Korean Dictionary
How to say "Sorry to Bother You" in Korean
“Sorry to Bother You” in Korean is 실례합니다 (pronounced "Sillyehamnida").
실례합니다
Sillyehamnida
Usage & Context
실례합니다 is used to politely interrupt someone or get attention in a formal setting. It conveys respect and is commonly heard in offices, restaurants, and public spaces. It's an essential phrase for navigating Korean social etiquette.
Example Sentence
실례합니다, 길을 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Sorry to bother you, may I ask for directions?
How to use 실례합니다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Sorry to Bother You” is 실례합니다, romanized as Sillyehamnida.
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 실례합니다.
Pronunciation Guide
실 (sil) sounds like 'sill' as in 'window sill'. 례 (lye) sounds like 'lyeh' (similar to 'lie' but with a 'y' sound before the 'e'). 합 (hap) sounds like 'hap' as in 'happy'. 니 (ni) sounds like 'nee'. 다 (da) sounds like 'dah'. The whole phrase is 'sill-lyeh-hap-nee-dah', flowing quickly from 'hap-nee-dah'.
More Example Sentences
Asking for permission to sit in a public space.
실례합니다, 여기 앉아도 될까요?
Excuse me, may I sit here?
Politly asking for someone at an office or reception.
실례합니다만, 혹시 김민준 씨 계신가요?
Excuse me, but is Mr. Kim Min-jun here by any chance?
A waiter addressing customers at a restaurant.
실례합니다, 주문하시겠어요?
Excuse me, would you like to order?
Cultural Context
실례합니다 is a highly versatile and essential phrase for politeness in Korea. It's used to politely get someone's attention (like 'excuse me'), to apologize for a minor inconvenience (like 'pardon me'), or to ask for permission to pass or interrupt. You'll hear it frequently in public places, shops, and restaurants, embodying the Korean value of showing respect and minimizing imposition on others.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 실례합니다 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
실례합니다, 잠시만요.
Excuse me, just a moment.
실례합니다, 지나가겠습니다.
Excuse me, I'd like to pass.
실례합니다, 질문이 있습니다.
Excuse me, I have a question.
Related Expressions
죄송합니다
joesonghamnida
I'm sorry (more serious apology)
잠시만요
jamsimanyo
Just a moment / Excuse me (when passing or asking someone to wait)
여기요
yeogiyo
Excuse me / Over here (to call a waiter)
미안합니다
mianhamnida
I'm sorry (general apology, slightly less formal than 죄송합니다)
More Greetings Words
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