means “over there (polite)” – but nobody uses it that way! Instead, 저기요 became the standard polite attention-getter, similar to English “Excuse me” or “Um, hello.” The connection to “over there” is lost – it’s just the polite way to get someone’s attention or hesitantly start speaking.
THE PRIMARY FUNCTION: GETTING ATTENTION POLITELY When you need someone’s attention in Korea, 저기요 is your go-to phrase. Restaurant server: “저기요!” (Excuse me! – calling server) Stranger on street: “저기요, 실례합니다만…” (Excuse me, sorry to bother but…) Store employee: “저기요, 이거 어디 있어요?” (Excuse me, where is this?) The 저기요 signals: “I need your attention, but I’m being polite about it.” It’s gentle, non-demanding, and shows respect for the other person’s time and space.
HESITATION AND POLITENESS MARKER 저기요 also marks hesitation or tentative speaking – showing you’re being careful and considerate. “저기요, 부탁 좀 하나 해도 될까요?” (Um, may I ask a favor?) “저기요, 잘 안 보이는데 조금 키워주실래요?” (Excuse me, I can’t see well, could you turn it up?) “저기요, 이것 좀 해주실래요?” (Excuse me, could you do this?) The 저기요 softens the request, showing you know you’re imposing and you’re being polite about it. This connects to Korean cultural values: don’t be too direct, show consideration, approach hesitantly rather than boldly.
COMMON SITUATIONS FOR 저기요 RESTAURANTS AND CAFES: Calling server: “저기요!” (Excuse me!) Ordering: “저기요, 주문해도 될까요?” (Excuse me, may I order?) Asking for something: “저기요, 물 좀 주세요” (Excuse me, water please) Bill request: “저기요, 계산이요” (Excuse me, check please) This is probably the #1 use foreigners need – calling servers politely.
ASKING DIRECTIONS: “저기요, 서울역이 어디예요?” (Excuse me, where is Seoul Station?) “저기요, 이 근처에 편의점 있어요?” (Excuse me, is there a convenience store nearby?) “저기요, 길 좀 물어봐도 될까요?” (Excuse me, may I ask directions?) The 저기요 establishes you’re a polite stranger asking for help.
STORES AND SHOPPING: “저기요, 이거 얼마예요?” (Excuse me, how much is this?) “저기요, 다른 색깔 있어요?” (Excuse me, do you have other colors?) “저기요, 환불 가능한가요?” (Excuse me, is refund possible?)
WORKPLACE: “저기요, 잠깐만요” (Excuse me, just a moment) “저기요, 질문 좀 해도 될까요?” (Excuse me, may I ask a question?) “저기요, 회의 시간 확인하려고요” (Excuse me, I want to confirm meeting time) More casual than formal business Korean, but still polite and appropriate.
THE VARIATIONS: 저기요 VS 저기 VS 저-
KOREAN HAS DIFFERENT LEVELS: 저기요 (jeogiyo) – Most polite, respectful Use with: strangers, elders, service workers, anyone you should respect “저기요, 실례합니다” (Excuse me, pardon me) This is your safe default – always appropriate. 저기 (jeogi) – Slightly casual, still polite Use with: acquaintances, colleagues, not-too-formal situations “저기, 잠깐만” (Hey, just a second) Still respectful but less formal than 저기요. 저- (jeo-) – Casual, hesitation marker Use with: friends, close colleagues, casual situations “저-, 그게 말이야…” (Um, well, you see…) Very casual, more like “um” or “uh” in English.
THE WRONG VERSION: 여기요 foreigners often confuse 저기요 with 여기요 (yeogiyo). 여기 (yeogi) = “here” (this place near speaker) 여기요 = literally “here (polite)” but used as less polite attention-getter “여기요!” is what customers shout to call servers – it works but sounds less polite than 저기요. 저기요 = more polite, considerate 여기요 = functional but more demanding For foreigners, stick with 저기요 – it’s always appropriate.
