Asking Someone to Yield Their Seat on Public Transport in Korean

Navigating crowded public transportation in Korea sometimes requires asking someone to yield their seat, especially if you are elderly, pregnant, injured, or feeling unwell. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for politely requesting a seat when you need one. Understanding these expressions will help you communicate your needs effectively and respectfully on buses and subways in Korea.

Core Expression

This is the most standard and polite way to directly ask someone to yield their seat.

• Expression: 자리 좀 양보해 주시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: Jari jom yangbohae jusigesseoyo?
  Meaning: Could you please yield your seat? (Polite request)

Basic Phrases for Requesting a Seat

Use these foundational phrases when initiating your request or making general inquiries about seating.

• Expression: 실례합니다.
  Pronunciation: Sillyehamnida.
  Meaning: Excuse me.
• Expression: 저기요.
  Pronunciation: Jeogiyo.
  Meaning: Excuse me (to get someone’s attention).
• Expression: 말씀 좀 여쭙겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: Malssum jom yeojjupgetseumnida.
  Meaning: May I ask you something? (Very polite)
• Expression: 혹시 자리 좀…
  Pronunciation: Hoksi jari jom…
  Meaning: Perhaps the seat… (Trailing off, implying a request)
• Expression: 앉아도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: Anjado doelkkayo?
  Meaning: May I sit down? (Asking if a seat is available or if you can take it)
• Expression: 여기 앉을 사람이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: Yeogi anjeul sarami innayo?
  Meaning: Is someone sitting here? / Is this seat taken?
• Expression: 제가 좀 앉아야 해서요.
  Pronunciation: Jega jom anjaya haeseoyo.
  Meaning: It’s because I need to sit down.
• Expression: 죄송하지만, 제가 몸이 좀 안 좋아서요.
  Pronunciation: Joesonghajiman, jega momi jom an joaseoyo.
  Meaning: I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling well.
• Expression: 잠깐만 앉아도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: Jamkkanman anjado doelkkayo?
  Meaning: May I sit just for a moment?
• Expression: 부탁 좀 드려도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: Butak jom deuryeodo doelkkayo?
  Meaning: May I ask a favor?
• Expression: 양해 부탁드립니다.
  Pronunciation: Yanghae butakdeurimnida.
  Meaning: I ask for your understanding.
• Expression: 도와주시면 감사하겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: Dowajusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida.
  Meaning: I would be grateful if you could help.

Explaining Why You Need a Seat

Clearly stating your reason can make the request more understandable and likely to be accepted.

• Expression: 제가 임산부라서요.
  Pronunciation: Jega imsanburaseoyo.
  Meaning: It’s because I’m pregnant.
• Expression: 제가 다리가 좀 불편해서요.
  Pronunciation: Jega dariga jom bulpyeonhaeseoyo.
  Meaning: It’s because my leg(s) are uncomfortable/injured.
• Expression: 제가 몸이 좀 안 좋아서 앉아야 할 것 같아요.
  Pronunciation: Jega momi jom an joaseo anjaya hal geot gatayo.
  Meaning: I’m not feeling well, so I think I need to sit down.
• Expression: 제가 노약자라서요.
  Pronunciation: Jega noyakjaraseoyo.
  Meaning: It’s because I’m elderly/frail.
• Expression: 어지러워서 좀 앉고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: Eojireowoseo jom ango sipeoyo.
  Meaning: I feel dizzy, so I’d like to sit down.
• Expression: 아이를 안고 있어서 서 있기가 힘드네요.
  Pronunciation: Aireul ango isseoseo seo itgiga himdeuneyo.
  Meaning: It’s difficult to stand because I’m holding a child.
• Expression: 수술한 지 얼마 안 돼서요.
  Pronunciation: Susulhan ji eolma an dwaeseoyo.
  Meaning: It hasn’t been long since I had surgery.
• Expression: 깁스를 해서 서 있기가 어렵습니다.
  Pronunciation: Gipseureul haeseo seo itgiga eoryeopseumnida.
  Meaning: I have a cast on, so it’s difficult to stand.
• Expression: 무릎이 안 좋아서요.
  Pronunciation: Mureupi an joaseoyo.
  Meaning: It’s because my knees are bad.
• Expression: 허리가 아파서 앉아야 해요.
  Pronunciation: Heoriga apaseo anjaya haeyo.
  Meaning: My back hurts, so I need to sit.
• Expression: 곧 내릴 거 아니시면, 자리 좀 부탁드려도 될까요?
  Pronunciation: Got naeril geo anisimyeon, jari jom butakdeuryeodo doelkkayo?
  Meaning: If you are not getting off soon, could I please ask for the seat?
• Expression: 컨디션이 너무 안 좋아서 그런데, 죄송합니다.
  Pronunciation: Keondisyeoni neomu an joaseo geureonde, joesonghamnida.
  Meaning: I’m really not feeling well, I’m sorry (implies request for seat).

Responding Politely (If You Are Asked or Asking)

Knowing how to respond graciously, whether you are giving up your seat or receiving one, is important.

