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 expressions are used to convey regret or sorrow. While most of these forms are used to apologize, the form 실례합니다 is specifically used to excuse oneself or get attention (like 'Excuse me'), whereas the other forms are used to apologize for a mistake or regret.
Which one should you use?
The forms 죄송합니다 and 미안합니다 are both formal ways to say sorry, but 죄송합니다 carries a slightly stronger sense of regret and shows higher respect to the listener than 미안합니다. 실례합니다 is used to excuse oneself or get attention (like 'Excuse me'), whereas the other forms are used to apologize for a mistake or regret. While both are polite, 죄송해요 carries a higher level of deference and is used when the speaker feels more significant fault or is speaking to someone of higher status.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
미안합니다 and 죄송합니다 are formal ways to say sorry. 미안합니다 and 실례합니다 are formal and polite. 미안해요 is an informal way to say sorry. The informal form 미안 is used with friends or people younger than you.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary base form of the polite expressions is the adjective 미안하다.
How do you pronounce it?
joesonghamnida
Did you know?
- While 죄송합니다 is a common apology, the root 죄 actually means 'sin' or 'crime'. Using this word acknowledges that the speaker has committed a wrong against the other person.
- The word 미안 literally translates to 'not being at peace', suggesting that your mistake has disturbed your own internal tranquility.
- In Korean culture, a formal apology like 죄송합니다 is often accompanied by a deep bow, where the depth and duration of the bow signal the sincerity of your regret.
Examples in context
- 나는 톰한테 너무 미안해.I really feel sorry for Tom.This sentence is useful for expressing feeling sorry for someone else using the form 미안.Tatoeba #8361929 by Eunhee, translation #5840376 by CK
- 자꾸 귀찮게 해서 미안해.I'm sorry to bother you so often.This sentence is useful for expressing a feeling of being sorry using the form 미안.Tatoeba #8361932 by Eunhee, translation #1439702 by CK
- 너 빼고 가버려서 미안해.I'm sorry I left without you.This sentence is useful for expressing regret for an action using the form 미안.Tatoeba #8361957 by Eunhee, translation #6352163 by CK
- 미안합니다. 제가 실수를 했습니다.I'm sorry. I made a mistake.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon accidentally spilled water on Seoyeon's documents.
- 지훈 Ji-hun죄송합니다, 서연 씨.joesonghamnida, Seoyeon ssi.I am sorry, Seoyeon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon괜찮아요, 지훈 씨.gwaenchanayo, Jihoon ssi.It is okay, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다시 닦아 드릴게요.dasi dakka deurilgeyo.I will wipe it up for you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 감사합니다.jeongmal gamsahamnida.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries 미안, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 미안, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
