미안
mianvery casual
The informal way to say sorry in Korean is 미안해 (mianhae), or just 미안 (mian) with close friends. The usual casual reply is 괜찮아 (gwaenchana), "it is okay".
Meaning: casual apology and its reply (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 미안 | mian | very casual |
| 미안해 | mianhae | casual |
| 괜찮아 | gwaenchana | casual reply |
Use these with friends, siblings and people younger than you. Add 요 to be polite, as in 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) and 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo).
Which one should you use?
Other replies are 아니야 (aniya), "no, it is fine", and 신경 쓰지 마 (singyeong sseuji ma), "do not worry about it".
Did you know?
- 괜찮아 is also used to say "I am fine", so its meaning depends on the situation.
Examples in context
- 미안, 내가 잘못했어.Mian, naega jalmothaesseo.Sorry, it was my fault.
- 괜찮아, 신경 쓰지 마.Gwaenchana, singyeong sseuji ma.It is okay, do not worry about it.
Example conversation
Dahye spills a drink on her friend Seul's bag at a cafe.
- Dahye앗, 미안해!At, mianhae!Oh, sorry!
- Seul괜찮아, 닦으면 돼.Gwaenchana, dakkeumyeon dwae.It is okay, I can wipe it.
- Dahye진짜 미안.Jinjja mian.Really sorry.
