Meaning
A polite way to get someone's attention or introduce a request.
Cultural Background
Using '죄송하지만' is a sign of 'Inseong' (character). People who skip the buffer and go straight to the request are often seen as 'rude' or 'uneducated'. In emails, '죄송하지만' is often replaced by '죄송하오나' or '바쁘시겠지만' (You must be busy, but...) to show even more respect. Waiters and clerks will often use this phrase to you before telling you something is out of stock. It's a way of protecting the customer's feelings. In the crowded Seoul subway, saying '죄송하지만 좀 지나갈게요' is much more effective than just pushing through.
The 'Trailing Off' Technique
In spoken Korean, you can just say '죄송하지만...' and trail off. The listener will understand you have a request or a refusal without you even saying it.
Don't use with family
Using this with your parents or siblings makes you sound like you're angry or being sarcastic.
Meaning
A polite way to get someone's attention or introduce a request.
The 'Trailing Off' Technique
In spoken Korean, you can just say '죄송하지만...' and trail off. The listener will understand you have a request or a refusal without you even saying it.
Don't use with family
Using this with your parents or siblings makes you sound like you're angry or being sarcastic.
Body Language
Always give a small nod or bow when saying this to a stranger. The words alone are only half the politeness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to politely ask for the menu.
__________, 메뉴판 좀 주시겠어요?
'죄송하지만' is the most appropriate formal buffer for a request to a waiter.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You need to tell your boss you can't attend a meeting.
This uses the correct formality and the 'but' buffer for a refusal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 저기요... B: 네? A: __________, 사진 한 장만 찍어주실 수 있나요?
Asking a favor from a stranger requires '죄송하지만'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises__________, 메뉴판 좀 주시겠어요?
'죄송하지만' is the most appropriate formal buffer for a request to a waiter.
You need to tell your boss you can't attend a meeting.
This uses the correct formality and the 'but' buffer for a refusal.
A: 저기요... B: 네? A: __________, 사진 한 장만 찍어주실 수 있나요?
Asking a favor from a stranger requires '죄송하지만'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is the perfect phrase to use before asking a teacher a question or explaining why you missed class.
They are interchangeable, but '죄송하지만' feels slightly more humble and sincere.
Use '정말 죄송하지만...' (I'm really sorry, but...).
Absolutely. It's very common in KakaoTalk messages to colleagues or people you aren't close with.
Related Phrases
실례지만
similarExcuse me, but...
미안하지만
informalSorry, but...
부탁인데
similarIt's a favor, but...
다름이 아니라
builds onIt's nothing else, but...
송구하오나
specialized formI am terribly sorry, but...
