Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | ||
| 미안합니다 | mianhamnida | formal, polite | |
| 실례합니다 | sillyehamnida | formal, polite | |
| 미안 | mian | [mia̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | informal |
| 미안해요 | mianhaeyo | informal, polite | |
| 죄송해요 | joesonghaeyo |
These words are used to express regret or sorrow. If you wish to express the act of saying sorry as a noun, use 사과. If you are describing feeling grieved or saddened, the adjective 안타깝다 is used.
Which one should you use?
While most forms express regret, 실례합니다 is used specifically to say 'excuse me' when you are interrupting someone or passing through, rather than expressing regret for a mistake. Regarding apologies, 죄송합니다 is more formal and carries a higher level of respect than 미안합니다, making it more suitable for apologizing to superiors or elders. 미안해요 is a polite way to apologize that is less formal than 미안합니다, making it suitable for everyday social interactions with people you are not extremely close to.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
죄송합니다 is a more formal phrase that offers a deeper sense of regret and is often used in professional settings or when apologizing to seniors. 미안합니다 is a common and versatile way to say sorry in formal situations. 미안해요 is a slightly more polite form used when apologizing to someone older or someone you respect.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The base dictionary form of the word for 'to be sorry' is 미안하다.
How do you pronounce it?
joesonghamnida
Did you know?
- The noun 사과 for 'apology' is a homonym for the word for 'apple'. Because of this, giving an apple to someone is sometimes used as a playful or symbolic way to apologize.
- While 죄송합니다 expresses regret, the root 죄 means 'sin' or 'crime'. This implies that the speaker is admitting to a wrongdoing that has caused a moral fault.
- In Korea, a formal apology often involves a physical gesture of bowing. The deeper and longer the bow, the more sincere the 'sorry' is perceived to be.
Examples in context
- 나는 톰한테 너무 미안해.I really feel sorry for Tom.This sentence is useful for expressing feeling sorry for someone.Tatoeba #8361929 by Eunhee, translation #5840376 by CK
- 자꾸 귀찮게 해서 미안해.I'm sorry to bother you so often.This sentence is useful for apologizing for being a bother.Tatoeba #8361932 by Eunhee, translation #1439702 by CK
- 너 빼고 가버려서 미안해.I'm sorry I left without you.This sentence is useful for apologizing for leaving someone behind.Tatoeba #8361957 by Eunhee, translation #6352163 by CK
- 죄송합니다, 다음번에는 이런 일이 없도록 노력하겠습니다.I apologize, and I will make an effort to ensure this doesn't happen again.
- 미안해, 어제 연락하지 못한 거 정말로 미안해.I'm sorry for not contacting you yesterday, I really am.
- 미안해요, 너무 바쁜데 도와주지 못해서 미안해요.I'm sorry for not being able to help, I've been really busy.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo apologizes to Minji for accidentally breaking her vase.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 꽃병을 깨뜨려서 정말 죄송합니다.Minji ssi, kkotbyeongeul kkaetteureoseo jeongmal joesonghamnida.Minji, I am truly sorry for breaking the vase.
- 민지 Min-ji괜찮아요, 현우 씨. 사고였잖아요.Gwaenchanayo, Hyunwoo ssi. sagoyeotjanayo.It's okay, Hyunwoo. It was an accident.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그래도 마음이 안 좋네요. 정말 죄송합니다.Geuraedo maeumi an jonneyo. Jeongmal joesonghamnida.Still, I feel bad. I am truly sorry.
- 민지 Min-ji사과해주셔서 감사해요.Sagwahaejusyeoseo gamsahaeyo.Thank you for apologizing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries 미안, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