COMBINING WITH 좀 AND ~요 Remember our previous Day1ers posts on 좀 (softener) and ~요 (polite marker)? 저기요 combines perfectly with both: “저기요, 좀 도와주실래요?” (Excuse me, could you help me?) 저기요 = polite attention 좀 = softener ~실래요 = polite request form This is maximum Korean politeness in one sentence! “저기요, 이것 좀 해주실래요?” (Excuse me, could you do this?) “저기요, 물 좀 주실래요?” (Excuse me, could I have water?) The three elements together show: – You’re politely getting attention (저기요) – You’re softening the request (좀) – You’re using polite speech (~실래요) This is the holy trinity of Korean politeness!
K-DRAMA EXAMPLES Reply 1988: Kids to neighbors: “저기요, 덕선이 있어요?” (Excuse me, is Deok-sun here?) Shows polite neighbor interactions and community. Business Proposal: Office scenes: “저기요, 사장님 계세요?” (Excuse me, is the president here?) Workplace politeness through 저기요. Crash Landing on You: South Korean in North: “저기요, 실례합니다만…” (Excuse me, pardon me but…) Shows how 저기요 works even across cultural differences. Itaewon Class: Customer service: “저기요, 주문이요!” (Excuse me, order!) Restaurant scenes constantly use 저기요.
THE CULTURAL MEANING 저기요 reflects deep Korean cultural values:
INDIRECTNESS: Don’t be too direct, approach softly CONSIDERATION: Show you respect the other person’s time/space HIERARCHY: Acknowledge social positions through politeness HARMONY: Maintain smooth social interactions 저기요 accomplishes all these with two syllables. It’s the linguistic embodiment of Korean 배려 (consideration) culture.
COMMON MISTAKES FOREIGNERS MAKE
MISTAKE 1: Not using 저기요 at all Just starting to talk without any attention-getter sounds abrupt and rude. Always start with 저기요 when approaching strangers.
MISTAKE 2: Using 여기요 instead 여기요 works but sounds less polite – stick with 저기요.
MISTAKE 3: Wrong tone 저기요 should be gentle, not demanding. Rising intonation (저기요↗) is polite inquiry. Flat or falling tone (저기요→) sounds less polite.
MISTAKE 4: Skipping in appropriate situations Foreigners sometimes ask questions directly without 저기요. Korean ears find this jarring – always use 저기요 first. PRACTICAL USAGE PATTERNS BASIC TEMPLATE: 저기요 + [question/request] + polite ending “저기요, 화장실이 어디예요?” (Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?) “저기요, 이거 주세요” (Excuse me, this please) WITH 좀 (SOFTER): 저기요 + 좀 + [request] “저기요, 좀 도와주세요” (Excuse me, please help) “저기요, 물 좀 주세요” (Excuse me, water please)
WITH PERMISSION ASKING: 저기요 + ~해도 될까요? “저기요, 앉아도 될까요?” (Excuse me, may I sit?) “저기요, 사진 찍어도 될까요?” (Excuse me, may I take a photo?) WITH APOLOGY: 저기요, 실례합니다만… “저기요, 실례합니다만 길 좀 물어봐도 될까요?” (Excuse me, sorry to bother but may I ask directions?)
THE BEAUTY OF 저기요 This simple two-syllable word: Gets attention politely Shows cultural awareness Works in any situation Never offensive Marks you as polite foreigner Opens doors to help It’s the Swiss Army knife of Korean politeness.
WHEN YOU DON’T NEED 저기요 Close friends and family: Can skip 저기요, just talk Continuing conversations: Only needed when first getting attention When someone already talking to you: 저기요 unnecessary But when in doubt, use 저기요 – it’s never wrong!
THE RISING INTONATION How you say 저기요 matters: 저기요↗ (rising) – Polite question, seeking attention “저기요↗, 주문이요” (Excuse me↗, order please) This is the standard, polite way. 저기요→ (flat) – More casual or calling attention urgently “저기요→!” (Hey!) Less polite, more demanding. Always use rising intonation for politeness.
