Meaning
Used to call a waiter or get someone's attention.
Cultural Background
In Korean restaurants, there is often no 'assigned' waiter. Any staff member can help you. Calling '여기요' is not considered rude; it's seen as helping the staff know who is ready. In older markets, you might use 'Imo' (Auntie) instead of 'Yeogiyo' to sound more friendly and potentially get a 'service' (free extra food). Many modern 'Pocha' (pubs) have a 'Bell' on the table. Pressing it is the silent version of saying '여기요'. Younger people should always use the 'yo' ending. Only much older people might say 'Yeogi!' to a young waiter, but even then, it can sound a bit 'Gondae' (bossy/old-fashioned).
The Hand Raise
In Korea, raising your hand slightly while saying '여기요' is the most effective way to be seen in a busy restaurant.
Don't Overuse with Friends
Using '여기요' with close friends can sound like you're treating them like a waiter. Use their name instead!
Meaning
Used to call a waiter or get someone's attention.
The Hand Raise
In Korea, raising your hand slightly while saying '여기요' is the most effective way to be seen in a busy restaurant.
Don't Overuse with Friends
Using '여기요' with close friends can sound like you're treating them like a waiter. Use their name instead!
The 'Sajangnim' Alternative
If the restaurant looks like a small family business, saying 'Sajangnim!' (Boss!) instead of 'Yeogiyo' can often get you better service.
Distance Matters
If you can touch the person, use '여기요'. If you have to throw a ball to hit them, use '저기요'.
Test Yourself
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are in a restaurant and ready to order. What do you say?
'여기요' is the standard way to call a waiter to your table.
Fill in the blank to make the sentence polite.
여기___, 물 좀 주세요.
The particle '요' makes the phrase polite and appropriate for service staff.
Choose the best phrase for the distance described.
The waiter is standing far away by the kitchen. You should call out:
'저기요' is used when the person is far from you ('over there').
Complete the dialogue in the taxi.
Passenger: 기사님, ( )! 여기서 내려주세요.
When pointing to the exact spot where you are/want to be, '여기요' is used.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are in a restaurant and ready to order. What do you say?
'여기요' is the standard way to call a waiter to your table.
여기___, 물 좀 주세요.
The particle '요' makes the phrase polite and appropriate for service staff.
The waiter is standing far away by the kitchen. You should call out:
'저기요' is used when the person is far from you ('over there').
Passenger: 기사님, ( )! 여기서 내려주세요.
When pointing to the exact spot where you are/want to be, '여기요' is used.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is the standard polite way to get attention in Korea. It is much more polite than staying silent and waving your arms.
It's better to use 'Seonsaengnim' (Teacher). '여기요' is a bit too casual for a classroom setting.
'여기요' means 'Here' (near me), '저기요' means 'Over there' (near them). Use '저기요' if the person is walking away from you.
In a noisy BBQ place, yes! In a quiet cafe, a soft '여기요' with a hand raise is enough.
Only to people younger than you or very close friends. To anyone else, it is rude.
Use the bell! You don't need to say '여기요' if you press the bell, though you can say it when the waiter arrives.
The deictic system is similar, but North Koreans might use different social titles like 'Dongmu' (Comrade) in certain contexts.
Yes, it's perfect for calling a clerk to ask for a different size.
Yes, when handing something to someone, '여기요' is the most common way to say 'Here it is'.
Yes, '여기 있습니다' (Yeogi itseumnida) is the very formal version, used in business or high-end hotels.
Related Phrases
저기요
similarExcuse me (over there)
거기요
similarExcuse me (near you)
잠시만요
builds onJust a moment / Excuse me
실례합니다
specialized formExcuse me / I am committing a discourtesy
사장님
synonymBoss / Owner
이모님
synonymAuntie
