Travel Phrases — Entry No. 1193
저기요
jeogiyo-excuse · interjection
저기요
jeogiyo-excuse
[juh-GEE-yo]
interjectionbeginner
Meaning
A polite interjection used to get someone’s attention, similar to “excuse me” or “hey there.” Commonly used when calling a waiter, taxi driver, or shop assistant. The tone is respectful and non-intrusive, making it essential for Korean etiquette.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Frequently heard in K-dramas like Crash Landing on You and Itaewon Class when characters need service or directions. BTS members use this phrase in travel vlogs when exploring Korean streets and cafes. It reflects the indirect communication style valued in Korean culture—never demanding, always courteous.
Example Sentences
저기요, 물 한 잔 주세요.
jeogiyo, mul han jan juseyo.
Excuse me, one glass of water please. (Polite, indirect way to ask a waiter)
저기요! 택시를 어디서 탈 수 있어요?
jeogiyo! taeksireul eodiseo tal su isseayo?
Hey, where can I catch a taxi? (Getting a stranger’s attention on the street)
저기요, 여기 자리 비었어요?
jeogiyo, yeogi jari bieotseoyo?
Excuse me, is this seat taken? (Politely asking at a café or restaurant)
⚠️ Don’t use jeogiyo-excuse when…
Do not confuse jeogiyo with 여기요 (yeogi-yo ‘here is’). Jeogiyo is specifically for getting attention, not describing location. Avoid using it with your boss or elders—use the formal 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) instead.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Crash Landing on You — Ri Jeong-hyeok calls out ‘jeogiyo’ to get the attention of a North Korean patrol officer in a tense but comedic scene.
- K-Pop: TWICE — The members use 저기요 in their travel reality show when asking locals for directions in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.