죄송합니다
Joesonghamnida
In Korean, the English phrase 'pardon' is 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida).
While 'pardon' in English can be used as an interjection to ask someone to repeat themselves, the Korean term 죄송합니다 is an apology used to express regret for an offense or mistake. If you wish to ask someone to repeat what they said, you should use phrases like 다시 말해 주세요 (Please say it again) or the more polite 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요? (Could you please say that one more time?). If you need to apologize for an interruption, you can say 말씀을 끊어 죄송합니다 (I'm sorry for cutting you off).
Meaning: interjection, request to repeat (intj)
Which one should you use?
English speakers often use 'pardon' to request repetition, but 죄송합니다 is strictly an apology meaning 'I am sorry'. To achieve the English meaning of 'pardon?' as a request for repetition, use 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요? instead of an apology.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
죄송합니다 is the formal/polite version of an apology. Related nouns in Korean include 용서 (forgiveness for an offence), 은사 (releasing order) and 사면 (releasing order).
How do you pronounce it?
Joesonghamnida
What mistakes should you avoid?
A common error for English speakers is using 죄송합니다 to mean 'Pardon?' in the sense of 'What did you say?' However, this phrase actually functions as a formal apology for a mistake or offense.
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, a slight bow of the head typically accompanies 죄송합니다 to convey the appropriate level of sincerity and respect.
- Korean has multiple words for 'sorry' based on the social hierarchy, and using 죄송합니다 to a subordinate can sometimes feel overly formal or awkward.
- If you want to be polite without the heavy weight of a formal apology, you can use 실례합니다, which translates more closely to 'Excuse me' than 'I am sorry'.
Examples in context
- 실례합니다. 이 자리에 앉아도 될까요?Pardon me. May I sit here?
- 실례합니다. 길을 물어볼 수 있을까요?Pardon me. Can I ask for directions?
- 미안해, 방금 그 말 뭐라고 했어?Pardon me, what did you just say?
- 죄송합니다, 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요?Joesonghamnida, dasi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?Pardon, could you say that again?
- 죄송합니다, 뭐라고 하셨나요?Joesonghamnida, mworago hasyeonnayo?Pardon, what did you say?
- 죄송합니다, 잘 못 들었습니다.Joesonghamnida, jal mot deureossseumnida.Pardon, I didn't hear you well.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are talking in a noisy cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji내일 오후 두 시에 만나요.naeil ohu du sie mannayo.Let's meet tomorrow at two p.m.
- 지훈 Ji-hun죄송합니다, 몇 시라고 하셨나요?joesonghamnida, myeot sirago hasyeonnayo?Pardon, what time did you say?
- 민지 Min-ji오후 두 시요.ohu du siyoyo.Two in the afternoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Yes, I understand.
