내가 틀렸어
naega teullyeosseo
The English phrase "I was wrong" is translated into Korean as 내가 틀렸어 (naega teullyeosseo).
This phrase is used to express that one was factually incorrect or made a mistake regarding a fact or situation. It relies on the verb 틀리다, which specifically refers to being incorrect rather than being morally wrong.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the subject 내가 (I) and the past tense of the verb 틀리다 (to be wrong/incorrect).
Which one should you use?
While 내가 틀렸어 focuses on being factually incorrect, if you wish to express that you were wrong in a moral sense or that you committed a fault, you would use forms of 잘못하다.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version, you can use 제가 틀렸어요. In formal or humble situations, you can use 저는 잘못했습니다 to say "I made a mistake," or 제가 틀렸습니다 as a humble, self-deprecating way to say "I was wrong."
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite, change the subject to 제가 and add the polite ending -어요 to the verb, resulting in 제가 틀렸어요.
How do you pronounce it?
naega teullyeosseo
Did you know?
- The distinction between 틀리다 (incorrect) and 다르다 (different) is a common point of debate and correction among Korean speakers themselves, often appearing in language purity campaigns.
- In Korean culture, admitting 내가 틀렸어 in a professional setting may be accompanied by a slight bow to show sincerity and respect to the person who was correct.
- Depending on the social hierarchy, a person might avoid saying 내가 틀렸어 entirely and instead use a vague expression to save 'face' for both parties.
Examples in context
- 나는 톰이 지루해할 줄은 몰랐는데, 내가 틀렸어.I didn't think Tom would get bored, but I was wrong.The sentence is useful for expressing that a previous assumption about someone's reaction was incorrect using 내가 틀렸어.Tatoeba #13756472 by qlTmalffk, translation #6230954 by CK
- 실례가 있다면, 제가 잘못했습니다.If I caused any inconvenience, I was wrong.
- 저는 이 문제에 대해 잘못 판단했습니다. 제가 틀렸습니다.I misjudged this issue. I was wrong.
- 진짜 미안해. 내가 잘못했어.I'm really sorry. I was wrong.
- 내가 틀렸어, 미안해.naega teullyeosseo, mianhae.I was wrong, I'm sorry.
- 그건 내 생각이었고, 내가 틀렸어.geugeon nae saenggagieotgo, naega teullyeosseo.That was just my thought, and I was wrong.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyunwoo are discussing a prediction about a movie.
- 서연 Seo-yeon영화가 재미없을 거라고 생각했는데, 내가 틀렸어.yeonghwaga jaemieopseul georago saenggakhaenneunde, naega teullyeosseo.I thought the movie would be boring, but I was wrong.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말? 나는 네가 아주 좋아할 줄 알았어.jeongmal? naneun nega aju joahal jul arasseo.Really? I thought you would like it a lot.
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 현우야, 네 말이 맞았어.eung, Hyunwoo-ya, ne mari majasseo.Yes, Hyunwoo, you were right.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo다행이다, 서연아.dahaeng-ida, Seoyeon-a.I'm glad, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
