Korean Apologies: How & When to say sorry

안녕하세요 여러분! I'm Koreanstudyjunkie.

In this lesson we will discuss not only the ways to say "sorry" in Korean but specifically in which situations to use each one.

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Different Ways to Say "Sorry" in Korean

Korean has various ways to apologize depending on the situation, level of formality, and the severity of the mistake.

Formal & Polite Apologies

Used in professional settings, with elders, or in serious situations.

죄송합니다 – "I’m sorry" (Formal)

• Most polite way to apologize.

• Used with superiors, customers, or in formal situations.

Example:

• 실수해서 죄송합니다. (I’m sorry for making a mistake.)

• 늦어서 죄송합니다. (I’m sorry for being late.)

죄송해요 – "I’m sorry" (Polite but Slightly Less Formal)

• Used in polite but not extremely formal situations.

• Suitable for work but not as rigid as "죄송합니다."

Example:

• 방해해서 죄송해요. (Sorry for interrupting.)

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Casual Apologies

Used with friends, younger people, or in informal settings.

미안합니다 – "I’m sorry" (Formal but Less than 죄송합니다)

• Polite, but less formal than "죄송합니다."

• Can be used with strangers but not in highly formal settings.

Example:

• 실례합니다. 미안합니다. (Excuse me. I’m sorry.)

미안해요 – "I’m sorry" (Polite-Casual)

• Used with acquaintances, teachers, or older people in a casual yet respectful manner.

Example:

• 늦어서 미안해요. (Sorry for being late.)

미안해 – "Sorry" (Informal)

• Used among close friends, siblings, or younger people.

Example:

• 내 실수야. 미안해! (It’s my mistake. Sorry!)

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More Intense Apologies

For more serious situations where you need to strongly express regret.

정말 죄송합니다 – "I’m truly sorry" (Very Formal)

• Used in serious mistakes or public apologies.

Example:

• 불편을 드려서 정말 죄송합니다. (I’m truly sorry for causing inconvenience.)

진심으로 사과드립니다 – "I sincerely apologize"

• A formal and deep apology, often used in official or corporate settings.

Example:

• 제 실수로 피해를 드려 진심으로 사과드립니다. (I sincerely apologize for causing harm due to my mistake.)

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Apologizing Casually or Lightheartedly

For small mistakes or awkward situations.

미안미안~ – "Sorry, sorry~" (Playful)

• A cute, lighthearted way to say sorry among friends.

Example:

• 아까 못 봤어! 미안미안~ (I didn’t see you earlier! Sorry~)

쏘리~ – "Sorry" (Konglish)

• Borrowed from English, often used jokingly.

Example:

• 내 과자 먹었어? 쏘리~ (Did you eat my snack? Sorry~)

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That’s all for this post! Check out my other lessons like this below: