Core Concept: The "Softening Buffer"

Explain that in English, we often use a "softening buffer" before we interrupt. This is usually:

1. A brief apology or acknowledgment.

2. A phrase showing you are listening.

3. The reason for the interruption.

Example: Instead of "But that's wrong," say -> "Sorry to interrupt, but I think there might be a small misunderstanding."

Suggested Polite Phrases (from Basic to More Advanced)

Here are phrases grouped by function, with simple explanations.

Category 1: For Clarification (When You Don't Understand)

These are safe and show you are engaged.

1. "Sorry, could I just clarify something?" (죄송한데, 뭔가 좀 확실히 해도 될까요?) Why it's polite: "Sorry" is a softener. "Clarify" is a positive, professional word that means you want to understand them better.

2. "Excuse me, I just want to make sure I understand." (실례합니다, 제가 이해하고 있는지 확인하고 싶어서요.) Why it's polite: It frames the interruption as your own need for understanding, not their failure to explain.

3. "Could I ask a quick question about that?" (그것에 대해 잠시 질문 하나 해도 될까요?) Why it's polite: "Quick" reassures them you won't take much time.

Category 2: For Adding Information (When You Have a Related Point)

This is for when you want to contribute to the conversation.

1. "If I could just add something here..." (잠시만 여기에 뭔가 추가해도 된다면...) Why it's polite: It's a gentle, formal way to enter the conversation. The trailing "..." makes it sound like you're waiting for an invitation.

2. "That's a good point. Could I also mention...?" (좋은 지적이에요. 제가 ...도 언급해도 될까요?) Why it's polite: You start by agreeing ("That's a good point"), which shows you value their input before adding your own.

3. "Going back to what you said about [topic]..." (아까 [주제]에 대해 말씀하신 것 같은데...) Why it's polite: This shows you were listening carefully and want to connect your idea to theirs. It's very collaborative.

Category 3: For Gentle Correction or Disagreement

This is the trickiest area, where soft language is most important.

1. "I see what you're saying. From my understanding, though..." (무슨 말씀인지 알겠습니다. 그런데 제가 이해하기로는...) Why it's polite: "I see what you're saying" validates their perspective before you gently introduce a different one using "though."

2. "Sorry to interrupt, but I think there might be a small mistake." (끼어들어 죄송한데, 작은 실수가 좀 있는 것 같아요.) Why it's polite: Using "a small mistake" or "a slight misunderstanding" is much softer than saying "You are wrong."

3. "Could I offer a different perspective on that?" (그것에 대해 다른 관점을 제시해도 될까요?) Why it's polite: This is a very respectful and professional way to disagree. It sounds like you are "offering" an idea, not forcing it.

Summary

Excuse me

Wait a minute

Could I say something?

Can I ask one thing?

Can I ask something?

But.

Sorry, could I just clarify something?

Excuse me, I just want to make sure I understand

Could I ask a quick question about that?

That's a good point. Could I also mention...?

Going back to what you said about [topic]...

I see what you're saying. From my understanding, though...

Sorry to interrupt, but I think there might be a small mistake.

Could I offer a different perspective on that?

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