If you’re planning to travel to Korea or live in Korea, you’ll think to yourself,

“I should learn Korean.”

Yes, this is true as the language barrier can limit one’s experience.

But, what if you don’t have enough time to learn Korean before visiting Korea?

Google Translate (left), Naver Papago (right)

Nowadays, Google and Naver do such a great job as translators that you can actually use them to communicate with Koreans. You just need a proper word to start a conversation. you can say that word in Korean and then use a translator app afterwards.

저기요

(It’s pronounced “jeo-gi-yo”)

To put it simply, it’s a word used to start a conversation with a stranger. If it’s translated into English, the most appropriate word would be “Excuse me.”

Korea uses honorifics. How you call someone can change depending on their age. Well, this can be confusing! 저기요 is a casual word that can be used anywhere for anyone.

1. When you have to call a waiter to order food at restaurants

2. When you have to ask people questions on the streets

3. When there’s no one at a store/restaurant/cafe

4. When you need to start a conversation but don’t know how to call someone

What about your language?
What would be the one word travelers from other countries should learn?