What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 불편 (inconvenience), 을 (object marker), 드려 (the humble form of "to give") and 죄송합니다 (to be sorry).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 불편을 드려 죄송합니다 is formal and polite, making it suitable for customer service, business emails or public announcements. For a more intense version of an apology for causing inconvenience, you can use 불편을 끼쳐드려 죄송합니다. If you want to apologize for bothering someone specifically in a formal way, use 귀찮게 해서 정말 죄송합니다. In informal settings, such as with friends, you can say 불편을 끼쳐서 미안해 or 귀찮게 해서 정말 미안해.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 드려 is the humble form of 주다 (to give), which is used here to show respect to the person experiencing the inconvenience.
How do you pronounce it?
bulpyeon-eul deuryeo joesonghamnida
Did you know?
- While 죄송합니다 is the standard apology, in high-pressure customer service roles, staff may use 송구합니다, a term so humble it implies the speaker is feeling a sense of 'shame' or 'fear' before the customer.
- In public notices, you will often see 양해 부탁드립니다 alongside apologies for inconvenience. This phrase asks for the reader's 'generous understanding' and shifts the focus from the mistake to the reader's kindness.
- In Korean culture, an apology for inconvenience is often accompanied by a slight bow. The deeper the bow, the more sincere the apology for the 불편 is perceived to be.
Examples in context
- 죄송합니다. 실수로 인하여 큰 불편을 끼쳐드려 정말 죄송합니다.I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for causing great inconvenience due to a mistake.
- 이용에 불편을 드려 죄송합니다.iyonge bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida.We are sorry for the inconvenience in using our service.
- 불편을 드려 죄송합니다, 고객님.bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida, gogaeknim.We are sorry for the inconvenience, valued customer.
- 준비가 늦어 불편을 드려 죄송합니다.junbiga neujeo bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida.I am sorry for the inconvenience caused by the late preparation.
Example conversation
A customer is complaining to a store clerk about a closed counter.
- 지은 Ji-eun죄송합니다, 지금은 점검 중이라 이용이 어렵습니다.joesonghamnida, jigeumeun jeomgeom jungira iyongi eoryeopsseumnida.I am sorry, but it is difficult to use right now due to inspection.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 언제부터 다시 사용할 수 있나요?geureom eonjebuteo dasi sayonghal su innayo?Then when can I use it again?
- 지은 Ji-eun불편을 드려 죄송합니다, 한 시간 뒤에 가능합니다.bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida, han sigan dwie ganeunghamnida.I am sorry for the inconvenience, it will be available in an hour.
- 민준 Min-jun알겠습니다, 나중에 다시 올게요.algetseumnida, najunge dasi olgeyo.I understand, I will come back later.
