변명
byeonmyeong[ˈpjɘ(ː)nmjʌ̹ŋ]
In Korean, the word for excuse is 변명 (byeonmyeong).
The term 변명 refers to an explanation or justification provided to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgment. While it can be used neutrally to describe a defense, it often carries a slightly negative connotation of someone making excuses to avoid blame.
Meaning: forgive, pardon (verb)
Which one should you use?
Depending on the nuance, you may choose between 변명 and 핑계. 변명 is a neutral to slightly negative term for a justification or defense used to avoid blame. In contrast, 핑계 is more negative and is used when an excuse is perceived as a transparent or dishonest pretext used to avoid a responsibility or a specific situation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
byeonmyeong
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 변명 when they mean 'to forgive' or 'to pardon' a person. In Korean, 변명 refers specifically to the act of making an excuse, whereas 용서 is the correct word for the act of forgiving someone.
Did you know?
- The word 변명 can be written with two different sets of Chinese characters. One refers to 'clarifying the truth' while the other refers to 'changing one's name' to hide their identity.
- In Korean social hierarchies, providing a 변명 to a superior can often be perceived as more disrespectful than simply admitting a mistake, as it suggests you are prioritizing your reputation over your duty.
- In Korean, the act of making an excuse is often described as 'stacking' them, using the verb 쌓다 meaning 'to pile up'.
Examples in context
- 구차한 변명이네요.That's a pathetic excuse.This sentence shows how to use 변명 when describing a pathetic excuse.Tatoeba #11105260 by intertime, translation #3680300 by AlanF_US
- 실례합니다, 질문 좀 해도 될까요?Excuse me, may I ask you a question?
- 죄송합니다, 회의에 참석할 수 없어요.I'm sorry, I can't attend the meeting.
- 변명은 듣고 싶지 않아요.byeonmyeong-eun deutgo sipji anayo.I don't want to hear any excuses.
Example conversation
Minji is upset with Hyunwoo because he arrived late to their meeting.
- 민지 Min-ji왜 이렇게 늦었어요?wae ireoke neujeosseoyo?Why are you so late?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo차가 많이 막혔어요.chaga mani makhyeosseoyo.The traffic was really heavy.
- 민지 Min-ji그건 너무 흔한 변명이에요.geugeon neomu heunhan byeonmyeong-ieyo.That is such a common excuse.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 죄송해요, 민지 씨.jeongmal joesonghaeyo, Minji-ssi.I am truly sorry, Minji.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 변명, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 변명, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