SUMMARY 저기요 = Essential Korean attention-getter and politeness marker Use when: Starting conversations, getting attention, making requests, asking questions Combines with: 좀 (softener), ~요 (polite marker), permission forms Variations: 저기요 (most polite) > 저기 (casual) > 저- (very casual) Cultural meaning: Shows consideration, indirectness, respect Practical usage: Every foreigner needs this – restaurants, directions, shopping, workplace Master 저기요 and you’ll navigate Korean social situations smoothly and politely!
The complete meaning of jeogiyo extends far beyond simple translation. Korean speakers convey layers of meaning that English speakers might miss.
Understanding jeogiyo requires knowledge of Korean cultural values. Every context shapes the precise meaning of jeogiyo.
Korean learners discover that jeogiyo operates differently based on relationships and situations. Mastering jeogiyo means understanding these nuances.
The beauty of jeogiyo lies in its versatility. Native speakers have internalized how to use jeogiyo naturally.
Watch K-dramas like Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class to observe jeogiyo in context. Each instance teaches you something new about Korean expression.
Why Learning jeogiyo Matters
Understanding jeogiyo is crucial for Korean learners. This phrase represents fundamental Korean communication patterns.
When you master jeogiyo, you develop cultural competency. Korean communication relies heavily on context, and jeogiyo demonstrates this perfectly.
The same jeogiyo pronunciation can convey different meanings. Tone, timing, and relationship dynamics all matter when using jeogiyo.
Korean learners who study jeogiyo improve their fluency dramatically. This phrase appears so frequently in conversation that it provides constant practice.
Every K-drama features jeogiyo multiple times. Natural exposure helps you understand the jeogiyo meaning deeply.
🎬 How 저기요 is Used in K-Dramas
Featured in: Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class
K-drama fans will recognize 저기요 from popular shows. In Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class, characters use jeogiyo in emotionally significant moments that showcase the true jeogiyo meaning.
Watching how 저기요 is used in these dramas provides the best education in natural Korean expression. Pay attention to:
- The situations where characters say jeogiyo
- The tone and emotion behind 저기요
- The responses and reactions to this phrase
- Body language and facial expressions accompanying it
Each K-drama offers different contexts for jeogiyo, helping you understand the full range of jeogiyo meaning.
🎭 Tone, Context & Usage Tips
Mastering the Nuances of 저기요
🙋 “저기요↗” (jeogiyo↗) – Excuse me (polite, rising tone) → Tone: Polite, gentle, seeking attention → Used when: Calling server, asking stranger, getting attention → Voice: Rising intonation, soft but clear → Example: “저기요↗, 주문이요” (Excuse me, order please) → K-drama scene: Reply 1988 – calling neighbor → Most common and polite form → Body language: Slight bow, polite gesture → Intonation: Must rise at end (↗) —
🍽️ “저기요, 물 좀 주세요” (jeogiyo, mul jom juseyo) – Excuse me, water please → Tone: Polite request at restaurant → Used when: Asking server for something → Voice: Clear, polite, not demanding → Pattern: 저기요 + item + 좀 주세요 → Example: “저기요, 메뉴판 좀 주세요” (Excuse me, menu please) → K-drama scene: Itaewon Class – restaurant service → Combines: 저기요 (attention) + 좀 (softener) + ~주세요 (please give) —
🗺️ “저기요, 실례합니다만…” (jeogiyo, sillyehamnidaman…) – Excuse me, sorry to bother but… → Tone: Very polite, apologetic → Used when: Asking stranger for help/directions → Voice: Hesitant, respectful → Example: “저기요, 실례합니다만 서울역이 어디예요?” → (Excuse me, sorry to bother but where is Seoul Station?) → K-drama scene: Crash Landing on You – asking strangers → Maximum politeness for strangers —
💼 “저기요, 잠깐만요” (jeogiyo, jamkkanmanyo) – Excuse me, just a moment → Tone: Polite but urgent → Used when: Need to interrupt or get quick attention → Voice: Polite but firm → Example: “저기요, 잠깐만요. 질문 있어요” → (Excuse me, just a moment. I have a question) → K-drama scene: Business Proposal – office situations → Workplace appropriate —
