Clarifying a Taxi Route Politely | Learn Korean in English

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Use Clarifying a Taxi Route Politely to practice Korean conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

실례하지만, 교통 때문에 다른 경로로 가고 있나요?

shil-LYEH-ha-JI-man, gyo-TONG tteh-MOO-neh DAH-reun GYUHNG-noh-roh gah-goh in-NAH-yoh? Excuse me, are we taking a different route because of traffic?

앞쪽 도로가 막혀 있어서 우회해야 합니다.

ahp-JJOK DOH-roh-gah mah-KYEH iss-uh-suh oo-HWEH-hae-YAH hahm-NEE-dah. The road ahead is blocked, so I need to take a detour.

이 지역이 낯설어서 여쭤본 거예요.

ee JEE-uh-gee NAHT-SSUHL-uh-suh yuh-JJWOH-bohn guh-YEH-yoh. I was asking because I don't recognize this area.

이쪽이 조금 더 멀지만, 계속 이동할 수 있을 거예요.

ee-JJOK-ee joh-GEUM duh MUHL-jee-MAHN, gyeh-SOK ee-DONG-hal soo iss-UL guh-YEH-yoh. This way is a little longer, but it should keep us moving.

가능하면 큰길로 가 주실 수 있을까요?

gah-NEUNG-ha-myun keun-GEEL-loh gah joo-SHEEL soo iss-UL-kka-YOH? Could we stay on larger roads if possible?

그렇게 할 수 있습니다.

guh-ruh-KEH hal soo iss-seum-NEE-dah. I can do that.

몇 분 정도 더 걸릴 수 있습니다.

myuht-PPoon JUNG-doh duh GUHL-lil soo iss-seum-NEE-dah. It may add a few minutes.

하지만 길을 따라가기는 더 쉬울 거예요.

ha-JI-man gee-reul tta-RAH-ga-gee-neun duh SHWEE-ool guh-YEH-yoh. But it will be easier to follow.

좋아요. 저는 급하지 않아요.

joh-AH-yoh. juh-neun guhp-PAH-jee ah-NAH-yoh. That works. I'm not in a hurry.

이제부터는 작은 골목길을 피해서 가겠습니다.

ee-jeh-BOO-tuh-neun JAH-geun GOHL-mohk-kkEEL-eul pee-HAE-suh gah-gehss-seum-NEE-dah. I'll avoid the small side streets from here.

경로를 설명해 주셔서 감사합니다.

GYUHNG-noh-reul SUHL-myung-hae joo-SHYUH-suh gahm-SAH-hahm-NEE-dah. I appreciate you explaining the route.

다시 경로를 바꿔야 하면 말씀드리겠습니다.

DAH-shee GYUHNG-noh-reul bah-KKWOH-yah hah-myun MAHL-sseum-deu-ree-gehss-seum-NEE-dah. I'll let you know if I need to change it again.

Word by Word

실례하지만 “실례하지만” is a polite “excuse me” used to open a question to the taxi driver. Use it before asking a stranger or service worker for attention or information.

교통 “교통” means traffic here, referring to the movement and condition of vehicles on the roads. It commonly appears with a reason pattern such as “because of traffic.” Use it when asking why travel is delayed or a route has changed.

때문에 “때문에” means “because of” in “교통 때문에,” giving the reason for taking a different route. It follows a noun when that noun is the cause. Use it to explain a reason for a delay, change, or problem.

다른 “다른” means different or another and describes “경로” in this dialogue. It comes directly before the noun it describes. Use it when comparing the current option with a previous or expected one.

경로로 “경로로” means by or via a route, with “경로” marked as the path being used. The ending “로” marks the route or direction. Use this pattern when describing which route someone takes.

가고 “가고” is the form used in “가고 있나요,” where it connects “가다,” to go, with the following form to ask about the ongoing trip. Its meaning is understood together with “있나요,” rather than as a complete statement by itself. Use it when describing an action that is continuing into the present.

있나요 “있나요” completes the polite question “가고 있나요?” and asks whether the current action or situation is happening. Here, the whole phrase asks whether the taxi is taking that route. Use this polite question ending when checking a current situation.

