죄송합니다
joesonghamnidaformal
The formal way to say sorry in Korean is 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida). It fits bosses, teachers, customers and strangers. A softer polite version is 죄송해요 (joesonghaeyo). It is also called 미안합니다 (mianhamnida).
Meaning: formal apology (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | formal |
| 죄송해요 | joesonghaeyo | polite |
| 미안합니다 | mianhamnida | formal, plainer |
죄송합니다 also works as a polite "excuse me" when you need to pass someone or ask a question.
Which one should you use?
죄송합니다 is the more humble word and is used when you are in the wrong toward someone above you. 미안합니다 (mianhamnida) is correct but plainer and suits equals.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Friends use 미안해 (mianhae). Younger people never use it to a boss.
Did you know?
- 죄송 is made of Sino-Korean characters meaning "guilt" and "fear", which is why it carries more humility than 미안.
Examples in context
- 늦어서 죄송합니다.neujeoseo joesonghamnida.I am sorry for being late.
- 죄송해요, 제 실수예요.joesonghaeyo, je silsuyeyo.I am sorry, it is my mistake.
- 정말 죄송합니다, 부장님.jeongmal joesonghamnida, bujangnim.I am truly sorry, manager.
Example conversation
Employee Hana apologizes to her manager Mr. Oh for missing a meeting.
- Hana부장님, 회의에 늦어서 죄송합니다.bujangnim, hoeuie neujeoseo joesonghamnida.Manager, I am sorry for being late to the meeting.
- Mr. Oh괜찮아요. 다음에는 일찍 오세요.gwaenchanayo. daeumeneun iljjik oseyo.It is fine. Come early next time.
- Hana네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Yes, understood.
