미안해
mianhaecasual
Korean has several ways to say sorry. 미안해 (mianhae) is casual, 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) is polite, and 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is formal and used with elders and customers. It is also called 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida).
Meaning: apology at different levels of politeness (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 미안해 | mianhae | casual |
| 미안해요 | mianhaeyo | polite |
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | formal |
| 실례합니다 | sillyehamnida | excuse me |
For a small slip with a friend, 미안 is enough. For a mistake at work, say 죄송합니다 and name the problem.
Which one should you use?
죄송합니다 expresses more humility than 미안합니다 (mianhamnida). 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) is closer to "excuse me" and is used to get attention or pass by.
How does it change in a sentence?
A stronger apology is 정말 죄송합니다 (jeongmal joesonghamnida), "I am truly sorry".
Did you know?
- The word 죄송 contains the Chinese-based character for "sin" or "fault", which hints at how serious this apology is.
Examples in context
- 미안해, 다음에 만나자.Mianhae, daeume mannaja.Sorry, let's meet next time.
- 실례합니다, 지나가도 될까요?Sillyehamnida, jinagado doelkkayo?Excuse me, may I pass?
Example conversation
Joon is late to a meeting with his manager Ms. Oh and tells his friend Dae afterwards.
- Joon늦어서 죄송합니다.Neujeoseo joesonghamnida.I am sorry for being late.
- Oh괜찮아요, 앉으세요.Gwaenchanayo, anjeuseyo.It is fine, please sit.
- Dae너 괜찮아?Neo gwaenchana?Are you okay?
- Joon응, 미안해, 내가 늦었어.Eung, mianhae, naega neujeosseo.Yes, sorry, I was late.