🤔 “저기…” (jeogi…) – Um… / Well… (hesitation) → Tone: Hesitant, thinking, casual → Used when: Starting difficult conversation, hesitating → Voice: Trailing off, uncertain → Example: “저기… 부탁 좀 해도 될까요?” → (Um… may I ask a favor?) → K-drama scene: Friends having difficult conversations → Shows consideration before asking → More casual than 저기요 —
🛍️ “저기요, 이거 얼마예요?” (jeogiyo, igeo eolmayeyo?) – Excuse me, how much is this? → Tone: Polite inquiry when shopping → Used when: Asking about price, product info → Voice: Polite, curious → Example: “저기요, 다른 색깔 있어요?” → (Excuse me, do you have other colors?) → K-drama scene: Shopping scenes → Standard store interaction —
⚠️ “여기요!” (yeogiyo!) – Here! / Hey! (less polite) → Tone: Louder, more demanding → Used when: Calling server (functional but less polite) → Voice: Clear, slightly commanding → vs 저기요 (more polite, better for foreigners) → Cultural note: 여기요 works but sounds less considerate → Stick with 저기요 for better impression —
📊 저기요 Variations: 저기요 (jeogiyo):
✅ Most polite
✅ Strangers, elders, service
✅ Rising intonation (↗) → “저기요↗, 도와주세요” → Safe default choice 저기 (jeogi):
✅ Slightly casual
✅ Acquaintances, colleagues
✅ Still polite → “저기, 잠깐만” → Less formal situations 저- (jeo-):
✅ Very casual
✅ Friends only
✅ Hesitation marker → “저-, 그게…” → Like “um” in English —
🎭 K-Drama Patterns: Reply 1988: Neighbors: “저기요, 덕선이 엄마 계세요?” Shows polite community interactions Business Proposal: Office: “저기요, 사장님 오셨어요?” Workplace politeness Crash Landing on You: Strangers: “저기요, 실례합니다만…” Maximum politeness to unknown people Itaewon Class: Restaurant: “저기요, 주문이요!” Service industry standard —
🌍 Cultural Context: Why 저기요 Matters: Korean Indirectness: – Don’t be too direct – Approach softly – 저기요 signals consideration – Shows respect for other’s space Hierarchy Respect: – Acknowledge social positions – Use polite markers – 저기요 shows proper manners – Marks you as well-educated Consideration (배려): – Think of others first – Don’t impose – 저기요 shows you’re asking, not demanding – Cultural politeness in action —
💡 Combination Power: Post #14: ~요 (polite marker) Post #15: 좀 (softener) Post #16: 저기요 (attention + polite) Combined: “저기요, 좀 도와주실래요?” = Excuse me (저기요) + please/a bit (좀) + could you help (도와주실래요) Perfect Korean politeness formula! —
✅ Essential Patterns: Getting Attention: “저기요↗” – Excuse me Making Request: “저기요, [item] 좀 주세요” – Excuse me, [item] please Asking Permission: “저기요, ~해도 될까요?” – Excuse me, may I…? Asking Question: “저기요, [question]이에요?” – Excuse me, [question]? With Apology: “저기요, 실례합니다만…” – Excuse me, sorry to bother but… —
⚠️ Common Mistakes:
MISTAKE 1: Not using 저기요 Just talking without attention-getter Sounds abrupt and rude Fix: Always start with 저기요 MISTAKE 2: Using 여기요 instead Less polite version Works but not best Fix: Use 저기요 for better impression
MISTAKE 3: Flat intonation 저기요→ sounds demanding Should rise: 저기요↗ Fix: Practice rising tone
MISTAKE 4: Skipping in restaurants Not calling server politely Seems rude or shy Fix: Clear “저기요↗” with hand gesture —
🎯 Success Tips: BEGINNER: Use 저기요 before every request Can’t go wrong Sounds polite instantly INTERMEDIATE: Add 좀 for extra softness “저기요, 좀 도와주세요” Natural Korean pattern ADVANCED: Vary 저기요/저기/저- by situation Read formality level Match native speakers —
🎯 Ultimate Takeaway: 저기요 = Essential Korean politeness tool Use: Before requests, questions, getting attention Tone: Rising intonation (저기요↗) Combines with: 좀, ~요, polite requests Reflects: Consideration, indirectness, respect Every foreigner needs this: = Navigate Korea politely = Show cultural awareness = Get help easily Remember: 저기요↗ before asking anything! 🙋✨
When to Use jeogiyo
Context is everything when it comes to 저기요. The jeogiyo meaning changes based on:
- Relationship: Who you’re speaking to
- Situation: Formal vs informal settings
- Emotion: Your emotional state and intent
- Timing: When in the conversation
Native Koreans naturally adjust their tone when saying jeogiyo. Learning these subtleties is crucial for truly understanding the jeogiyo meaning.
