Common Ways to Say Sorry in Korean
There’s more than one way to say sorry in Korean, and the phrase you choose depends on who you’re talking to and what kind of situation you’re in. Let’s start with the most common apology expressions you’ll hear.
죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) – The Formal & Polite “Sorry”
This is the most formal and respectful way to say sorry. You’ll hear it used in customer service settings, business conversations, or when addressing someone of higher status. It literally translates to “I apologize” and is appropriate in most professional or unfamiliar situations.
Example:
죄송합니다. 늦었어요.
I’m sorry. I’m late.
미안합니다 (mianhamnida) – Formal, but Slightly Softer
Still polite but a little more personal than 죄송합니다, this phrase is suitable when speaking formally to someone you know, such as a professor, a senior colleague, or an acquaintance you respect.
Example:
미안합니다. 방해했어요.
Sorry, I disturbed you.
미안해요 (mianhaeyo) – Polite but Friendly
Think of this as the polite casual. It’s perfect for everyday situations where formality is still needed but you’re not in a super serious context. Use this with people you’re familiar with, like coworkers or older classmates.
미안해 (mianhae) – Casual and Intimate
This is the go-to for sorry in Korean informal conversations. Use it with friends, younger people, or family members. It’s warm, familiar, and commonly used among close relationships.
Example:
미안해. 너한테 말 안 했어.
Sorry. I didn’t tell you.
죄송해요 (joesonghaeyo) – Polite Version of 죄송합니다
This one mixes the high respect of 죄송합니다 with a slightly softer, friendlier tone. It’s polite, but not stiff.
Read more: Hello in Korean
Contextual Usage of Apology Phrases
In Korean culture, how you apologize isn’t just about what you say—it’s about to whom you say it, exactly the same with how you say Thank you in Korean. The language is deeply hierarchical, so age and social position play a huge role in which version of sorry in Korean language is most appropriate.
Addressing Elders or Superiors
When apologizing to elders, bosses, teachers, or anyone in a position of authority, you should always use the most formal expressions to show proper respect. In these situations, knowing the correct way to say sorry in Korean informal settings won’t help—you need the formal versions.
- 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry (most formal)
- 정말 죄송합니다 (jeongmal joesonghamnida) – I’m really sorry
- 대단히 죄송합니다 (daedanhi joesonghamnida) – I’m terribly sorry
- 진심으로 죄송합니다 (jinsimeuro joesonghamnida) – I’m sincerely sorry
- 죄송합니다만, (joesonghamnidaman) – I’m sorry, but…
- 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) – Excuse me/I’m sorry for the interruption
- 사과드립니다 (sagwadeurimnida) – I apologize to you
- 용서해 주세요 (yongseohae juseyo) – Please forgive me
- 실수했습니다 (silsuhaessseubnida) – I made a mistake
- 제 잘못입니다 (je jalmossumnida) – It’s my fault
Speaking with Peers
With colleagues, acquaintances, or people of similar age or status, you can use slightly less formal apologies while still maintaining politeness. The Korean language offers perfect middle-ground expressions for these situations.
- 미안합니다 (mianhamnida) – I’m sorry (polite but less formal)
- 정말 미안합니다 (jeongmal mianhamnida) – I’m really sorry
- 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) – I’m sorry (casual-polite)
- 죄송해요 (joesonghaeyo) – I’m sorry (casual-polite)
- 실례해요 (sillyehaeyo) – Excuse me
- 사과할게요 (sagwahalgeyo) – I’ll apologize
- 용서해 주세요 (yongseohae juseyo) – Please forgive me
- 이해해 주세요 (ihaehae juseyo) – Please understand
- 제 실수였어요 (je silsuyeosseoyo) – It was my mistake
- 제가 잘못했어요 (jega jalmothaesseoyo) – I did wrong
Talking to Close Friends or Younger Individuals
When speaking with close friends, family members who are younger than you, or children, you can use the informal forms of sorry in Korean language. Korean casual expressions like this still convey sincerity without the formality required in other situations.
- 미안해 (mianhae) – Sorry (informal)
- 진짜 미안해 (jinjja mianhae) – Really sorry
- 미안 (mian) – Sorry (very casual)
- 아이고, 미안해 (aigo, mianhae) – Oh, I’m sorry
- 실수했어 (silsuhaesseo) – I made a mistake
- 잘못했어 (jalmothaesseo) – I did wrong
- 내 잘못이야 (nae jalmosiya) – It’s my fault
- 용서해 줘 (yongseohae jwo) – Forgive me
- 이해해 줘 (ihaehae jwo) – Please understand
- 다시는 안 그럴게 (dasineun an geureolge) – I won’t do it again
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ve accidentally bumped into someone or made a bigger mistake, knowing the right way to apologize makes a huge difference. So next time you mess up (hey, it happens to all of us), don’t panic. Ask yourself: “How do I say sorry in Korean in this exact situation?”—and then pick your phrase like a native would.
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