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 |
Korean uses different forms of 'sorry' depending on whether you are expressing an expression of regret or sorrow, and whether you are apologizing for a mistake or trying to get someone's attention. While 죄송합니다 is a formal expression suitable for business or formal occasions, 실례합니다 is used to say 'excuse me' when interrupting someone or getting someone's attention rather than apologizing for a mistake. You may also use the related term 사과 to refer to the act of saying sorry. If you want to express that you are grieved or saddened, use 안타깝다.
Which one should you use?
The level of deference changes depending on the word chosen. 죄송합니다 is more formal and shows a higher level of respect than 미안합니다, which is a polite way to apologize but carries less weight of formal deference. For very casual situations, such as with close friends or people younger than you, you can use the casual form 미안해.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The choice of word depends heavily on the social context. 죄송합니다 is a formal expression for business or formal occasions. 미안합니다 is a sincere and formal way to apologize. For everyday social interactions with people of similar or slightly higher status, 미안해요 serves as a polite/informal option. In an informal context, 미안해요 is a slightly more polite form of 미안해. For friends and equals, the common casual way to say sorry is 미안해.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix –요 to 미안해 makes it a polite form suitable for everyday social interactions with people of similar or slightly higher status.
How do you pronounce it?
joesonghamnida
Did you know?
- The term 사과 can mean both 'an apology' and the fruit 'apple', depending on the context and the Hanja characters used.
- The word 미안 literally translates to 'not being at peace' or 'not being comfortable'.
- The word 죄송합니다 contains a root related to 'sin' or 'crime', making it significantly heavier than the English 'sorry'.
Examples in context
- 나는 톰한테 너무 미안해.I really feel sorry for Tom.This sentence uses the form 미안.Tatoeba #8361929 by Eunhee, translation #5840376 by CK
- 자꾸 귀찮게 해서 미안해.I'm sorry to bother you so often.Tatoeba #8361932 by Eunhee, translation #1439702 by CK
- 너 빼고 가버려서 미안해.I'm sorry I left without you.Tatoeba #8361957 by Eunhee, translation #6352163 by CK
- 실례합니다, 제가 실수했습니다.Excuse me, I made a mistake.
- 죄송합니다. 제가 당신을 실망시켰어요.I'm sorry. I disappointed you.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun apologizes to Seoyeon for breaking a glass in the office.
- 민준 Min-jun서연 씨, 유리컵을 깨서 정말 죄송합니다.Seoyeon-ssi, yurikkeobeul kkaeseo jeongmal joesonghamnida.Seoyeon, I am truly sorry for breaking the glass cup.
- 서연 Seo-yeon괜찮아요, 민준 씨. 다치지 않았어요?Gwaenchanayo, Minjun-ssi. Dachiji anasseoyo?It's okay, Minjun. Are you hurt?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 다행히 저는 괜찮습니다.Ne, dahaenghi jeoneun gwaenchansseumnida.Yes, fortunately I am okay.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 다행이네요.Jeongmal dahaengineyo.That is a relief.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries 미안, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 미안, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
