Korean Dictionary
How to say "Excuse me (passing through)" in Korean
“Excuse me (passing through)” in Korean is 잠깐 지나갈게요 (pronounced "Jamkkan jinaagalgeyo").
잠깐 지나갈게요
Jamkkan jinaagalgeyo
Usage & Context
Used when you need to pass through a space where others are gathered. It's a polite way to navigate crowded areas, showing respect for others' space. 실례합니다 can also be used but sounds more formal. Common in public transport and crowded places.
Example Sentence
죄송한데요, 잠깐 지나갈게요.
I'm sorry, but excuse me (I need to pass through).
How to use 잠깐 지나갈게요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Excuse me (passing through)” is 잠깐 지나갈게요, romanized as Jamkkan jinaagalgeyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 잠깐 지나갈게요.
Pronunciation Guide
잠깐 (jam-kkan): 'Jam' like 'jam' in 'jamboree'. 'Kkan' like 'khan' in 'Genghis Khan', with a tense, strong 'k' sound. 지나갈게요 (ji-na-gal-ge-yo): 'Ji' like 'gee' in 'geese'. 'Na' like 'nah'. 'Gal' like 'gull'. 'Ge' like 'geh' in 'get'. 'Yo' like 'yoh'. The 'ㄹㄱ' (lg) combination is a light 'r' followed by a 'g' sound.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
실례하겠습니다
Sillyehagetseumnida
A more formal and general way to excuse oneself, often used when entering or leaving a space, or when needing to pass through.
Casual (반말)
잠깐 지나갈게
Jamkkan jinaagalge
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you when you need to pass.
More Example Sentences
Politically asking people to make way in a crowded area, often with an apology.
죄송하지만, 잠깐 지나갈게요.
Excuse me, but I need to pass through.
When someone is directly blocking your path and you need them to shift.
여기 좀 비켜주세요, 잠깐 지나갈게요.
Please move aside a bit here, I need to pass through.
Explaining the reason for needing extra space while passing, e.g., on public transport.
짐이 많아서 그런데, 잠깐 지나갈게요.
I have a lot of luggage, so excuse me, I need to pass.
Cultural Context
In Korea, public spaces like subways, markets, and popular areas can be very crowded. '잠깐 지나갈게요' is a common and polite way to navigate these situations without being rude. It's often accompanied by a slight bow or a hand gesture indicating your direction. While '실례합니다' (Excuse me) is a general apology, '잠깐 지나갈게요' is more specific to the act of passing through.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 잠깐 지나갈게요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
잠깐만요.
Just a moment (often used to ask someone to wait or to get attention).
지나갈게요.
I'll pass through.
길 좀 비켜주세요.
Please make way.
Related Expressions
실례합니다
Sillyehamnida
Excuse me (general)
비켜주세요
Bikyeojuseyo
Please move aside
죄송합니다
Joesonghamnida
I'm sorry
길을 비키다
Gireul bikida
To make way
More Greetings Words
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