앞쪽 “앞쪽” means the front or area ahead, referring here to the road farther along the taxi’s direction. It commonly comes before a noun to specify the area ahead. Use it when describing something located in front of you.

도로가 “도로가” means “the road” as the subject of the statement, with “가” marking the road being described. In the dialogue, it is the road ahead that is blocked. Use it when identifying which road or roadway has a condition.

막혀 “막혀” means blocked or obstructed in “도로가 막혀 있어서.” It describes the road’s condition and connects to the reason that follows. Use it for a road, entrance, passage, or route that cannot be used normally.

있어서 “있어서” contributes the reason “because it is” in “막혀 있어서,” explaining why a detour is necessary. Together with the preceding condition, it connects a cause to a result. Use this pattern to explain why an action or decision is needed.

우회해야 “우회해야” means must take a detour or go around, expressing the necessary alternative route here. The form is used before the formal ending “합니다” in the full sentence. Use it when a blocked road or obstacle requires travel by another route.

합니다 “합니다” gives the sentence a formal and polite statement ending, as in “우회해야 합니다.” It makes the driver’s explanation respectful and suitable for speaking to a passenger. Use this formal ending in service situations or other polite explanations.

이 “이” means this in “이 지역이,” pointing to the area being discussed. It comes directly before the noun it specifies. Use it to identify a nearby person, place, or thing in the conversation.

지역이 “지역이” means the area as the subject of “이 지역이 낯설어서.” The ending “이” marks the area as what is unfamiliar. Use it when describing a particular area, district, or region.

낯설어서 “낯설어서” means because it is unfamiliar, explaining why the passenger asked about the route. It links the unfamiliar area to the reason for asking. Use it when you do not know a place or situation well and want to explain your question.

여쭤본 “여쭤본” means asked in a respectful way in “여쭤본 거예요.” It presents the passenger’s earlier question politely toward the driver. Use this respectful form when referring to asking someone who deserves polite treatment.

거예요 “거예요” completes “여쭤본 거예요” and explains that the preceding action is the situation being clarified: “That is why I asked.” It is useful for giving a polite explanation or reason after an earlier action. Use it when explaining what an action was about or why it happened.

이쪽이 “이쪽이” means this way or this side as the subject, comparing this route with another one. The ending “이” marks this direction or route as the subject of the comparison. Use it when pointing out or evaluating one direction or option.

조금 “조금” means a little, softening the statement that this route is longer. It is placed before the word or expression whose degree it limits. Use it to make a small difference sound precise and less absolute.

더 “더” means more and marks a comparison in “조금 더 멀지만,” meaning farther or longer than another route. It comes before the adjective or description being compared. Use it when saying that one option has a greater degree of a quality.

멀지만 “멀지만” means farther or longer, but, connecting the disadvantage of this route with its benefit. The ending “지만” signals the contrast with the following statement. Use it when acknowledging one limitation before presenting a positive point.

계속 “계속” means continuously or without stopping in “계속 이동할 수 있을 거예요.” It describes maintaining movement despite the longer route. Use it when an action continues over time or proceeds without interruption.

이동할 “이동할” means to move or travel in “이동할 수 있을 거예요.” It is the form used before the possibility pattern “수 있을 거예요.” Use it when referring to moving from one place to another, especially in travel or transport contexts.

수 “수” is the possibility or ability component in “이동할 수 있을 거예요,” meaning that continued movement will be possible. It appears after a verb form and before the following expression of possibility. Use the pattern when saying that someone can do something or that something is possible.

있을 “있을” completes the possibility expression “할 수 있을 거예요” and contributes the expected future possibility. Here, “이동할 수 있을 거예요” means that continued movement should be possible. Use it in a pattern for saying that an action will likely be possible.

가능하면 “가능하면” means if possible and introduces a polite condition for the passenger’s request. It is placed before the preferred action or option. Use it when making a request while recognizing that circumstances may prevent it.

큰길로 “큰길로” means via larger or main roads, with “로” marking the route to use. In this dialogue, it expresses the passenger’s preferred type of road. Use it when requesting travel along a particular kind of road or route.

