When learning Korean, you may hear certain expressions that sound surprisingly direct. You might even wonder, “Is that person being rude?”
However, many of these expressions are perfectly normal in Korean when they are used in the right situation and spoken with a polite tone.
Let’s look at five common Korean expressions you are likely to hear in everyday life.
1. 저기요 — Excuse me
저기요 is used to politely get someone’s attention.
You can use it when you want to speak to a stranger, ask for directions or call someone who is nearby.
Example
저기요, 지하철역이 어디예요?
Excuse me, where is the subway station?
The expression may sound quite direct when spoken loudly. However, with a calm voice and friendly facial expression, it is polite and natural.
2. 여기요 — Excuse me / Over here, please
여기요 literally means “here,” but it is commonly used to call a server or ask for assistance in a restaurant.
Example
여기요, 주문할게요.
Excuse me, we’re ready to order.
In some cultures, calling a server this way may feel abrupt. In Korea, however, 여기요 is a common expression. Simply say it in a friendly and respectful tone.
3. 잠시만요 — Just a moment, please
잠시만요 is used when you need someone to wait for a short time. It can also be used when passing through a crowded place or briefly interrupting someone.
Examples
잠시만요. 곧 갈게요.
Just a moment. I’ll be there soon.
잠시만요. 지나갈게요.
Excuse me. Let me pass through.
Because the expression is short, it may initially sound like a command. However, the 요 ending makes it polite.
4. 아니요 — No
Some Korean learners worry that saying 아니요 sounds too direct. However, 아니요 is the normal polite way to say “no.”
Example
커피 드릴까요?
Would you like some coffee?
아니요, 괜찮아요.
No, thank you. I’m fine.
Your tone is important. A gentle 아니요 sounds polite, while a sharp or irritated tone can make the same word sound unfriendly.
5. 괜찮아요 — It’s okay / I’m fine / No, thank you
괜찮아요 is one of the most useful expressions in Korean. Depending on the situation, it can have several meanings:
– I’m okay.
– It’s okay.
– Don’t worry.
– No, thank you.
Example
도와드릴까요?
May I help you?
괜찮아요. 감사합니다.
I’m okay, thank you.
When someone offers you food, a drink or assistance, 괜찮아요 can be a polite way to decline the offer.
Tone Matters in Korean
These expressions are not automatically polite or rude. Their meaning depends on your tone of voice, facial expression and the situation.
Compare these two situations:
저기요! — spoken loudly and impatiently
저기요. — spoken gently with a friendly expression
The words are identical, but they can create completely different impressions.
When speaking Korean, remember these three points:
1. Use the polite 요 ending.
2. Speak in a calm and friendly tone.
3. Pay attention to the situation and the person you are addressing.
Harry’s Tip
Korean learners sometimes focus so much on grammar that they forget about tone. A sentence can be grammatically polite but still sound unfriendly if it is spoken too sharply.
On the other hand, short expressions such as 저기요, 아니요 and 괜찮아요 can sound perfectly polite when they are spoken gently. In real Korean conversation, how you say something is often just as important as what you say.
Which of these expressions surprised you the most? Practise saying each expression with a friendly Korean tone.
Interested in learning more about the Korean culture? As the first Korean language school established in Singapore by native Koreans, Daehan Education Centre has a pool of experienced and qualified teachers who are dedicated to guide you through your learning journey at an affordable rate. Our syllabus is well-structured, easy-to-follow and continuously improved with the feedbacks from our students. Whether you are here just to learn basic conversational skills or looking to certify your mastery of the language by taking the TOPIK examinations, look no further in beginning your learning journey at Daehan Education Centre!