미안
mian[mia̠n]
The English phrase "sorry casually" is 미안 (mian) in Korean.
미안 is used as a quick, blunt exclamation of apology among very close friends. To express a casual apology in a more natural, complete sentence to friends or younger people, the form 미안해 is the most commonly used way to say sorry casually in Korean.
Which one should you use?
While 미안 is the root, 미안해 is the more natural way to express a casual apology in a complete sentence. In contrast, the form 죄송합니다 is used with elders, superiors or in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix –해 to 미안 makes it a complete casual sentence used in spoken conversation.
Did you know?
- The word 미안 literally translates to 'not at peace' or 'not comfortable' because the person apologizing feels a sense of internal unrest.
- Unlike the English 'sorry', which can be used to express sympathy (e.g., 'I am sorry for your loss'), 미안해 is strictly used when you are the one who has caused a mistake or inconvenience.
- In many Korean text messaging contexts, users shorten 미안해 even further to just ㅁㅇ using only consonants to save time.
Examples in context
- 늦어서 미안.neujeoseo mian.Sorry I'm late.
- 내가 아까는 미안했어.naega akkaneun mianhaesseo.I was sorry about earlier.
- 말을 안 해서 미안.mareul an haeseo mian.Sorry for not saying anything.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Dohyeon are talking at a cafe after a small argument.
- 서연 Seo-yeon아까 화내서 미안.akka hwanaeseo mian.Sorry for getting angry earlier.
- 도현 Do-hyeon괜찮아, 나도 미안해.gwaenchana, nado mianhae.It's okay, I'm sorry too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon이제 기분 풀어.ije gibun pureo.Feel better now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그래, 고마워 서연아.geurae, gomawo seoyeon-a.Okay, thanks Seoyeon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 미안, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 미안, CC BY-SA 4.0.