• Expression: 네, 그럼요. 여기 앉으세요.
  Pronunciation: Ne, geureomyo. Yeogi anjeuseyo.
  Meaning: Yes, of course. Please sit here. (When giving up your seat)
• Expression: 아, 네. 앉으세요.
  Pronunciation: A, ne. Anjeuseyo.
  Meaning: Oh, yes. Please sit. (Simple agreement to yield)
• Expression: 괜찮습니다. 저는 곧 내려요.
  Pronunciation: Gwaenchansseumnida. Jeoneun got naeryeoyo.
  Meaning: It’s okay. I’m getting off soon anyway. (Polite way to give up seat)
• Expression: 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: Gamsahamnida.
  Meaning: Thank you. (When receiving a seat)
• Expression: 정말 고맙습니다.
  Pronunciation: Jeongmal gomapseumnida.
  Meaning: Thank you very much.
• Expression: 덕분에 편하게 갑니다.
  Pronunciation: Deokbune pyeonhage gamnida.
  Meaning: Thanks to you, I can travel comfortably.
• Expression: 아니요, 괜찮습니다.
  Pronunciation: Aniyo, gwaenchansseumnida.
  Meaning: No, it’s okay. (Politely refusing if offered a seat you don’t need)
• Expression: 저는 괜찮아요. 다른 분께 양보하세요.
  Pronunciation: Jeoneun gwaenchanayo. Dareun bunkke yangbohaseyo.
  Meaning: I’m fine. Please offer it to someone else.
• Expression: 죄송합니다, 저도 몸이 안 좋아서요.
  Pronunciation: Joesonghamnida, jeodo momi an joaseoyo.
  Meaning: I’m sorry, I’m also not feeling well. (If unable to yield seat)
• Expression: 죄송해요, 제가 다음 정거장에서 내려서요.
  Pronunciation: Joesonghaeyo, jega daeum jeonggeojangeseo naeryeoseoyo.
  Meaning: I’m sorry, I’m getting off at the next stop. (Reason for not yielding)
• Expression: 이해해 주셔서 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: Ihaehae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.
  Meaning: Thank you for understanding. (After explaining why you need the seat or cannot yield)
• Expression: 신세 좀 지겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: Sinse jom jigetseumnida.
  Meaning: I’ll be indebted to you / Thank you for your trouble. (Formal thanks when accepting help/seat)

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding cultural nuances can help you navigate these situations more smoothly.

• Priority Seating (노약자석 – Noyakjaseok): Korean public transport has clearly marked priority seats for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and passengers with young children. These are often pink or yellow. It’s generally expected that able-bodied individuals leave these seats vacant or yield them immediately if someone eligible needs them.
• Offering Seats is Common: It’s a common courtesy in Korea for younger people to offer their seats to the elderly or those in need, even in regular seating areas. You will often see people proactively offering their seats without being asked.
• Hesitation to Ask Directly: While it’s acceptable to ask, some Koreans, especially older individuals or those feeling unwell, might feel hesitant or embarrassed to directly request a seat. They might stand near the seats hoping someone will offer. Being observant and offering proactively is appreciated.
• Politeness is Key: When asking for a seat, using polite language (like the expressions listed above) is crucial. Avoid demanding language. A polite request is much more likely to be met with a positive response.
• Acknowledging the Gesture: If someone offers you their seat, always express clear gratitude (감사합니다 – Gamsahamnida). If you offer your seat and it’s accepted, a simple nod or “네” (Ne – Yes) is sufficient.

Real Conversation Example

This example demonstrates how someone might politely ask for a seat on a crowded bus.

Situation: A visibly pregnant woman (A) boards a crowded bus and needs a seat. She approaches a young person (B) sitting in a regular seat.

Roles:
* A: Pregnant Woman
* B: Seated Passenger

• Expression: A: 실례합니다. 제가 임산부라서 그런데, 혹시 자리 좀 양보해 주실 수 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: A: Sillyehamnida. Jega imsanburaseo geureonde, hoksi jari jom yangbohae jusil su isseulkkayo?
  Meaning: A: Excuse me. I’m pregnant, so I was wondering if you might possibly be able to yield your seat?
• Expression: B: 아, 네! 몰랐습니다. 죄송해요. 여기 앉으세요.
  Pronunciation: B: A, ne! Mollasseumnida. Joesonghaeyo. Yeogi anjeuseyo.
  Meaning: B: Oh, yes! I didn’t realize. I’m sorry. Please sit here.
• Expression: A: 아닙니다. 정말 감사합니다. 덕분에 편하게 가겠네요.
  Pronunciation: A: Animnida. Jeongmal gamsahamnida. Deokbune pyeonhage gagenneyo.
  Meaning: A: Not at all. Thank you very much. Thanks to you, I’ll be able to travel comfortably.
• Expression: B: 별말씀을요. 조심히 가세요.
  Pronunciation: B: Byeolmal씀eullyo. Josimhi gaseyo.
  Meaning: B: Don’t mention it. Travel safely.

Practice Tips

Mastering these phrases takes practice! Here are some tips~

• Listen and Repeat: Pay close attention to the pronunciation. Try repeating the phrases aloud until they feel natural!
• Role-Playing: Practice with a friend or language partner. Take turns being the person asking for the seat and the person responding.
• Observe: When you’re on public transport in Korea (or watching Korean dramas!), pay attention to how people interact regarding seating. You’ll pick up nuances!
• Start Simple: Begin with “실례합니다” (Sillyehamnida) and “감사합니다” (Gamsahamnida). As you get more confident, add the core request phrase.
• Don’t Be Afraid: Most people are understanding, especially if you explain your situation politely. It’s better to ask than to struggle unnecessarily!

Keep practicing, and you’ll feel much more confident navigating public transport in Korea! 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – You can do it!)