Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | ||
| 미안합니다 | mianhamnida | formal, polite | |
| 실례합니다 | sillyehamnida | formal, polite | |
| 미안 | mian | [mia̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | informal |
| 미안해요 | mianhaeyo | informal, polite | |
| 죄송해요 | joesonghaeyo |
These phrases are used to express regret or sorrow. If you wish to perform the act of apologizing, you use the verb 사과하다, which is derived from the noun 사과 (apology). For a sense of being grieved or saddened, the adjective 안타깝다 is used.
Which one should you use?
While most forms express regret for a mistake, 실례합니다 is used specifically to excuse oneself or to get someone's attention, similar to 'excuse me'. Among the apology forms, 죄송합니다 carries a higher level of respect and is more formal than 미안합니다.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality varies significantly: 죄송합니다 is a standard and common phrase for formal or professional settings. 미안합니다 and 실례합니다 are both formal and polite. 미안해요 is a polite version of the informal 미안해, used to maintain a polite tone with someone you have a close relationship with. 미안 is an informal way to say sorry. Note that using the informal 미안 or 미안해 to an elder or a superior is considered rude in Korean culture.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun for an apology is 사과, and the corresponding verb to apologize is 사과하다.
How do you pronounce it?
joesonghamnida
Did you know?
- The word 사과 meaning 'apology' is a homonym for the Korean word for 'apple'. Offering an actual apple can sometimes be used as a playful or indirect way to apologize.
- The word 죄송 contains a root that refers to 'sin' or 'crime'. This gives the most formal apology a weightier, more serious tone than the English word 'sorry'.
- In Korea, an apology is often considered incomplete without a physical gesture, such as a deep bow. The depth and duration of your bow often signal the sincerity of your 죄송합니다 more than the words themselves.
Examples in context
- 나는 톰한테 너무 미안해.I really feel sorry for Tom.This sentence is useful for expressing how you feel for someone using the form 미안.Tatoeba #8361929 by Eunhee, translation #5840376 by CK
- 자꾸 귀찮게 해서 미안해.I'm sorry to bother you so often.Tatoeba #8361932 by Eunhee, translation #1439702 by CK
- 너 빼고 가버려서 미안해.I'm sorry I left without you.Tatoeba #8361957 by Eunhee, translation #6352163 by CK
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo accidentally spilled water on Subin's desk.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서류에 물을 쏟아서 정말 죄송합니다.seoryue murul ssodaseo jeongmal joesonghamnida.I am truly sorry for spilling water on the documents.
- 수빈 Su-bin괜찮아요, 현우 씨.gwaenchannayo, Hyunwoo ssi.It is okay, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo빨리 닦아 드릴게요.ppalli dakka deurilgeyo.I will wipe it up quickly.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 부탁해요.ne, butakhaeyo.Yes, please do.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries 미안, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
