Significado
Used to get the attention of a stranger, often in a public place.
Contexto cultural
In Korean restaurants, there is often a 'call button' on the table. If there isn't one, shouting '저기요!' is not considered rude; it's expected. Koreans avoid using 'You' (당신) because it can be an insult. '저기요' is the linguistic 'safe zone' to avoid hierarchy issues. Younger generations sometimes use '저기요' with a specific 'cute' or 'soft' intonation (Aegyo) to get better service or help. In the past, people used titles like 'Ajumma' more often, but '저기요' is becoming the preferred neutral term in modern cities.
The Hand Wave
When saying '저기요' in a restaurant, a small, polite hand raise (palm flat) helps the server see you.
Don't Shout
While you need to be heard, shouting '저기요!!!' too loudly can be seen as aggressive. Keep it firm but melodic.
Significado
Used to get the attention of a stranger, often in a public place.
The Hand Wave
When saying '저기요' in a restaurant, a small, polite hand raise (palm flat) helps the server see you.
Don't Shout
While you need to be heard, shouting '저기요!!!' too loudly can be seen as aggressive. Keep it firm but melodic.
The 'Yo' is Key
Never forget the 'yo.' Saying just 'Jeogi' to a stranger is like saying 'Hey you!' in a very rude way.
Eye Contact
Try to make eye contact as you say it. It makes the interaction much smoother.
Ponte a prueba
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are in a restaurant and want to order food.
저기요 is the standard way to call a server in a restaurant.
Fill in the blank to make the sentence polite.
저기___, 길 좀 물어볼게요.
Adding '요' makes the expression polite and suitable for strangers.
Complete the dialogue.
A: (____)! 이거 떨어뜨리셨어요. B: 아, 감사합니다!
You use '저기요' to get someone's attention when they drop something.
Which of these is NOT a good time to use '저기요'?
Select the inappropriate situation:
Using '저기요' with friends is too distant and sounds strange.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
저기요 vs 여기요
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosYou are in a restaurant and want to order food.
저기요 is the standard way to call a server in a restaurant.
저기___, 길 좀 물어볼게요.
Adding '요' makes the expression polite and suitable for strangers.
A: (____)! 이거 떨어뜨리셨어요. B: 아, 감사합니다!
You use '저기요' to get someone's attention when they drop something.
Select the inappropriate situation:
Using '저기요' with friends is too distant and sounds strange.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it's too casual. Use '선생님' (Teacher) instead.
Yes, it can be used for anyone regardless of gender.
It is still okay, but '실례합니다' or using a title like '어르신' is more respectful.
Yes, it works perfectly for that. '저기요, 좀 지나갈게요' is the standard phrase.
They are either talking to a friend or being intentionally rude/confrontational.
Both are fine, but '여기요' is slightly more common when you are sitting at your table.
No, it only means 'Excuse me' to get attention. For 'I'm sorry,' use '죄송합니다.'
Only if you are texting a stranger (like a delivery driver). Don't use it with friends.
It's between a 'ch' and a 'j'. Don't blow too much air out.
Yes, but whisper it! It's the best way to get a librarian's help.
Frases relacionadas
여기요
similarOver here / Excuse me (to call someone to you)
실례합니다
formalExcuse me (literally: I am committing a discourtesy)
잠깐만요
builds onJust a moment / Wait a second
말씀 좀 여쭐게요
specialized formMay I ask you something?
거기요
similarYou there / Over there (near you)