가 “가” means go and appears in the request “가 주실 수 있을까요?” It combines with the following polite helping expression, so the full request means “Could you go that way for me?” Use it as the action in a request about traveling or moving somewhere.

주실 “주실” contributes the polite “do this for me” meaning in “가 주실 수 있을까요?” It presents the driver’s action as a favor requested respectfully. Use this form when asking someone politely to perform an action for you.

있을까요 “있을까요” completes the polite possibility question “가 주실 수 있을까요?” and makes the request sound tentative and respectful. The whole expression asks whether the driver could do the requested action. Use it when making a considerate request to another person.

그렇게 “그렇게” means that way or like that and refers back to the passenger’s request to use larger roads. It allows the speaker to accept or confirm a previously mentioned action without repeating it. Use it when responding to a suggestion, request, or instruction already understood in the conversation.

할 “할” means to do in “그렇게 할 수 있습니다,” referring to carrying out the requested route change. It comes before “수 있습니다” to form an ability statement. Use this pattern when confirming that you can carry out a requested action.

있습니다 “있습니다” completes “할 수 있습니다,” which means “I can do that” in this dialogue. The ending gives the confirmation a formal and polite tone. Use it after “수” when giving a formal statement of ability or possibility.

몇 “몇” means how many or a few when used with a counter or time expression. In “몇 분 정도,” it asks for an imprecise small number of minutes. Use it before a counter when referring to an unspecified number.

분 “분” means minutes in “몇 분 정도,” indicating the amount of additional time. It is the time unit used after “몇.” Use it when estimating or asking about a duration in minutes.

정도 “정도” means about or approximately and softens the estimate “몇 분 정도.” It is placed after the amount being estimated. Use it when giving an approximate quantity, duration, distance, or degree.

걸릴 “걸릴” means will take, referring to the time needed in “몇 분 정도 더 걸릴 수 있습니다.” It appears before the possibility expression to say that the extra time may be required. Use it when estimating how long a trip, task, or process may take.

하지만 “하지만” means but or however and introduces the benefit of using larger roads after mentioning the extra time. It marks a clear contrast between two points. Use it to acknowledge a disadvantage before giving a positive consideration.

길을 “길을” means the road or route as the object in “길을 따라가기는 더 쉬울 거예요.” It is the route being followed. Use it when describing following, crossing, or using a particular road or path.

따라가기는 “따라가기는” refers to following the route and highlights that activity in the comparison “따라가기는 더 쉬울 거예요.” It works with the following words to say that following the road will be easier. Use it when comparing how easy it is to follow a route or direction.

쉬울 “쉬울” means will be easy or likely to be easy in “따라가기는 더 쉬울 거예요.” It describes the expected convenience of following larger roads. Use it before a future or expected statement when evaluating how easy an action will be.

좋아요 “좋아요” means okay or that works in the passenger’s acceptance of the driver’s suggestion. It can show agreement with a plan or proposal. Use it when accepting an arrangement in a friendly, polite way.

저는 “저는” means I or as for me, marking the passenger as the topic of the next statement. The ending “는” sets up the speaker’s personal situation or preference. Use it when contrasting your own condition with another person’s or situation’s.

급하지 “급하지” contributes the meaning of not being in a hurry in “급하지 않아요.” It describes the passenger’s lack of urgency and is completed by “않아요.” Use it when explaining that there is no need to arrive quickly.

않아요 “않아요” makes the preceding description negative in “급하지 않아요,” meaning “I am not in a hurry.” It gives the sentence a polite conversational tone. Use it after a descriptive or action form when politely saying that something is not the case.

이제부터는 “이제부터는” means from now on or from this point onward, setting the starting point for the driver’s new route choice. The ending “는” highlights this time period. Use it when announcing a change that will apply for the remainder of an activity.

작은 “작은” means small and describes “골목길” in “작은 골목길을.” It comes directly before the noun it modifies. Use it when identifying a road, object, or place as small in size.

골목길을 “골목길을” means the small side streets or alleyways as the object of avoiding. The ending “을” marks the streets affected by the driver’s action. Use it when referring to narrow local streets, especially in route or navigation discussions.

