죄송합니다
Joesonghamnida
In Korean, the phrase for "sorry formally" is 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida).
죄송합니다 is the most common way to apologize formally in Korean. It is used to express that you are sorry in professional settings or when addressing someone of higher status.
What does it mean word for word?
The root of the phrase, 죄송, refers to the feeling of being sorry or feeling guilty toward someone.
Which one should you use?
While there are other ways to say sorry, 죄송합니다 carries a higher level of deference than the polite 미안합니다. In contrast to the informal 미안해, which is used only with close friends or people younger than you, 죄송합니다 is the appropriate choice for superiors or strangers.
How do you pronounce it?
Joesonghamnida
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the informal 미안해 when speaking to someone in a professional setting, as it can sound disrespectful.
Did you know?
- The root 죄 in 죄송 literally means 'sin' or 'crime'. While it translates to 'sorry' in daily life, the underlying logic of the phrase is that the speaker is acknowledging a moral transgression.
- Even if you are the victim of an accident, you might find yourself saying 죄송합니다 to an older person. This is because the phrase is often used to acknowledge the social discomfort or the disruption caused by the situation, rather than admitting legal fault.
- A deep bow called a 절 may accompany 죄송합니다 in extreme cases, moving the apology from a verbal statement to a full physical performance of regret.
Examples in context
- 미안합니다. 문제를 일으켜서 진심으로 사과드립니다.I'm sorry for causing trouble, and I sincerely apologize.
- 늦어서 정말 죄송합니다.neujeoseo jeongmal joesonghamnida.I am truly sorry for being late.
- 불편을 드려 죄송합니다.bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida.I am sorry for the inconvenience.
- 말씀을 못 들어서 죄송합니다.malsseumeul mot deureoseo joesonghamnida.I am sorry that I didn't hear you.
Example conversation
Subin is apologizing to Dohyun for making a mistake at work.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 실수해서 죄송합니다.Dohyun-ssi, silsuhaeseo joesonghamnida.Dohyun, I am sorry for making a mistake.
- 도현 Do-hyeon괜찮아요, 다음부터 조심하세요.gwaenchanayo, daeumbuteo josimhaseyo.It's okay, please be careful from now on.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 주의하겠습니다. 죄송합니다.ne, juuihagetseumnida. joesonghamnida.Yes, I will be careful. I am sorry.
- 도현 Do-hyeon알겠습니다. 다시 업무 시작해요.algetseumnida. dasi eommu sijakhaeyo.I understand. Let's start work again.
