바빠서 미안해
The English phrase 'sorry I was busy' is translated into Korean as 바빠서 미안해.
What does it mean word for word?
The form 바빠서 is a combination of the adjective 바쁘다 (to be busy) and the connective suffix -어서, which indicates a cause or reason. The -어서 ending functions as a causal link, meaning 'because I was busy, (I am) sorry'.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can transition to a polite style for acquaintances or elders by using 바빠서 미안해요, or use the formal 바빠서 죄송합니다 in professional environments.
Did you know?
- The word 미안 in 미안해 comes from Hanja characters meaning 'not comfortable' or 'not beautiful', suggesting the speaker feels uneasy about the mistake.
- While 바쁘다 means 'busy', Koreans often use it as a polite social excuse to decline invitations without saying 'no' directly.
- In Korean, apologizing for being busy can sometimes be perceived as an excuse that shifts the focus from the other person's feelings to your own schedule. In very formal settings, it is often better to simply apologize for the delay without explicitly mentioning the reason.
Examples in context
- 죄송합니다. 바빠서 연락을 못 드렸습니다.I'm sorry. I couldn't contact you because I was busy.
- 죄송합니다. 바빴습니다.I'm sorry. I was busy.
- 미안해. 바빠서 못 만났어.Sorry. I couldn't meet you because I was busy.
- 미안해. 바빴어.Sorry. I was busy.
- 답장이 늦었네, 바빠서 미안해.dap-jang-i neu-jeot-ne, ba-ppa-seo mi-an-hae.My reply is late, sorry I was busy.
- 그동안 바빠서 미안해.geu-dong-an ba-ppa-seo mi-an-hae.Sorry I was busy during that time.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is apologizing to Dohyun for missing his call.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현아, 전화 못 받았어. 바빠서 미안해.Dohyeon-a, jeonhwa mot badasseo. bappaseo mianhae.Dohyun, I missed your call. Sorry I was busy.
- 도현 Do-hyeon괜찮아. 많이 바빴어?gwaenchana. mani bappasseo?It's okay. Were you very busy?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 일이 갑자기 많았어.eung, iri gapjagi manasseo.Yes, I suddenly had a lot of work.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그렇구나. 이제 좀 쉬어.geureokuna. ije jom swieo.I see. Get some rest now.