피해서 “피해서” means by avoiding or while avoiding, linking the avoided side streets to the driver’s chosen route. It explains how the driver will proceed. Use it when describing an action carried out while staying away from a person, place, or problem.

가겠습니다 “가겠습니다” means I will go or I will take this route, giving the driver’s polite commitment about what will happen next. It is suitable for a formal service interaction. Use it when stating a willing decision or intention to carry out an action.

경로를 “경로를” means the route as the object of explaining in “경로를 설명해 주셔서.” The ending “를” marks the route being explained. Use it when discussing or asking for the route of a trip or process.

설명해 “설명해” means explain and appears in “설명해 주셔서,” where the driver has explained the route for the passenger. It connects the explanation action with the polite favor expression that follows. Use it when referring to explaining information, directions, or a plan.

주셔서 “주셔서” contributes the polite meaning of having done something for the speaker in “설명해 주셔서 감사합니다.” Together, the expression thanks someone respectfully for explaining the route. Use this pattern when thanking someone for a helpful action.

감사합니다 “감사합니다” means thank you and gives the passenger’s appreciation a formal, polite tone. Here it follows the action being appreciated. Use it in service situations or whenever you want to thank someone respectfully.

다시 “다시” means again, indicating a repeated route change in “다시 경로를 바꿔야 하면.” It comes before the action that may happen another time. Use it when referring to repetition or returning to an earlier action.

바꿔야 “바꿔야” means must change in “경로를 바꿔야 하면,” referring to changing the route if necessary. It expresses the required action inside the condition. Use it when a change is necessary under a particular circumstance.

하면 “하면” means if or when in “바꿔야 하면,” introducing the condition under which the driver will inform the passenger. It follows the condition and leads to the result. Use it to connect a possible situation with what will happen afterward.

말씀드리겠습니다 “말씀드리겠습니다” means I will tell you or let you know, expressed respectfully toward the passenger. In this dialogue, the driver promises to inform the passenger if another route change becomes necessary. Use it when politely promising to provide information to someone.

Grammar Points

N 때문에

교통 때문에 다른 경로로 가야 합니다.

gyoh-TONG tteh-MOO-neh DAH-reun GYUHNG-noh-roh gah-YAH hahm-NEE-dah.

We have to take a different route because of traffic.

때문에 follows a noun and gives the reason for an action or situation.

V-아야/어야 하다

도로가 막혀 있어서 우회해야 합니다.

DOH-roh-gah mah-KYEH iss-uh-suh oo-HWEH-hae-YAH hahm-NEE-dah.

The road is congested, so we have to take a detour.

This pattern expresses necessity or something that must be done.

Korean Vocabulary

가다 verb

GAH-dah to go 가고 있나요

경로로 가고 있나요?

경로 noun

GYUHNG-noh route

다른 경로

교통 noun

gyoh-TONG traffic

교통 때문에

낯설다 adj

NAHT-SSUHL-dah to be unfamiliar 낯설어서

이 지역이 낯설어서

다르다 adj

DAH-reu-dah to be different 다른

다른 경로

도로 noun

DOH-roh road

앞쪽 도로

때문에 prep

tteh-MOO-neh because of; due to

교통 때문에

막히다 verb

MAH-kee-dah to be blocked; to be congested 막혀 있어서

도로가 막혀 있어서

실례하다 verb

shil-LYEH-ha-dah to excuse oneself; to be rude 실례하지만

실례하지만

앞쪽 noun

ahp-JJOK the front; ahead

앞쪽 도로

우회하다 verb

oo-HWEH-ha-dah to take a detour; to detour 우회해야 합니다

우회해야 합니다

지역 noun

JEE-uhk area; region

이 지역

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

The road ahead is blocked, so I need to take a detour.

Show Answer

앞쪽 도로가 막혀 있어서 우회해야 합니다.

I was asking because I don't recognize this area.

Show Answer

이 지역이 낯설어서 여쭤본 거예요.

Could we stay on larger roads if possible?

Show Answer

가능하면 큰길로 가 주실 수 있을까요?

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to excuse oneself; to be rude

Show Answer

실례하지만

to be unfamiliar

Show Answer

낯설어서

traffic

Show Answer

교통

road

Show Answer

도로