죄송합니다
joesonghamnida
죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is the Korean way to say "I apologize".
죄송합니다 is a polite expression used to say sorry for a mistake or a wrongdoing. It is a common way to apologize formally in professional settings or public apologies.
Which one should you use?
While 미안합니다 means "I am sorry", 죄송합니다 is more formal and shows more respect. If you need to express a deeper sense of apology in serious situations, you can use 대단히 죄송합니다. For official statements or written apologies, 사과드립니다 is used specifically to convey a formal apology.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
죄송합니다 is the standard polite form used when apologizing to superiors, elders or strangers in formal settings. In contrast, 미안해 is the most common way to say I apologize informally among friends, peers and family members.
How do you pronounce it?
joesonghamnida
Did you know?
- The word 죄송합니다 contains the character 죄 which refers to a 'sin' or 'crime'. When you use this phrase, you are metaphorically acknowledging that your mistake was a transgression.
- While 'I am sorry' in English is often a reaction to a mistake, a Korean apology like 죄송합니다 is frequently used as a polite way to preface a request or an interruption.
- In highly formal public apologies, such as those from politicians, the phrase 사과드립니다 is often accompanied by a deep 90-degree bow known as 90도 사과.
Examples in context
- 실수해서 죄송합니다I apologize for my mistake
- 불편을 드려 죄송합니다We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused
- 늦어서 미안해I'm sorry for being late
- 생일을 잊어서 미안합니다I apologize for forgetting your birthday
- 늦어서 정말 죄송합니다.neujeoseo jeongmal joesonghamnida.I am truly sorry for being late.
- 실수를 해서 죄송합니다.silsu-reul haeseo joesonghamnida.I apologize for making a mistake.
- 불편을 드려 죄송합니다.bulpyeon-eul deuryeo joesonghamnida.I apologize for the inconvenience.
Example conversation
Minji accidentally bumps into Jihun at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji앗, 죄송합니다!at, joesonghamnida!Oh, I apologize!
- 지훈 Ji-hun괜찮아요. 신경 쓰지 마세요.gwaenchannayo. singyeong sseuji maseyo.It's okay. Don't worry about it.
- 민지 Min-ji다시 한번 죄송합니다.dasi hanbeon joesonghamnida.I apologize once again.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 괜찮습니다, 민지 씨.jeongmal gwaenchansumnida, Minji ssi.It really is fine, Minji.