🌏 Cultural Background of 저기요
Korean Cultural Values
To fully grasp the jeogiyo meaning, you need to understand Korean cultural context. 저기요 reflects important aspects of Korean society including:
- Social hierarchy and respect
- Emotional expression norms
- Communication patterns
- Relationship dynamics
When Koreans use jeogiyo, they’re drawing on centuries of cultural tradition. This makes learning the jeogiyo meaning about more than just vocabulary – it’s cultural education.
Regional and Generational Differences
The use of 저기요 can vary across Korea and between age groups. Younger Koreans might use jeogiyo differently than older generations. K-dramas from different eras show these variations in the jeogiyo meaning.
⚠️ Common Mistakes When Using 저기요
What NOT to Do
Foreign learners often make mistakes with 저기요. Avoid these common errors when using jeogiyo:
- Wrong tone: Using inappropriate emotional tone
- Wrong context: Formal phrase in casual setting or vice versa
- Wrong timing: Using at inappropriate moments
- Pronunciation errors: Mispronouncing jeogiyo
Understanding these mistakes helps you master the jeogiyo meaning more quickly. Watch K-dramas carefully to see correct usage of 저기요.
📖 Related Korean Phrases
If you’re learning 저기요, you’ll also want to know these related Korean expressions:
- yo Meaning: Complete Korean Guide – Another essential Korean phrase
- jom Meaning: Complete Korean Guide – Another essential Korean phrase
- siwonhada Meaning: Complete Korean Guide – Another essential Korean phrase
Each of these phrases, like jeogiyo, plays an important role in Korean communication. Learning them together gives you a complete understanding of Korean expression.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About 저기요
How do you write 저기요 in Korean?
The Korean writing is: 저기요. This is written in Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
Is jeogiyo formal or informal?
The formality level of 저기요 depends on context and ending. Watch K-dramas like Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class to see different formality levels in action.
Can I use 저기요 with anyone?
Usage of jeogiyo depends on your relationship with the person. Korean has different speech levels based on age, status, and intimacy.
What’s the difference between 저기요 and similar Korean phrases?
While 저기요 means “Excuse me / Um / Hello / Pardon me / May I get your attention”, other Korean expressions might convey similar but distinct meanings. Context and tone determine the best choice.
Where can I hear 저기요 used naturally?
K-dramas like Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class provide the best examples of natural jeogiyo usage. Netflix, Viki, and other streaming platforms offer great resources.
🔗 Additional Resources
Learn More About Korean
🎯 Summary: Mastering 저기요
Understanding the jeogiyo meaning is essential for any Korean learner or K-drama fan. 저기요 (jeogiyo) means “Excuse me / Um / Hello / Pardon me / May I get your attention” but carries deeper cultural significance.
Key points to remember about jeogiyo:
- Master the pronunciation: jeogiyo
- Understand the cultural context behind 저기요
- Learn from K-dramas like Reply 1988, Business Proposal, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class
- Practice tone and emotional expression
- Use appropriately based on relationship and situation
Keep practicing 저기요, watch more K-dramas, and immerse yourself in Korean language and culture. Every phrase you learn, including jeogiyo, brings you closer to fluency!
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