In Korean culture, saying sorry is important and shows deep respect. There are 20 different ways to apologize, each suited to different situations and relationships. These expressions show the values of respect, humility, and sincerity that are important in Korean society.
Learning these phrases is not just about adding words to your vocabulary. It’s key to understanding and fitting into Korean culture. Each way of saying sorry can change a simple interaction into a meaningful cultural exchange.
What can the choice of one apology over another tell us about how people interact and relate to each other in Korea?
How to Say “Sorry” in Korean?
Learning how to apologize in Korean means knowing the right phrases for different situations, from casual to formal. If you’re saying sorry to friends or family, you usually say 미안해 (Mianhae).
If it’s a less casual setting, like with people you don’t know well or younger coworkers, you’d use 미안해요 (Mianhaeyo).
In formal situations, like with older people or your boss, you’d use 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) to show proper respect.
And if you’ve made a big mistake and need to express deep regret, you’d say 정말 죄송합니다 (Jeongmal Joesonghamnida).
Each of these phrases helps you navigate the social rules that are very important in Korean culture.
Formal Ways to Say “Sorry” in Korean
Learning how to say ‘sorry’ in Korean in different ways can really boost your language skills and help you understand the culture better. While you might know the common apologies like 미안해 (mianhae) and 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida), there are more specific ways to express regret depending on the situation and who you’re talking to.
Here’s a table outlining some formal ways to say “sorry” in Korean, along with context and when to use each expression:
| Korean Expression | Romanization | Meaning | Usage Context |
| 죄송합니다 | Joesonghamnida | I’m sorry | General formal apology in professional or polite settings. |
| 미안합니다 | Mianhamnida | I’m sorry | Less formal than 죄송합니다; suitable for polite apologies. |
| 진심으로 사과드립니다 | Jinsimeuro sagwa deurimnida | I sincerely apologize | Very formal and heartfelt apology, used in serious situations. |
| 사과드립니다 | Sagwa deurimnida | I apologize | Formal apology, often used in business or official settings. |
| 폐를 끼쳐 죄송합니다 | Pye-reul kkichyeo joesonghamnida | Sorry for causing trouble | Apology for inconveniencing someone in formal contexts. |
| 용서해 주시기 바랍니다 | Yongseohae jusigi baramnida | Please forgive me | Formal request for forgiveness. |
These expressions are typically used in professional, academic, or serious social contexts where a high level of politeness and respect is required.
Also Read: How To Say “Hello” In Korean: 27 Unique Korean Greetings
Informal Ways to Say “Sorry” in Korean
In casual conversations, Koreans use different ways to say “sorry” to friends, family, or peers. These informal phrases feel more relaxed and sincere than formal ones. They don’t follow the strict rules of polite speech. Knowing these casual apologies helps you connect better with others in everyday life.
The table below shows informal ways to say “sorry” in Korean. It includes their meanings and when to use them. These phrases work best in friendly, casual situations.
| Korean Expression | Romanization | Meaning | Usage Context |
| 미안해요 | Mianhaeyo | Sorry | Polite but still informal; used with acquaintances. |
| 진짜 미안 | Jinjja mian | Really sorry | Casual and emphasizes sincerity. |
| 내가 잘못했어 | Naega jalmoshaesseo | I was wrong | Apologizing for a clear mistake. |
| 미안, 깜빡했어 | Mian, kkambbakhaesseo | Sorry, I totally forgot | Casual apology when forgetting something. |
| 용서해 줘 | Yongseohae jwo | Forgive me | Informal request for forgiveness. |
| 미안, 실수야 | Mian, silsuya | Sorry, it was a mistake | Apology for an unintentional mistake. |
| 미안, 늦었어 | Mian, neujeosseo | Sorry, I’m late | Apologizing casually for being late. |
| 어쩌다 보니 이렇게 됐어 | Eojjeoda boni ireoke dwaesseo | It just happened this way | Casual way of apologizing when things go wrong. |
| 미안, 방금 뭐라고 했어? | Mian, banggeum mworago haesseo? | Sorry, what did you say just now? | Casual apology for not paying attention. |
| 잘 몰랐어 | Jal mollasseo | I didn’t know | Apologizing for ignorance or misunderstanding. |
| 그럴 의도는 아니었어 | Geureol uido-neun anieosseo | I didn’t mean it that way | Casual way to explain and apologize. |
| 장난이었어 | Jangnanieseo | I was just kidding | Apology when a joke goes too far. |
| 미안, 다시는 안 그럴게 | Mian, dasineun an geureolge | Sorry, I won’t do it again | Casual promise not to repeat a mistake. |
| 미안, 이해해 줘 | Mian, ihaehae jwo | Sorry, please understand | Asking for understanding in an informal tone. |
Also Read: Korean Numbers: How To Count From 1 – 1000 [Easy Guide]
Conclusion
To wrap it up, learning how to say sorry in Korean in different ways can really improve how you get along with others and show deep respect for Korean culture. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or in a more serious setting, knowing how to use phrases like ‘미안해’, ‘죄송합니다’, and ‘진짜 미안해요’ can make relationships stronger and help things go more smoothly.
This doesn’t just help you speak better Korean; it also helps you fit in better and appreciate the culture more. Keep visiting the Translation Blog to master any language in no time.
