실례합니다 vs 죄송합니다: Which Korean “Excuse Me” Fits?
English “excuse me” can introduce a small interruption or acknowledge a mistake. Korean separates those situations more clearly. 실례합니다 is useful when your action may be an imposition, such as interrupting to ask a question. 죄송합니다 directly expresses a serious apology. Context and tone still matter, but this distinction gives beginners a reliable starting point.
Try this: Asking a stranger for directions? “실례합니다. 지하철역이 어디예요?” Spilled a drink on someone? “죄송합니다. 괜찮으세요?”
1. Two meanings
The National Institute of Korean Language's Korean–English Learners' Dictionary defines 실례하다 as behaving or speaking in a way that breaches etiquette. The fixed polite expression 실례합니다 can therefore soften a brief interruption. You can extend it with 실례합니다만 (“Excuse me, but...”) before a question or request.
The same dictionary defines 죄송하다 as feeling very sorry. 죄송합니다 is a respectful apology when you have caused inconvenience or made a mistake. It is usually heavier than a simple attention-getter. Do not translate every English “excuse me” as 죄송합니다 without considering whether you are actually apologizing.
2. Choose by situation
| Situation | Useful opening | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Interrupt briefly for directions | 실례합니다 | Acknowledges the interruption |
| Accidentally bump someone | 죄송합니다 | Apologizes for what happened |
| Need a moment to check a phone | 잠시만요 | Asks for a short pause |
| Ask whether taking a seat is okay | 실례합니다. 여기 앉아도 될까요? | Introduces a permission question |
These are learning examples, not rigid formulas. In a crowded room, “죄송합니다” may also be heard as someone squeezes past because they may be inconveniencing others. Listen to the whole interaction rather than the isolated phrase.
3. Practice dialogues
A. Asking a question
실례합니다. 이 근처에 지하철역이 있나요?
Excuse me. Is there a subway station near here?
네, 저쪽에 있어요.
Yes, it is over there.
B. After a mistake
죄송합니다. 제가 컵을 건드렸어요.
I'm sorry. I knocked the cup.
괜찮아요. 휴지를 가져올게요.
It's okay. I'll get some tissues.
C. Asking for a moment
잠시만요. 주소를 확인할게요.
Just a moment, please. I'll check the address.
네, 기다릴게요.
Okay, I'll wait.
The dialogues are original practice scenes. For the third pattern, see the separate 잠시만요 guide.
4. A short exercise
Choose the best opening: (1) You interrupt a museum attendant to ask where the exit is. (2) You accidentally step on someone's foot. (3) You need thirty seconds to find your booking email. Answers: (1) 실례합니다, followed by your question; (2) 죄송합니다, followed by an apology or check-in; (3) 잠시만요, followed by your explanation.
Try speaking the full sentence aloud. That helps connect the phrase to a real action rather than treating it as a one-word English translation.
5. Common questions
Can I say 죄송합니다 before asking for directions?
People may understand you, especially if you feel you are imposing, but 실례합니다 is a clearer practice starting point for a polite interruption. Add the actual question promptly.
Does 실례합니다 mean I have done something wrong?
Not necessarily. It can acknowledge that you are interrupting or entering someone's space. If you actually caused a problem, a direct apology such as 죄송합니다 is more appropriate.
Is 잠시만요 another apology?
No. It mainly asks for a brief pause. You can combine expressions when the context calls for both, but beginners should first learn what each phrase does.
Dictionary sources checked September 30, 2026: National Institute of Korean Language: 실례하다 and 죄송하다.
The opening illustration was created with AI to support the language examples.
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